Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
  • A61H3/04—Wheeled walking aids for patients or disabled persons
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
  • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
  • A61G7/10—Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons, e.g. special adaptations of hoists thereto
  • A61G7/1038—Manual lifting aids, e.g. frames or racks
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
  • A61H2201/0192—Specific means for adjusting dimensions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
  • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
  • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
  • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
  • A61H2201/1635—Hand or arm, e.g. handle

Definitions

• a walker designed to assist an individual with rising from a seated position is disclosed herein below.
• the support handles that are intended for assisting an individual in rising from a seated position are either unstable or positioned inconveniently to a person in a seated position behind the walker.
• a walker which is both stable and configured to adjust to the height of the user and to provide properly located handles to assist a user in both rising from and lowering to a seated position.
• a need exists for an improved walker which provides assistance when a person wants to rise from a seated position, wants to descend to a seated position, and when that person wants to walk from one place to another.
• the walker device discussed below incorporates several significant design changes that improve the overall function and utility of the walker.
• the walker device disclosed herein is an improvement over those known in the art.
• a walker to assist a person rising from a seated position comprising: two or more front legs each having a proximal end, a center and a distal end, the distal end being adapted to contact the ground, one or more cross members secured to and joining the front legs to one another, a handle engaged to the proximal end of each front leg, a joint mechanism engaged to each the front leg, and a rear leg having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being engaged to each joint mechanism allowing the rear legs to pivot relative to the front legs.
• Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention in a standing position.
• Figure 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention in a kneeling position.
• Figure 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention in a kneeling position in front of a chair.
• Figure 4 is a proximal view of one embodiment of a joint mechanism of the present invention.
• Figure 5 is a side view of one embodiment of a joint mechanism of the present invention.
• Figure 6 is a side view of one embodiment of a joint mechanism of the present invention.
• Figure 7 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a joint mechanism of the present invention.
• Figure 8 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed position.
• Figure 9 is a front view of one embodiment of the present invention in an upright position.
• Figure 10 is a rear view of one embodiment of the present invention in an upright position.
• Figure 1 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in an upright position.
• Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in an upright position.
• Figure 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a handle of the present invention.
• Figure 14a is a side view of one embodiment of a handle the present invention.
• Figure 14b is a perspective view of one embodiment of a handle the present invention.
• Figure 15a is a side view of one embodiment of a handle the present invention.
• Figure 15b is a perspective view of one embodiment of a handle the present invention.
• Figure 16a is a side view of one embodiment of a handle the present invention.
• Figure 16b is a perspective view of one embodiment of a handle the present invention.
• Figure 17a is a side view of one embodiment of a handle the present invention.
• Figure 17b is a perspective view of one embodiment of a handle the present invention.
• Figure 18a is a side view o one embodiment o a handle the present invention
• Figure 18b is a side view o one embodiment o a handle the present invention
• Figure 18c is a side view o one embodiment ol a handle the present invention
• Figure 18d is a side view o one embodiment o a handle the present invention
• Figure 18e is a side view o one embodiment o a handle the present invention
• Figure 19a is a side view o one embodiment o the present invention in use.
• Figure 19b is a side view o one embodiment o the present invention in use.
• Figure 19c is a side view o one embodiment ol the present invention in use.
• Figure 19d is a side view o one embodiment o the present invention in use.
• Figure 19e is a side view o one embodiment o the present invention in use.
• Figure 20a is a side view o one embodiment o the present invention in use.
• Figure 20b is a side view o one embodiment o the present invention in use.
• Figure 20c is a side view o one embodiment ol the present invention in use.
• Figure 20d is a side view o one embodiment o the present invention in use.
• Figure 20e is a side view o one embodiment o the present invention in use.
• Figure 21 is a side view of an illustration of a prior art walker.
• the current invention addresses numerous issues with the prior art and includes an aesthetically pleasing, innovative walker 10 that can assist a person in rising from a seated position as well as assist in ambulation.
• walker 10 users have muscle weakness, and many, though not all, are elderly.
• the inability to freely rise from seated positions limits an older adult's independence.
• the current invention offers two stable configurations to support users in sit-to-stand and in ambulation. First, the walker device 10 is adjusted to a "kneeling" configuration 200 that provides support handles 40 to help the person rise from a seated position. Second, the walker device 10 can be configured into a
• This device 10 can aid individuals to rise from seated positions in virtually any environment including sofas, beds, soft chairs, and even toilets, which differentiate it from other walking aids available. Additionally, the device 10 has also been designed to be aesthetically different from traditional walkers.
