CA2137650A1 - Lower limb walking aid - Google Patents
Lower limb walking aidInfo
- Publication number
- CA2137650A1 CA2137650A1 CA 2137650 CA2137650A CA2137650A1 CA 2137650 A1 CA2137650 A1 CA 2137650A1 CA 2137650 CA2137650 CA 2137650 CA 2137650 A CA2137650 A CA 2137650A CA 2137650 A1 CA2137650 A1 CA 2137650A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- lower limb
- ordination
- walking aid
- user
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H3/04—Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H2003/007—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about secured to the patient, e.g. with belts
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
Abstract
A lower limb co-ordination walking aid, one example of which is illustrated in figure 1, wherein the user's pelvis being held secure within bracing and the position, movement and angle of the foot to knee portion of the user's lower limbs, relative to each other and to that of the pelvis being controlled by interconnecting the lower limbs via the wheeled frame by straps, helps the user achieve a good upright posture, and co-ordinate a natural and efficient walking pattern, increasing and maintaining their capability of supporting their own body weight.
The front frame wheels having adjustable swivels, together with the lower limb bracing accommodating side-stepping, allows the user to control direction of travel while eliminating any problems of unintentional direction changes brought about by irregular floor surface.
The front frame wheels having adjustable swivels, together with the lower limb bracing accommodating side-stepping, allows the user to control direction of travel while eliminating any problems of unintentional direction changes brought about by irregular floor surface.
Description
, 2137650 LOW~R LIMB CO-ORDINAl'lON WALKING AlD
'I`his invention relates to a walking aid 'I`here are existing wheeled frame mobility aids, intended to help the more severely disabled person, which incorporate orthoti~; tmnk and lower limb bracing. These aids help keep the user uprigllt by providing sllpport and lift to the orthotic bracillg, throllgll their attacllnlent to thc wheeled frame, and in so doing, reducing the amount of body weight being supported by the user's lower limbs. However, for a great many people, providing lift to their braced body, no matter how much the amount, does not provide the help necessary to correctly position and straighten their lower limbs.
~urtller to this, the lower limh bracing employed by these aids only setves to limit the user's lower limhs to that nf forward/reRrward movement, and does not provide help to co-ordinate ~hismovementintoanatllralandefficientgait~orllelptoestablishthecorrectforward/rearward po~;itiolling of the feet and knees relative to the pelvis in order for the lower limbs to support ~he llser's hody weight with a good stalldillg and walking post~lre. 'I`herefore, if the user cat1not ~;nr port and control these element~ for themself, whicll, by virtue of needing the help of sllcll aid~, is us~lally tlle case, then the llser'S lower lin~bs becorne too far forward or rearward of the pelvis, reducing tlle amount of hody weight they can sllpport, arld callsillg the walking pattern to be un-natural and inefficient l'he wheeled frames employed hy the above mentioned mobility aids do not accomrnodate for he in~rcRsillg whcel l~ase rc(lllircd l-y a growillg ~hil(l, making i~ ncccs~;RIy to pcriodi~ally replace the child's frame with one that provides a larger base. These wheeled frames also re(luire a large amount of floor area to manoellvre around obstacles, whicll inhibits their full use within the confines of the average home.
'I'he orthotic bracing incorporated into the~e aids is lland t`ashiolled to ~losely fit and follow the intended wearer's body and lower limb profiles, whicll is very time consumhlg and expensive to fit, and is not readily adjustable to compensate for the user's growth or weight cllange.
'I'llisinventionisintendedtooffer?,persorl,wllocallnotnormallystraiglltellalld/orco-ordillate theirlowerlilllbs,tllenecessaryllell~toattainandmai,ltai,lagoo(31,priglltsla~ lgall(1walkillg r~osture, and help to'achieve a nat~lral and efficient gait, the invention providing help to increase the user's ahility to supr - rt their own hody weight, rather tharl removillg hody weigllt from tlle lower limb~ 'T'he adjustable si7e wheeled frame is intended to provide the u~er with gond manoellvrabi lity within a confined space, making the aid practical to ~Ise in tlle home. ï'he body and lower limb bracing is provided in an arrangelllellt that does not have tc be fashiolled to ~onform to the wearer's body profile, which greatly reduees the work and time involved with the initial fitting, and provides a wide range of adjustnlent to cornpensate for the user's growth and/or weight change; ad justments which can be easily made while being worn by the user `. 2 21~7~0 ;
According to the present invention there is provided a lower limb co -ordination walking aid conlprising a wheeled frame means for ad3usting length of wlleeled frame meansfor ad justil)g width l-f wheeled frame means for adjllsting tlle amontlt by which a front wheel axil i~ of r-~;et rela~ive to tlle vertical axis abont which it pivots mealls for ad j~ls~ing the amollnt of tor~lue re(~lired to pivot the front wheel arrangement ahollt its vertical axis pelvic bracing. means for a(l j~ls~hlg height of pelvic hracin~e relative to wheeled frame means for adjusting the size of user accQmmodation within the pelvic bracing. means for user to side step means for user to ro~ate lower limb from hip means for hlter~ onnectillg the l~scr s lower limbs via the wheeled franle to control the correct positic n movement and angle of the foot to knee portion of the user s lower limbs relative to each other and to tllat of the pelvis while standing and walking~
niversal fitting lower limh bracing~ means for ad jn~;ting lower limb bracillg to accommcdate ~Iser s growth and/or weight change means for fitting lower limb bracing to user without the need to fa~hioll vertical members to user s body profile For better understallding of the present irlventioll reference will now be made by way o f examples to the aceompanying drawings in which:-I;igure I shows in perspective the lower limbs of a person using an example of the aid;I;ig~lre 2 shows in pcrspeclivc an cxalllplc Or thc fOur whcelc(l fran~c;
T igure 3 shows in perspective the under view l~f an example arrangement for securing the telescoping adjllstment of the wheeled frame;
l~igure 4 show~ in perspective an example of the rear wheel and suspension arrangement;
r i~urc ~ ~how~ in par~ scc~ioll a rcar vicw Of Ihc ~ cn~;ioll llnit arrallgcmcllt Figure 6 shows a top view of the pelvic bracing arrangement;
F igure 7 shows a top view of the pelvic bracing arrallgement with the user accommodation width reduced;
F igure X shows in perspective the rear pelvic clamping members and the arrangement for relea~ably securillg the pelvic bracing to the wheeled frame;
l igurc 5) sllows side view of pelvic bra~ ing side alld hip joint arrangement;
Figure 1() shows side view of user wearillg lower limb bracing;
I igllre 11 shows in perspective the bra~ing adjustment arrangement between the left hip and knee;
Figllre 12 shows hl section the front view of the hip joint arrangement;
l~igllre 13 shows in perspective Ihe free swing knee arrangement;
2137~SO
I igure 14 shows front view of free swing knee arrangement;
l igure l~;howsoutersidcviewofarrangelllentforsc~ llrhlgthclowcrlimbbracillgtolhcll~cr~
leg;
Idgllre 16 shows front view of arrangement tor securirlg the lower limb braeing to the users leg;
~igure 17 shows in part sectioned top view of sideways adjustment means for knee strap frame arrangement;
} igllre 1 X shows in part sectioned top view of knee strap frame arrangement with strap frame positioned more inward to that of the setting showll in figure 17;
l igllre 1'~ shows in perspeetive ~he pelvie brace height se~ting arrangenlent and that of ~;ecuring ~he rear pulley frame to the frame stem;
I~;igllre 2() shows in perspective the rear pulley arrangelllellt;
I;igure 21 ~;how~ in part ~;c~;~iOIl ~ide vicw of` I`ront pullcy ~rrangen~clll;
~igule 22 ~how~ in part ~ection ~ide view of sprillg loaded ankle hillge;
Figure 23 shows front view of spring loaded ankle hinge;
Figure 24 shows in part section front view of the front wheel pivot arrangement;~igures 25 and 2f show side views of front wheel arrangement settings;
~igure 27 shows in perspective means for attaelling front eontrol strap to bracing;
l igure 2~ shows in perspective means for atta( hing rear control strap to the braeillg;
~igure 29 shows side view of the arrangement for upper body bracing and re 3(~ :~llow~ in per~pective all exaln~le of the pre:~ent invention with twc- wheel~.
I ig~lle I illu~ra~e~aper~onm~killgu~ieofallexalllpleofthelowcrlinlbeo-ordillatiollwalkillg aid Tlle user s pelvis is held secllre within pelvic bracing whieh is releasably attaclled to the wheeled frame assembly - see figure X - and eaell of the u~er s lower limbs are interconnected via the wheeled frame hy linking arrangetllent~ whie h in this example are straps l`he effect c f the overall arrangement controls the position of the u~er s pelvis relative to the wheeled frame and the position movement and angle of the foot to knee portion of the user s lower limbs relative to each other and to that of the pelvis helping the user achieve a good upright postllre and a natural and efficient walking pattern keeping the lower limbs correctly co-ordinated and po~itioned under the user s l,ody weight and thus increasing and maintaining their capability of supporting sllcll 4 2137~0 _, .
