EP1868556B1 - Walking aid for a mechanically driven treadmill - Google Patents

Abstract

The walking aid (1) comprises of a tractive element or a chain (4) that is guided over two respective guide rollers (3), and that is directly or indirectly driven by means of the mechanically driven treadmill (10). The tract of the chain that directly faces the treadmill belt is displaced in the same direction as the treadmill belt, and the tract of the chain that faces away from the treadmill belt is displaced in the opposite direction to the treadmill belt. The walking air also includes fasteners (7) located on the chain for supporting part of the feet or legs.

Description

The present invention relates to a walker for a mechanically driven treadmill.

In the therapy of cross-sectional patients or patients with neurological damage and diseases treadmill training has been used successfully for some time, with mostly a partial body weight relief is achieved by a suspension device. This allows the patient to exercise the walking motion, even if he is not able to walk independently or only with therapeutic help. The aim of the movement is to stimulate metabolic processes, as well as to maintain the function of the muscles and joints.

Even if a partial body weight relief is achieved by the hanger, it is generally necessary for most patients to have their feet set by physiotherapy buttons. The personnel costs of up to three physiotherapists, as well as their physical strain in the treatment is high. Here, on the one hand, the sitting position is unfavorable for the therapist, equally high burden on the spine, so that in this activity, the therapist often complain of discomfort in different areas of the spine.

A disadvantage of the movement of the legs of the patients by the therapist is also that the feet of the patient often are not set exactly, resulting in asymmetrical movements.

To solve the above-mentioned problems, various attempts have been made. For example, computer-assisted motion control techniques have been developed that have been used in motion robots to move the lower extremities. Since this system is very expensive, the use is only possible to a limited extent.

Furthermore, as in the DE 101 39 276 described, a gait training system with a treadmill, wherein two independent wheels are driven by the treadmill and each wheel is provided with devices for fixing a lower leg, and wherein a introduced in a longitudinal hub slider, on which the fixing device is arranged on the lower extremities of the user is transmitted an individually adjustable gear movement. Since the slider is slidably disposed within the longitudinal hub, there is a significant risk of injury when fixing the individual lower leg, unless the slider is in its final position. Furthermore, the two wheels must be aligned exactly with each other to ensure a smooth movement. The system described is also expensive and therefore expensive to manufacture and maintain.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a simple walker which produces a movement similar to natural walking. Furthermore, a walker should be provided, which relieves the therapist and the patient allows a substantially independent training.

The above object is achieved by a walker for a mechanically driven treadmill, comprising at least one guided over two pulleys, directly or indirectly driven by the treadmill traction, the treadmill directly facing Zugmitteltrum moves in the same direction as the treadmill and its from the Treadmill turned away Zugmitteltrum moves in the opposite direction to the treadmill, and with at least one arranged on the traction means fastener for brackets for the foot and / or leg area.

The walking aid according to the invention has a very simple structure. Here, on the one hand, the position of the two lower legs or feet is fixed, at the same time, since the movement is achieved by means of a traction device, a very uniform movement can be ensured. Here, the achievement of an almost natural movement without additional settings is possible. By means of the walking aid according to the invention, the patient regains a certain degree of independence, since the help of therapists is only needed for ascending the treadmill and for fixing the lower legs. At the same time, the therapists' work is made easier and additional space is created to look after other patients. Since the walker is moved over the treadmill, no additional drive is required.

A corresponding automated treadmill therapy can be used as an effective standard therapy for numerous motor disorders and injury consequences for orthopedic / traumatologic patients. Examples include hemi-paraplegia, quadriplegia, spasmodic paralysis, multi-sclerosis and cranial-brain trauma.

In addition, automated treadmill therapy can also be used in geriatrics to keep the elderly mobile. Here, too, it is of crucial importance that a corresponding therapy can be carried out independently, without any therapeutic assistance, in order to preserve the persons concerned for as long as possible their independence.

According to a preferred embodiment, the walker may comprise two deflection rollers and a traction means. As a result, the necessary components are kept to a minimum. Furthermore, the movement of both lower legs is achieved via a single system by means of a single pulling means, so that a very uniform movement is ensured.

Advantageously, two fastening elements can be arranged at diametrically opposite positions of the traction means. In this way, the position of the two lower legs is fixed to each other, so that directly, without additional adjustment, an almost natural movement can be achieved.

Advantageously, the fastening elements can have holders for the lower legs that are pivotable about an axis parallel to the deflection roller axis. This arrangement ensures that the movement achieved by the walker substantially corresponds to a natural movement. This ensures that the vertical axis of the bracket by the squat and the expiration of the traction device changes constantly.

