DE102015101696B3 - Walker and walker - Google Patents

Abstract

A walking and walking aid for transmitting forces of the arm and upper body muscles to the leg muscles, wherein on a belt around the waist of a person (1) with rearwardly projecting holder (2), two flexible, pressure-resistant in the direction of development sheaths (3) attached to the holder (2). In the sheaths (3) an inextricable, flexible tension member (4) is guided, which is connected at one end by means of handle (5) with one hand and at the other end by means of sleeve (6), each with one leg in the knee area. The sheaths (3) with the traction elements (4) are guided over the shoulders and intersect once in the back area. The tension member (4) is fixed in the handles (5) on a fixable up and unrolling device (8). In a further embodiment, the sheaths (3) with the traction elements (4) are not mounted on the holder (2) of the belt (1) but are fastened on the rearwardly projecting traction-element holder (15) of a backpack (14).

Description

The invention relates to a walking and walking aid for transmitting forces of the arm and upper body muscles to the leg muscles.

When walking and running, the forces required for locomotion in humans are mainly applied by the muscles of the lower limbs (legs). The slowing down of the body - for example, when going downhill - takes over the leg and trunk muscles. The arms and the upper body contribute at most with sweeping movements to a locomotion.

Efforts are therefore being made to make better use of the muscles of the upper body and arms for locomotion (for positive acceleration, but also for braking).

• – Kraftimpulse aus den Armen werden durch das unmittelbare Setzen der Stöcke auf den Boden ruckartig übertragen, was wiederum eine Belastung für die Hand-, Ellbogen- und Schultergelenke darstellt.
• – Die Kräfte aus Armen und Oberkörper verpuffen teilweise oder vollständig, wenn die Stöcke an ungeeigneter Stelle platziert werden oder wegrutschen.
• – Stöcke erfordern hohe Aufmerksamkeit beim Platzieren der Stockenden am Boden (vor allem bei unebenem Untergrund), da ansonsten die Gefahr des Wegrutschens oder sogar des Stolperns besteht, falls dabei das Gleichgewicht verloren wird oder die Stöcke zwischen die Beine geraten.
• – Bei Nordic-Walking-Stöcken müssen, je nach Untergrund (Asphalt- oder Naturweg), die Stockspitzen ausgetauscht werden um ausreichend Halt zu erzielen. Dieser Wechsel zwischen Metall- und Gummispitzen ist zeitaufwendig und unterbricht den Gehrhythmus.
• – Stöcke können ihre unterstützende Funktion beim Bergabgehen, wenn überhaupt (im Fall von Nordic-Walking-Stöcken auf Grund ihrer Länge), nur recht umständlich durch exaktes Aufsetzen vor dem Körper und geschicktes Ausbalancieren der Stützkräfte entfalten und erfordern somit viel Koordination, Aufmerksamkeit und Konzentration.
• – Stöcke blockieren die Hände, da sie mit diesen natürlich gehalten werden müssen, was schnelles Hantieren erschwert und die Bewegungsfreiheit einschränkt (vor allem wenn die Stöcke durch Schlaufen an den Händen festgezurrt sind).
• – Laufen ist mit Stöcken auf Grund der hohen Anforderungen an die Augen-Hand-Beinkoordination nur wenig sinnvoll.
• – Stöcke erzeugen eine erhebliche, für Viele als störend empfundene Geräuschkulisse durch das Setzen und Schleifen der Stockspitzen auf dem Untergrund.
• – Stöcke stellen zusätzliche, lose, sperrige Ausrüstungsgegenstände dar, welche mitgetragen, extra verstaut, beziehungsweise leicht vergessen werden können.

Sticks of all kinds (walking sticks, walking sticks, Nordic Walking sticks) represent a possibility to transfer force from the arms and the upper body to the ground and thus to provide additional propulsion or braking effects. The disadvantages of sticks, however, are manifold:

• - Power pulses from the arms are transmitted by the immediate placement of the sticks on the ground jerky, which in turn is a burden on the hand, elbow and shoulder joints.
• - The arms and torso forces partially or completely deflate when the sticks are placed in an improper place or slip away.
• - Sticks require a lot of attention when placing the stick ends on the ground (especially on uneven ground), otherwise there is a risk of slipping or even stumbling, if the balance is lost or the sticks get between the legs.
• - For Nordic Walking poles, depending on the surface (asphalt or natural path), the pole tips must be replaced to achieve sufficient grip. This change between metal and rubber tips is time consuming and interrupts the rhythm.
• - Sticks can develop their supporting function when going downhill, if at all (in the case of Nordic walking sticks due to their length), only cumbersome by exact placement in front of the body and skillful balancing of the support forces and thus require a lot of coordination, attention and concentration ,
• - Sticks block the hands, as they must be kept natural with them, which makes fast handling difficult and restricts freedom of movement (especially when the sticks are lashed by loops on the hands).
• - Walking with sticks due to the high demands on the eye-hand-leg coordination makes little sense.
• - Sticks create a significant, for many disturbing noise by setting and grinding the stick tips on the ground.
• - Sticks are additional, loose, bulky pieces of equipment, which can be carried, stowed extra, or easily forgotten.

Systems that generate upper-limb force transmission directly to the legs are also known:
The DE 10 2006 044 988 A1 discloses a system which is intended to facilitate the lifting of the legs, etc., by means of elastic traction elements stretched between the upper body and the feet, and to support the lowering of the legs by the arm muscles by means of sticks fastened to the shoes. However, this leads to an unnatural movement, since then walking or running is possible only in the so-called pass passage. However, man's natural gait is characterized by the movement of arms and legs (the right leg in front of the body, then the left arm and vice versa). In addition, the strength of the arms must also be used to stretch the elastic traction organs, which should support the leg when lifting. This force can not be used for movement. Furthermore, the elastic traction organs do not support the stretching movement of the leg muscles. However, this downward-backward stretching motion is responsible for the actual propulsion in the movement. Thus, with this system, the power from the arm and upper body muscles is transmitted only on the sticks on the feet. Again, many of the above-mentioned disadvantages apply to these sticks attached to the feet.

In the following describe the US Pat. No. 7,628,742 B2 and the US Pat. No. 6,287,242 B1 Fitness equipment, in whose execution it belongs, that arms and legs are connected by elastic tension organs. Accordingly, when an elastic pulling member is stretched by movement of the leg muscles, the pulling force of the pulling member on the arm connected thereto increases and vice versa. So a simultaneous training of the upper and lower extremities is to be made possible. Walking or running, however, can not be supported by this construction, since pulling the traction member with the arm causes only movement of the heel in the direction of the buttocks and no stretching movement necessary for locomotion or deceleration backwards-downwards. Due to the elasticity of the traction elements, a lot of force is also invested in their elongation (which indeed also the Training effect) and not in the movement of the extremities. In addition, again only movement in the bass chord is possible (left arm moves left leg and vice versa). These systems are inventively designed not for the support of locomotion, but for training purposes of the muscles.

Similar purposes also follow from the US 5 792 034 A . DE 20 2004 004 642 U1 and DE 10 2006 041 348 A1 known systems, in no case a mechanical connection between the arms and legs is provided and thus no power transfer from the upper body to the leg muscles can take place.

Under WO 2011/111 927 A2 is a walking aid described whose purpose is to ensure the correct posture and movement of the arms during walking, and not to support the leg muscles.

A device for relieving the knee joints of mountaineers is under DE 43 44 415 A1 described. However, this relief is not due to the support of the braking movement during downhill through the upper body muscles, but on a mechanical support device between the thigh and lower leg.

The invention has for its object to provide a walking and walking aid for transmitting forces of the arm and upper body muscles on the leg muscles, do not occur in the above-mentioned disadvantages, or to improve traction systems between the arms and legs to the effect that walking and running movements through Use of the arm and upper body muscles are supported.

This is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are proposed according to the subclaims.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment according to the drawings, wherein

1 , the walker and walker,

2 , the walker and walker on a person from behind,

3 , the walker and walker on a person from diagonally forward,

4 , the handles of the walker and walker from both sides,

5 , an open handle of the walker and walker and

6 , show the walking and walking aid (without handles and cuffs) as a version on a backpack.

Walking and walking movements in humans come about through the coordinated use of the lower extremities (legs). The main responsible for the forward movement and therefore by far the most power-consuming movement phase is the stretching movement in the hip and knee joint of the pressure leg. Pressure leg is understood to mean that leg which has straight contact with the ground during running, or on which most of the body weight is loaded while walking, and thus pressure can be exerted on the floor in both cases. This extension leads to a movement of the pressure leg down-to-back in relation to the center of gravity. If this movement can be carried out with additional force to the force of the pressure-leg musculature, the result is either a faster and / or more space-consuming movement or a saving in the power of the leg musculature with a constant quality of movement. Both are associated with an increase in performance and thus improve or facilitate the walking and running movement.

Those leg muscles responsible for knee and hip extension are also loaded when forward movement is to be slowed down, especially if it is a downward movement. With prolonged downhill, therefore, there is often a particularly heavy load on the anterior thigh muscles and the associated tendon and ligamentous apparatus around the knee joint. A consequence of this may be knee pain, as the knee joint is no longer sufficiently supported by the tiring muscles. Additional strength for the leg muscles can also help to relieve and ease discomfort.

The walker and walker now offers a way to apply additional force for these stretching and braking movements, without significantly changing the natural movement and without the aid of any engine or external energy sources. The construction of the walker and walker makes it possible to use the muscles of the arms and the upper body, which are hardly used in conventional walking and running, as an additional power source for the leg muscles.

The walker and walker consists of a strap around the waist of a person 1 With rear protruding bracket 2 (subsequently bracket 2 called) and two on this bracket 2 attached flexible, pressure-resistant in the direction of development sheaths 3 (subsequently covers 3 or shell 3 called). In these cases 3 is ever an und stretchable, flexible tension member 4 (in continuation Zugorgan 4 called) (eg wire rope), which at one end by means of a handle 5 with one hand and at the other end by means of cuff 6 connected to one leg in the knee area. The covers 3 with the train organs 4 be put over your shoulders. In the area of the shoulders lie the covers 3 on the covers 3 attached upholstered pads 7 , The combination of shell 3 and the traction element guided therein 4 can be considered as a kind of Bowden cable.

The strap 1 rearwardly projecting bracket 2 may be about a rod construction or a block of dimensionally stable material.

The traction organs 4 be on the handles 5 held with his hands, in the covers 3 guided over the left or right shoulder (the shoulders thus serve as a first lever), cross at the back, are on the bracket 2 guided, which thus serves as a second lever, kick out of the cases 3 and are used with the legs by below the knees at the level of the patellar tendon cuffs 6 connected in the popliteal region. It is important that the traction elements used 4 Inextricable and in no way elastic, since the most direct power transmission from the arms and upper body to the legs should be ensured.

Because of the cases 3 with the train organs 4 over the bracket 2 are guided and attached to this, are the traction elements 4 at this point one of the execution of the holder 2 corresponding distance far away from the back. This distance of the traction elements 4 From the body is therefore crucial for the functioning of the walker and walker, because it creates a lever that causes the leg, which is connected to the tension member 4 pulled, can be guided far beyond the center of gravity and not only - as it is without this bracket 2 the case would be - to a position just below the body's center of gravity. Only then is the support of a forward movement through the walker and walker possible.

If you pull the handle with your left hand 5 , which is located on the front of the body approximately at the level of the navel, down, created by the crossing of the traction organs 4 a pull on the right leg, which leads to leg extension in the hip and knee joint. The same movement of the right hand, conversely, supports the extension of the left leg. The result is that the natural, counteracting movement of arms and legs can be maintained while walking and running and not the unnatural Bassgang must be taken.

The handles 5 are ergonomically adapted to the hands, so that repeated pressure can be built up without causing sores. The hands are from above, so with the palm pointing to the ground, on the handles 5 placed. At the handles 5 are the traction organs 4 attached. In the handles 5 is a fixable roll-up device 8th for the tension member 4 integrated, which consists of a coil 9 and a fixable crank 10 consists. The tension element 4 is on this coil 9 attached and can by means of fixable crank 10 or other device on this and unwound. By winding or unrolling the tension member 4 The walker and walker can be adapted to different conditions (body size and shape of the person using them, preferred grip position relative to the body).

The covers 3 in which the traction organs 4 from the area of the chest over the shoulders to the buttocks, ensure that no incisive friction and thus injury to the skin or damage to the clothing occur when on the traction organs 4 is pulled. Through these covers 3 In addition, the loss of force is reduced by frictional resistance. By crossing the traction organs 4 in the back area it would be without sheaths 3 In addition to constant rubbing together of the traction elements 4 and corresponding wear and tear and power losses occur.

The cuffs 6 are made of elastic, soft material, are placed at the level of the patellar tendon around the knee or upper leg and using Velcro 11 or similar closure mechanisms attached. On this elastic, soft material is a leg strap 12 attached, which can be lashed around the leg and at the back of the knees the tension member 4 by means of a suitable fastening device 13 (Carabiner, click fastener, etc.) is attached. The soft cuff 6 prevents an unpleasant cutting of the leg strap 12 , The position of the cuffs 6 and the leg straps 12 for the attachment of the tension member 4 just below the knee is crucial for the function of the walker and walker. An attachment to the thigh would be the main muscle groups of the legs due to the traction of the traction organs 4 to squeeze. An attachment to the ankle or foot would not lead to the desired stretching movement in the knee and hip joint, but to angling the lower leg to the buttocks.

The covers 3 with the train organs 4 can from the bracket 2 in a second version of the walker and walker on the back of a backpack 14 be attached. The full backpack 14 takes over the lever function of the holder 2 , Is the backpack 14 empty, this can be spread by a suitable measure from the inside - such as by inserting a dimensionally stable plastic insert - to ensure the lever function or the backpack 14 is designed to be dimensionally stable from the outset in the lower part or with a traction element holder projecting to the rear 15 provided so that the lever function even when the backpack is empty 14 is available.

If the walker or runner holds one or both handles 5 in the hand / hands, he can with each Armzug down-behind - as it corresponds to the natural walking and running movement - additional power on the tension member 4 steer the walking and walking aid to the lower extremities. Thus, either the stretching movement or braking movement of the pressure leg can be supported.

The handles 5 can be easily released at any time without having to interrupt walking or running, leaving your hands free to use when needed. The handles 5 can do it on the belt 1 or - in another embodiment - the backpack 14 easily removable (eg by means of magnets 16 ) so that they do not swing freely when the hands are off the handles 5 be taken.

The walker and walker is easy to put on and take off the body and provides when used in combination with a backpack 14 for example, no additional loose equipment during hikes.

Since the arm and upper body muscles are stressed more than during normal walking and running, a training effect on these muscles occurs.

People who experience muscular problems of the anterior thigh muscles and, as a result, pain in the knee joint during walking down the mountain can reduce it by supporting the arms and upper body.

Claims (8)

A walker and walker for transmitting forces of the arm and upper body musculature to the leg muscles, characterized in that on a belt around the waist of a person ( 1 ) with rearwardly projecting holder ( 2 ), two flexible, pressure-resistant sheaths ( 3 ) on the rearwardly projecting holder ( 2 ) and inextensible, flexible tension members ( 4 ), which in the two flexible, in the direction of pressure-resistant sheaths ( 3 ), at one end by means of a handle ( 5 ) with one hand and at the other end by means of cuff ( 6 ) are each connected to one leg in the knee area. Walking and walking aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the two in the flexible, in the direction of pressure-resistant sheaths ( 3 ) guided inextensible, flexible tension members ( 4 ) in the area of the back once. Walking and walking aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two in the flexible, in the direction of pressure-resistant sheaths ( 3 ) guided inextensible, flexible tension members ( 4 ) are guided over the shoulders and in this area on on the sheaths ( 3 ) attached padded pads lie. Walking and walking aid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inextensible, flexible tension member ( 4 ) in the handles ( 5 ) on a fixable roll-up device ( 8th ) is attached. Walking and running aid according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the handles ( 5 ) on the belt ( 1 ) can be removably attached. Walking and walking aid according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the belt applied around the waist of a person ( 1 ) with rearwardly projecting holder ( 2 ) through a backpack ( 14 ) with rearwardly projecting Zugorganhalterung ( 15 ) can be replaced, on which the flexible, in the direction of pressure-resistant sheaths ( 3 ) in which the inextensible, flexible traction elements ( 4 ), are detachably mounted. Walking and walking aid according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the belt applied around the waist of a person ( 1 ) with rearwardly projecting holder ( 2 ) through a filled backpack ( 14 ), on the back of which the flexible, pressure-resistant coverings ( 3 ), in which the inextensible, flexible traction elements ( 4 ), are detachably mounted. Walking and walking aid according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the handles ( 5 ) on the backpack ( 14 ) can be removably attached.

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