'I`he arrangement for interconnec ling the lower limbs via the wheeled frame could take many forms, for example, the lower limbs could be attached to the ends of steel c ables sliding throllgil conduit sec ured to the wheeled frame, (not shown), or the lower limbs c ould be pivotally a~ached tc the ends of a beam which pivots about its centre attaClllllent to the wheeled frame, (not shown).
Referring to figure 1. After passillg around the front pulley 2, the end of front control strap I
is attaclled by way of releasable trigger hook 126 - see figure 27 - to sleel split ring 125 located in the cross hole of foot plate 1(~3. The arrangemellt being the same for attaching the other end of front control s~rap 1 to the other foot. ~djustment to the length of the front control strap is provided by means of slide 127.
Rear control strap 3, being of a similar arrangement to that of front control strap 1, passes alollnd rear pulley 4 and its ends a~tached to tlle llser's lower limh bracing at the most effective height between tlle ankle and knee. Referring to figure 2~. Means for attacllme-lt of rear control s~rap 3 to tlle lower limb bracing is by way of steel split ring 129, which is located between the spl it of ring clamp 12~, and upon crc ss clam ping screw 13(). Ring clamp 1 2X can be located and secllred upon any of the bracing vertical members by tightening clamping screw 13().
/~djusting the height at whic h rear c ontrol strap 3 is att~clled to thc lower limb bracing cllallges i~s effect upon the user's walking patterll, for ex~ml-le, a lower attacllltlellt helps the user to achieve mc re knee belld and tllerefore helps lit't ea( h foot clear of the floor to take a step, whereas a higher attacllment point helps redll( e the knee l-end for a user who is walking wit11 excessive foot lift. The arrangement also allows the rear control strap 3 to be attached at a clifferent height upc n one liml to ~he o~her, makillg it possible for tlle user to produce a natural and effi(:ient gait despite having lower limb~ witll differing chara~teristi~s.
'I`he rear control strap 3 and the front control strap 1 can be made from a non-stretch webbing or cord, or alternAtively, frc m an elasticated material and used in a combinatioll that best SllitS
the user. 'I'he elasticated control straps, applied at an appropriate tension, can keep the lower limbs correctly co-ordinated while walking, but also allow tlle user an amoullt of freedom to engage in activities other than walking and standing upright.
l'he wheeled frame could take many forms, for example, for someolle with a good degree of l~alAnce the fr~me could he arr~nged to have ~-nly two wheels, one wheel to the front ~nd one at the rear - see figure 3() -, or two wheels at the front and one at the rear, or one at tlle t`ront and two at the rear. I-~owever, for easier ullderstandillg, one example of a four wheeled frame will be refcrred to in detail.
Figure 2 sllows an example of the four wheeled frame, whicll is adjllstable hl its length and wid~ll to suit tlle ongoing needs of the user. 'I'his arrangement allows the user to initially be provided with a wide base for safety and to he able to easily reduce it as they gain confidence.
It also allows the user to increase or decrease tlle base size according to the environnlent, smaller for indoors and larger for outdoors for example. Most imF~ortantly, when the user is a child, it allows the frame hase to be increased to accommodate growth, and therefore eliminates the need and expense of providing progressively larger frames.
.` 5 213765~
Referringtofigure2.11ltllisexaltlpletllefrallleiscon:structedfromsquaresectiontubing.1~acl of tlle two front wheels ~ and call pivot aho~lt a vertical axi~ within their rcspective housing~
- see fig~lres 24~ 2~; and 2(. - which allow tlle user to control direction of travel by incorporatillg a degree of side-step while walking forwards, or to turtl the frame in a very small area by side-stepping only A three hundred and sixty degree turll can be achieved withill a radius of les~
~hall the leng~ll ol' the wheeled t'rame.
Referring to figures 24,25 and 2~.. Means are provided for ad justing the amount by which each front wheel axil is off-set to the vertical axis about which it pivots The slackening of screws 114 and I 15, allow arms I 1~ and 1 17 to move clear of the splined taper shoulders of shaft 1 1%
and pivot about the smaller diameters of sucll The arrangement i~ seeured with the desired off-set by re-tightening screws 114 and I 1~ Fig 2:~ shows a side view of the front wheel relative to the vertical swivel axis when the off-set is small, and figllre 26 shows the same view when the off-set is larger.
Referring to figure 24 A slipping clutch arrangement is provided which can be adjusted to cllange the amount of tor~lue re~luired to turn the vertical spindle 12(~ within tlle housing 121 ~Spilldle 120 passes throllgh thrllst bearing 122 and into hollsing 121, within wllich it call tllrn I lollsillg 121 is secured to the end of arm 7 in this example l-y welding - ~;ee figure 2 Nylon wasller 1 19 is located on spilldle 12() and between the tc-p face of hollsillg 121 and the hottom face of compression ring 124, which has a '1~' shaped bore to engage with a flat machilled on the side of spindle 12(), gmb screw 133 securing the two so that they turn together Ad justillg screw 123 i~ u~ed to increase or decrease the pressllre upOIl the faces Or the arrangement and ~o increases or decreases the tor~ue re(luired to turn spilldle 12() within hollsillg 121.
By providing the means to adjllst the horizontal distance between the vertical swivel axis of ~he fron~ wheel arrangelllent relative to the wheel ;~xil an(l the means to a(l jus~ the amollnt of tor4ue required to turn the front wheel arrangement about the vertical axi~, the front wheel arrangement can be ad justed to best suit the characteri~tics of the user's walking and weight shift pattern, alleviating any problem of the wheeled frame deviating from the user's intended directiorl of travel on uneven ground and side slopes, while allowing the u~;er full control over direction of travel Keferring to figure 2 'I'he swivel hollsings 121 -see figure 24- of front wheels S and ~'1 are welded to the ends of s(~llare section tuhlllar arms 7 and ~, whicll slide intO eilher end of the s~luare scction lublllar frame front meltlher 9, in a tele~;co~ic fa~hioll, providillg the means to ad just ~lledistancehe~weentllefr(n~wheels,eachadjnstn~elltheingsecuredhyanarrallgementsllowll in figllre 3, in which the tightening of screw 1() draws ~ogetller threadc(l lug 11 and plain Illg 12, which are ~ecufed by bra7ing either side of a narrow slit at each end of the frame front melnber 9, effeetively clamping the outer front menlbel ') onto the imler arnl 7 ~rovision for ad justing the length of the frame i~; by me8ns of the horizontal arm of main frame 22, being arrallged to slide within the hore c-f front member 9, in a tele~copic fashion, the ad justment being secured by a similar arrangement to that shown in figllre 3 Alternatively, in a situation when frequent ad jus~ments need to be made to the frame size, then a series of vertical through holes c ould be provided in inller arm 7, and a single vertical througl - G -holc in front member 9, enahling the tele~copic arran~gement to he ~ec~lred at tlle desired ~etting by way of inserting a lleaded pin down through the nearest aligned holes. This arrangement collld be ~Ised to secure any appropriate frame adjustment (this example is not shown).
Fig~lre 4 shows the rear axil arrangement. The rear wheel 13 being free to rotate upon shaft 14, i~; kept in positioll by collar 15, secllred by gruh s~:rew I fi, and screw 17 wi~h washer I X. l lle inner end of shaft 14 slides intO the centre melllller 19, in a telescopic fashiotl, providillg the means for adjusting the distance between the rear wheels, this adjustment being secured by tightelling screw 2() in clamping rhlg 21 positioned over the slitted end of centre meml-er I '), effectively clampillg shaft 14 within. Tlle arrangement for the other rear wheel being the sallle.
'I`lle rear ~u~pension arrangemellt allows the main frame 22 to pivot about the contact point~
nf the two front wheels S and ~ with the ~roulld -~ee figure 2- which allows and encourage~
the user tn take on a natllral forward lean whell walking, and further allnws for the natllral ri~e an(l fall wave pattern of the pelvis as the user takes steps. Tlle rear su~pell~inn unit also accommodates uneven grollnd sllrfaces that may cause the user's feet to be at a lower or higher grollnd heigllt than the wheels of the frame, and llelps to absorb any shock from the wheels rolling over bumpy groulld sllrfaces.
rl he sn~pen~ion unit comprises arms 2.~s and 24 Wllich, heing ~plit hori70ntally, form a clamping arrangenlent onto the rear axil centre member 1~, when clamping ~crews 25 and 2~ are tiglltened, and clamping onto the ends of pivot pin 27 in the same manner. Pivot pin 27 passes through and pivots within the frame bush 2X, Wlli(,`h iS welded to maill frame 22, allowing the rear wheel suspension unit and the main frame 22 to hinge at this point.
Iiigllre S ~how:~ rear view of the suspell~ion unit arrangelllellt. The rear wheel su~pen~ion unit r~d(~wrlw~r(~ olltfr,~nlel~ ;ll2Xhy~ rill~ etweell~llc~ ell~ioll~rnl~
23 and 24 and main frame 22, Whicll iS housed in a telescopic slide ~ube arrangement. 'I`lle lower end of inner spring tube 31 pivots between ~pacers 134 and 13.';, and about pivot pin 32 pa~sing through a cros~ holc, the ends of whicll are clamped between the two halve~ of arms 23 and 24 in the desired cross hole, there being provided a number of cross holes in arms 23 and 24, positioned at different distances from the sllspension pivot, allowing the effectivene~s of the spring, acting upon the suspension unit and frame, to be selected to best sllit the llser; fine ad jll~tment being provided by means of tlle adjustitlg screw 33 located in the threaded end of the outer spring tuhe 34, the soeket end of whicll locate~ onto ball ended screw pin 35, wlli~l i~ hollsed in plate 3~ ecured to maill frame 22 by welding.