According to another preferred embodiment, the walking aid may comprise four deflection rollers with two traction means each associated with two deflection rollers, wherein the traction means are arranged parallel to one another. As a result, a separate means of movement is provided for each foot or leg, which independently in their position can be changed so as to perform other movement rhythms without major alterations.

Advantageously, the fastening elements extend into the intermediate space between the mutually parallel traction means. The user is thus between the two movement aids formed by pulleys and traction means, so that sufficient space is provided so as not to hinder the movement. At the same time, injuries caused by contact with the walker are excluded. Here, both fasteners are arranged according to the desired position of each leg on the traction means.

Advantageously, the traction means may be a chain and the deflection rollers may be formed as sprockets. The use of sprockets and chains provide a very simple means of carrying out the intended movement. The system of chains and sprockets is easy to maintain and has long been tried and tested.

In another preferred embodiment, the traction means may be toothed belts.

Advantageously, the toothed belt can rest directly on the treadmill in order to transmit the movement of the treadmill to the deflection rollers. Furthermore, the outer surface of the toothed belt can be provided with an additionally applied material, which increases the contact with the tread surface. The additional material may e.g. a rubber strip which is glued to the timing belt and vulcanized. The material may be interrupted, so that during the deflection no pulling forces. In this embodiment, the fastening element is preferably arranged on the upper side of the toothed belt. Here, only a central frame is necessary on the left and right, the pulleys are arranged. This reduces the necessary width of the device, so that the legs of the patient are not spread.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one deflection roller may be associated with a driving wheel in contact with the treadmill. By a corresponding drive wheel, the pulleys can be brought in a simple manner in motion and thus the movement of the treadmill are easily transferred to the traction means.

Advantageously, the drive wheels can be formed concentrically to the deflection rollers and have at most the same, in particular substantially the same diameter as the deflection rollers. The drive wheels in contact with the pulleys have a common axis, so that the concrete movement speed of the walker can be determined here by the choice of the diameter.

According to another preferred embodiment, it may be provided that the treadmill speed can be transmitted from a drive wheel which is in frictional contact with the treadmill to a drive wheel which is arranged at a distance from the drive wheel and is assigned to the deflection roller. Here, the treadmill speed is not transmitted directly to the walker, but via a separate independent of the pulleys movement. In this way, a very uniform, similar to a natural motion movement is achieved. In addition, a correspondingly designed walking aid is very simple in construction and assembly, as well as maintenance and repair, since the drive and the scoring over the pulleys movement are separated.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the drive wheel which is in frictional contact with the treadmill can be arranged substantially perpendicular to the deflection roller. In this way, the distance between the two drive wheels is kept as small as possible, so that long transmission paths are avoided.

In this case, the drive wheel can be assigned to the deflection roller arranged in the rear during operation. In this way, the walker is stabilized on the treadmill and ensures a uniform transmission of movement.

Likewise, the drive wheel may be associated with the idler pulley disposed in operation. This makes it possible to further remove the drive wheel from the walker and in particular to exclude a contact with the patient. Furthermore, the adhesion between the treadmill and drive wheel may increase, as the leverage of the walker towards the rear creates a higher drive pressure between the drive wheel and the treadmill.

According to a further embodiment, the stationary in frictional contact with the treadmill drive wheel may be arranged in front of the deflection roller. Because the drive wheel before the actual Walking aid is arranged, the walker can be arranged very close to the treadmill, which essentially affects the lower treadmill facing the treadmill.

Advantageously, both drive wheels may be formed as friction wheels, wherein a further wheel between the two drive wheels is arranged in contact therewith. The transmission of the treadmill speed via friction wheels is a very simple way of transmission, the additional wheel is necessary to ensure that the pulleys move in the same direction as the lower drive wheel.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the drive wheels which are in contact with the treadmill can be connected to one another via a traction means. This transmission is a well-known and widely used in practice and therefore proven means which also allows easy and quick maintenance.

According to another preferred embodiment, an independent of the traction means guide may be provided for the holder. A corresponding guide ensures that the movement performed by the brackets is carried out very evenly and accurately.

According to a further embodiment it can be provided that the fastening element is designed as a stationary and rotationally fixed to the traction means arranged driver. By the driver, the holder is transported in the deflection at a greater speed. This is important so that the so-called swing phase of the leg to be transported forward reaches a higher speed.

Advantageously, the driver can be arranged on the side facing away from the pulleys of the traction means, extending a predetermined distance from the traction means and be formed in the longitudinal direction with a receiving slot in which an orthosis holder along the receiving slot is slidably disposed. A suitably trained driver has proven itself in practice. The receiving slot serves as a guide for the recording, which therefore can only perform predetermined movements.

According to another preferred embodiment, the walking aid may be arranged in a housing, which at one with a predetermined distance around the pulleys arranged around guide element is formed, through which the orthosis holder can extend from the driver from the housing. As a result, a guide element is provided in a very simple manner, without additional funds being necessary, since the guide element is formed within the housing.

Advantageously, the guide element may be formed as a slot-shaped opening.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least the tread-facing portion of the slot-shaped opening is formed substantially parallel to the treadmill and the slot-shaped opening may extend around each of the deflection rollers at a predetermined distance. By defining the distance and the parallel distance as uniform as possible movement, which comes close to the natural movement achieved. In this case, different movement patterns can be achieved by the choice of the slot shape and the arrangement of the slot.

Advantageously, the slot-shaped opening is formed around the pulleys around as a circular section. It can be provided that the circular sections have different diameters. In this context, it has proved to be advantageous if, during operation, the larger diameter is formed on the rear deflection roller. All these embodiments in turn contribute to the uniformity of the movement pattern, as well as the achievement of different movement patterns.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the housing may consist of two plates arranged parallel to one another. As a result, a sufficient protection of the user is provided to avoid possible injury from the moving parts of the walker.

Advantageously, the pulleys and the drive wheels can be arranged between the two plates and secured thereto. This simplifies the structure again, since no complicated additional support must be provided.

According to another preferred embodiment, an impeller may be attached to the housing at a predetermined distance from the idler pulley disposed in operation Being in contact with the treadmill. As a result, the walker is additionally stabilized, so that two support points are provided.

Advantageously, the holder of the orthosis can be pivotally attached to the orthotic retainer. This feature ensures that the lower leg is always in the correct movement position.

Advantageously, a protective element can be arranged in each case on the side of the traction means facing away from the fastening element. As a result, the walker is protected at least on one side, so that it does not affect the movement process here.

According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the drive wheel which is respectively in engagement with the deflection roller is arranged on the outside of the protection element. As a result, the individual transmissions of the movements are clearly separated, thereby simplifying maintenance and repair.

Advantageously, the walker can be fastened to the frame of the treadmill. This ensures a stable arrangement of the walker on the treadmill. A possible attachment of the walker is, for example, on the railing support.

According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the two deflection rollers are connected to one another via a longitudinal carrier and can be fastened to the treadmill via the longitudinal carrier. This represents a very simple way of fixing the walker. By the side rail, the two pulleys are additionally fixed relative to each other and therefore provided an additional backup.

Advantageously, a sliding sleeve may be provided in the region of the longitudinal member in order to move the walking aid relative to the handle. This makes it possible to easily adjust the walker to the size of each patient and to ensure that during operation of the walker a secure grip on the handle is guaranteed.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the walker can be fastened to a handrail frame of the treadmill. This ensures further stabilization of the walker on the treadmill.

Although it is possible to arrange the walker spacially and to push only for use on the treadmill, but it is preferred that the housing extends to a disposed between the handrail frame cross member and is movable about the cross member. In this way, it is easily possible to fold away the walker when it does not need to be used, so that the treadmill is then used for other therapeutic purposes.

Advantageously, the housing may be formed with a passage opening for receiving the cross member. In this case, the housing need not be formed with additional fasteners, so that in turn reduces the number of necessary parts.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the walking aid is connected via the protective element with the fixed side regions of the treadmill. As a result, the position of the walker on the treadmill is fixed.

Advantageously, the axis for attachment of the front end of the walker through the protective elements extending axis, the axis for the stationary with the treadmill in frictional contact drive wheels be. This in turn simplifies the structure of the walker.

Advantageously, the axle may extend through the drive wheels of both mutually parallel traction means. The drive wheels are thus connected to each other by a rotatable axle, and thus ensures the synchronicity of the traction means with the orthotic receiving diametrically left and right.

According to another preferred. Embodiment, the traction means / are arranged in a housing and the fastening elements extend through formed in the outer plates of the housing slot-shaped openings, wherein the fastening elements are held by guide elements in the slot-shaped opening. As a result, an additional stabilization of the fastening means is achieved within the slot-shaped opening. This has been particularly noticeable when exercising pressure the fasteners proved to be advantageous. At the same time the play of the fasteners is minimized within the slot-shaped opening.

Advantageously, help each guide element extend through the slot-shaped opening and comprise parallel to the inner and outer walls of the outer plates formed flat elements. Corresponding guide elements can be very easily manufactured and have sufficient stability.

In this case, each fastening elements can be assigned two guide elements, which extend through in each case one of the plates formed parallel to one another. In this case, a guide element is formed on the fastening element, whereas the second extends on the side remote from the fastening element to the opposite slot. In this way, the fastening element is securely held while minimizing a force exerted on the traction means unilateral pressure.

Advantageously, two traction means may be formed in the housing, an inner guide with slot-shaped opening may be arranged between the traction means, and the guide arranged on the side of the traction means facing away from the fastening means engage in the slot-shaped opening of the inner guide. Again, a stabilization is provided on both sides of the traction device. However, the stabilization on the side facing away from the fastener side of the traction means takes place inside the housing and is therefore not visible. As a result, a risk of injury can be excluded by the second guide element.

Advantageously, two inner guides may be formed parallel to each other.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the orthosis is formed with an automatically latching closure. This embodiment in turn supports the user's independence of a therapist because the orthosis can be automatically locked, and without the help of the hand is solvable.

Fig. 1

eine seitliche Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Laufhilfe, welche auf ein Laufband aufgesetzt ist;

Fig. 2

eine Vorderansicht der in Fig. 1 dargestellten erfindungsgemäßen Gehhilfe;

Fig. 3

eine Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Laufhilfe gemäß einer anderen Ausführungsform teilweise im Schnitt;

Fig. 4

die erfindungsgemäße Gehhilfe gemäß Fig. 3, welche auf einem Laufband zur Inbetriebnahme angeordnet ist;

Fig. 5

die erfindungsgemäße Gehhilfe gemäß der Fig. 3 und 4 auf einem Laufband im zurückgeklappten Zustand;

Fig. 6

eine dreidimensionale Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Gehhilfe gemäß noch einer anderen Ausführungsform, welche auf einem Laufband angeordnet ist; und

Fig. 7

die Gehhilfe gemäß Fig. 6 in einer Vorderansicht,

Fig. 8

die Gehhilfe gemäß einer anderen Ausführungsform in einer Schnittansicht.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1

a side view of a walking aid according to the invention, which is mounted on a treadmill;

Fig. 2

a front view of in Fig. 1 illustrated walking aid according to the invention;

Fig. 3

a side view of a running aid according to the invention according to another embodiment partially in section;

Fig. 4

the walker according to the invention Fig. 3 which is arranged on a treadmill for startup;

Fig. 5

the walker according to the invention according to the Fig. 3 and 4 on a treadmill in the folded state;

Fig. 6

a three-dimensional view of a walker according to the invention according to yet another embodiment, which is arranged on a treadmill; and

Fig. 7

the walker according to Fig. 6 in a front view,

Fig. 8

the walker according to another embodiment in a sectional view.

In the Fig. 1 shown walker 1 comprises two at a predetermined distance juxtaposed drive wheels 2. Here, the drive wheels 2 are preferably formed rubberized to ensure the lowest possible movement on the treadmill.

Each drive wheel 2 is associated with a sprocket 3, wherein the wheels are connected to each other in such a way that the movement of the drive wheel 2 is transmitted to the sprocket 3. As in particular from Fig. 2 becomes clear, the drive wheel and the sprocket are almost equal in size and connected to each other via a common axis.

The two sprockets 3 are connected to each other via a chain 4 and serve as pulleys. The chain 4 extends between the sprockets 3 substantially parallel to the tread of the treadmill 10th

When the treadmill 10 is set in motion, the drive wheels 2 begin to move simultaneously. The movement of the drive wheels 2 is transmitted to the sprockets 3 and in this way the chain is driven. Here, the treadmill facing portion of the chain is moved in the same direction as the treadmill and facing away from the tread area of the chain, that is, the portion of the chain which is deflected, opposite to the direction of the treadmill.

As in particular in Fig. 2 is shown, in each case a holder for one lower leg is arranged at two opposite positions of the chain. Here, the respective positions are diametrically opposed to each other, at rest for the leg to be guided back down and for the leading leg up.

Each lower leg support includes an orthotic device 6 with leg cuff 7 connected to the chain. Here, the attachment point of the orthotic device 6 is formed on the chain as a fulcrum 8, so that the orthotic device can be pivoted about the entrained by the chain fulcrum 8. As a result, an almost natural movement is achieved in the movement of the chain 4. The fulcrum 8 may in this case also be formed at a predetermined distance from the chain in order to exclude possible risk of injury by the chain.

In operation, one leg of the patient is attached to the orthotic devices 6 via the leg cuff. When the treadmill 10 is set in motion, the lower legs of the patients secured in the orthotic devices are carried along by the movements transmitted by the drive wheels 2 to the sprockets 3 and thereby to the chain 4. Here, the leg located on the tread, i. the leg attached to the lower portion of the chain is guided backwards, then over the chain deflection upwards and opposite to the treadmill direction again. The other leg attached to the portion of the chain remote from the treadmill is placed over the front chain drive down on the tread of the treadmill and then guided backwards. As a result, a smooth walking movement is achieved, the speed of which is adjustable via the speed of the treadmill.

To fix the walker 1 on the treadmill 10, the two drive wheels 2 of the walker are connected to each other via a longitudinal member 9, which extends beyond the front drive wheel 2 out and at its front end has a fastening device 11. By means of this fastening device, the walker can be fixed to the railing support 12 of the treadmill 10. In this way, the walker can be fixed with the appropriate distance for the patient to the handle.

Furthermore, a sliding sleeve 13 is arranged in the region of the longitudinal member between the railing support 12 and the drive wheel arranged in front, which makes it possible to move the position of the walking aid relative to the railing support 12 and thus to the handle, so that the walker can be adjusted according to the height of the patient. The sliding sleeve 13 also has the function to place the walker only at the time on the treadmill to which a patient is already in a vertical position on the treadmill. This is particularly important in cases where a patient is driven onto the treadmill with a wheelchair and placed in a vertical position by means of a release system, ie if the walker mounted on the treadmill would interfere in a preparatory phase of the patient.

Another embodiment of the walker according to the invention is in Fig. 3 shown. In this case, corresponding elements of the walker are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the Fig. 3 illustrated walker 1 comprises two at a predetermined distance juxtaposed pulleys 3. The two pulleys 3 are in this case formed as sprockets and connected to each other via a chain 4. The two deflection rollers 3 are further arranged within a housing formed of two plates 14,15. Although no connection between the plates 14,15 is shown here, the plates are in operation, at least in the side facing away from the treadmill 10 areas connected to each other via a connecting element and so closed the housing.

One of the two deflection rollers 3 is assigned a drive wheel 16 and is arranged approximately vertically below the deflection roller 3, in the vicinity of the areas of the plates 14, 15 facing the treadmill. Here, the drive wheel 16 is designed such that the running surface of the drive wheel protrudes beyond the housing and is preferably formed rubberized to ensure the lowest possible movement on the treadmill.

In operation, this drive wheel 16 sits directly on the treadmill 10 and is set in motion by the movement of the treadmill. Further, the drive wheel 16 on one side of a gear and is connected via this gear and arranged on this chain 17 with a second drive wheel, which is not shown. This second drive wheel is formed in parallel on an axis with the deflection roller 3 and has approximately the same diameter as the deflection roller 3. The transmitted from the drive wheel 16 via the chain 17 to the second drive wheel movement is transferred directly to the guide roller 3 and in this way is also set the chain 4 between the pulleys 3 in motion. The second drive wheel can in this case also be formed as a component with the deflection roller 3. At two opposite positions of the chain 4, a driver 18 is fixed in each case, which is arranged directly on the bolts to individual chain links and stationary. The connection can be made for example via rivets. In this case, a driver 18 is formed as an elongate element which has a receiving slot 19 formed in the longitudinal direction. The driver 18 extends in the direction away from the pulleys 3 direction of the chain 4 and may preferably for stabilization in the vicinity of the chain have an angular element so as to be arranged stably at two points of the chain.

In the receiving slot 19 of the driver 18, an orthosis receiving 20 is inserted, which is slidably disposed along the receiving slot.

Each of the housing plates 14,15 is further formed with a guide in the form of a slot-shaped opening 21. Here, this slot-shaped opening 21 is formed at a predetermined distance around the chain 4. The precise positioning of the slot-shaped opening 21 may vary, but it may be noted that the tread-facing portion of the slot-shaped opening 21 is disposed substantially parallel to the treadmill. In the region of the deflection rollers 3, the slot-shaped opening 21 is usually formed as a circular section, wherein the individual opposing circular sections may have different diameters. If the circular sections have different diameters, the circular section arranged during operation on the rear deflection roller 3 is made larger. In this case, the substantially straight section facing away from the treadmill 10 extends obliquely downwards.

The exact formation of the slot-shaped opening 21 can be formed depending on the desired movement pattern. The Orthesenaufnahme 20 extends through the receiving slot 19 of the driver 18 through into the housing slot 21 and is preferably formed on the inside of the housing plate 14, 15 enlarged or is held by a fastener on the inside of the housing plate 14, 15 to slipping out of Orthesis recording 20 from the slot-shaped opening 21 to prevent.

If the treadmill is set in motion, the drive wheel 16 begins to move, the movement of the drive wheel 16 is transmitted via the chain 17 to the second drive wheel and thus to the deflection rollers 3 and the chain 4. At the moment in which the chain 4 moves, the driver 18 is also taken away from the chain, thereby describing a fixed movement around the chain 4 around. The arranged within the receiving slot 19 of the driver 18 orthosis receiving 20 is simultaneously carried by the driver 18 and describes the predetermined by the slot-shaped opening 21 movement. Since the orthotic receiving 20 is disposed within the receiving slot 19, the orthosis receiving can be moved depending on the position of the housing slot 21 in the longitudinal direction.

In operation, at the end, that is, at the end facing away from the housing of the orthotic receiving 20, the brace is attached in such a way that it is pivotable about the orthotic receiving 20, so as to ensure that the lower leg of the user always correspond in one of the movement Position is located.

In the Fig. 4 and 5 is the in Fig. 3 shown walker mounted on the treadmill shown. In the illustrated embodiment, a further wheel 22 is additionally arranged between the two plates 14,15 of the housing, which, however, only exerts a stabilizing function for the walker, and is not in communication with the deflection rollers 3 or the chain 4. Since the drive wheel 16 is arranged at the rear end of the walker, the additional wheel 22 in the vicinity of the front guide roller, preferably arranged between the front guide roller 3 and the rear drive wheel 13 and also sits on the treadmill 10.

To arrange the walker 1 on the treadmill 10, the plates 14,15 of the housing at its front end extend beyond the front guide pulley and are connected at its front end with a holder attached to the handrail frame 23 of the treadmill 10, in particular the cross member 24 , Here, the cross member 24 extends through a provided in the plates 14,15 passage opening.

This embodiment allows the walker as in Fig. 5 can be easily folded up so that the treadmill can also be used for other applications.

In the Fig. 6 and 7 Yet another embodiment of a walker according to the invention is shown. Again, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements.

At the in Fig. 6 a total of four guide rollers 3 are provided, wherein two pulleys are connected to each other via a chain 4. Each pair of the guide rollers 3 connected to each other is arranged parallel to each other, and each chain 4 is provided with a driver 18 for an orthosis holder. The two drivers 18 are in this case arranged on mutually facing sides of the chains 4. Again, the drivers are 18 as in Fig. 7 shown arranged at diametrically opposite positions.

In contrast to the embodiments according to the Fig. 1 and 3 In this case, each foot of the patient is fastened to a driver 18 which can be moved by a separate movement sequence. Each driver must be specially set. In this way, special movements can be simulated by the walker. In this case, however, a synchronicity of the traction means is ensured by the arrangement of the axes of the drive wheels.

The deflection rollers 3 are each mounted on the inside of plate-shaped protective elements 25,26, so that here a sufficient stabilization of the pulleys is achieved. At the same time, the walking aid is fixed on the treadmill 10 via the protective elements 25, 26, both at the front and at the rear on a railing support 12.

The walker is moved by two arranged at a distance from the front guide roller 3 drive wheel 16 which sits directly on the treadmill 10, and are formed rubberized. Here, the drive wheels 16 are arranged on the inside of the protective elements 25,26. The recorded via the drive wheels 16 of the treadmill movement is transmitted via a sprocket 27 associated with each drive wheel 16 on one of the front guide rollers 3 associated sprocket 28 on the front guide rollers 3. The sprocket 28 in this case corresponds to the deflection roller 3 associated drive wheel.

The sprockets 28 here correspond to the pulleys 3 associated drive wheels. The transmission between each of the drive wheel 16 associated sprocket 27 and the deflection roller 3 associated sprocket 28 via a chain 29th

Here, both the drive wheels 16, as well as the pulleys 3 associated sprockets 27,28 respectively disposed on the outside of the protective elements. The drive wheels 16 and their associated sprockets have a common axis which extends on both sides beyond the protective elements 25,26 out and at the same time forms the support of the walker on a treadmill frame.

In the walker shown here, the patient takes a position between the two by a respective chain connected pulleys 3 and the orthosis brackets are attached to the driver to be shown on the carriers 18.

Another embodiment of the walker according to the invention is in Fig. 8 shown. In this case, the walking aid comprises two parallel to each other, arranged within a housing Zumittel 4, of which each a Orthesenmitnehmer by a formed within the respective outer plate 14, 15 slit-shaped opening to the outside. The patient takes the walker between his legs in this embodiment.

Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of the walker. It is clear that the Orthesenmitnehmer 18 is additionally stabilized by a guide member 30 within the slot-shaped opening 21. The guide member extends through the slit-shaped opening 21, respectively, and is formed on the outside and inside of each plate 14, 15 as a sheet member extending parallel to the plate 14, 15 and larger than the slit-shaped opening. As a result, the movement of the Orthesenmitnehmers 18 is additionally guided, so that a force exerted on the Orthesenmitnehmer pressure can be better absorbed. At the same time an inner guide element is formed in the housing between the two traction means 4, which comprises a plate and a slot-shaped opening 31. Through this inner slot-shaped opening 31 extends an inner guide member 32 which extends in the extension of each Orthesenmitnehmers 18 on the traction means 4 also inwardly into the housing. As a result, an additional stabilization of the Orthesenmitnehmers is achieved.

A corresponding stabilization is also in the in the Fig. 3 to 5 illustrated embodiment possible. Here, corresponding guide means 31, 32 can extend through the slot-shaped openings 21 of both plates 14, 15 and be fixed in these on both sides. In this embodiment, therefore, in each slot, both the Orthesenmitnehmer 8 together with guide 31, as well as the guide 32 of the oppositely arranged Orthesenmitnehmers.

In all the walking aids described above, it is possible to design the brackets of the orthoses in such a way that the patient wears a specially designed shoe with snap mechanism that can be hung on the orthosis holder. This allows the patient to start the treadmill therapy independently without the help of a therapist.

Claims (48)

1. Walking aid (1) for a mechanically driven treadmill (10), wherein the walking aid comprises fixing elements for holding devices for leg braces, characterised by at least one tractive element (4) guided over, in each case, two deflection rollers (3) and driven directly or indirectly via the treadmill, wherein the tract of the tractive element that directly faces the treadmill belt (10) moves in the same direction as the treadmill belt (10) and the tract of the tractive element that faces away from the treadmill belt (10) moves in the opposite direction of the treadmill belt, wherein the holding device for the leg brace device is coupled to the tractive element, with a support device for fixing the two deflection rollers to each other and the walking aid on the handrail of the treadmill.
2. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the walking aid comprises two deflection rollers (3) and a tractive element (4).
3. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that two fixing elements are arranged at diametrically opposite positions on the tractive element.
4. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the fixing elements have lower leg holding devices (7) that can be fixed to swivel about an axle parallel to the deflection roller axle.
5. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the walking aid has four deflection rollers (3) with two tractive elements (4) each assigned to two deflection rollers, wherein the tractive elements are arranged parallel to each other.
6. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 5, characterised in that the fixing elements extend in the space between the tractive elements (4) arranged parallel to each other.
7. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the tractive element (4) is a chain and the deflection rollers (3) are formed as chain wheels.
8. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the tractive element is formed as a toothed belt.
9. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 8, characterised in that the toothed belt rests directly on the treadmill (10) in order to transmit the movement of the treadmill to the deflection rollers (3).
10. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 9, characterised in that the outer surface of the toothed belt is provided with an additionally applied material which increases the contact with the treadmill surface.
11. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 2 to 4, characterised in that a drive wheel in frictional contact with the treadmill is assigned to at least one deflection roller (3).
12. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 11, characterised in that the drive wheels (2) are formed concentric with respect to the deflection rollers (3) and have the same, in particular essentially the same, diameter as the deflection rollers (3).
13. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 3, 5 to 8, 11, 12, characterised in that the treadmill speed can be transmitted from a drive wheel (16) in frictional contact with the treadmill (10) to a drive wheel (12) arranged at a distance from the drive wheel (16) and assigned to the deflection roller (3).
14. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 13, characterised in that the drive wheel (16) in frictional contact with the treadmill (10) is arranged behind the rear deflection roller (3).
15. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 13, characterised in that the drive wheel (16) in frictional contact with the treadmill (10) is essentially arranged at right angles to the deflection roller (3).
16. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 13 or 15, characterised in that the drive wheel (16) in frictional contact with the treadmill (10) is assigned to the deflection roller (3) arranged at the rear in operation.
17. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 13 or 15, characterised in that the drive wheel (16) in frictional contact with the treadmill (10) is assigned to the deflection roller (3) arranged at the front in operation.
18. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 13 or 15, characterised in that the drive wheel (16) in frictional contact with the treadmill (10) is arranged in front of the deflection roller (3).
19. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 13 to 18, characterised in that both drive wheels (2, 16) are formed as frictional wheels, wherein a further wheel is arranged between the drive wheels in contact with them.
20. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 13 to 18, characterised in that the drive wheels (2, 16) are connected to each other via a tractive element, particularly a chain.
21. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 20, characterised in that a guide independent of the tractive element (4) is provided for the holding device.
22. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 21, characterised in that the fixing element is formed as a catch (18) arranged on the tractive element in a way that is fixed and cannot be rotated.
23. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 22, characterised in that the catch (18) is arranged on the side of the tractive element (4) facing away from the deflection rollers (3), extends at a predetermined distance from the tractive element (4) and is formed in the longitudinal direction with a receiver slot (19) in which a leg brace support is arranged so that it can be moved along the receiver slot (19).
24. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 23, characterised in that the walking aid is arranged in a housing which is formed with a guide element arranged at a predetermined distance around the deflection rollers (3), through which the fixing element, especially the leg brace holding device, starting from the catch, can extend out of the housing.
25. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 24, characterised in that the guide element is formed as a slot-shaped opening (21).
26. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 25, characterised in that at least the section of the slot-shaped opening (21) facing the treadmill (10) is formed essentially parallel to the treadmill (10) and that the slot-shaped opening (21) extends around each of the deflection rollers (3) at a predetermined distance.
27. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 25 or 26, characterised in that the slot-shaped opening (21) around the deflection rollers (3) is formed as the segment of a circle.
28. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 24 to 27, characterised in that the housing consists of two plates (14, 15) arranged parallel to each other.
29. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 28, characterised in that the deflection rollers (3) and the drive wheels (2, 16) are arranged between the two plates (14, 15) and are fixed to these.
30. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 24 to 29, characterised in that a running wheel (22) is arranged at the housing with a predetermined distance from the deflection roller (3) arranged in front in operation, and in contact with the treadmill (10).
31. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 30, characterised in that the leg brace holding device is fixed so that it is swivellable at the leg brace receiver (20).
32. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 5 to 20, characterised in that a protective element (25, 26) is arranged in each case on the side of the tractive element (4) facing away from the fixing element.
33. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 32, characterised in that the drive wheel (27) in mesh in each case with the deflection roller (3) is arranged on the outside of the protective element (25, 26) and the deflection roller (3) is arranged on the inside of the protective element (25, 26).
34. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 33, characterised in that the walking aid can be fixed to the frame of the treadmill.
35. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 32, characterised in that the two deflection rollers (3), which are in mesh via a tractive element (4), are connected to each other via a longitudinal beam (9) and can be fixed via the longitudinal beam to the treadmill (10).
36. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 35, characterised in that a sliding sleeve (13) is provided in the area of the longitudinal beam (9) in order to move the walking aid in relation to the handle.
37. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 36, characterised in that the walking aid (1) can be fixed to a handrail frame of the treadmill (10).
38. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 24 to 31, characterised in that the housing extends to a cross beam (24) arranged between the handrail frame and can be moved around the cross beam (24).
39. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 38, characterised in that the housing is formed with a through hole to receive the cross beam (24).
40. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 32 or 33, characterised in that the walking aid is connected via the protective element (25, 26) to the fixed side areas of the treadmill.
41. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 7, characterised in that the axle extending through the protective elements (25, 26) to fix the front end of the walking aid is the axle for the drive wheels (16) in frictional contact with the treadmill.
42. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 41, characterised in that the axle extends through the drive wheels of both tractive elements arranged parallel to each other.
43. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 1 to 5, characterised in that the tractive element(s) (4) is / are arranged in a housing and that the fixing elements extend through slot-shaped openings formed in the outer plates (14, 15) of the housing, wherein the fixing elements are held in the slot-shaped opening by means of guide elements (30, 32).
44. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 43, characterised in that each guide element extends through the slot-shaped opening and comprises flat elements formed parallel to the inside and outside wall of the outer plates (14, 15).
45. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 43 or 44, characterised in that each fixing element is assigned two guide elements (30, 32) which extend through one, in each case, of the plates formed parallel to each other.
46. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 43 or 44, characterised in that in the housing two tractive elements (4) are formed, an inner guide (31) with a slot-shaped opening is arranged between the tractive elements, and the guide arranged on the side of the tractive element facing away from the fixing element engages the slot-shaped opening of the inner guide.
47. Walking aid (1) according to Claim 46, characterised in that two inner guides are formed parallel to each other.
48. Walking aid (1) according to at least one of the Claims 1 to 47, characterised in that the leg brace is formed with an automatically locking closure.

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