• the concept of the walker device 10 is based upon the need to provide two distinct configurations.
• a 'standing' configuration 210 (see Figures 1 , 10, 1 1 , 12, 13 and 14) used during ambulation, and a 'kneeling' configuration 200 (see Figures 2, 3, 16 and 17) used when rising from a seated position.
• the walker device's 10 handles are designed to mimic the arm rails on a chair (see Figure 3) and the rear legs 60 extend under or around the seat. Since not all chairs or sitting surfaces have armrests, the walker device 10 of the instant invention provides assistance wherever the user chooses to sit.
• the handles 40 provide a point onto which the user can push down to assist in rising from a seated position.
• the ability to manage this assistive force is due to the rear legs 60 extending under or beside the seat thereby providing the necessary stabilizing torque needed to prevent the walker from tipping toward the user.
• Current walkers will tip if the user were to pull on them to assist in standing. This design provides safe and stable assistance to permit independence in rising from a seated position.
• the current invention includes a walker 10 to assist a person rising from a seated position, the walker 10 comprising: two or more front legs 20 each having a proximal end 21 , a center 23 and a distal end 25, the distal end being adapted to contact the ground, one or more cross members 30 secured to and joining the front legs 20 to one another, a handle 40 engaged to the proximal end 21 of each the front leg 20, a joint mechanism 100 engaged to each the front leg 20 and a rear leg 60 having a proximal end 61 , a center 63 and a distal end 65, with the proximal end 61 being engaged to each joint mechanism 100 allowing the rear legs 60 to pivot relative to the front legs 20.
• One embodiment of the current invention further comprises a wheel assembly which includes a wheel mounting to 26 engaged to the distal end 25 of a front leg and a wheel 80 rotatably engaged to the wheel mounting 26.
• the front legs 20, cross members 30, handles 40 and rear legs 60 are generally made from a tubular material.
• the tubular material may be metal, plastic, wood, carbon fiber, or any combination thereof.
• the walker 10 further includes a wheel assembly 80 secured to the distal ends 25 of each front leg 20.
• a front leg 20 may be comprised of a handle mounting tube 22 at its proximal end 21 , the handle mounting tube having a proximal end which is engaged to a handle and a distal end which is engaged to an upper housing mount 102.
• the front leg 20 is further comprised of a wheel mounting tube 26 at its distal end 25, the wheel mounting tube having a proximal end which is engaged to a wheel assembly 80 and a distal end which is engaged to a lower housing mount 104.
• the handles 40 are telescopically engaged to the front legs 20 and each said handle 40 and front leg 20 further include a height adjustment mechanism 27 which allows the height of the handles to be individually adjusted to a height desired by a user.
• the adjustment mechanism 27 may include compression clamps, snap stops, spring plungers, threaded rods, or any combination thereof.
• the front legs 20 may be linear (as illustrated in the figures) or curved.
• Each cross member 30 includes a proximal end 31 , a center 33 and a distal end 35.
• the proximal end 31 of a cross member is engaged and secured to a first front leg 20 and the distal end 35 of the cross member is engaged and secured to a second front leg 20.
• the cross member 30 may be welded at each end, to secure it to the first and second front legs.
• the cross member 30 may engage each front leg further including a coping insert 36 to aid in stabilizing the engagement point.
• the coping insert 36 may be engaged by a fastener 4 to retain the cross member 30 in its desired position.
• a cross member 30 20 may be linear (as illustrated in the figures) or curved.
• each rear leg 60 is engaged to the joint mechanism 100 which allows the rear leg to pivot relative to the front leg 20.
• Each rear leg 60 includes a proximal end 61 , a center 63 and a distal end 65.
• Each rear leg 60 is engaged at its proximal end 61 to the joint mechanism 100.
• the distal end 65 of the rear leg may be referred to as the rear support tube 66, which includes an upper surface 67 and a lower surface 68.
• the lower surface 68 is designed to engage the ground while the walker 10 is in either the kneeling configuration 200 or the standing configuration 210.
• the rear legs 60 may also include a locking mechanism 72, which, when disengaged, allows for each rear leg 60 to be rotated to configure the walker 10 into a more compact form (Figure 8).
• the locking mechanism 72 may include
• a rear leg 60 further includes a height adjustment mechanism (not illustrated) similar to the mechanism described previously which allows the length/height of the rear legs to be individually adjusted to a height desired by a user.
• the height adjustment mechanism may operate in a telescopic manner and which includes compression clamps, snap stops, spring plungers, threaded rods, or any combination thereof to lock the mechanism at a desired height/length.