~;ig ~ ~how~ a top view of tlle pelvic hracing. The width of the accotnmc-dation within the l raeillg is ad justahle by way of the round tnblllar pelvic side supports 37 and 3~ being located in vertical bores between the two halves of rear pelvic clamping member 39 - see figure X -fr om whicll they eacll pivot to reduce or increase the distan~;e between pelvic sides 41 and 42, which in turn can pivot about the vertical end~ of ~;ide ~upports 37 and 3X, and are secured in the de~ired pc-sition by way of their split bc-res and clalllpitlg screws 4~s.
I ~igure 7 ~hows the pelvic aecolllnlodatioll reduced from tllat of figure ~, the arrangelllent being ~e~ured at the desired widtll settitlg by way of tightenillg the fo ur clalllp screws 40.
Figure ~ ~hows a side view of pelvic ~ide 42 The pelvic strap 44 passe~ through steel loop 45, the ends of which locate and are a press fit into two hole~ in pelvic side 42 'I he length of pelvic strap 44 is adjllsted to ~upport the user's buttotvks clear of rear pelvic c lamping member~ and to align the user's hip~ witll that of the orthotit, hip hillges Pelvic strap 44 is set llred within steel loop 45 by wrapping around ant hor rod 4(i, the diameter of pelvic strap 44 when wrapped ar(llllld anchor rotl 4fi being greater thall the slot widlll in ~eel loop 45, makes a secllring arrangenlent when pelvic strap 44 is plat ed in tension The ends of pelvic strap 44 are fa~tened togetller at the front of the user hy rneans of ~lide 47 A persoll with sllfficiellt side stability to the lower limbs collld ,~ain l enefit Irom the present invelltion without additional lower linlb bracillg, the front control strap I and the rear control ~trap 3 heing sec~lred to the user's legs by way of c~lshioned bands wrapped around the ~Iser's lower limb~ at the reqllired po~ition~ (not shown) l~owever, for those reqlliring side support tc their lower litnbs, there is provided lower limb bracing l~igllre 1() illustrate~ tlle arrangemellt of the lower limb bracing which makes the minimllm of c ontact with the ll~er, and is readily ad justable to fit any intellded llser'~ lower lilnbs, withollt the need to bend the vertical members tc) the u~er'~ profile The lower limb bracing comprise~
hinge~ at the hip, knee and ankle~ each heing at~ached tn straigllt vertical memhers 4~, 49, 5() and 51, which overlap and are secllred to each other by way of clamps ~S2, 53, 54 and 55, ~o~itioncd so a~ to be ju~t clear of the user'!; limbs 'I`lli~; arrallgenlellt provides tlle means to adjust the hip, knee and ankle hinges to be dimen~ionally and angularly in harmony with that of the llser's anatt nlitval joints, an(l provides the nleall~ acx~onllnodate for user heigllt grow~l and/orweightchanges,alladjll~tmetlt~beingeasjlymadewlliletheuseri$wearillgthebracing~
ig~lre l l shows the bracing ad jll~;tmellt arrallgemellt between the left hip and knee, the cl~ t~le ~;arlle l-~wc~ 11 joill~ J~ ll lo(l ~IX ~1l(1 low~ Il lo(l 4'),being of a round tublllar section, are located in the bore~ of clamp block~ 52 and 53, within wllicll they carl ~lide and rotate, providillg the mean~ ~y which the distance between the hip an(l knee hinge, and the rc-tation rela~ive t~- each (van be ad justed The clalllp l locks 52 and 53 being split between the bores, secure the adju~tment by tightenirlg clamp screws 54 and 55 'I he lower linlh braeillg must allow the user to side step in order to manoellvre tlle wheeled frame in the desired direction of 1ravel ~ligure 12 show~; in ~e~ tion the front view of an example arl-allgenlellt of a hip hillge wlli~ h incolpolates a second hinge to allow the ~l~er to side step Referrin~ to fi~res ~ and 12 Headed h~ h ~ avil1g a tllrea(led bore i~ l~re~ed into tlle ~/
holed cros~ hole in pelvic side 42 and form~ the axil al-ont wllicll thigh pivot 57 is free to pivot hctween thmst bearing SX and 5~ he assembly is retained hy headed screw ~(), whicll is tightelled to allow the thigll pivot 57 to ~wing freely wilh the nlillilllulll of side play, the end of whic h i~ thell flared ~o ~ecllre r higll hingc bar ~ I pivo~; abolll hillgc pill ~2, whicll is a press fitintotllecrossholeinthigllpivotS7.'rllenlillimlltlldi~tancehetweellthellserlsfeeti~adJIlsted by way of turning stop screw (~
Provision for the user to rotate their lower limb about their hip jOillt while in the bracing is hy way of a rotation arrangemellt, within whic h rotation r od ~4 is free to turn within the vertical l-oreofthigllllillgebart~l andisretainedwithinbyretainitlgscrew(iS,tlleendofwhichlocating into a radial groc ve Steel ball ~ positiolled tc take the encl forcces apr~lied to rotation rod -x 21375~0 f 4 The lower end of rotation rod ~4 is secured into the hore of upper tlligll rod 4X hy riveted cross pill 7 'T`he stepped upper end of thigh rod 4X engages with the stepped lower end of thigh hinge har (il with a clearance between the verti- al fa~c~i of ea~h step to provide the re~uired atllnullt of rotation that best suits the user l igures 13 and 14 show an example cc nfigllratiotl of the free swinging knee hinge IJpl er leg ro(l end ~2 i~ free to pivot between hardened steel washer~ ~9 and 7~ and about headed pivot pin 71 the end of whicll is secured tightly into the cross hole hl lower ~higll rod end 72 and riveted so as to allow upper leg rod end f~2 to swing freely with the millillluln of side play Referritlg to figure 1~ 'I'he lower thigh rod 45~ and upper leg rod 5() haVillg cross holes are located and clamped tightly within the respective slotted vertical b ores of lower thigll rod end 72 and upper leg rod end X hy clamping cross serews 7~ and 74 l igure~ 15 and I (~ ~how an example arrangeltlellt for lo~ ating and se~-llrirlg the uscr'~ leg to ul-per leg rod S() Upper leg rod S() and strap frame 75 pass througll the bores of clamping block~;
7- and 77 and arc sccurcd in thc desircd positioll hy c lalllping screws 7X and 7'~ Strap frame 75 pa~ses arc und and clear of the u~er's calf and forms a vertical memher lo tlle end of whicll is riveted knee strap 2() This configuration allows strap X() and foam cusl~ioning Xl to l-e positiorled UpOtl Ihe user's knee at a point least likely to cause pre~sllte ~ore problenls while leaving the rear of the knee clear to allow the user unrestricted knee movemellt The free end of knee strap 2() can be wrapped arolltld upper leg rod S() or tlle outer end of strap frame 75 whichevcr is most appropriate for the user and is se~llred to its otller end by way of a slide X2 Referring to figures 17 and I X ~Sideways positioning of strap frame 75 relative to upper leg rod 5() to align witll the user's lee is provided by way o f rotating clamping hlocks 7- and 77 ~l~oll~ ulll-er Ic~ ro(l :s() all(l I ot;~ tr<~p ~ c 7~ wi~llil) lI~c l~orc~; -rcl.lnll-i,l~ I-lock~; 7- an(l 77 Figure lX shows strap frartle 75 more inward to that of the setting ~hown in figure 17 A user llaving the ability to control tlleir own foot and toe lift about their ankle while walking would only re~uire a ~imple free swing ankle hinge (not shown) to use and gain benefit from ~he presellt invelltion I lowevel- for a user re~luiring help with such there is provided an ankle hirlge WlliC'h helps to lift the foot and toes about the ankle l igure~ 22 ~nd 23 ~llow an ex~ml-le collfigllratioll of a ~ring--loaded allkle hill~e Foot r~late 1(~3 pivots hetween hardened wasllers 1()4 and 1(~5 and aho-lt headed pin 1 ()( whicll is secured hltO the cross hore of spring block 1()7 hy riveting its smallet diameter en(l I oot plate 1(13 is rge(l to pivot ahollt headed pill 1 ()(i by conlpres!;iOn ~;pring 1 ()X acting tlll ougll domed-ended ~nd har(lened plunger 1()9 whi~ 11 behlg a slide fit within a vertical bore of spritlg block 1()7 pllshes downward~ upon the canl profile of font plate 1 ()3 the t`orce being ad justable by way of turtlitlg ad justing screw 1 1 () l'he lower leg rc d 51 - see figure I () - is located and clamped tightly within tlle slotted vertical bore of spring block 1()7 by clamping screw 1 1 1 Foot plate 1()3 is ~e~ured or releasably secured to the user's footwear ushlg exisling c rthotic praetiees Figure 2~ shows one side of tlle arrangemellt for tllose users re~uiring additional upper body l~racillg ~'he tuhlllar pelvic sidc ~upport 3X is exten(le(l to protlll(le ahove pelvic side 42 providing a vertical housin~ into which slides rourld tubular thoracic lnenlbers 134 in a - 9- 2137~5 0 `
