EP1264587B1 - Walking aid - Google Patents

Abstract

Walking aid comprises at least one, preferably pivoting leg (3) forming part of a propping up device. The propping up device also has at least one crutch and at least one further leg (3'). Preferred Features: The legs have an angled rod at one of their ends. An operating slide (63) or an operating rocker forms part of a pivoting mechanism.

Description

The invention relates to a crutch according to the preamble of claim 1.

Also known as walking aids crutches of the type discussed here are known. They serve to move without help from third parties, despite a present obstacle. Preference is given to one or two-part crutches, which are equipped with an ergonomically designed grip area. To move the body can be supported and relieved by the crutch. One or two hands are tied for the support of the walking motion due to the system. When the hands are needed for a manual job, the crutch is usually turned off.

There are also crutches, which have a swing leg (US-A-5295499). Often this can not be optimally served, so that the legs are not or only with difficulty be operated, so that the crutch can not always be safely turned off.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a crutch, which can be safely turned off when needed in a simple manner and thus avoids this disadvantage.

To solve this problem, a crutch is proposed which comprises the features mentioned in claim 1. It is characterized by being having a rocker switch. This can be easily shifted by gripping with two fingers, which causes a pivoting of the legs. For example, by pressing with the thumb, the actuating rocker can be pivoted. Thus, the user of the crutch can easily select between a workable crutch and a deployable crutch simply by operating the rocker switch. Depending on the functional position of the rocker so the legs are swung out, so in the parking position or folded, so that the crutch can be used.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the actuating rocker has an operating aid, in particular an extension, so that results in a larger lever and thus reduce the operating forces for pivoting the same.

Preferred is an embodiment of the walker, which is characterized in that the walker comprises two crutches, which are in addition to the pivotally mounted stand legs part of the Abstelleinrichtung with which the walker can be parked secured.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the one crutch, which is part of the Alstellvorrichtung, with another crutch is releasably connectable. This offers the advantage that the walker consisting of a crutch, which can be parked secured by means of the storage device, without modifications, only by adding the other crutch, to a two-part Walker can be supplemented, which is also secured as a whole off.

Further advantages emerge from the remaining subclaims.

Figur 1

eine Seitenansicht einer zweiteiligen Krücke;

Figur 2

eine Rückansicht einer abgestellten zweiteiligen Krücke;

Figur 3

eine Draufsicht auf zwei Klemmringe mit einem Verbindungselement;

Figur 4

eine Draufsicht auf ein Schwenklager für ein Standbein;

Figur 5

eine Seitenansicht einer einteiligen Krücke;

Figur 6

eine Seitenansicht einer einteiligen abgestellten Krücke;

Figur 7

eine Rückansicht einer einteiligen abgestellten Krücke;

Figur 8

eine Explosionszeichnung einer Schwenkmechanik für zwei Standbeine;

Figur 9

eine Seitenansicht der Schwenkmechanik aus Figur 8 in einer ersten Funktionsstellung;

Figur 10

eine Draufsicht auf die Schwenkmechanik in einer ersten Funktionsstellung;

Figur 11

eine Draufsicht auf die Schwenkmechanik in einer zweiten Funktionsstellung;

Figur 12

einen Querschnitt durch die Schwenkmechanik entlang der Linie 12-12 in einer zweiten Funktionsstellung;

Figur 13

einen Längsschnitt durch die Schwenkmechanik;

Figur 14

eine zweiteilige Krücke;

Figur 15

einen Längsschnitt durch eine Betätigungswippe;

Figur 16

eine Draufsicht auf die Betätigungswippe;

Figur 17

eine Draufsicht auf eine Bedienhilfe;

Figur 18

eine Seitenansicht einer Führungseinrichtung der Schwenkmechanik;

Figur 19

eine Draufsicht der Führungseinrichtung;

Figur 20

eine Vorderansicht der Führungseinrichtung;

Figur 21

eine Vorderansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der Führungseinrichtung;

Figuren 22 bis 24

verschiedene Ansichten eines Teils eines gekröpften Stabes und

Figur 25

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Führungseinrichtung der Schwenkmechanik.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. FIGS. 1 to 14 show crutches which do not belong to the invention and FIGS. 15 to 25 according to the invention. As shown in:

FIG. 1

a side view of a two-part crutch;

FIG. 2

a rear view of a parked two-piece crutch;

FIG. 3

a plan view of two clamping rings with a connecting element;

FIG. 4

a plan view of a pivot bearing for a pillar;

FIG. 5

a side view of a one-piece crutch;

FIG. 6

a side view of a one-piece parked crutch;

FIG. 7

a rear view of a one-piece parked crutch;

FIG. 8

an exploded view of a pivoting mechanism for two legs;

FIG. 9

a side view of the pivoting mechanism of Figure 8 in a first functional position;

FIG. 10

a plan view of the pivoting mechanism in a first functional position;

FIG. 11

a plan view of the pivoting mechanism in a second functional position;

FIG. 12

a cross section through the pivoting mechanism along the line 12-12 in a second functional position;

FIG. 13

a longitudinal section through the pivot mechanism;

FIG. 14

a two-piece crutch;

FIG. 15

a longitudinal section through a rocker switch;

FIG. 16

a plan view of the actuating rocker;

FIG. 17

a plan view of an operating aid;

FIG. 18

a side view of a guide means of the pivot mechanism;

FIG. 19

a plan view of the guide device;

FIG. 20

a front view of the guide device;

FIG. 21

a front view of another embodiment of the guide device;