• the rear legs 60 are curved as illustrated in the figures. In one embodiment of the instant invention, the distal end 65 of the rear legs may be flattened, in a shape similar to a ski.
• each handle is secured to the proximal end 21 of a front leg 20.
• Each handle 40 includes a proximal end 41 , a center 43 and a distal end 45.
• a grip 46 may be located on the distal end 45.
• a handle 40 may further comprise a primary projection 55 emanating in the same general direction as the rear legs 60.
• the primary projection 55 serves as a primary handle 56.
• the handle 40 further comprises a secondary projection 52 emanating at an upward angle from the primary projection 55 and a secondary handle 50 is secured to the end of the secondary projection.
• the secondary handle 50 may further include a grip 51 .
• Each grip 46, 51 may include any grip known in the art which aids a person in maintaining their hold on the device/handle. Looking to figures 13 through 17, numerous embodiments and configurations for the handles 40 are illustrated.
• a handle 40, its primary projection 55 and secondary projection 52 and secondary handle 50 are welded to them in place.
• a coping insert 36 is used to aid in stabilizing the engagement points.
• the coping insert 36 may be engaged by a fastener 4 to retain the each component in its desired position.
• the height of the walking/standing 210 and kneeling configurations 200 is designed based upon human anthropometrics so that the handle 40 height corresponds with the proper walker height for the 5th to the 95th percentile of users.
• the handles 40 are designed to be easily adjusted in height over a range of about 6 inches.
• One embodiment employs detents that are commonly used with existing walkers.
• the geometry of the device is designed such that when the handle height meets user needs when in its standing 210 and kneeling 200 configurations.
• FIG. 21 Another key design feature addresses the fact that the optimal height of the handle 40 for pushing off while rising from a seat cannot be reached from a standing position without bending over or stopping (see Figure 21 ).
• the handles have been designed for use in both device configurations (see Figures 18a-e).
• the handles 40 have a novel two section design to permit proper access while standing and walking.
• the handles 40 incorporate a rearward loop or protrusion to meet both functional needs.
• a user can push off of one portion of the handle (i.e., the secondary projection 52, the secondary handle 50) when the device is in the kneeling configuration 200 and grasp the 2nd portion of the handle (i.e., the primary projection 55, the primary handle 56) once they are standing.
• Some of these handle designs can be adjusted to further optimize their fit to the user.
• handles are designed to permit users to grasp them in multiple ways, allowing the user to select the grip that is most comfortable and functional.
• the current invention features a novel joint mechanism 100 which differs from prior art.
• This mechanism allows the device to safely transition between two stable load bearing positions that match the walking/standing 210 and kneeling 200 configurations.
• the joint mechanism 100 has a slim profile that extends less than 1 ⁇ 2 inch on either side of the legs, and incorporates an in-line design that aligns the front legs 20 and back legs 60 directly behind one another as opposed to side by side as described in the prior art.
• a rigid shelf 120 which is a feature of the joint housing, serves as a hard stop that prevents the rear leg, 60 from rotating beyond the designed angle for the kneeling configuration, 200 (see figures 4-6). This consideration affords a more robust and safe joint design.
• the actuation mechanism 130 of the joint retracts (see figure 8) a pin 172 from a socket 166 located in the joint mechanism's solid inner bearing 160 and allows the rear leg, 60 freedom to rotate back, lowering the device into the kneeling
• the device can be returned to the standing
• the current joint mechanism 100 also includes features that enable the walker device's legs 20, 60 to be attached without the need for welding.
• a walker with a joint mechanism that is comprised of a bearing 160 which includes a socket 166, a tongue end fitting 140 engaged with the bearing 160, one or more clevis type connector 125 secured to the bearing 160 and the tongue end fitting 140, a housing 1 10 surrounding the bearing 160, the tongue end fitting 140 and the clevis type connectors 125 wherein the bearing 160 may pivotally rotate within the housing 1 10 in a center cavity 1 19 and the tongue end fitting 140 extends out of the housing through a pipe insert aperture 1 15, the rear leg, 60 is engaged to the tongue end fitting 140, a support release pin assembly 170 secured to the housing 1 10 and operationally associated with the socket 166 and a trigger lever 130 operationally associated with the support release pin assembly 170 which, when actuated, withdraws the pin 172 from the socket, allowing the support release pin assembly to secure the bearing 160 and the rear legs 60 in a standing configuration
• Figure 7 illustrates one embodiment of a joint mechanism 100 of the instant invention wherein the housing 1 10 includes an upper end 1 1 1 , a lower end 1 12, an inner aperture 1 13, a center cavity 1 19 and an outer surface 1 14.