telescopic fashion The top portion of thoracic member 134 is pres!ied flat and Inas cross holes, throughwhichpas~rivet~ 136 tosecuretl1ellpperbodybral ingle~uirernentsofthellserwhicll, hl this exaltlple, comprises a sillll le chest s~rap 1~7 all(1 h.l~ k slr~p I ~X arrangenlellt The top of pelvic ~ide ~upport 3X has a vertical slit, over which ~lides cktlllping ring 1~, which secllres thoracic member 134 into pelvic side ~upport 3X, at the desired heigllt, hy tightelling screw 1 3~i Referring to figure ~ The pelvi~ bracing arrangement is releasably secllred to the frame by mea-ls of peg X3, which slidex into the ver~ical bore of stepped ca~h X4 welded to the top face of frame ~tem X~ - see figure 2 The anglllar face of a flat machined into the rear ~ide of the l~rger diameter of tlle peg X3, locates face to face with that of the stepped catch X4, preventing peg X~ from rotating witllin stepped catcll X4 'I'he upper diameter of peg X3 is clamped hetweerltlletwollalvesofrearpelvicclampillgrllerllber3(3andfllrthel secllredbywayof~crew 131 located into the vertical threaded hole in the top end of peg X3, whicll is tiglltened onto wasller 132 an(i top face of clamping member 3'3 Referring to figllres t and 19~ Means for adjustitlg the height of ~he pelvic bracing is provided by way of frame stem ~;~, being of a ~lide fit into the bore of vertical llpright of main frame 22, in a telescopic fashion and is set at the desired hei~ht by ~ecuring the two halve~ of ~top X7 onto frame stem X5 by tightening the two clatllpillg screws Xf~ Tllis arrallgement allows frame stet~l K~ to be lifted from main franle 22, withollt affecti-lg tlle setting and so reducillg ~he overall heigllt o f the llnit for easier transpol t and storage l~or re-llse, stenl X~ is re-located into frame 22, its downward travel within such heirlg arrested at the previously set height when stop X7 make~ contact with the top end face of frame 22 l~igllre2()sllowsdetailoftllerearpll11eyarrallgelllell~,arolllldwllicllrearcontrolstrap3passes - see figllre 1 Needle hearing~ are fitted into either en(l of the h(7re in plllley 4. (only the lower nee(lle be~ring ~X ~hown), whicll is free to r~ tate, between washers 9:~ and 9~', upon vertical ~Yil X(~, tllc cll(l~ of wllicll are loca~e(l witllin tlle ~i~m~lk~r l~ores of c la~ -illg l-locks 9(~ an(l 91 'I'lle larger bores of clamping blocks (3() and '~1 are located and free to slide upon the rear plllley franle '~2, providing the means to adjllst the height of the rear pulley arrangelllent, wllicll is seellred upon rear pulley frame 92 by tightenillg clamping screws 93 and ~)4 Referring to figures 19 and 2 Rear pulley frame 92 is located and can slide within the hore of clamping block 113, which i~ located and can slide upon frame stem %5, the whole arrangement enabling the rear pulley assembly to be positioned at any height to the rear of the user's lower limb~ and being secured at tlle desired position by tiglltenillg elamping sclews 112 F igllle 21 sllows detail of the front pulley arrangenlent, arn-lnd wllicll frnnt colltrol strap I
p~sses - also see fignre 1 Front pulley 2 is fitted with two needle bearings, similat to that c f rear pulley 4, and is free to rotate, 17etweetl washers 97 and 9X, upnn vertical axil 99, the upper end of which is located into holes in front meml7er 9 and is secured by brazing Front control strap I is prevented from leavin,~ the front pulley arrangemellt by a keep strap 1()(), made from wehbing or similar material whi~ 11, having a cross hole at either end, locates upon axil 99, so a~ to bridge front pulley 2 Tlle frn-lt pulley asselllbly is retained upon axil 99 by tight fitting mbber buslles 1()1 and 1()2 I`he hracillg is of a configuration that allows the ~Iser to don and doff wllile sitting in a cllair nr tlle like
'I`his invention relates to a walking aid 'I`here are existing wheeled frame mobility aids, intended to help the more severely disabled person, which incorporate orthoti~; tmnk and lower limb bracing. These aids help keep the user uprigllt by providing sllpport and lift to the orthotic bracillg, throllgll their attacllnlent to thc wheeled frame, and in so doing, reducing the amount of body weight being supported by the user's lower limbs. However, for a great many people, providing lift to their braced body, no matter how much the amount, does not provide the help necessary to correctly position and straighten their lower limbs.
~urtller to this, the lower limh bracing employed by these aids only setves to limit the user's lower limhs to that nf forward/reRrward movement, and does not provide help to co-ordinate ~hismovementintoanatllralandefficientgait~orllelptoestablishthecorrectforward/rearward po~;itiolling of the feet and knees relative to the pelvis in order for the lower limbs to support ~he llser's hody weight with a good stalldillg and walking post~lre. 'I`herefore, if the user cat1not ~;nr port and control these element~ for themself, whicll, by virtue of needing the help of sllcll aid~, is us~lally tlle case, then the llser'S lower lin~bs becorne too far forward or rearward of the pelvis, reducing tlle amount of hody weight they can sllpport, arld callsillg the walking pattern to be un-natural and inefficient l'he wheeled frames employed hy the above mentioned mobility aids do not accomrnodate for he in~rcRsillg whcel l~ase rc(lllircd l-y a growillg ~hil(l, making i~ ncccs~;RIy to pcriodi~ally replace the child's frame with one that provides a larger base. These wheeled frames also re(luire a large amount of floor area to manoellvre around obstacles, whicll inhibits their full use within the confines of the average home.
'I'he orthotic bracing incorporated into the~e aids is lland t`ashiolled to ~losely fit and follow the intended wearer's body and lower limb profiles, whicll is very time consumhlg and expensive to fit, and is not readily adjustable to compensate for the user's growth or weight cllange.
'I'llisinventionisintendedtooffer?,persorl,wllocallnotnormallystraiglltellalld/orco-ordillate theirlowerlilllbs,tllenecessaryllell~toattainandmai,ltai,lagoo(31,priglltsla~ lgall(1walkillg r~osture, and help to'achieve a nat~lral and efficient gait, the invention providing help to increase the user's ahility to supr - rt their own hody weight, rather tharl removillg hody weigllt from tlle lower limb~ 'T'he adjustable si7e wheeled frame is intended to provide the u~er with gond manoellvrabi lity within a confined space, making the aid practical to ~Ise in tlle home. ï'he body and lower limb bracing is provided in an arrangelllellt that does not have tc be fashiolled to ~onform to the wearer's body profile, which greatly reduees the work and time involved with the initial fitting, and provides a wide range of adjustnlent to cornpensate for the user's growth and/or weight change; ad justments which can be easily made while being worn by the user `. 2 21~7~0 ;
According to the present invention there is provided a lower limb co -ordination walking aid conlprising a wheeled frame means for ad3usting length of wlleeled frame meansfor ad justil)g width l-f wheeled frame means for adjllsting tlle amontlt by which a front wheel axil i~ of r-~;et rela~ive to tlle vertical axis abont which it pivots mealls for ad j~ls~ing the amollnt of tor~lue re(~lired to pivot the front wheel arrangement ahollt its vertical axis pelvic bracing. means for a(l j~ls~hlg height of pelvic hracin~e relative to wheeled frame means for adjusting the size of user accQmmodation within the pelvic bracing. means for user to side step means for user to ro~ate lower limb from hip means for hlter~ onnectillg the l~scr s lower limbs via the wheeled franle to control the correct positic n movement and angle of the foot to knee portion of the user s lower limbs relative to each other and to tllat of the pelvis while standing and walking~
niversal fitting lower limh bracing~ means for ad jn~;ting lower limb bracillg to accommcdate ~Iser s growth and/or weight change means for fitting lower limb bracing to user without the need to fa~hioll vertical members to user s body profile For better understallding of the present irlventioll reference will now be made by way o f examples to the aceompanying drawings in which:-I;igure I shows in perspective the lower limbs of a person using an example of the aid;I;ig~lre 2 shows in pcrspeclivc an cxalllplc Or thc fOur whcelc(l fran~c;
T igure 3 shows in perspective the under view l~f an example arrangement for securing the telescoping adjllstment of the wheeled frame;
l~igure 4 show~ in perspective an example of the rear wheel and suspension arrangement;
r i~urc ~ ~how~ in par~ scc~ioll a rcar vicw Of Ihc ~ cn~;ioll llnit arrallgcmcllt Figure 6 shows a top view of the pelvic bracing arrangement;
F igure 7 shows a top view of the pelvic bracing arrallgement with the user accommodation width reduced;
F igure X shows in perspective the rear pelvic clamping members and the arrangement for relea~ably securillg the pelvic bracing to the wheeled frame;
l igurc 5) sllows side view of pelvic bra~ ing side alld hip joint arrangement;
Figure 1() shows side view of user wearillg lower limb bracing;
I igllre 11 shows in perspective the bra~ing adjustment arrangement between the left hip and knee;
Figllre 12 shows hl section the front view of the hip joint arrangement;
l~igllre 13 shows in perspective Ihe free swing knee arrangement;
2137~SO
I igure 14 shows front view of free swing knee arrangement;
l igure l~;howsoutersidcviewofarrangelllentforsc~ llrhlgthclowcrlimbbracillgtolhcll~cr~
leg;
Idgllre 16 shows front view of arrangement tor securirlg the lower limb braeing to the users leg;
~igure 17 shows in part sectioned top view of sideways adjustment means for knee strap frame arrangement;
} igllre 1 X shows in part sectioned top view of knee strap frame arrangement with strap frame positioned more inward to that of the setting showll in figure 17;
l igllre 1'~ shows in perspeetive ~he pelvie brace height se~ting arrangenlent and that of ~;ecuring ~he rear pulley frame to the frame stem;
I~;igllre 2() shows in perspective the rear pulley arrangelllellt;
I;igure 21 ~;how~ in part ~;c~;~iOIl ~ide vicw of` I`ront pullcy ~rrangen~clll;
~igule 22 ~how~ in part ~ection ~ide view of sprillg loaded ankle hillge;
Figure 23 shows front view of spring loaded ankle hinge;
Figure 24 shows in part section front view of the front wheel pivot arrangement;~igures 25 and 2f show side views of front wheel arrangement settings;
~igure 27 shows in perspective means for attaelling front eontrol strap to bracing;
l igure 2~ shows in perspective means for atta( hing rear control strap to the braeillg;
~igure 29 shows side view of the arrangement for upper body bracing and re 3(~ :~llow~ in per~pective all exaln~le of the pre:~ent invention with twc- wheel~.