FIGS. 22 to 24

different views of a part of a cranked bar and

FIG. 25

a perspective view of another embodiment of a guide device of the pivoting mechanism.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a two-part crutch, which is referred to below as a walking aid 1. It has a connecting element 5 with a clamping ring 30 and will be described below for explaining the technical background. General aspects also apply to the walking aid or crutch according to the invention. In essence, the walker 1 comprises a leg 3, a gripping device 7 with a handle 9 and an arm support 11, a telescopic support with an upper support 13 and a lower support 15 with a rubber foot 17. In the upper support 13, a bore 19 is introduced, can engage in the corresponding engagement means of the lower support 15 and thus allow a length adjustment of the support. The leg 3 is in a first functional position, which allows the use of the walker 1 as such. The leg 3 is arranged substantially parallel to the upper support 13 and lower support 15. On the lower support 15 is a stowage device 21, on which the leg 3 rests. By means of fixing forces, which are preferably applied by substances with ferromagnetic interactions, the pillar 3 is fixed in the first functional position. It is also conceivable that clips, latches, hook and loop fasteners, straps or the like are provided for applying the fixing forces. The stowage device 21 has a fastening device, not shown here, by means of which the stowage device 21 can be attached to a suitable location of the lower support 15.

At the upper support 13, a pivot bearing 23 is provided, by means of which the leg 3 can be pivoted into a second functional position. The pivot bearing 23 is attached by means of a retaining ring 25 on the upper support 13. The positioning of the retaining ring 25 is freely selectable within wide limits, so that the position of the supporting leg 3 at any time to the provided by means of the upper support 13 and lower support 15 height adjustment is customizable. The position is to be chosen so that in the first functional position, a lower end 27 of the supporting leg 3 is slightly above a lower end 29 of the rubber foot 17, so that a safe operation of the walking aid 1 is possible.

It can also be seen that the pillar 3 is designed much weaker than the support of the walker 1. That is, the pillar 3 is designed to optimize weight and space, so that this stowed without significant burden on the user of the walker 1 by means of the stowage device 21 and can always be carried.

FIG. 2 shows the walking aid 1 not belonging to the invention described in FIG. 1 with the leg 3 in the second functional position in the parked state. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of Figure 1.

The essential difference from Figure 2 is that the pillar 3 is pivoted into the second functional position and the connecting element 5 is joined together. The connecting element 5 forms a rotary or in the assembled state Swivel bearing, by means of which the two parts of the walker 1 can be pivoted against each other. In the figure it can be seen that the leg 3 forms a tripod together with the supports of the walker 1 in the second functional position. The lower ends 29 of the aid 1 and the lower end 27 of the supporting leg 3, are positioned relative to each other so that a secure parking on a support surface is made possible. The pivot bearing 23 is circumferentially at an angle which is for example 120 ° and due to the height adjustment of the walker 1 axially spaced from the connecting element 5 attached. This means that the two supports of the walker 1 and the leg 3 are each connected to each other via a pivot bearing or pivot bearing. The pivot and the rotation axis of the pivot or pivot bearing are in a spatial angle of, for example 60 ° to each other, which allows pivoting of the three rod-shaped components to a tripod. This ensures in the second functional position within wide limits, that the plumb line of the overall center of gravity of the walker 1 within an imaginary triangle of support points, which is formed by the lower ends 29 of the rubber feet 17 and the lower end 27 of the supporting leg 3, and thus a safe parking the walker 1 allows.

FIG. 3 shows the clamping rings 30 for the upper supports 13 of the walking aid 1 with the connecting element 5. The same parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that reference is made to the description of FIGS. 1 and 2.

The connecting element 5 essentially consists of two parts, which can be locked together in particular by means of a movement along a double arrow 31. In this case, a mandrel 33 of a male part 35 is inserted into a bore 37 of a receiving part 39. The mandrel 33 has a circumferential groove 41 and a chamfer 43. The chamfer 43 serves as a guide and facilitates the insertion of the male part 35 into the receiving part 39. The circumferential groove 41 serves as an abutment for not shown here in the receiving part 39 provided locking elements. By means of the circumferential groove 41 and the latching elements can thus the receiving part 39 and the male part 35 are coupled together and are in the latched state against each other twisted or pivoted.

The clamping rings 30 have threaded holes 45, which are each arranged on the opposite side of the receiving part or the male part 35. They serve to connect the clamping rings 30 with the supports 13 by means of a suitable fixing means, such as a grub screw.

To realize the second functional position in which the walker 1 forms a tripod, it is also conceivable, instead of the connecting element 5, a latchable ball joint, a rubber band or a completely different connecting element, which connects the upper supports 13 in the desired position with each other provide. It is essential only that the connection of the upper supports 13, through the user of the walker 1, in a simple manner and can be solved again.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the pivot bearing 23 and the retaining ring 25. To recognize the pillar 3, which is shown here only partially, with a bearing element 47 having a bore 49. On the retaining ring 25, two outer bearing elements 51 are mounted, which have a bore 53 and are substantially aligned. The outer bearing elements 51 form a receptacle in which the bearing element 47 is pivotally storable. FIG. 4 shows the arrangement in an exploded view. In the assembled state, there is a screw 55 in the bores 53 and 49, so that the bearing element 47 along a pivot axis, which is formed by the screw 55, is pivotable. In one of the holes 53 is an internal thread, which is not shown here, provided, in which the screw 55 engages. The retaining ring 25 is adapted to the upper support 13, that its inner diameter for introducing the upper support 13 is greater than the outer diameter of the upper support 13. The retaining ring 25 is elastic, so that by means of the screw 55 when fixing the same clamping forces are applied can, which fix the retaining ring 25 and thus the pivot bearing 23 to the upper support 13. The outer bearing elements 51 are displaced by the screw 55 so that their distance is reduced. Advantageously, the distance of the outer bearing elements 51 is to be chosen so that in addition to the clamping forces for the retaining ring 25, a further force acts, the outer bearing elements 51 against the Bearing element 47 presses. Thus, in the mounted state, inner surfaces 57 of the outer bearing elements 51 are in abutting contact with outer surfaces 59 of the bearing element 47. Over the contact contact arise frictional forces that hold the leg 3 safely after pivoting at any angle in the respective position. That is, the pivot bearing 23 is formed here as a friction bearing and fixes the leg 3 after pivoting in a selectable by the user of the walker 1 position. It is also conceivable to provide a stop which limits the pivoting movement of the supporting leg 3 relative to the support. This would be possible, for example, by extending the bearing element 47 so that it abuts directly against the upper support 13 during pivoting.