• the housing also includes a perimeter ring 1 16, a pipe insert aperture 1 15, a pin aperture 1 18 and a hard stop shelf 120.
• the center cavity 1 19 surrounds and protects the bearing 160 which is secured in place by a pair of clevis type connectors 125.
• Each clevis type connector 125 is engaged with the bearing 160 on its inner surface 126 and is engaged to the housing 1 10 on its outer surface 128.
• the clevis type connector 125 also has an aperture 127 through which a fastener 4 may travel.
• Figure 7 also illustrates a tongue end fitting 140 with a proximal end 141 and a distal end 145 and a bearing engagement surface 146 located on its proximal end 141 .
• the tongue end fitting 140 engages the outer perimeter surface 162 of the bearing 160 with its bearing engagement surface 146.
• the clevis type connectors 125 engage both the bearing 160 and the tongue end fitting 140 and secure them together.
• the distal end 145 of the tongue end fitting 140 engages the proximal end 151 a pipe insert base 150.
• the distal end 155 of the pipe insert base 150 is engaged with the proximal end 61 of a rear legs 60.
• a housing spacer 108 is engaged with the outer surface 1 14 of each side of the housing 1 10 and a side panel 190 is engaged to each of the housing spacers 108.
• the side panel includes a body 191 which engages the housing spacer 108, an inner surface 192 which engages the housing spacer 108, an outer surface 194, and an arm of 195 which is engaged to the trigger lever 130 and secures it in place.
• the trigger lever 130 is rotationally engaged to the arm 195 of the side panel at its proximal end 131 , and may be manipulated at its distal end 135.
• the support release pin assembly 170 includes a pin 172, a spring 175 and a pin screw 180.
• the pin screw 180 is engaged with the pin 172 and the spring 175 is sandwiched between the pin screw 180 and the pin 172 with the spring being biased to push the pin 172 away from the pin screw 180 and push the pin 172 into the socket 166 on the bearing 160.
• the pin 172 is slidably engaged with the pin aperture 1 18 and engages with the socket 166 to retain the bearing 1 60 in the standing configuration 210.
• the support release pin assembly 170 is operationally associated with the trigger lever 130.
• Trigger levers 130 are used to allow the walker device 10 to transition from a standing/walking configuration 210 to a kneeling configuration 200.
• the trigger lever 130 has been designed to be operated via gross motions that don't require precision grip or fine motor dexterity. The user simply lifts up on the trigger lever 130 which will retract the pin 172 from the socket 166 allowing the walker 10 to transition to the kneeling configuration 200.
• the trigger lever is operationally associated with the pin 172 of the pin release assembly by any means known in the art which include, but are not limited to, cables, wires, chains, rods, coils, or a combination thereof.
• the joint mechanism 100 is designed with special consideration so that it is difficult to accidentally trigger the mechanism because the lever 130 must be lifted instead of pressed down.
• the current invention also includes a method of using a walker 10 to assist a person rising from a seated position comprising the steps of:
• a walker 10 comprising: two or more front legs 20 each having a proximal end 21 , a center 23 and a distal end 25, the distal end being adapted to contact the ground, one or more cross members 30 secured to and joining the front legs 20 to one another, a handle 40 engaged to the proximal end 21 of each the front leg wherein the handle 40 is comprised of two projections that serve as primary 56 and secondary 52 handles or hand grips, a joint mechanism 100 engaged to each front leg 20, wherein the joint mechanism 100 is comprised of: a bearing 160 which includes a socket 166, a tongue end fitting 140 engaged with the bearing 160, one or more clevis type connectors 125 secured to the bearing and the tongue end fitting, a housing 1 10 surrounding the bearing 160, the tongue end fitting 140 and the clevis type connectors 125 wherein the bearing 160 may pivotally rotate within the housing 1 10 and the tongue end fitting 140 extends out of the housing 1 10, a rear leg, 60 is engaged to the tongue end fitting 140, a support release pin
• step (i) occurs automatically due to the spring biased pin 172 forcing itself into the socket 166 as the bearing and legs rotate back to the standing position 210.
• Any method described herein may incorporate any design element contained within this application and any other document/application incorporated by reference herein.

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• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Nursing (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
• Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

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• 2015
  • 2015-05-15 EP EP15793518.0A patent/EP3142623A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2015-05-15 CN CN201580035561.8A patent/CN106535854A/zh active Pending

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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