I ig~lle I illu~ra~e~aper~onm~killgu~ieofallexalllpleofthelowcrlinlbeo-ordillatiollwalkillg aid Tlle user s pelvis is held secllre within pelvic bracing whieh is releasably attaclled to the wheeled frame assembly - see figure X - and eaell of the u~er s lower limbs are interconnected via the wheeled frame hy linking arrangetllent~ whie h in this example are straps l`he effect c f the overall arrangement controls the position of the u~er s pelvis relative to the wheeled frame and the position movement and angle of the foot to knee portion of the user s lower limbs relative to each other and to that of the pelvis helping the user achieve a good upright postllre and a natural and efficient walking pattern keeping the lower limbs correctly co-ordinated and po~itioned under the user s l,ody weight and thus increasing and maintaining their capability of supporting sllcll 4 2137~0 _, .
'I`he arrangement for interconnec ling the lower limbs via the wheeled frame could take many forms, for example, the lower limbs could be attached to the ends of steel c ables sliding throllgil conduit sec ured to the wheeled frame, (not shown), or the lower limbs c ould be pivotally a~ached tc the ends of a beam which pivots about its centre attaClllllent to the wheeled frame, (not shown).
Referring to figure 1. After passillg around the front pulley 2, the end of front control strap I
is attaclled by way of releasable trigger hook 126 - see figure 27 - to sleel split ring 125 located in the cross hole of foot plate 1(~3. The arrangemellt being the same for attaching the other end of front control s~rap 1 to the other foot. ~djustment to the length of the front control strap is provided by means of slide 127.
Rear control strap 3, being of a similar arrangement to that of front control strap 1, passes alollnd rear pulley 4 and its ends a~tached to tlle llser's lower limh bracing at the most effective height between tlle ankle and knee. Referring to figure 2~. Means for attacllme-lt of rear control s~rap 3 to tlle lower limb bracing is by way of steel split ring 129, which is located between the spl it of ring clamp 12~, and upon crc ss clam ping screw 13(). Ring clamp 1 2X can be located and secllred upon any of the bracing vertical members by tightening clamping screw 13().
/~djusting the height at whic h rear c ontrol strap 3 is att~clled to thc lower limb bracing cllallges i~s effect upon the user's walking patterll, for ex~ml-le, a lower attacllltlellt helps the user to achieve mc re knee belld and tllerefore helps lit't ea( h foot clear of the floor to take a step, whereas a higher attacllment point helps redll( e the knee l-end for a user who is walking wit11 excessive foot lift. The arrangement also allows the rear control strap 3 to be attached at a clifferent height upc n one liml to ~he o~her, makillg it possible for tlle user to produce a natural and effi(:ient gait despite having lower limb~ witll differing chara~teristi~s.
'I`he rear control strap 3 and the front control strap 1 can be made from a non-stretch webbing or cord, or alternAtively, frc m an elasticated material and used in a combinatioll that best SllitS
the user. 'I'he elasticated control straps, applied at an appropriate tension, can keep the lower limbs correctly co-ordinated while walking, but also allow tlle user an amoullt of freedom to engage in activities other than walking and standing upright.
l'he wheeled frame could take many forms, for example, for someolle with a good degree of l~alAnce the fr~me could he arr~nged to have ~-nly two wheels, one wheel to the front ~nd one at the rear - see figure 3() -, or two wheels at the front and one at the rear, or one at tlle t`ront and two at the rear. I-~owever, for easier ullderstandillg, one example of a four wheeled frame will be refcrred to in detail.
Figure 2 sllows an example of the four wheeled frame, whicll is adjllstable hl its length and wid~ll to suit tlle ongoing needs of the user. 'I'his arrangement allows the user to initially be provided with a wide base for safety and to he able to easily reduce it as they gain confidence.
It also allows the user to increase or decrease tlle base size according to the environnlent, smaller for indoors and larger for outdoors for example. Most imF~ortantly, when the user is a child, it allows the frame hase to be increased to accommodate growth, and therefore eliminates the need and expense of providing progressively larger frames.
.` 5 213765~
Referringtofigure2.11ltllisexaltlpletllefrallleiscon:structedfromsquaresectiontubing.1~acl of tlle two front wheels ~ and call pivot aho~lt a vertical axi~ within their rcspective housing~
- see fig~lres 24~ 2~; and 2(. - which allow tlle user to control direction of travel by incorporatillg a degree of side-step while walking forwards, or to turtl the frame in a very small area by side-stepping only A three hundred and sixty degree turll can be achieved withill a radius of les~
~hall the leng~ll ol' the wheeled t'rame.
Referring to figures 24,25 and 2~.. Means are provided for ad justing the amount by which each front wheel axil is off-set to the vertical axis about which it pivots The slackening of screws 114 and I 15, allow arms I 1~ and 1 17 to move clear of the splined taper shoulders of shaft 1 1%
and pivot about the smaller diameters of sucll The arrangement i~ seeured with the desired off-set by re-tightening screws 114 and I 1~ Fig 2:~ shows a side view of the front wheel relative to the vertical swivel axis when the off-set is small, and figllre 26 shows the same view when the off-set is larger.
Referring to figure 24 A slipping clutch arrangement is provided which can be adjusted to cllange the amount of tor~lue re~luired to turn the vertical spindle 12(~ within tlle housing 121 ~Spilldle 120 passes throllgh thrllst bearing 122 and into hollsing 121, within wllich it call tllrn I lollsillg 121 is secured to the end of arm 7 in this example l-y welding - ~;ee figure 2 Nylon wasller 1 19 is located on spilldle 12() and between the tc-p face of hollsillg 121 and the hottom face of compression ring 124, which has a '1~' shaped bore to engage with a flat machilled on the side of spindle 12(), gmb screw 133 securing the two so that they turn together Ad justillg screw 123 i~ u~ed to increase or decrease the pressllre upOIl the faces Or the arrangement and ~o increases or decreases the tor~ue re(luired to turn spilldle 12() within hollsillg 121.
By providing the means to adjllst the horizontal distance between the vertical swivel axis of ~he fron~ wheel arrangelllent relative to the wheel ;~xil an(l the means to a(l jus~ the amollnt of tor4ue required to turn the front wheel arrangement about the vertical axi~, the front wheel arrangement can be ad justed to best suit the characteri~tics of the user's walking and weight shift pattern, alleviating any problem of the wheeled frame deviating from the user's intended directiorl of travel on uneven ground and side slopes, while allowing the u~;er full control over direction of travel Keferring to figure 2 'I'he swivel hollsings 121 -see figure 24- of front wheels S and ~'1 are welded to the ends of s(~llare section tuhlllar arms 7 and ~, whicll slide intO eilher end of the s~luare scction lublllar frame front meltlher 9, in a tele~;co~ic fa~hioll, providillg the means to ad just ~lledistancehe~weentllefr(n~wheels,eachadjnstn~elltheingsecuredhyanarrallgementsllowll in figllre 3, in which the tightening of screw 1() draws ~ogetller threadc(l lug 11 and plain Illg 12, which are ~ecufed by bra7ing either side of a narrow slit at each end of the frame front melnber 9, effeetively clamping the outer front menlbel ') onto the imler arnl 7 ~rovision for ad justing the length of the frame i~; by me8ns of the horizontal arm of main frame 22, being arrallged to slide within the hore c-f front member 9, in a tele~copic fashion, the ad justment being secured by a similar arrangement to that shown in figllre 3 Alternatively, in a situation when frequent ad jus~ments need to be made to the frame size, then a series of vertical through holes c ould be provided in inller arm 7, and a single vertical througl - G -holc in front member 9, enahling the tele~copic arran~gement to he ~ec~lred at tlle desired ~etting by way of inserting a lleaded pin down through the nearest aligned holes. This arrangement collld be ~Ised to secure any appropriate frame adjustment (this example is not shown).