FIG. 5 shows a one-piece walker 1 not belonging to the invention, which has a release mechanism formed here as a swivel mechanism 61. Like parts are given the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

The essential difference from FIGS. 1 and 2 is that the storage device of the one-piece walker 1 comprises the swivel mechanism 61. By means of the pivoting mechanism 61 are two legs, which are part of the storage device, of which only the leg 3 is visible here, pivoted. The pivoting mechanism 61 has an actuating slide 63, which along a guide device 65 substantially parallel to the upper support 13 in a lower first operating position and is displaceable in an upper second operating position. By the displacement of the actuating slide 63 can be selected between a first and a second functional position. Shown here is the first functional position, in which the walker 1 is ready for operation and the legs are mounted substantially parallel to the upper support 13 and the lower support 15. The stowage device 21 'is modified from the stowage device 21 described in FIG. 1 such that two legs can be fixed.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the walking aid 1 described in FIG. 5 in the second functional position. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

It can be seen that the legs are in the second functional position, which allows a secure state of the walker 1, and the operating slide 63 is in its upper second operating position.

FIG. 7 shows the walking aid 1 described in FIGS. 5 and 6 in a rear view. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

The walker 1 is also shown in the second functional position, in which the legs 3, 3 'and the support of the walker 1 form a tripod. The actuating slide 63 is in the second operating position.

The legs 3, 3 'are guided by the actuating slide 63 such that this brings about the second functional position of the legs 3, 3' in the second operating position. That is, when the operating slide 63 is moved to the second operating position, while the legs 3, 3 'are guided out in the second functional position and finally locked there, so that the safe state of the tripod formed, despite any smaller from the outside on the walker 1 acting forces, such as by vibrations or small shocks, is guaranteed. It is also conceivable to provide more than two legs and / or provide instead of the pivoting mechanism 61 any pivot or Ailsstelleinrichtung for support legs.

It is clear from FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 that the legs 3, 3 'perform two movements during the displacement from the first functional position according to FIG. 5 into their second functional position, which is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7:

On the one hand, the legs 3, 3 'are spread apart from the position extending parallel to the supports 13 and 15, as shown in FIG. They thus conclude with the supports 13 and 15 an acute angle, which is chosen so that the walker 1 a secure fit place. Figure 7 shows that the legs 3, 3 'in the spread second functional position V-shaped to each other, so starting from the pivoting mechanism 61 have an ever greater distance from each other. So they also include an acute angle with each other. In the hinged first functional position, the legs 3, 3 'extend parallel to one another so that they are both securely held by the stowage device 21'.

FIG. 8 shows the swivel mechanism 61 not belonging to the invention, which can be used in particular for one-piece walking aids.

Evident are a portion of the upper support 13, the guide device 65, the actuating slide 63, two at an obtuse angle, between 0 ° and 90 °, preferably between 15 ° and 50 °, preferably about 25 °, cranked rods 67, 67 ' , An end stop 69, a bearing pin 71 and a holding counterpart 73. Under cranked is to be understood in the context of the present application, that in each case one end of the rods is angled.

The rods 67, 67 'have elbows each with a bore 75 and 75'. The elbow is the transition area, the interface between the respective staff and the angled end. The elbow may be rounded, curved, or have edges corresponding to the obtuse angle. The elbows shown in Figure 8 can be created by bending the rods 67, 67 'around the obtuse angle.

The rods 67, 67 'are here integral extensions of the legs 3, 3', ie part of the legs 3, 3 'and shown in Figure 8 cut off.

The guide device 65 likewise has a bore 77 which runs essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the upper support 13 and in which the bearing pin 71 is introduced in the mounted state. The bearing pin 71 forms, also in the assembled state, together with the bores 75, 75 'a pivot bearing for the cranked rods 67, 67'. In this case, the bore diameter of the bores 75, 75 'selected to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bearing pin 71. This has the consequence that in the pivot bearing a bearing clearance occurs, which allows pivoting about a, perpendicular to the actual first pivot axis, imaginary second pivot axis ,

The guide device 65 has four recesses 79, 79 ', 79'',79''', on which upper abutment areas 81, 81 'and lower abutment areas 83, 83' of the cranked rods 67, 67 'can be applied. In the first functional position of the legs 3, 3 'are the lower abutment portions 83, 83' with the inner surfaces of the recesses 79 '', 79 '''in abutting contact, so they are substantially parallel to each other, while the upper abutment portions 81, 81 'starting from the bearing pin 71 V-shaped apart. Analogously, in the second functional position of the legs 3, 3 ', the upper abutment regions 81, 81' are in abutting contact with the inner surfaces of the recesses 79, 79 '. In this functional position, the upper abutment regions 81, 81 'extend substantially parallel to one another, while the lower abutment regions 83, 83', according to FIG. 8, diverge in a V-shaped manner starting from the bearing pin 71. The position of the holes 75, 75 'in the elbows of the rods 67, 67' and the ratio of the bore diameter of the bores 75, 75 'to the bearing pin 71 are adjusted so that in the respective first and second functional position, the bearing clearance, so the Pivoting about the imaginary second pivot axis, maximum is used. This results in the first and the second functional position, on the contact in the upper and lower bearing areas 81, 81 ', 83, 83' and the bearing pin 71, a statically determined storage of the rods 67, 67 '. That is, the rods 67, 67 'are lockable storable in the respective first and second functional position. The locking takes place by means of the recesses 79, 79 ', 79'',79''', the contact areas 81, 81 ', 83, 83' and the bearing pin 71. That is, the guide means 65 with the recesses 79, 79 ', 79th '', 79 ''', the actuating slide 63 and the cranked rods 67, 67' themselves are part of a first and a second locking device. By means of the first and the second locking device, the cranked rods 67, 67 'and thus the legs 3, 3', are locked in the first and in the second functional position.

To change from a functional position to another functional position, the actuation slide 63 is moved from one actuation position to another Shifted operating position. In this case, the legs 3, 3 'by means of suitable contact surfaces of the actuating slide 63, the guide means 65 and the cranked rods 67, 67' from one functional position to the other. In the actuation positions, the actuation slide 63 is in abutting contact with the offset rods 67, 67 'in such a way that they are pressed into the recesses 79, 79', 79 '', 79 '''of the guide device 65.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the swivel mechanism 61 in the first functional position. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

Evident is the actuating slide 63, which is in its first operating position and is in abutting contact with the end stop 69. The end stop 69 thus effectively prevents the same when pushing the operating slide 63 pushing out the same. Further to recognize are the holding counterpart 73 and a connecting element 85, the clamping forces between the guide means 65 of the upper support 13 and the holding counterpart 73 builds and thus the pivot mechanism 61 securely fixed to the upper support 13.

The guide device 65 has a projection 87 which, together with the rods 67, 67 'and the actuating slide 63 forms a holding device for the actuating slide 63 in its second operating position. The operation of the holding device for the actuating slide 63 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG 12.

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the pivoting mechanism 61 in its first functional position.

In the figure, coinciding with the central axis of the bearing pin 71 first pivot axis is indicated by a dash-dotted line 89 around which the rods 67 and 67 'can be pivoted. It can also be seen that the pivot axis is not orthogonal to the part of the rod which faces the upper abutment regions 81, 81 '. This is possible because the pivot bearing formed by the bearing pin 71 and the not visible here bore 75 has a bearing clearance. The diameter of the bearing pin 71 and the not visible here holes 75, 75 'are - as already mentioned in Figure 8 - chosen so that in this functional position, the bearing clearance is fully utilized, so the bearing pin 71 maximum against the drilling axis, the here through a dotted line 91 is indicated, is tilted.

Due to the bearing clearance mentioned here, a rotational tilting movement of the rods 67, 67 'can be brought about by the actuation of the actuation slide 63. This results in alternately a spread of the central axes of the respective partial rods of the rods 67, 67 ', which ultimately has a show and Heranstellen the legs 3, 3', which are in extension of each of the partial rods of the rods 67, 67 'result.

FIG. 11 likewise shows a top view of the swivel mechanism 61 in the second functional position. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of Figure 1.

The main difference is that the actuating slide 63 is now in the second operating position and the rods 67, 67 'consequently lie in the second functional position. Evident is the pivot axis, which is shown by the dotted line 89 and the tilted drilling axis, which is shown by the dotted line 91. It becomes clear that the tilting of the drilling axis is exactly opposite in comparison to the first functional position. That is, the bearing clearance of the pivot bearing is maximally utilized in the opposite direction, as is the case with the first functional position. It can also be seen that the tilting movement of the rods 67, 67 'brought about by the actuating slide 63 leads to a spreading thereof away from the upper support 13. Because of this spread is formed by the support of the walker 1 and the legs 3, 3 ', which are each in extension of one of the partial rods of the rods 67, 67', a tripod.

The actuating slide 63 is in the second operating position and is held there by means of a holding device, which is not visible here, safely in this operating position. FIG. 12 shows a cross section of the pivoting mechanism 61 along the line 12-12. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

You can see the cut actuating slide 63 which surrounds the guide device 65. In this case, the projections 93, 93 'with the projection 87, 87' in abutting contact. The projection 87, 87 'is preferably formed as an inclined plane or ramp, and performs a frictional engagement in the plain bearing formed by the guide means 65 and the actuating slide 63. It can also be seen that a downwardly facing inner surface 95 of the actuating slide 63 is in abutting contact with the bars 67, 67 '. Due to the formation of the projection 87, 87 'as an inclined plane, the space in which the projections 93, 93' slide and arise when moving the operating slide 63 in the second operating position clamping forces on the operating slide 63 and on the inner surface 95th be transferred to the rods 67, 67 '. As a result, they are in turn pressed into the recesses 79, 79 '.

A thereby occurring frictional engagement causes two positive effects: first, the actuating slide 63 is held securely in the second operating position and secondly, the means of the not visible here bore 77 and also not visible bearing pin 71 mounted rods 67, 67 'in the also not visible here recesses 79, 79 'pressed and thus secured in addition to the locking already described in the pivot bearing.

It can also be seen that the upper support 13 is in abutting contact with the retaining piece 73 and the guide device 65. The guide means 65 and the holding counterpart 73 are coordinated so that the upper support 13 is encompassed up to a gap 97 area. By means of the connecting element 85, not shown here, which is introduced into bores 99, 99 ', clamping forces for securely fixing the pivoting mechanism 61 can be applied.

The by the projection 87, 87 'induced frictional engagement for the holding device of the actuating slide 63 in the second operating position is readily transferable to the first operating position. It is also possible to achieve the same effect by providing preferably conical projections on the rods 67, 67 'and corresponding abutment on the actuating slide 63. The conical approaches analogous to the projection 87, 87 'act like a ramp. It is also conceivable to provide the projection 87, 87 'on the side surfaces of the actuating slide 63 or to apply the holding / securing forces by means of stops, magnets, latching devices or the like. It is only essential that the actuating slide 63 can be held securely in a first and in a second operating position and thus at the same time secured against accidental total pushing out.

FIG. 13 shows a longitudinal section through the pivoting mechanism 61 along the line XIII-XIII shown in FIG. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

Evident is the upper support 13, the central axis, which is indicated by a dotted line 101, located in front of the cutting plane. By different hatches, the cut upper support 13, the cut operation slide 63, the cut guide 65, the partially cut bar 67 ', and the cut holding counter 73 are shown.

In contrast to the embodiments already described, the actuating slide 63 has two rolling elements 103, which are indicated here by a dotted circular line. The power transmission to the rods 67, 67 'thus does not take place by means of the inner surface 95, but via the rolling elements 103, which significantly reduces the friction and thus actuating forces for the actuating slide 63.

FIG. 13 shows the actuation slide 63 in its second functional position. That is, the upper abutment portions 81, 81 'of the rods 67, 67' are in abutting contact with the recesses 79, 79 '. The clamping forces induced by the projection 87, 87 'which is not visible here are transmitted via the rolling elements 103 to the rods 67, 67', whereby they are pressed into the recesses 79, 79 ' become. The projection 87, 87 'is flattened in accordance with the reduced frictional forces, so that despite the frictional forces reduced by the rolling elements 103, a frictional engagement between the actuating slide 63 and the guide device 65 occurs in the second actuating position shown here.

Further to be recognized are two inner surfaces 95 'and 95' ', the area contact with the bars 67, 67' in pressing contact with the actuating slide 63 and make contact in the intermediate positions of the actuating slide 63 in addition to the rolling elements 103 and the bearing pin 71 in the bores 75, 75 'of the rods 67, 67' lead.

FIG. 14 shows another two-part walker 1 'in which a crutch is parked. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

To recognize is a connecting element 5 'with the clamping ring 30. The connecting element 5' is preferably equipped with magnets or with magnets and ferromagnetic materials. It serves to releasably connect an analog of the one-part, stoppable walker 1 already described, which is shown on the left in FIG. 14, with another one-piece walker, which is shown on the right in FIG. 14, which can not be parked alone. That is, the one-piece and adjustable walker is combined with the other non-parkable one-piece walker, so that in total the two-piece adjustable walker 1 'is created. This has the advantage that the two crutches of the walker 1 'only need to be provided with the connecting element 5' and the clamping ring 30 and thus the flexibly usable two-part walker 1 'is formed.

A user of the walker 1 ', so can use both crutches of the walker 1' and this also, by pressing the operating slide 63 to issue the legs 3 of the first crutch and then connecting the two crutches, safely park. In addition, if only one-piece walker is needed, the user can use only the first crutch and safely park it, as shown in the previously described embodiments.

The type of connection that is produced by the connecting element 5 'is largely arbitrary. It can be seen that a crutch can be safely turned off by means of the parking device and a further crutch with this, by the connecting element 5 'detachably connectable and thereby the entire two-part walker 1' is safely off.

In the embodiment shown here, the second crutch is simply attached by means of magnetic holding forces on the side of the first crutch. It is conceivable that the connecting element 5 'has a stop, so that the connection of the two crutches takes place at a defined angle to each other. This has the advantage that the connection by the connecting element 5 'only take place can guarantee that a safe standing of the walker 1 'is possible. An accidental incorrect assembly of the crutches, so that the walker 1 'destabilized, it is practically impossible.

To achieve the same effect, it is also conceivable to provide a bayonet closure, which, in addition to the connection, also brings about a defined position of the crutches relative to one another.

About this it is possible for the connecting element 5 'to provide a hook and loop fastener or any other releasable connecting element. It is also conceivable to make the two crutches only by hanging the second crutch on the first established crutch. It is possible on one of the two crutches a hitch, preferably to provide a projection or a hook on which one of the two crutches is hung. This allows an even easier stopping the walker 1 '.

Furthermore, it is conceivable for the connecting element 5 'brackets, the parts of the walker 1', for example, the upper support 13 clasp provide. In this case, one of the two crutches of the walking aid 1 'is clipped onto the respective other crutch of the walking aid 1' in the clamp provided there. This also allows the safe state of the two-part walker 1 'are produced.

To recognize is also a stowage device 21 '', which has a locking bolt 20. To the Stowing the legs 3, the locking bar 20, which is shown here in a horizontal, ie closed position, rotated in a vertical position, so that the legs 3 can be stowed laterally past the locking bar 20 in not visible here recesses of the stowage device 21 ''. When the legs 3 are in the recesses of the stowing device 21 ", the locking latch 20 is turned back to a horizontal position so that the recesses of the stowing device 21" are closed and the legs 3 are securely in a substantially parallel position to the top and bottom lower support 13, 15 of the first crutch of the walker 1 'are held. The manner in which the closure bolt 20 closes and releases the recesses of the stowage device does not matter. Conceivable, for example, folding or sliding movements or other suitable form of displacement of the closure bolt 20th

Figure 15 shows a longitudinal section of an actuating rocker 105 according to the invention, which is part of a pivoting mechanism 61 '. In the assembled state, the actuating rocker 105 is pivotally mounted along the central axis of a bore 107, in which a bearing pin 71 ', not shown here, is inserted.

A user of the walking aid 1 can pivot the actuating rocker 105 by pressing on certain parts of a control surface 109, which causes an exhibiting or Heranklappen the at least one supporting leg.

The structure of the actuating rocker 105 is here largely symmetrical, so that symmetrically opposite parts are described in the majority. Further to recognize bevels 111 and 113, which serve as a guide and bearing surface for the bars 67, 67 '. Depending on the functional position, the respective chamfer 111, 113 adjoins the upper abutment regions 81, 81 'or the lower abutment regions 83, 83' of the rods 67, 67 'and fixes them in the respective recesses 79, 79' or 79 '', 79 '' 'of the guide device 65.

The actuating rocker 105 has two holding devices with two recesses 115 - which are designed here as slots whose longitudinal extent extends in the longitudinal direction of the actuating rocker 105, with which it can be fixed in a first operating position and a second operating position. Each recess 115 is penetrated here in its longitudinal extent by two parallel holes 117.

FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the actuating rocker 105. Identical parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that reference is made to the preceding figures.

Evident are the total of four tubes 117, each consisting of two partial holes and penetrate with the two recesses 115. In the holes 117 spring elements-which are not shown here- preferably spring pins, introduced and fixed, for example by a press fit. Located in the recesses 115 then in each case two longitudinally, here parallel, not shown, spring pins into which a grub screw with ball pins engage and can be locked there. Such a threaded pin with ball pins can thus be part of one of the holding devices and be attached to the pivot mechanism, that the actuating rocker 105 can be latched in the associated operating position. Thus, the respective holding device on a locking device, which ultimately causes a secure fixation of at least one supporting leg 3, 3 'in the respective functional position. It is conceivable to provide any other locking device or only a locking device, for example, for the unfolded functional position in which the legs are issued to provide.

The rocker switch 105 has two side walls 119 with the not visible here holes 107 for pivotal mounting, which stabilize the component and protect the internal mechanical parts against external influences.

Boreholes 121 are introduced in the region of the chamfers 113, by means of which, and suitable fixing means, an operating aid can be fixed to the actuating rocker 105.

FIG. 17 shows an operating aid in the form of an extension 123. This can be fixed to the operating surface 109 of the actuating rocker 105 by means of bores 121 'and the bores 121 of the actuating rocker 105 and the suitable fixing means.

The extension 123 is substantially rectangular and may for example consist of a metal strip, a plastic plate or any elongated element. It is essential that the longitudinal dimensions are at least on one side of the bores 121 'longer than the corresponding dimensions of the rocker switch 105 and thus extend the control surface 109. By a freehand line is indicated that the supernatant dimension that corresponds to the extension of the control surface 109, can be chosen arbitrarily. The excess can therefore be designed as desired according to the available space, the desired operating paths and forces.

It is conceivable to fix the extension 123 also on the actuating slide 63. Furthermore, it is possible, instead of the extension 123 to fix an actuating ring directly or via an extension rod on the actuating rocker 105 or on the actuating slide 63. This makes it possible to operate the operating slide 63 or the actuating rocker 105 comfortably from a distance.

Figure 18 shows a guide means 65 'which is part of the pivoting mechanism 61'. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

The figure shows the bore 77, which extends longitudinally in a tripartite rib 124 of the guide device 65 '. This allows the bearing pin 71 'relative to the recesses 79, 79 ', 79 ", 79"' higher position. In addition, as a larger pivot angle of the rocker switch 105 to the bearing pin 71 'is possible.

The bearing pin 71 ', not shown here, which can be introduced into the hole 77, is made longer in this embodiment and is thus on both sides of the bore 77 via. In the finished assembled state of the pivoting mechanism 61 'is this projection in the holes 107 of the side walls 119 in the rocker switch 105, which is indicated here only by a dotted line. In the assembled state, this is thus pivotally mounted along the central axis of the bores 77 and 107. In this case, the bore diameter should be selected so that at least in the bore 77 or in one of the holes 107 results in a sufficient bearing clearance. Furthermore, the bearing pin 71 ', for example, by a press fit in the bore 77 or the holes 107 can be fixed via an appropriate design of the bore diameter. But it is also conceivable to fix the bearing pin 71 'in any manner, for example by gluing in one of the holes.

By a dashed line a not visible here arcuate, extending in the longitudinal direction recess 125 is indicated, which is in the assembled state with the upper support 13 of the walker 1 in abutting contact, that is used to fix the pivoting mechanism on the walker 1.

FIG. 19 shows a plan view of the guide device 65 '. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

The guide device 65 'has two threaded holes 127 into which the threaded pins with ball pins already described can be screwed. By the ball pins, which can be latched in the spring pins which extend in the recesses 115, it is possible to lock the actuating rocker in two functional positions. In each case, the operating surface 109 takes an acute angle to the longitudinal direction of the supports 13, 15 of the walker 1. Consequently, the respective chamfers 111, 113 of the actuating rocker 105 are pressed against the upper abutment regions 81, 81 'of the rods 67, 67' or against the lower abutment regions 83, 83 ', depending on the functional position. This causes the rods 67, 67 'with the recesses 79, 79' and 79 '', 79 '' 'are brought into abutting contact and thus locked in swung or folded-state.

In order to ensure the envelope curve required during the swiveling operation of the rods 67, 67 ', the guide device 65' has recesses 129 and ramps 131. The recesses 129 are here cylindrical section-shaped cutouts. It would also be conceivable to provide blind holes for this purpose. At the ramps 131 increases the depth of the recesses 79, 79 ', 79 ", 79''', which extends to the center of the guide device 65 'out so that the pivoting movement the rods 67, 67 'around the pin 71' is not hindered.

Figure 20 shows a front view of the guide means 65 '. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures. The bores 99, 99 'of the guide device 65' can receive the corresponding connecting element 85 which presses the holding counterpart 73 and also the recess 125 from two sides against the upper support 13 of the walking aid 1. Thus, a secure fixation of the pivoting mechanism on the walker 1 is guaranteed.

Figure 21 shows the front view of another embodiment of a guide device 65 ''. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures.

Evident is a guide device 65 '', which has a longitudinally extending groove 133 instead of the bore 99 '. The shape of the same is chosen so that it can accommodate a metal strip having at its end a bend or a thickening. The metal strip, not shown here, can thus be inserted into the here perpendicular to the image plane groove 133 from the front or the back in this and is fixed there due to the thickening or the Umbugs. On the side opposite the Umbug or the thickening side of the metal strip, this has a bore into which the connecting element 85 can be introduced. Thus, the holding counterpart 73 can be dispensed with. The metal strip is placed around the upper support 13 and clamped by means of the connecting element 85 which is introduced into the threaded bore 99 on the upper support 13, so that the pivoting mechanism 61 'is securely fixed to the walking aid 1.

Figures 22 to 24 show various views of a portion of a cranked rod 67 '' of a pivoting mechanism 61 ''. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the preceding figures.

The main difference from the previous embodiments is that the upper abutment portion 81 of the cranked rod 67 '' has a flattening 135 on both sides. The flattening 135 forms at an upper end 137 of the cranked rod 67 '' two substantially mutually parallel surfaces, which in turn are substantially perpendicular to the initial pivot axis. Under an initial pivot axis is understood the pivot axis about which the cranked rod 67 '' pivoted during pivoting from the folded state of the legs 3, 3 'in the unfolded state initially. When the legs 3, 3 'are in this initial pivoting range, the surfaces formed by the bilateral flattening 135 are substantially perpendicular to the bearing pin 71, 71'.

FIG. 25 shows, on a different scale, a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment a guide device 65 '', which is also part of the pivoting mechanism 61 ''. The same parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that reference is made to the description of the preceding figures. Since the pivoting mechanism 61 '' is constructed substantially symmetrically, the operation will be explained only on the one side, which cooperates with the cranked rod 67 ''.

It can be seen that, in contrast to the previous embodiments, the recess 79, in which the upper abutment portion 81 of the cranked rod 67 '' comes to lie in the folded state of the legs 3, 3 ', contact surfaces 139 has. The contact surfaces 139 are designed so that they are in the folded state of the legs 3, 3 'with the surfaces formed by the flat 135 of the upper abutment portion 81 in abutting contact. The two-sided flattening 135 of the bent rod 67 '' thus forms together with the contact surfaces 139 of the recess 79 of the guide device 65 '' a rotation. Thus, therefore, the legs 3, 3 'additionally secured against rotation in the unfolded state, which ensures an optimal state of the walker 1.

The contact surfaces 139 may extend completely or partially over the recess 79. It is thus possible to combine the previously described active principle of the recess 79 with the additional anti-rotation device, which is realized by the abutment surfaces 139 and the flattening 135 on both sides.

The contact surfaces 139 of the recess 79 of the guide device 65 '' are substantially perpendicular to the initial pivot axis and the bearing pin 71. Thus, so the two-sided flattening 135 and the contact surfaces 139 in the initial pivoting movement when Heranklappen, or at the end of the deployment movement of the legs. 3 , 3 'into one another, which additionally causes a guide of the cranked rod 67' in the guide device 65 ''. The principle of a two-sided flattening of the bent rod 67 '' and corresponding contact surfaces of the guide device 65 '' can also be applied in the folded state of the legs 3, 3 '. For this purpose, the lower abutment region 83 of the bent rod 67 'should have the two-sided flattening 135 and the recess 79' '' of the guide device 65 '' the abutment surfaces 139.

In addition, it is possible, the surfaces of the two-sided flattening 135 and the contact surfaces 139 slightly against each other or slightly tilt against the initial pivot axis, causing additional jamming of the system and thus the legs 3, 3 'of the respective functional position.

Furthermore, instead of the two-sided flattening 135, only a one-sided flattening on the rod 67 "may be provided. Accordingly, then the recess 79 may have only one contact surface 139.

The embodiments shown here in no way exclude changes. So it is also conceivable to provide more than one pillar for a two-part walker or more than two pillars for a one-piece walker. If the walker is to be used in the case of severe walking difficulties, it is possible to make one or more legs so stable that the legs additionally stabilize the user in the extended state. The legs allow not only a safe stopping the walker, but also support the user while using the walker. In the unexposed state, there is a one-legged walker, as used in light walking disabilities. It is essential that the legs can be brought into two functional positions, the one functional position for stopping the walker and / or for use as a multi-legged walker and the other functional position allows safe stowing the legs for the use of the walker. It is conceivable to exhibit the legs in any manner, such as by a connector, by a pivot bearing or by any display device. It is also possible to provide only one rolling element or any number of rolling elements in the pivoting mechanism.

Moreover, it is possible to perform the legs, in particular the rods in several parts. For example, the bars may consist of two parts connected by a sleeve. The connection can be made by gluing and / or screwing. This allows an exchange by unscrewing, for example, in case of damage or a necessary adjustment of the length, part of the bars. Thus, a costly disassembly of the pivoting mechanism can be avoided. This also makes it possible to vary the material thicknesses of the individual parts of the rods, which allows a better adaptation to weight and function. Preferred is an embodiment in which the region of the elbow has a diameter of 6 mm and the swing-out part of the rods has a diameter of 5 mm.

Finally, it is possible to provide the rods with a predetermined breaking point for once adjusting the length by shortening. Thus, the bars are also on walking aids smallest lengths, such as those required for children and adolescents, customizable.

In the walking aids is provided that the at least one support leg is pivotally mounted, in particular by a pivot bearing 23 or a pivoting mechanism 61, 61 'that the Abstelleinrichtung two crutches and at least one of the pivotally mounted legs 3, that the crutches, in particular by means of a Connecting element 5, are releasably connectable to each other, that the connecting element 5 is designed as a pivot bearing having a latching device, that the connected crutches and the at least one pivotally mounted pillar 3, form a multi-leg having at least three legs that the at least one pivotally mounted Leg 3 by means of a locking device, in particular by a friction bearing, at least can be locked in a first and / or in a second functional position, that the axis of rotation of the pivot bearing and the pivot axis of the pivotally mounted supporting leg 3 are spatially arranged at an angle of preferably 60 ° to each other, that the pivoting mechanism 61, in particular the actuating slide 63, at least one Rolling element 103 for guiding the cranked rods 67, 67 ', that the actuating slide 63 from one to the other operating position, for displacing the legs 3, 3' from one to the other functional position, is displaceable, that a projection 87th on the guide device 65 and the actuating slide 63 form a holding device for the actuating slide 63 in the first functional position, and that a preferably conically formed on the cranked rods 67, 67 'attached retaining element form a second holding device for the actuating slide 63 in the second functional position and / / or d an end stop 69 for the second functional position is provided, that the at least one crutch is releasably connectable to another crutch, in particular by means of a connecting element 5 ', and / or that the connecting element 5' brackets or a bayonet closure or a Velcro Closure or a hitch or magnets, or ferromagnetic materials and magnets, and / or has a stop.

Claims (16)

1. Crutch with one braceable supporting leg (3) presenting one part of a supporting device, the supporting leg being bent at an angle on one of its ends and swivably mounted on the crutch, with the end of the supporting leg (3) interacting with an actuating device (63) which is part of a swiveling mechanism (61, 61' 61"),
   characterized in that the supporting device comprises a second braceable supporting leg (3') which is bent at an angle on one of its ends and swivably mounted on the crutch, that the actuating device is designed as an actuation rocker (105) and that the actuation rocker (105) can be swiveled from one to another actuating position to displace the supporting legs (3, 3') from one to another functional position, with the supporting legs interacting with the actuation rocker (105), and that the supporting legs (3, 3') in the transitional area to their angled ends comprise a drill bore (75, 75') through which a bearing pin (71, 71') can be entered to create a pivot bearing.
2. Crutch according to claim 1, characterized in that the angularly bent ends of the two supporting legs (3, 3') are designed as bars (67, 67', 67").
3. Crutch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pivot bearings for the two supporting legs (3, 3') comprise a guiding device (65, 65', 65").
4. Crutch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two supporting legs (3, 3') can be arrested at least in one first and/or in one second functional position.
5. Crutch according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two angularly bent bars (67, 67'), the guiding device (65, 65') and the actuation rocker (105) are part of an arresting device for the first and the second functional position of the supporting legs (3, 3').
6. Crutch according to any one of the preceding claims 3 or 5, characterized in that the guiding device (65, 65') and/or the actuation rocker (105) comprise one or two holding devices for the actuation rocker (105) in one first and/or in one second actuating position.
7. Crutch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one crutch can be detachably connected with one additional crutch, especially by means of a connecting element (5'), with the connecting element (5') preferably comprising clamps or a bayonet lock, or a Velcro fastener, or an appending device, or magnets, or ferromagnetic materials and magnets, and/or a stop.
8. Crutch according to claim 6, characterized in that the one holding device or the two holding devices each comprise a latching device.
9. Crutch according to claim 8, characterized in that the latching device comprises a threaded pin with a round-head bolt, spring elements, a recess (115) and drill holes (117).
10. Crutch according to claim 9, characterized in that the spring elements are two spring pins extending parallel which partly extend in drill holes (117) and can be fixed in position.
11. Crutch according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the spring elements extend at least partly in the recess (115), preferably in longitudinal direction and can be latched with the ball-type bolt of the threaded pin to fix the actuation rocker (105) into position.
12. Crutch according to claim 4, characterized in that the actuation rocker (105) has contact surfaces, especially chamfers (111, 113) for arresting the bars (67, 67') in the functional positions.
13. Crutch according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuation rocker (105) comprises an operating aid, especially an actuating ring and/or an extension (123).
14. Crutch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stowage device (21, 21', 21 ") for the two supporting legs (3, 3') is provided which comprises especially magnets, or ferromagnetic materials and magnets, or a locking latch (20).
15. Crutch according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two supporting legs (3, 3'), especially the bars (67, 67'), are multi-part in design and/or changeable.
16. Crutch according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the angularly bent bars (67, 67', 67") comprises a minimum of one at least one-sided, preferably double-sided flattening (135) which is preferably applied in the upper and/or lower contact area (81, 83) which preferably stands essentially perpendicularly to the initial swivel axis of the angularly bent bars and can preferably interact with at least one contact surface (139) of a guiding device (65").

Images