Fig~lre 4 shows the rear axil arrangement. The rear wheel 13 being free to rotate upon shaft 14, i~; kept in positioll by collar 15, secllred by gruh s~:rew I fi, and screw 17 wi~h washer I X. l lle inner end of shaft 14 slides intO the centre melllller 19, in a telescopic fashiotl, providillg the means for adjusting the distance between the rear wheels, this adjustment being secured by tightelling screw 2() in clamping rhlg 21 positioned over the slitted end of centre meml-er I '), effectively clampillg shaft 14 within. Tlle arrangement for the other rear wheel being the sallle.
'I`lle rear ~u~pension arrangemellt allows the main frame 22 to pivot about the contact point~
nf the two front wheels S and ~ with the ~roulld -~ee figure 2- which allows and encourage~
the user tn take on a natllral forward lean whell walking, and further allnws for the natllral ri~e an(l fall wave pattern of the pelvis as the user takes steps. Tlle rear su~pell~inn unit also accommodates uneven grollnd sllrfaces that may cause the user's feet to be at a lower or higher grollnd heigllt than the wheels of the frame, and llelps to absorb any shock from the wheels rolling over bumpy groulld sllrfaces.
rl he sn~pen~ion unit comprises arms 2.~s and 24 Wllich, heing ~plit hori70ntally, form a clamping arrangenlent onto the rear axil centre member 1~, when clamping ~crews 25 and 2~ are tiglltened, and clamping onto the ends of pivot pin 27 in the same manner. Pivot pin 27 passes through and pivots within the frame bush 2X, Wlli(,`h iS welded to maill frame 22, allowing the rear wheel suspension unit and the main frame 22 to hinge at this point.
Iiigllre S ~how:~ rear view of the suspell~ion unit arrangelllellt. The rear wheel su~pen~ion unit r~d(~wrlw~r(~ olltfr,~nlel~ ;ll2Xhy~ rill~ etweell~llc~ ell~ioll~rnl~
23 and 24 and main frame 22, Whicll iS housed in a telescopic slide ~ube arrangement. 'I`lle lower end of inner spring tube 31 pivots between ~pacers 134 and 13.';, and about pivot pin 32 pa~sing through a cros~ holc, the ends of whicll are clamped between the two halve~ of arms 23 and 24 in the desired cross hole, there being provided a number of cross holes in arms 23 and 24, positioned at different distances from the sllspension pivot, allowing the effectivene~s of the spring, acting upon the suspension unit and frame, to be selected to best sllit the llser; fine ad jll~tment being provided by means of tlle adjustitlg screw 33 located in the threaded end of the outer spring tuhe 34, the soeket end of whicll locate~ onto ball ended screw pin 35, wlli~l i~ hollsed in plate 3~ ecured to maill frame 22 by welding.
~;ig ~ ~how~ a top view of tlle pelvic hracing. The width of the accotnmc-dation within the l raeillg is ad justahle by way of the round tnblllar pelvic side supports 37 and 3~ being located in vertical bores between the two halves of rear pelvic clamping member 39 - see figure X -fr om whicll they eacll pivot to reduce or increase the distan~;e between pelvic sides 41 and 42, which in turn can pivot about the vertical end~ of ~;ide ~upports 37 and 3X, and are secured in the de~ired pc-sition by way of their split bc-res and clalllpitlg screws 4~s.
I ~igure 7 ~hows the pelvic aecolllnlodatioll reduced from tllat of figure ~, the arrangelllent being ~e~ured at the desired widtll settitlg by way of tightenillg the fo ur clalllp screws 40.
Figure ~ ~hows a side view of pelvic ~ide 42 The pelvic strap 44 passe~ through steel loop 45, the ends of which locate and are a press fit into two hole~ in pelvic side 42 'I he length of pelvic strap 44 is adjllsted to ~upport the user's buttotvks clear of rear pelvic c lamping member~ and to align the user's hip~ witll that of the orthotit, hip hillges Pelvic strap 44 is set llred within steel loop 45 by wrapping around ant hor rod 4(i, the diameter of pelvic strap 44 when wrapped ar(llllld anchor rotl 4fi being greater thall the slot widlll in ~eel loop 45, makes a secllring arrangenlent when pelvic strap 44 is plat ed in tension The ends of pelvic strap 44 are fa~tened togetller at the front of the user hy rneans of ~lide 47 A persoll with sllfficiellt side stability to the lower limbs collld ,~ain l enefit Irom the present invelltion without additional lower linlb bracillg, the front control strap I and the rear control ~trap 3 heing sec~lred to the user's legs by way of c~lshioned bands wrapped around the ~Iser's lower limb~ at the reqllired po~ition~ (not shown) l~owever, for those reqlliring side support tc their lower litnbs, there is provided lower limb bracing l~igllre 1() illustrate~ tlle arrangemellt of the lower limb bracing which makes the minimllm of c ontact with the ll~er, and is readily ad justable to fit any intellded llser'~ lower lilnbs, withollt the need to bend the vertical members tc) the u~er'~ profile The lower limb bracing comprise~
hinge~ at the hip, knee and ankle~ each heing at~ached tn straigllt vertical memhers 4~, 49, 5() and 51, which overlap and are secllred to each other by way of clamps ~S2, 53, 54 and 55, ~o~itioncd so a~ to be ju~t clear of the user'!; limbs 'I`lli~; arrallgenlellt provides tlle means to adjust the hip, knee and ankle hinges to be dimen~ionally and angularly in harmony with that of the llser's anatt nlitval joints, an(l provides the nleall~ acx~onllnodate for user heigllt grow~l and/orweightchanges,alladjll~tmetlt~beingeasjlymadewlliletheuseri$wearillgthebracing~
ig~lre l l shows the bracing ad jll~;tmellt arrallgemellt between the left hip and knee, the cl~ t~le ~;arlle l-~wc~ 11 joill~ J~ ll lo(l ~IX ~1l(1 low~ Il lo(l 4'),being of a round tublllar section, are located in the bore~ of clamp block~ 52 and 53, within wllicll they carl ~lide and rotate, providillg the mean~ ~y which the distance between the hip an(l knee hinge, and the rc-tation rela~ive t~- each (van be ad justed The clalllp l locks 52 and 53 being split between the bores, secure the adju~tment by tightenirlg clamp screws 54 and 55 'I he lower linlh braeillg must allow the user to side step in order to manoellvre tlle wheeled frame in the desired direction of 1ravel ~ligure 12 show~; in ~e~ tion the front view of an example arl-allgenlellt of a hip hillge wlli~ h incolpolates a second hinge to allow the ~l~er to side step Referrin~ to fi~res ~ and 12 Headed h~ h ~ avil1g a tllrea(led bore i~ l~re~ed into tlle ~/
holed cros~ hole in pelvic side 42 and form~ the axil al-ont wllicll thigh pivot 57 is free to pivot hctween thmst bearing SX and 5~ he assembly is retained hy headed screw ~(), whicll is tightelled to allow the thigll pivot 57 to ~wing freely wilh the nlillilllulll of side play, the end of whic h i~ thell flared ~o ~ecllre r higll hingc bar ~ I pivo~; abolll hillgc pill ~2, whicll is a press fitintotllecrossholeinthigllpivotS7.'rllenlillimlltlldi~tancehetweellthellserlsfeeti~adJIlsted by way of turning stop screw (~
Provision for the user to rotate their lower limb about their hip jOillt while in the bracing is hy way of a rotation arrangemellt, within whic h rotation r od ~4 is free to turn within the vertical l-oreofthigllllillgebart~l andisretainedwithinbyretainitlgscrew(iS,tlleendofwhichlocating into a radial groc ve Steel ball ~ positiolled tc take the encl forcces apr~lied to rotation rod -x 21375~0 f 4 The lower end of rotation rod ~4 is secured into the hore of upper tlligll rod 4X hy riveted cross pill 7 'T`he stepped upper end of thigh rod 4X engages with the stepped lower end of thigh hinge har (il with a clearance between the verti- al fa~c~i of ea~h step to provide the re~uired atllnullt of rotation that best suits the user l igures 13 and 14 show an example cc nfigllratiotl of the free swinging knee hinge IJpl er leg ro(l end ~2 i~ free to pivot between hardened steel washer~ ~9 and 7~ and about headed pivot pin 71 the end of whicll is secured tightly into the cross hole hl lower ~higll rod end 72 and riveted so as to allow upper leg rod end f~2 to swing freely with the millillluln of side play Referritlg to figure 1~ 'I'he lower thigh rod 45~ and upper leg rod 5() haVillg cross holes are located and clamped tightly within the respective slotted vertical b ores of lower thigll rod end 72 and upper leg rod end X hy clamping cross serews 7~ and 74 l igure~ 15 and I (~ ~how an example arrangeltlellt for lo~ ating and se~-llrirlg the uscr'~ leg to ul-per leg rod S() Upper leg rod S() and strap frame 75 pass througll the bores of clamping block~;
7- and 77 and arc sccurcd in thc desircd positioll hy c lalllping screws 7X and 7'~ Strap frame 75 pa~ses arc und and clear of the u~er's calf and forms a vertical memher lo tlle end of whicll is riveted knee strap 2() This configuration allows strap X() and foam cusl~ioning Xl to l-e positiorled UpOtl Ihe user's knee at a point least likely to cause pre~sllte ~ore problenls while leaving the rear of the knee clear to allow the user unrestricted knee movemellt The free end of knee strap 2() can be wrapped arolltld upper leg rod S() or tlle outer end of strap frame 75 whichevcr is most appropriate for the user and is se~llred to its otller end by way of a slide X2 Referring to figures 17 and I X ~Sideways positioning of strap frame 75 relative to upper leg rod 5() to align witll the user's lee is provided by way o f rotating clamping hlocks 7- and 77 ~l~oll~ ulll-er Ic~ ro(l :s() all(l I ot;~ tr<~p ~ c 7~ wi~llil) lI~c l~orc~; -rcl.lnll-i,l~ I-lock~; 7- an(l 77 Figure lX shows strap frartle 75 more inward to that of the setting ~hown in figure 17 A user llaving the ability to control tlleir own foot and toe lift about their ankle while walking would only re~uire a ~imple free swing ankle hinge (not shown) to use and gain benefit from ~he presellt invelltion I lowevel- for a user re~luiring help with such there is provided an ankle hirlge WlliC'h helps to lift the foot and toes about the ankle l igure~ 22 ~nd 23 ~llow an ex~ml-le collfigllratioll of a ~ring--loaded allkle hill~e Foot r~late 1(~3 pivots hetween hardened wasllers 1()4 and 1(~5 and aho-lt headed pin 1 ()( whicll is secured hltO the cross hore of spring block 1()7 hy riveting its smallet diameter en(l I oot plate 1(13 is rge(l to pivot ahollt headed pill 1 ()(i by conlpres!;iOn ~;pring 1 ()X acting tlll ougll domed-ended ~nd har(lened plunger 1()9 whi~ 11 behlg a slide fit within a vertical bore of spritlg block 1()7 pllshes downward~ upon the canl profile of font plate 1 ()3 the t`orce being ad justable by way of turtlitlg ad justing screw 1 1 () l'he lower leg rc d 51 - see figure I () - is located and clamped tightly within tlle slotted vertical bore of spring block 1()7 by clamping screw 1 1 1 Foot plate 1()3 is ~e~ured or releasably secured to the user's footwear ushlg exisling c rthotic praetiees Figure 2~ shows one side of tlle arrangemellt for tllose users re~uiring additional upper body l~racillg ~'he tuhlllar pelvic sidc ~upport 3X is exten(le(l to protlll(le ahove pelvic side 42 providing a vertical housin~ into which slides rourld tubular thoracic lnenlbers 134 in a - 9- 2137~5 0 `
telescopic fashion The top portion of thoracic member 134 is pres!ied flat and Inas cross holes, throughwhichpas~rivet~ 136 tosecuretl1ellpperbodybral ingle~uirernentsofthellserwhicll, hl this exaltlple, comprises a sillll le chest s~rap 1~7 all(1 h.l~ k slr~p I ~X arrangenlellt The top of pelvic ~ide ~upport 3X has a vertical slit, over which ~lides cktlllping ring 1~, which secllres thoracic member 134 into pelvic side ~upport 3X, at the desired heigllt, hy tightelling screw 1 3~i Referring to figure ~ The pelvi~ bracing arrangement is releasably secllred to the frame by mea-ls of peg X3, which slidex into the ver~ical bore of stepped ca~h X4 welded to the top face of frame ~tem X~ - see figure 2 The anglllar face of a flat machined into the rear ~ide of the l~rger diameter of tlle peg X3, locates face to face with that of the stepped catch X4, preventing peg X~ from rotating witllin stepped catcll X4 'I'he upper diameter of peg X3 is clamped hetweerltlletwollalvesofrearpelvicclampillgrllerllber3(3andfllrthel secllredbywayof~crew 131 located into the vertical threaded hole in the top end of peg X3, whicll is tiglltened onto wasller 132 an(i top face of clamping member 3'3 Referring to figllres t and 19~ Means for adjustitlg the height of ~he pelvic bracing is provided by way of frame stem ~;~, being of a ~lide fit into the bore of vertical llpright of main frame 22, in a telescopic fashion and is set at the desired hei~ht by ~ecuring the two halve~ of ~top X7 onto frame stem X5 by tightening the two clatllpillg screws Xf~ Tllis arrallgement allows frame stet~l K~ to be lifted from main franle 22, withollt affecti-lg tlle setting and so reducillg ~he overall heigllt o f the llnit for easier transpol t and storage l~or re-llse, stenl X~ is re-located into frame 22, its downward travel within such heirlg arrested at the previously set height when stop X7 make~ contact with the top end face of frame 22 l~igllre2()sllowsdetailoftllerearpll11eyarrallgelllell~,arolllldwllicllrearcontrolstrap3passes - see figllre 1 Needle hearing~ are fitted into either en(l of the h(7re in plllley 4. (only the lower nee(lle be~ring ~X ~hown), whicll is free to r~ tate, between washers 9:~ and 9~', upon vertical ~Yil X(~, tllc cll(l~ of wllicll are loca~e(l witllin tlle ~i~m~lk~r l~ores of c la~ -illg l-locks 9(~ an(l 91 'I'lle larger bores of clamping blocks (3() and '~1 are located and free to slide upon the rear plllley franle '~2, providing the means to adjllst the height of the rear pulley arrangelllent, wllicll is seellred upon rear pulley frame 92 by tightenillg clamping screws 93 and ~)4 Referring to figures 19 and 2 Rear pulley frame 92 is located and can slide within the hore of clamping block 113, which i~ located and can slide upon frame stem %5, the whole arrangement enabling the rear pulley assembly to be positioned at any height to the rear of the user's lower limb~ and being secured at tlle desired position by tiglltenillg elamping sclews 112 F igllle 21 sllows detail of the front pulley arrangenlent, arn-lnd wllicll frnnt colltrol strap I
p~sses - also see fignre 1 Front pulley 2 is fitted with two needle bearings, similat to that c f rear pulley 4, and is free to rotate, 17etweetl washers 97 and 9X, upnn vertical axil 99, the upper end of which is located into holes in front meml7er 9 and is secured by brazing Front control strap I is prevented from leavin,~ the front pulley arrangemellt by a keep strap 1()(), made from wehbing or similar material whi~ 11, having a cross hole at either end, locates upon axil 99, so a~ to bridge front pulley 2 Tlle frn-lt pulley asselllbly is retained upon axil 99 by tight fitting mbber buslles 1()1 and 1()2 I`he hracillg is of a configuration that allows the ~Iser to don and doff wllile sitting in a cllair nr tlle like
Claims (43)
1 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid comprising a wheeled frame, pelvic bracing, lower limb bracing, means for interconnecting the user's lower limbs via the wheeled frame to control the correct position, movement and angle of the foot to knee portion of the user's lower limbs relative to each other and to that of the pelvis while standing and walking.
2 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the means for interconnecting the user's lower limbs via the wheeled frame is by way of at least one strap, which can reciprocate around a member of the wheeled frame, when its ends are attached one to each of the user's lower limbs.
3 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2 wherein means to adjust the height at which the ends of the strap are attached to the rear of the user's lower limbs is provided.
4 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claims 1 to 3 wherein means to adjust the height of the member of the wheeled frame, around which a strap to the rear of the user can reciprocate, is provided.
A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claims 1 to 4 wherein the member of the wheeled frame, around which the strap can reciprocate, is a pulley.
6 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the means for interconnecting the user's lower limbs via the wheeled frame is by way of at least one steel cable, which can slide through conduit secured to the wheeled frame, when its ends are attached one to each of the user's lower limbs.
7 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the means for linking the user's lower limbs to the wheeled frame is by way of at least one beam, pivoted at its centre attachment to the wheeled frame, its ends pivotally attached one to each of the user's lower limbs.
8 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the wheeled frame has at least two wheels.
9 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means for the user to change direction of travel of the wheeled frame is provided by way of at least one frame wheel arrangement being able to swivel about a vertical axis horizontally off-set to that of the wheel axil.
A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 9 wherein means to adjust the amount by which a front wheel axil is horizontally off-set to vertical axis about which it can swivel is provided.
11 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claims 9 and 10 wherein means to adjust the amount of torque required to swivel the front wheel arrangement about its vertical axis is provided.
12 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claims 9, 10 and 11 wherein means to adjust the amount of torque required to swivel the front wheel arrangement about its vertical axis is provided by way of an adjustable slipping clutch arrangement.
13 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein means for adjusting the distance between any opposing wheels is provided.
14 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein means for adjusting the distance between the front and rear wheels is provided.
A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein means for adjusting the width of the accommodation within the pelvic bracing in provided.
16 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 15 wherein means for adjusting the width of the accommodation within the pelvic bracing is provided by way of a left and a right horizontal arm, each of which curve from the hip side to a vertical axis at the rear of the pelvic from which the distance between the hip side ends can be pivotally adjusted and secured.
17 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 16 wherein hip bracing members are adjustably secured on a vertical axis to each hip side arm end.
18 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein means for supporting the users buttocks is provided by way of a wide flexible belt located horizontally around the buttocks, its ends attached to hip bracing members either side of the user.
19 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 18 wherein means for a adjusting the length of the flexible belt is provided so as to correctly align the user's hips with the orthotic hip hinges.
A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the pelvic bracing arrangement can be detached from the wheeled frame assembly by means of a releasable catchment arrangement.
21 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 20 wherein the releasable catchment means is by way of a vertical peg engaging into a vertical bore.
22 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 20 and Claim 21 wherein the means for preventing the vertical peg from rotating in the vertical bore is by way of providing a flat angular faced step in each, which engage face to face when the vertical peg is fully engaged into vertical bore.
23 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein means for adjusting the height of the pelvic bracing relative to the wheeled frame is provided by way of a vertical rod to which the pelvic bracing is releasably secured being located and able to slide within the bore of a vertical member of the wheeled frame, in a telescopic fashion.
24 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 23 wherein the vertical rod and the bore of the vertical member of the wheeled frame are multi-sided to prevent one from rotating within the other.
A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claims 23 and 24 wherein means for arresting the downward movement of vertical rod within the bore of the vertical member of the wheeled frame at the required height, allows the vertical member to be lifted and removed from the bore of the vertical member of the wheeled frame in order to reduce the overall height of the wheeled frame assembly for easier transporting or storage, while maintaining the height setting for re-assembly and use.
26 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claims 23, 24 and 25 wherein means for arresting the downward movement of vertical rod within the bore of the vertical member of the wheeled frame at the required height, is provided by way of a stop in the form of a clamping band positioned and clamped around the vertical member so as to arrest its downward movement into the vertical member of the wheeled frame when making contact with the end face of such.
27 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one or more of the frame wheels are mounted on a sub-frame horizontally hinged to the main frame.
28 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 27 wherein a resilient means acting between the sub-frame and main frame urges the sub-frame downwardly about the horizontal hinge relative to the main frame.
29 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 28 wherein the force exerted by resilient means acting between the sub-frame and main frame is adjustable.
A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in claims 28 and 29 wherein the resilient means acting between the sub-frame and main frame is a compression coil spring.
31 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means for adjusting the distance between the hinges of the lower limb bracing is by way of releasable clamping arrangements positioned across the overlapping independent vertical members secured to each orthotic hinge.
32 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in claim 31 wherein the means for adjusting the rotational relationship between each orthotic hinge is by way of the overlapping independent vertical members secured to each orthotic hinge being round in section and able to rotate and be secured within the round bores of clamping arrangements positioned across their over-lap.
33 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 32 wherein the clamping arrangements are blocks, each having the section between their two vertical bores slitted through into each bore, and the sections either side of the slit drawn together with a clamping cross screw to close both bores and effectively clamp the suitably adjusted independent vertical members within.
34 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein means to allow the user to sidestep is by way of providing horizontal orthotic hinge to the sides of the bracing at hip level.
A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 34 wherein the sidestep hinges are incorporated into the forward swinging hip hinge arrangements.
36 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claims 34 and 35 wherein means to limit the amount by which the lower limbs can sidestep inwards about the sidestep hinges is provided.
37 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 36 wherein the means to limit the amount by which the lower limbs can sidestep inwards about the sidestep hinges is adjustable.
38 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means for the user to rotate their lower limb about the hip is provided.
39 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 38 wherein means for the user to rotate their lower limb about the hip is provided by way of a vertical axis pivot located between orthotic hip and knee hinges.
A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claims 38 and 39 wherein means to limit the amount by which the user can rotate their lower limb about the hip is provided.
41 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein means to urge the user's foot to toe-up is provided.
42 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid as claimed in Claim 41 wherein the means to urge the user's foot to toe-up is provided by way of a spring-loaded ankle hinge.
43 A lower limb co-ordination walking aid substantially as described herein with reference to figures 1-30 of the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9325887.9 | 1993-12-17 | ||
| GB9325887A GB2284768B (en) | 1993-12-17 | 1993-12-17 | Lower limb co-ordination walking aid |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2137650A1 true CA2137650A1 (en) | 1995-06-18 |
Family
ID=10746817
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2137650 Abandoned CA2137650A1 (en) | 1993-12-17 | 1994-12-08 | Lower limb walking aid |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2137650A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2284768B (en) |
Cited By (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US8448960B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2013-05-28 | Julian Liu | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8505936B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2013-08-13 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8573613B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2013-11-05 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8602424B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2013-12-10 | Evolution Technologies, Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8936256B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2015-01-20 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US9022413B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2015-05-05 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US9339432B2 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2016-05-17 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Walker apparatus and backrest therefor |
| US9415635B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2016-08-16 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US9744094B2 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2017-08-29 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Walker apparatus and backrest therefor |
| US10053062B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2018-08-21 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Brake assembly for a height-adjustable walker apparatus |
| USD828701S1 (en) | 2017-02-17 | 2018-09-18 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Set of seat cushions |
| USD886494S1 (en) | 2016-02-26 | 2020-06-09 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Set of seat cushions |
| US10730489B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2020-08-04 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Brake assembly for height-adjustable patient transport apparatus |
| US11648922B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2023-05-16 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Manually-operated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, and a brake assembly and wheel fork assembly thereof |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9809755D0 (en) * | 1998-05-08 | 1998-07-08 | R T Palmer Limited | Orthotic walker |
| GB2344769B (en) * | 1998-12-17 | 2000-11-22 | David Hart | Orthotic bracing walking trainer |
| LT5992B (en) * | 2012-06-26 | 2014-02-25 | Uab "Vildoma" | The rehalabilative walker |
| ES2472490B1 (en) * | 2012-12-28 | 2015-04-13 | Carmelo SANTOS MERLO | Walker, especially suitable for children with cerebral palsy |
| CN105451825A (en) * | 2013-06-17 | 2016-03-30 | 巴鲁赫·马科维茨 | Exercise apparatus and system for stationary users |
| CN104146851A (en) * | 2014-03-11 | 2014-11-19 | 鲁兵 | Active type multifunctional rehabilitative apparatus enabling patients to stand up, squat and walk |
| JP6052235B2 (en) * | 2014-05-27 | 2016-12-27 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Walking training device |
| NO20160192A1 (en) * | 2016-02-04 | 2017-04-10 | Made For Movement Group As | A walker |
| CN112603624B (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2022-11-08 | 苏州市立医院 | Walking posture correction device for rehabilitation training of child cerebral palsy |
| GB2617311A (en) * | 2021-12-27 | 2023-10-11 | Hart Walker Uk Ltd | Device to aid walking |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4211426A (en) * | 1978-07-31 | 1980-07-08 | Everest & Jennings, Inc. | Weight relieving ambulator |
| GB2231500B (en) * | 1989-05-16 | 1993-04-14 | David Hart | Walking support orthosis |
-
1993
- 1993-12-17 GB GB9325887A patent/GB2284768B/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1994
- 1994-12-08 CA CA 2137650 patent/CA2137650A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (19)
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| US9192541B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2015-11-24 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8448960B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2013-05-28 | Julian Liu | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8602424B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2013-12-10 | Evolution Technologies, Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8936256B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2015-01-20 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US9022413B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2015-05-05 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8454034B2 (en) | 2008-10-08 | 2013-06-04 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US9320672B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2016-04-26 | Evolution Technolgies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8573613B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2013-11-05 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8864151B1 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2014-10-21 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US8505936B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2013-08-13 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US9415635B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2016-08-16 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Foldable walker apparatus |
| US9339432B2 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2016-05-17 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Walker apparatus and backrest therefor |
| US9744094B2 (en) | 2014-02-28 | 2017-08-29 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Walker apparatus and backrest therefor |
| US11648922B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2023-05-16 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Manually-operated, height-adjustable wheeled vehicle, and a brake assembly and wheel fork assembly thereof |
| US10730489B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2020-08-04 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Brake assembly for height-adjustable patient transport apparatus |
| US11220246B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2022-01-11 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Brake assembly for height-adjustable patient transport apparatus |
| US10053062B2 (en) | 2015-09-02 | 2018-08-21 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Brake assembly for a height-adjustable walker apparatus |
| USD886494S1 (en) | 2016-02-26 | 2020-06-09 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Set of seat cushions |
| USD828701S1 (en) | 2017-02-17 | 2018-09-18 | Evolution Technologies Inc. | Set of seat cushions |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2284768B (en) | 1997-11-26 |
| GB9325887D0 (en) | 1994-02-23 |
| GB2284768A (en) | 1995-06-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDC | Correction of dead application (reinstatement) | ||
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |