EP3763346B1 - Walking aid with foldable support legs - Google Patents

Walking aid with foldable support legs Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3763346B1
EP3763346B1 EP19185669.9A EP19185669A EP3763346B1 EP 3763346 B1 EP3763346 B1 EP 3763346B1 EP 19185669 A EP19185669 A EP 19185669A EP 3763346 B1 EP3763346 B1 EP 3763346B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support
walking aid
shaft
support legs
aid according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19185669.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3763346A1 (en
Inventor
Patrick Wilkens
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to EP19185669.9A priority Critical patent/EP3763346B1/en
Priority to ES19185669T priority patent/ES2898980T3/en
Priority to US17/612,800 priority patent/US20220218554A1/en
Priority to CN202080050410.0A priority patent/CN114423394B/en
Priority to PCT/EP2020/069624 priority patent/WO2021005228A1/en
Publication of EP3763346A1 publication Critical patent/EP3763346A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3763346B1 publication Critical patent/EP3763346B1/en
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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
    • A61H3/02—Crutches
    • A61H3/0288—Ferrules or tips therefor
    • 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
    • A61H3/02—Crutches
    • A61H3/0244—Arrangements for storing or keeping upright when not in use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H2003/006—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about with forearm rests, i.e. for non-used arms
    • 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
    • A61H3/02—Crutches
    • A61H3/0244—Arrangements for storing or keeping upright when not in use
    • A61H2003/0272—Arrangements for storing or keeping upright when not in use on a single crutch allowing it to remain upright when not in use, e.g. retractable tripods
    • 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
    • A61H2201/0161—Size reducing arrangements when not in use, for stowing or transport
    • 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
    • A61H2201/0173—Means for preventing injuries
    • 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
    • A61H2201/12—Driving means
    • A61H2201/1207—Driving means with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H2201/1215—Rotary drive
    • 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
    • A61H2201/14—Special force transmission means, i.e. between the driving means and the interface with the user
    • A61H2201/1436—Special crank assembly
    • 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
    • A61H2201/14—Special force transmission means, i.e. between the driving means and the interface with the user
    • A61H2201/1481—Special movement conversion means
    • A61H2201/149—Special movement conversion means rotation-linear or vice versa
    • 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
    • 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
    • A61H2201/1657—Movement of interface, i.e. force application means
    • A61H2201/1676—Pivoting

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a walking aid for absorbing a design support force for supporting a person using the walking aid, with an upper support part used for engaging the person, a shaft, a support base arranged at a lower end of the shaft and a plurality of pivotable support legs which are positioned between a storage position, in which they are unfolded by a predetermined angle and the walking aid can be placed on a surface, and a use position in which the support legs are folded together and are arranged adjacent to one another and the walking aid can be used, can be moved.
  • Such a walking aid with support legs for parking when not in use is known in numerous embodiments, for example from DE 20 2016 006 146 U1 .
  • support legs are provided at the lower end of the walking aid, which can be folded out or extended by a suitable mechanism and, in addition to the support base that is already present, or solely to be able to park the walking aid in a standing position without the danger that she falls over and poses an accident risk when lying on the floor.
  • the invention has set itself the task of improving a generic walking aid with regard to the aforementioned problems.
  • the support foot can be divided into several, preferably three or four, support legs, which are held pivotably on the shaft and can either be brought into the unfolded storage position or the folded use position.
  • the support foot can have a length or height that is between 5% and 30% of the total length or height of the walking aid, preferably between 10% and 20%.
  • All support legs are preferably designed in the same way.
  • Each support leg is expediently designed to absorb the same supporting force, which corresponds to at least a portion of the design supporting force resulting from the number of supporting legs. For safety reasons, it can be provided that each support leg is designed on its own to absorb the full design and support force.
  • a first locking device can be provided in order to lock the support legs with one another and / or with the shaft in the use position, in order to ensure that the support legs or an individual support leg cannot unintentionally unfold if a load is applied across a longitudinal axis of the shaft acts on the lower end of a support leg.
  • the first locking device can be activated automatically as soon as the support legs are brought into the use position.
  • a second locking device can be provided to lock the support legs in the storage position with one another and / or with the shaft in order to prevent unintentional movement, for example a folding movement in the direction of the use position, of one or more support legs.
  • the second locking device can be activated automatically as soon as the support legs are brought into the storage position.
  • a stop with which the predetermined angle is set can be arranged between each support leg and the shaft.
  • the stop can limit an opening movement of one or all of the support legs in the direction of the storage position.
  • Each support leg can be held on the shaft so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis running transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
  • a flexible articulation can be provided between an upper end of a support leg and the shaft, for example connecting elements made of metal or flexible plastic between an upper end of a support leg and the shaft, whereby a pivotable connection is also formed.
  • the support legs can consist entirely of a flexible material and have a flexibly deflectable fastening section at their upper ends, with which they are pivotably held on the shaft.
  • a support leg is formed integrally with a hinge-like connecting portion.
  • the connecting section can be designed like a spring and pretensioned in such a way that the support legs assume the storage position in a relaxed state and can be brought into the use position against a spring-like restoring force, or vice versa.
  • springs can be provided, which act between each support leg and the shaft, or a spring between all support legs or between all support legs and the shaft, in order to either move the support legs into the Use position or bias in the storage position.
  • Torsion springs can be provided which can be arranged around the pivot axes which are used to mount the support legs on the shaft.
  • the invention preferably provides that a sliding sleeve is arranged on a lower end section of the shaft, which can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the shaft and which in the use position at least partially overlaps the support legs from the outside and holds them in the use position and in the storage position opposite the use position in the direction of the support upper part is relocated and releases the support legs to unfold.
  • an electric motor can be arranged as a drive means for the support legs and / or the sliding sleeve, which is in drive connection with the support legs, in particular with the sliding sleeve, in order to move the support legs directly between the use and storage position, and / or to move the sliding sleeve between a position that at least partially overlaps or releases the support legs.
  • the support legs can be brought into the use position by shifting the sliding sleeve into the position at least partially overlapping the support legs.
  • the support legs can be brought into the storage position by means of one or more spring (s) when the sliding sleeve is displaced into the position releasing the support legs.
  • the drive connection can be formed by a crank mechanism, with a first crank arm on a rotating shaft of the electric motor and a second crank arm articulated to the first crank arm, which is articulated on the sliding sleeve.
  • a battery and operating elements are expediently accommodated in the upper part of the support.
  • the support legs can be hinged to a cylindrical bearing element which is inserted into a lower, hollow end portion of the shaft.
  • the shaft can be telescopically adjustable in length in a manner known per se, it being possible for individual shaft elements to be infinitely variable or adjustable relative to one another in predetermined steps.
  • the upper part of the support can either be designed as a forearm support with a forearm splint and a handle, or alternatively as an armpit support with an armpit support and a handle.
  • An actuating element for triggering a movement of the support legs into the use or storage position for example a push button, can be arranged on or in the handle.
  • An inductive charging device for wireless charging of the battery can be arranged on the walking aid, for example in the area of the upper part of the support or in the area of the shaft or the support legs.
  • Figure 1a, b show a walking aid according to the invention, which is shown disassembled into its individual parts, with a support upper part 2, a shaft 4 consisting of several parts and a support base 8.
  • the support upper part 2 is shown in this example as a forearm support with a forearm splint 2a and a handle 2b.
  • the upper support part 2 could be designed as an armpit support ("American crutch") as Figures 10a-c show, with a substantially horizontal, slightly bent armpit support 2c, a horizontal handle 2b arranged underneath and a strut 2d extending laterally from the shaft and carrying one end of the armpit support, with another end of the armpit support resting on the shaft 4.
  • two laterally cantilevered struts can be provided, which carry the armpit support at the top and converge at the bottom and are connected to the shaft, the handle then being arranged centrally between the struts below the armpit support.
  • the shaft 4 consists of three partial sections, an upper shaft section 4a, a middle shaft section 4b and a lower shaft section 4c.
  • the support upper part 2 is connected to the upper shaft section 4a, for example by screwing or gluing, and the upper shaft section 4a is connected to the middle shaft section 4b in a manner known per se in a telescopically adjustable length, with locking openings 10 being provided on the upper shaft section 4a in order to to bring a not shown, resiliently held on the central shaft portion 4b latching projection into engagement with one of the latching openings 10 and to fix the two shaft sections 4a, 4b to one another in a desired relative position.
  • the middle shaft section 4b is firmly screwed to the lower shaft section 4c.
  • a cylindrical bearing element 12 is inserted into a lower end of the lower shaft section 4c and is firmly screwed to the lower shaft section 4c.
  • a plurality of support legs 14, four in the illustrated embodiment, are pivotably mounted on the bearing element 12.
  • the storage takes place in each case by means of a cylindrical bearing pin 18 arranged transversely to a longitudinal axis 4d of the shaft 4, which is received in corresponding receiving bores in the bearing element 12, so that pivot axes 20 fixed by the bearing pin 18, about which the support legs 14 are pivotable, transversely run to the longitudinal axis 4d and are immutable and stationary relative to the shaft or at least to the lower shaft section 4c.
  • Fig. 8 , 9 show the pivot axes 20, wherein in Fig. 9
  • the pivot axis 20 of the support leg 14 lying at the rear in the viewing direction is indicated by dashed lines.
  • the lower shaft section 4c is designed as a cylindrical tube, with a sliding sleeve being slidably received on the lower shaft section 4c along the longitudinal axis 4d, which is in drive connection with a drive motor 24 which is connected to an upper region of the lower shaft section 4c Distance from the bearing element 12, in or on the lower shaft portion 4c.
  • the drive motor 24 is attached outside the lower shaft section 4c due to its size and is covered by a motor cover 26.
  • the sliding sleeve 22 has an inner diameter which corresponds to an outer diameter of the lower shaft section 4c.
  • the support legs 14 are mounted and designed in such a way that their outer surfaces 14a in the folded state of use ( Figure 9 ) lie within a circular cylindrical surface, the diameter of which corresponds to an outer diameter of the lower shaft section 4c, so that the sliding sleeve 22, depending on its axial position, either only covers the lower shaft section 4c ( Figure 6, 7 ) overlaps or both this and the support legs 14 or their outer surfaces 14a ( Figure 8 , 9 ) when they are in their collapsed position.
  • the support legs 14 are in their maximally unfolded position ( Figure 3 to 7 ) arranged at a predetermined angle 27 with respect to the longitudinal axis 4d of the shaft 4, in the example shown about 30 degrees, this angle 27 through a stop is defined, which limits a pivoting movement of the support legs 14.
  • the stop is formed in the illustrated embodiment by an inclined contact surface 14b on each support leg 14 on the one hand and by an annular stop element 28 on the other hand, which can be held on the bearing element 12 or on the lower shaft portion 4c or can be formed in one piece with one of these elements.
  • a preload spring 30 is arranged in the area of each bearing pin 18, in the example shown a torsion spring which is arranged around the bearing pin 18 and is supported on the one hand against the bearing element 12 and on the other hand against the respective support leg 14. As a result, the support legs 14 are in the direction of the unfolded storage position ( Figure 7 ) preloaded.
  • the sliding sleeve 22 is cylindrical and open on both sides, with the exception of a transverse web 22a at an upper end of the sliding sleeve 22, which is used to connect to the drive motor 24.
  • the lower shaft section 4c is provided with a longitudinal slot 32, in which the transverse web 22a is received in a longitudinally displaceable manner.
  • FIGs 7 to 9 explain the drive connection between sliding sleeve 22 and drive motor 24 is connected, which in turn is hinged to the transverse web 22a of the sliding sleeve 22.
  • a rotary movement of the rotary shaft 34 can thereby be converted into a linear displacement of the sliding sleeve 22, in the longitudinal direction of the lower shaft section 4c between an upper end position in which the sliding sleeve 22 does not overlap the support legs 14 ( Figure 3 to 7 ), and a lower end position in which the sliding sleeve 22 overlaps the support legs and brings them into the folded-up position of use against the force of the torsion springs 30 ( Figure 9 ).
  • Figure 3 and 4th show a central reinforcing element 40 which is rigidly connected to the lower end of the shaft 4 or to the lower shaft section 4c.
  • the reinforcement element 40 has the task of providing additional security or reinforcement for the support legs 14 in the folded state of use, so that the Support legs 14 retain their alignment with the shaft 4 even when there is a considerable load transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 4 and cannot, for example, buckle transversely.
  • the reinforcing element 40 in a preferred variant does not absorb any portion of the supporting force acting in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, but this could be provided in a variant in order to relieve the support legs 14.

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

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Gehhilfe zur Aufnahme einer Auslegungs-Stützkraft zum Stützen einer die Gehhilfe benutzenden Person, mit einem zum Eingriff der Person dienenden Stützenoberteil, einem Schaft, einem an einem unteren Ende des Schafts angeordneten Stützenfuß und mehreren schwenkbaren Stützbeinen, die zwischen einer Ablagestellung, in der sie um einen vorgegebenen Winkel auseinandergeklappt sind und die Gehhilfe auf einem Untergrund abstellbar ist, und einer Benutzungsstellung, in der die Stützbeine zusammengeklappt und benachbart zueinander angeordnet sind und die Gehhilfe nutzbar ist, bewegbar sind.The invention relates to a walking aid for absorbing a design support force for supporting a person using the walking aid, with an upper support part used for engaging the person, a shaft, a support base arranged at a lower end of the shaft and a plurality of pivotable support legs which are positioned between a storage position, in which they are unfolded by a predetermined angle and the walking aid can be placed on a surface, and a use position in which the support legs are folded together and are arranged adjacent to one another and the walking aid can be used, can be moved.

Eine solche Gehhilfe mit Stützbeinen zum Abstellen bei Nichtbenutzung ist in zahlreichen Ausführungsformen bekannt, bspw. aus DE 20 2016 006 146 U1 . Bei dieser und anderen ähnlichen Ausführungen sind am unteren Ende der Gehhilfe Stützbeine vorgesehen, die durch einen geeigneten Mechanismus ausgeklappt oder ausgefahren werden können und in Ergänzung mit dem ohnehin vorhandenen Stützenfuß oder allein dazu dienen, die Gehhilfe stehend abstellen zu können, ohne dass die Gefahr besteht, dass sie umfällt und auf dem Boden liegend ein Unfallrisiko darstellt.Such a walking aid with support legs for parking when not in use is known in numerous embodiments, for example from DE 20 2016 006 146 U1 . In this and other similar designs, support legs are provided at the lower end of the walking aid, which can be folded out or extended by a suitable mechanism and, in addition to the support base that is already present, or solely to be able to park the walking aid in a standing position without the danger that she falls over and poses an accident risk when lying on the floor.

Die bekannten Anordnungen von Stützbeinen am unteren Ende einer Gehhilfe sind konstruktiv aufwändig, voluminös und geben der Gehhilfe ein kompliziertes und wenig elegantes Aussehen. Außerdem ist die Betätigungstechnik häufig anfällig gegen Störungen und Verschmutzung.The known arrangements of support legs at the lower end of a walking aid are complex, voluminous and give the walking aid a complicated and not very elegant appearance. In addition, the actuation technology is often susceptible to malfunctions and contamination.

Die Erfindung hat sich zur Aufgabe gestellt, eine gattungsgemäße Gehhilfe im Hinblick auf die vorgenannten Probleme zu verbessern.The invention has set itself the task of improving a generic walking aid with regard to the aforementioned problems.

Die Aufgabe der Erfindung wird durch eine Gehilfe gemäß Anspruchs 1 gelöst.The object of the invention is achieved by an assistant according to claim 1.

Der Stützenfuß kann in mehrere, bevorzugt drei oder vier, Stützbeine geteilt sein, die schwenkbar an dem Schaft gehalten und entweder in die auseinandergeklappte Ablagestellung oder die zusammengeklappte Benutzungsstellung bringbar sind.The support foot can be divided into several, preferably three or four, support legs, which are held pivotably on the shaft and can either be brought into the unfolded storage position or the folded use position.

Der Stützenfuß kann eine Länge oder Höhe haben, die zwischen 5 % und 30 % der gesamten Länge oder Höhe der Gehhilfe beträgt, vorzugsweise zwischen 10 % und 20 %.The support foot can have a length or height that is between 5% and 30% of the total length or height of the walking aid, preferably between 10% and 20%.

Bevorzugt sind alle Stützbeine gleich ausgebildet. Zweckmäßigerweise ist jedes Stützbein zur Aufnahme einer gleichen Stützkraft ausgelegt, die mindestens einem Anteil der Auslegungs-Stützkraft entspricht, der sich aus der Anzahl der Stützbeine ergibt. Es kann aus Sicherheitsgründen vorgesehen sein, dass jedes Stützbein für sich allein zur Aufnahme der vollen Auslegungs- und Stützkraft ausgelegt ist.All support legs are preferably designed in the same way. Each support leg is expediently designed to absorb the same supporting force, which corresponds to at least a portion of the design supporting force resulting from the number of supporting legs. For safety reasons, it can be provided that each support leg is designed on its own to absorb the full design and support force.

Es kann eine erste Verriegelungseinrichtung vorgesehen sein, um die Stützbeine in der Benutzungsstellung miteinander und/oder mit dem Schaft zu verriegeln, um sicherzustellen, dass nicht die Stützbeine oder ein einzelnes Stützbein unbeabsichtigt aufklappen kann, wenn eine Belastung quer zu einer Längsachse des Schafts auf ein unteres Ende eines Stützbeins einwirkt. Die erste Verriegelungseinrichtung kann selbständig aktiviert sein, sobald die Stützbeine in die Benutzungsstellung gebracht sind.A first locking device can be provided in order to lock the support legs with one another and / or with the shaft in the use position, in order to ensure that the support legs or an individual support leg cannot unintentionally unfold if a load is applied across a longitudinal axis of the shaft acts on the lower end of a support leg. The first locking device can be activated automatically as soon as the support legs are brought into the use position.

Weiterhin kann eine zweite Verriegelungseinrichtung vorgesehen sein, um die Stützbeine in der Ablagestellung untereinander und/oder mit dem Schaft zu verriegeln, um eine unbeabsichtigte Bewegung, beispielsweise Einklappbewegung in Richtung der Benutzungsstellung, eines oder mehrerer Stützbeine zu verhindern. Die zweite Verriegelungseinrichtung kann selbständig aktiviert sein, sobald die Stützbeine in die Ablagestellung gebracht sind.Furthermore, a second locking device can be provided to lock the support legs in the storage position with one another and / or with the shaft in order to prevent unintentional movement, for example a folding movement in the direction of the use position, of one or more support legs. The second locking device can be activated automatically as soon as the support legs are brought into the storage position.

Zwischen jedem Stützbein und dem Schaft kann ein Anschlag angeordnet sein, mit dem der vorgegebene Winkel festgelegt ist. Der Anschlag kann eine Öffnungsbewegung eines oder aller Stützbeine in Richtung auf die Ablagestellung begrenzen.A stop with which the predetermined angle is set can be arranged between each support leg and the shaft. The stop can limit an opening movement of one or all of the support legs in the direction of the storage position.

Jedes Stützbein kann um eine quer zu einer Längsachse des Schafts verlaufende Schwenkachse schwenkbar an dem Schaft gehalten sein. Alternativ kann eine flexible Anlenkung zwischen einem oberen Ende eines Stützbeins und dem Schaft vorgesehen sein, bspw. aus Metall oder flexiblem Kunststoff bestehende Verbindungselemente zwischen einem oberen Ende eines Stützbeins und dem Schaft, wodurch ebenfalls eine schwenkbare Verbindung gebildet ist. In Weiterbildung dieses Gedankens können die Stützbeine insgesamt aus einem flexiblen Material bestehen und an ihren oberen Enden einen flexibel auslenkbaren Befestigungsabschnitt aufweisen, mit dem sie schwenkbar an dem Schaft gehalten sind. In einem solchen Fall ist ein Stützbein einstückig mit einem gelenkartigen Verbindungsabschnitt ausgebildet. Der Verbindungsabschnitt kann federartig ausgebildet sein und so vorgespannt sein, dass die Stützbeine in einem entspannten Zustand die Ablagestellung einnehmen und entgegen einer federartigen Rückstellkraft in die Benutzungsstellung bringbar sind, oder umgekehrt.Each support leg can be held on the shaft so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis running transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. Alternatively, a flexible articulation can be provided between an upper end of a support leg and the shaft, for example connecting elements made of metal or flexible plastic between an upper end of a support leg and the shaft, whereby a pivotable connection is also formed. In a further development of this idea, the support legs can consist entirely of a flexible material and have a flexibly deflectable fastening section at their upper ends, with which they are pivotably held on the shaft. In such a case, a support leg is formed integrally with a hinge-like connecting portion. The connecting section can be designed like a spring and pretensioned in such a way that the support legs assume the storage position in a relaxed state and can be brought into the use position against a spring-like restoring force, or vice versa.

In jedem Falle können alternativ oder zusätzlich zu einer elastischen bzw. flexiblen Eigenschaft der Stützbeine Federn vorgesehen sein, die zwischen jeweils einem Stützbein und dem Schaft wirken, oder eine Feder zwischen allen Stützbeinen oder zwischen allen Stützbeinen und dem Schaft, um die Stützbeine entweder in die Benutzungsstellung oder in die Ablagestellung vorzuspannen. Beispielsweise können Torsionsfedern vorgesehen sein, die um die Schwenkachsen angeordnet sein können, die zur Lagerung der Stützbeine an dem Schaft dienen.In any case, alternatively or in addition to an elastic or flexible property of the support legs, springs can be provided, which act between each support leg and the shaft, or a spring between all support legs or between all support legs and the shaft, in order to either move the support legs into the Use position or bias in the storage position. For example, can Torsion springs can be provided which can be arranged around the pivot axes which are used to mount the support legs on the shaft.

Bevorzugt sieht die Erfindung vor, dass an einem unteren Endabschnitt des Schafts eine in Längsrichtung des Schafts bewegbare Schiebehülse angeordnet ist, die in der Benutzungsstellung die Stützbeine mindestens teilweise von außen übergreift und in der Benutzungsstellung hält und in der Ablagestellung gegenüber der Benutzungsstellung in Richtung des Stützenoberteils verlagert ist und die Stützbeine zum Auseinanderklappen freigibt.The invention preferably provides that a sliding sleeve is arranged on a lower end section of the shaft, which can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the shaft and which in the use position at least partially overlaps the support legs from the outside and holds them in the use position and in the storage position opposite the use position in the direction of the support upper part is relocated and releases the support legs to unfold.

In oder an dem Schaft kann ein Elektromotor als Antriebsmittel für die Stützbeine und/oder die Schiebehülse angeordnet sein, der mit den Stützbeinen, insbesondere mit der Schiebehülse, in Antriebsverbindung steht, um die Stützbeine unmittelbar zwischen der Benutzungs- und Ablagestellung zu bewegen, und/oder um die Schiebehülse zwischen einer die Stützbeine mindestens teilweise übergreifende oder freigebende Stellung zu verlagern. Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Stützbeine durch die Verlagerung der Schiebehülse in die die Stützbeine mindestens teilweise übergreifende Stellung in die Benutzungsstellung bringbar sind. Umgekehrt ist bevorzugt vorgesehen, dass die Stützbeine bei Verlagerung der Schiebehülse in die die Stützbeine freigebende Stellung mittels einer oder mehrerer Feder(n) in die Ablagestellung bringbar sind.In or on the shaft, an electric motor can be arranged as a drive means for the support legs and / or the sliding sleeve, which is in drive connection with the support legs, in particular with the sliding sleeve, in order to move the support legs directly between the use and storage position, and / or to move the sliding sleeve between a position that at least partially overlaps or releases the support legs. It can be provided that the support legs can be brought into the use position by shifting the sliding sleeve into the position at least partially overlapping the support legs. Conversely, it is preferably provided that the support legs can be brought into the storage position by means of one or more spring (s) when the sliding sleeve is displaced into the position releasing the support legs.

Die Antriebsverbindung kann durch ein Kurbelgetriebe gebildet sein, mit einem ersten Kurbelarm an einer Drehwelle des Elektromotors und einem zweiten, mit dem ersten Kurbelarm gelenkig verbundenen Kurbelarm, der an der Schiebehülse angelenkt ist.The drive connection can be formed by a crank mechanism, with a first crank arm on a rotating shaft of the electric motor and a second crank arm articulated to the first crank arm, which is articulated on the sliding sleeve.

Zweckmäßigerweise sind in dem Stützenoberteil eine Batterie und Bedienelemente untergebracht.A battery and operating elements are expediently accommodated in the upper part of the support.

Die Stützbeine können an einem zylindrischen Lagerelement angelenkt sein, das in einen unteren, hohlen Endabschnitt des Schafts eingesetzt ist.The support legs can be hinged to a cylindrical bearing element which is inserted into a lower, hollow end portion of the shaft.

Der Schaft kann in an sich bekannter Weise teleskopartig längenverstellbar sein, wobei einzelne Schaftelemente stufenlos oder in vorgegebenen Stufen relativ zueinander verstellbar sein können.The shaft can be telescopically adjustable in length in a manner known per se, it being possible for individual shaft elements to be infinitely variable or adjustable relative to one another in predetermined steps.

Das Stützenoberteil kann entweder als Unterarmstütze mit einer Unterarmschiene und einem Handgriff ausgebildet sein, oder alternativ als Achselstütze mit einer Achselauflage und einem Handgriff.The upper part of the support can either be designed as a forearm support with a forearm splint and a handle, or alternatively as an armpit support with an armpit support and a handle.

An oder in dem Handgriff kann ein Betätigungselement zum Auslösen einer Bewegung der Stützbeine in die Benutzungs- oder Ablagestellung angeordnet sein, bspw. ein Druckknopf.An actuating element for triggering a movement of the support legs into the use or storage position, for example a push button, can be arranged on or in the handle.

An der Gehhilfe kann eine induktive Ladeeinrichtung zum kabellosen Aufladen der Batterie angeordnet sein, bspw. im Bereich des Stützenoberteils oder aber im Bereich des Schafts oder der Stützbeine.An inductive charging device for wireless charging of the battery can be arranged on the walking aid, for example in the area of the upper part of the support or in the area of the shaft or the support legs.

Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass an dem unteren Ende des Schafts ein zentrales Verstärkungselement gehalten ist, das sich in der Benutzungsstellung mittig zwischen den Stützbeinen befindet.Provision can be made for a central reinforcing element to be held at the lower end of the shaft, which in the use position is located centrally between the support legs.

Weitere Vorteile und Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels, wobei auf eine Zeichnung Bezug genommen ist, in der

Fig. 1a und 1b
eine auseinandergezogene perspektivische bzw. Seitenansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Gehhilfe zeigen,
Fig. 2
eine Ansicht eines Stützenoberteils der Gehhilfe nach Fig. 1 zeigt,
Fig. 3
eine vergrößerte perspektivische Ansicht des Stützenfußes und des unteren Bereichs des Schafts zeigt,
Fig. 4
eine perspektivische Ansicht von unten auf den in Fig. 3 dargestellten Bereich zeigt,
Fig. 5
eine Draufsicht auf den Teilbereich der Gehhilfe nach Fig. 3 und 4 zeigt,
Fig. 6
eine Seitenansicht des Bereichs nach Fig. 3 bis 5 zeigt,
Fig. 7
eine Schnittansicht entlang Linie VII-VII in Fig. 6 zeigt,
Fig. 8
eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Fig. 7 zeigt, wobei die Stützbeine teilweise in Richtung auf die Benutzungsstellung bewegt sind,
Fig. 9
eine Ansicht ähnlich Fig. 8 zeigt, wobei sich die Stützbeine in der Benutzungsstellung befinden, und
Fig. 10a, b und c
Ansichten einer als Achselstütze ausgebildeten Gehhilfe zeigen.
Further advantages and features of the invention emerge from the following description of an exemplary embodiment, reference being made to a drawing in which
Figures 1a and 1b
show an exploded perspective or side view of a walking aid according to the invention,
Fig. 2
a view of a support upper part of the walking aid according to Fig. 1 shows,
Fig. 3
shows an enlarged perspective view of the column base and the lower portion of the shaft,
Fig. 4
a perspective view from below of the in Fig. 3 area shown shows
Fig. 5
a plan view of the portion of the walking aid according to Fig. 3 and 4th shows,
Fig. 6
a side view of the area according to Figures 3 to 5 shows,
Fig. 7
a sectional view along line VII-VII in Fig. 6 shows,
Fig. 8
a view similar to Fig. 7 shows, with the support legs partially moved towards the use position,
Fig. 9
a view similar Fig. 8 shows, with the support legs in the position of use, and
Figures 10a, b and c
Show views of a walking aid designed as an armpit support.

Figur 1a, b zeigen eine erfindungsgemäße Gehhilfe, die in ihre Einzelteile zerlegt dargestellt ist, mit einem Stützenoberteil 2, einem aus mehreren Teilen bestehenden Schaft 4 und einem Stützenfuß 8. Das Stützenoberteil 2 ist in diesem Beispiel als Unterarmstütze mit einer Unterarmschiene 2a und einem Handgriff 2b dargestellt. Alternativ könnte das Stützenoberteil 2 als Achselstütze ("american crutch") ausgebildet sein wie Fig. 10a-c zeigen, mit einer im Wesentlichen horizontalen, leicht durchgebogenen Achselauflage 2c, einem darunter angeordneten horizontalen Handgriff 2b und einer von dem Schaft seitlich abgehenden ein Ende der Achselstütze tragenden Strebe 2d, wobei ein anderes Ende der Achselauflage auf dem Schaft 4 aufliegt. Als weitere, nicht dargestellte Alternative können stattdessen zwei seitlich auskragende Streben vorgesehen ein, die oben die Achselstütze tragen und unten zusammenlaufen und mit dem Schaft verbunden sind, wobei dann der Handgriff mittig zwischen den Streben unterhalb der Achselauflage angeordnet ist. Figure 1a, b show a walking aid according to the invention, which is shown disassembled into its individual parts, with a support upper part 2, a shaft 4 consisting of several parts and a support base 8. The support upper part 2 is shown in this example as a forearm support with a forearm splint 2a and a handle 2b. Alternatively, the upper support part 2 could be designed as an armpit support ("American crutch") as Figures 10a-c show, with a substantially horizontal, slightly bent armpit support 2c, a horizontal handle 2b arranged underneath and a strut 2d extending laterally from the shaft and carrying one end of the armpit support, with another end of the armpit support resting on the shaft 4. As a further alternative, not shown, two laterally cantilevered struts can be provided, which carry the armpit support at the top and converge at the bottom and are connected to the shaft, the handle then being arranged centrally between the struts below the armpit support.

Der Schaft 4 besteht in der dargestellten Variante aus drei Teilabschnitten, einem oberen Schaftabschnitt 4a, einem mittleren Schaftabschnitt 4b und einem unteren Schaftabschnitt 4c. Das Stützenoberteil 2 ist mit dem oberen Schaftabschnitt 4a verbunden, bspw. durch Schrauben oder Kleben, und der obere Schaftabschnitt 4a ist mit dem mittleren Schaftabschnitt 4b in an sich bekannter Weise teleskopartig längenverstellbar verbunden, wobei Rastöffnungen 10 auf dem oberen Schaftabschnitt 4a vorgesehen sind, um einen nicht dargestellten, federelastisch an dem mittleren Schaftabschnitt 4b gehaltenen Rastvorsprung mit einer der Rastöffnungen 10 in Eingriff zu bringen und die beiden Schaftabschnitte 4a, 4b in einer gewünschten Relativposition aneinander zu fixieren.In the variant shown, the shaft 4 consists of three partial sections, an upper shaft section 4a, a middle shaft section 4b and a lower shaft section 4c. The support upper part 2 is connected to the upper shaft section 4a, for example by screwing or gluing, and the upper shaft section 4a is connected to the middle shaft section 4b in a manner known per se in a telescopically adjustable length, with locking openings 10 being provided on the upper shaft section 4a in order to to bring a not shown, resiliently held on the central shaft portion 4b latching projection into engagement with one of the latching openings 10 and to fix the two shaft sections 4a, 4b to one another in a desired relative position.

Der mittlere Schaftabschnitt 4b ist mit dem unteren Schaftabschnitt 4c fest verschraubt.The middle shaft section 4b is firmly screwed to the lower shaft section 4c.

In ein unteres Ende des unteren Schaftabschnitts 4c ist ein zylindrisches Lagerelement 12 eingesetzt, das mit dem unteren Schaftabschnitt 4c fest verschraubt ist. An dem Lagerelement 12 sind mehrere, in dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel vier, Stützbeine 14 schwenkbar gelagert. Die Lagerung erfolgt jeweils mittels eines zylindrischen, quer zu einer Längsachse 4d des Schafts 4 angeordneten Lagerzapfens 18, der in entsprechenden Aufnahmebohrungen in dem Lagerelement 12 aufgenommen ist, so dass durch die Lagerzapfen 18 festgelegte Schwenkachsen 20, um die die Stützbeine 14 schwenkbar sind, quer zur Längsachse 4d verlaufen und relativ zu dem Schaft oder zumindest zu dem unteren Schaftabschnitt 4c unveränderlich und ortsfest sind. Fig. 8, 9 zeigen die Schwenkachsen 20, wobei in Fig. 9 zusätzlich gestrichelt die Schwenkachse 20 des in Betrachtungsrichtung hinten liegenden Stützbeins 14 angedeutet ist.A cylindrical bearing element 12 is inserted into a lower end of the lower shaft section 4c and is firmly screwed to the lower shaft section 4c. A plurality of support legs 14, four in the illustrated embodiment, are pivotably mounted on the bearing element 12. The storage takes place in each case by means of a cylindrical bearing pin 18 arranged transversely to a longitudinal axis 4d of the shaft 4, which is received in corresponding receiving bores in the bearing element 12, so that pivot axes 20 fixed by the bearing pin 18, about which the support legs 14 are pivotable, transversely run to the longitudinal axis 4d and are immutable and stationary relative to the shaft or at least to the lower shaft section 4c. Fig. 8 , 9 show the pivot axes 20, wherein in Fig. 9 In addition, the pivot axis 20 of the support leg 14 lying at the rear in the viewing direction is indicated by dashed lines.

Der untere Schaftabschnitt 4c ist in dem dargestellten Beispiel als zylindrisches Rohr ausgebildet, wobei auf dem unteren Schaftabschnitt 4c eine Schiebehülse entlang der Längsachse 4d verschieblich aufgenommen ist, die in Antriebsverbindung mit einem Antriebsmotor 24 steht, der an einem oberen Bereich des unteren Schaftabschnitts 4c, mit Abstand von dem Lagerelement 12, in oder an dem unteren Schaftabschnitt 4c angebracht ist. In dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist der Antriebsmotor 24 aufgrund seiner Größe außerhalb des unteren Schaftabschnitts 4c angebracht und von einer Motorabdeckung 26 abgedeckt. Die Schiebehülse 22 hat einen Innendurchmesser, der einem Außendurchmesser des unteren Schaftabschnitts 4c entspricht.In the example shown, the lower shaft section 4c is designed as a cylindrical tube, with a sliding sleeve being slidably received on the lower shaft section 4c along the longitudinal axis 4d, which is in drive connection with a drive motor 24 which is connected to an upper region of the lower shaft section 4c Distance from the bearing element 12, in or on the lower shaft portion 4c. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the drive motor 24 is attached outside the lower shaft section 4c due to its size and is covered by a motor cover 26. The sliding sleeve 22 has an inner diameter which corresponds to an outer diameter of the lower shaft section 4c.

Die Stützbeine 14 sind derart gelagert und ausgebildet, dass ihre Außenflächen 14a im zusammengeklappten Benutzungszustand (Figur 9) innerhalb einer kreiszylindrischen Fläche liegen, deren Durchmesser einem Außendurchmesser des unteren Schaftabschnitts 4c entspricht, so dass die Schiebehülse 22 je nach ihrer axialen Stellung entweder nur den unteren Schaftabschnitt 4c (Figur 6, 7) übergreift oder sowohl diesen als auch die Stützbeine 14 bzw. deren Außenflächen 14a (Figur 8, 9), wenn sich diese in ihrer zusammengeklappten Stellung befinden.The support legs 14 are mounted and designed in such a way that their outer surfaces 14a in the folded state of use ( Figure 9 ) lie within a circular cylindrical surface, the diameter of which corresponds to an outer diameter of the lower shaft section 4c, so that the sliding sleeve 22, depending on its axial position, either only covers the lower shaft section 4c ( Figure 6, 7 ) overlaps or both this and the support legs 14 or their outer surfaces 14a ( Figure 8 , 9 ) when they are in their collapsed position.

Die Stützbeine 14 sind in ihrer maximal auseinandergeklappten Stellung (Figur 3 bis 7) unter einem vorgegebenen Winkel 27 in Bezug auf die Längsachse 4d des Schafts 4 angeordnet, im dargestellten Beispiel etwa 30 Grad, wobei dieser Winkel 27 durch einen Anschlag festgelegt ist, der eine Schwenkbewegung der Stützbeine 14 begrenzt. Der Anschlag ist in dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel durch eine geneigte Anlagefläche 14b an jedem Stützbein 14 einerseits sowie durch ein ringförmiges Anschlagelement 28 andererseits gebildet, welches an dem Lagerelement 12 oder an dem unteren Schaftabschnitt 4c gehalten sein kann oder einstückig mit einem dieser Elemente ausgebildet sein kann.The support legs 14 are in their maximally unfolded position ( Figure 3 to 7 ) arranged at a predetermined angle 27 with respect to the longitudinal axis 4d of the shaft 4, in the example shown about 30 degrees, this angle 27 through a stop is defined, which limits a pivoting movement of the support legs 14. The stop is formed in the illustrated embodiment by an inclined contact surface 14b on each support leg 14 on the one hand and by an annular stop element 28 on the other hand, which can be held on the bearing element 12 or on the lower shaft portion 4c or can be formed in one piece with one of these elements.

Im Bereich jedes Lagerzapfens 18 ist eine Vorspannfeder 30 angeordnet, im dargestellten Beispiel eine Torsionsfeder, die um den Lagerzapfen 18 herum angeordnet ist und sich einerseits gegen das Lagerelement 12 und andererseits gegen das jeweilige Stützbein 14 abstützt. Dadurch sind die Stützbeine 14 in Richtung auf die auseinandergeklappte Ablagestellung (Figur 7) vorgespannt.A preload spring 30 is arranged in the area of each bearing pin 18, in the example shown a torsion spring which is arranged around the bearing pin 18 and is supported on the one hand against the bearing element 12 and on the other hand against the respective support leg 14. As a result, the support legs 14 are in the direction of the unfolded storage position ( Figure 7 ) preloaded.

Die Schiebehülse 22 ist zylindrisch und beiderseits offen, mit Ausnahme eines Querstegs 22a an einem oberen Ende der Schiebehülse 22, der zur Verbindung mit dem Antriebsmotor 24 dient. Wie Figur 1a und 1b zeigen, ist der untere Schaftabschnitt 4c mit einem Längsschlitz 32 versehen, in dem der Quersteg 22a längsverschieblich aufgenommen ist.The sliding sleeve 22 is cylindrical and open on both sides, with the exception of a transverse web 22a at an upper end of the sliding sleeve 22, which is used to connect to the drive motor 24. As Figures 1a and 1b show, the lower shaft section 4c is provided with a longitudinal slot 32, in which the transverse web 22a is received in a longitudinally displaceable manner.

Figur 7 bis 9 erläutern die Antriebsverbindung zwischen Schiebehülse 22 und Antriebsmotor 24. Eine Drehwelle 34 des Antriebsmotors 24, die entweder die Drehachse eines Rotors des Antriebsmotors sein kann, oder aber eine Ausgangswelle eines Getriebes, ist mit einem ersten Kurbelarm 36 verbunden, der mit einem zweiten Kurbelarm 38 gelenkig verbunden ist, der seinerseits an dem Quersteg 22a der Schiebehülse 22 angelenkt ist. Eine Drehbewegung der Drehwelle 34 kann dadurch in einen lineare Verlagerung der Schiebehülse 22 umgesetzt werden, in Längsrichtung des unteren Schaftabschnitts 4c zwischen einer oberen Endstellung, in der die Schiebehülse 22 die Stützbeine 14 nicht übergreift (Figur 3 bis 7), und einer unteren Endstellung, in der die Schiebehülse 22 die Stützbeine übergreift und gegen die Kraft der Torsionsfedern 30 in die zusammengeklappte Benutzungsstellung bringt (Figur 9). Figures 7 to 9 explain the drive connection between sliding sleeve 22 and drive motor 24 is connected, which in turn is hinged to the transverse web 22a of the sliding sleeve 22. A rotary movement of the rotary shaft 34 can thereby be converted into a linear displacement of the sliding sleeve 22, in the longitudinal direction of the lower shaft section 4c between an upper end position in which the sliding sleeve 22 does not overlap the support legs 14 ( Figure 3 to 7 ), and a lower end position in which the sliding sleeve 22 overlaps the support legs and brings them into the folded-up position of use against the force of the torsion springs 30 ( Figure 9 ).

Figur 3 und 4 zeigen ein zentrales Verstärkungselement 40, das starr mit dem unteren Ende des Schafts 4 bzw. mit dem unteren Schaftabschnitt 4c verbunden ist. Das Verstärkungselement 40 hat die Aufgabe, eine zusätzliche Sicherheit oder Verstärkung für die Stützbeine 14 im zusammengeklappten Benutzungszustand zu bilden, damit die Stützbeine 14 auch bei einer erheblichen Belastung quer zur Längsachse des Schafts 4 ihre Ausrichtung mit dem Schaft 4 beibehalten und nicht etwa quer ausknicken können. In der Benutzungsstellung der Stützbeine 14 nimmt das Verstärkungselement 40 in einer bevorzugten Variante keinen Anteil der in Längsrichtung des Schafts wirkenden Stützkraft auf, jedoch könnte dies in einer Variante vorgesehen sein, um die Stützbeine 14 zu entlasten. Figure 3 and 4th show a central reinforcing element 40 which is rigidly connected to the lower end of the shaft 4 or to the lower shaft section 4c. The reinforcement element 40 has the task of providing additional security or reinforcement for the support legs 14 in the folded state of use, so that the Support legs 14 retain their alignment with the shaft 4 even when there is a considerable load transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 4 and cannot, for example, buckle transversely. In the use position of the support legs 14, the reinforcing element 40 in a preferred variant does not absorb any portion of the supporting force acting in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, but this could be provided in a variant in order to relieve the support legs 14.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

22
StützenoberteilColumn upper part
2a2a
UnterarmschieneForearm splint
2b2 B
HandgriffHandle
2c2c
AchselauflageArmpit pad
2d2d
Strebestrut
44th
Schaftshaft
4a4a
oberer Schaftabschnittupper shaft section
4b4b
mittlerer Schaftabschnittmiddle shaft section
4c4c
unterer Schaftabschnittlower shaft section
4d4d
LängsachseLongitudinal axis
88th
StützenfußColumn base
1010
RastöffnungLocking opening
1212th
LagerelementBearing element
1414th
StützbeinSupport leg
14a14a
AußenflächeExterior surface
14b14b
geneigte Anlageflächeinclined contact surface
1818th
LagerzapfenJournal
2020th
SchwenkachseSwivel axis
2222nd
SchiebehülseSliding sleeve
22c22c
QuerstegCrossbar
2424
AntriebsmotorDrive motor
2626th
MotorabdeckungEngine cover
2727
Winkelangle
2828
AnschlagelementStop element
3030th
Vorspannfeder (Torsionsfeder)Preload spring (torsion spring)
3232
LängsschlitzLongitudinal slot
3434
DrehwelleRotating shaft
3636
erster Kurbelarmfirst crank arm
3838
zweiter Kurbelarmsecond crank arm
4040
VerstärkungselementReinforcement element

Claims (13)

  1. Walking aid for taking up an intended supporting force in order to support a person who is using the walking aid, with a support upper part (2) serving for the person to engage with, a shaft (4), a support foot (8) arranged at a lower end of the shaft (4), and several pivoting support legs (14) which are designed to take up the intended support force in the position of use and which can be moved between a setting-down position, in which they are folded out at a predefined angle (27) and the walking aid can be set down on the ground, and a position of use, in which the support legs (14) are folded together and arranged adjacent to one another and the walking aid can be used,
    wherein in the position of use, the support foot (8) is formed exclusively by the support legs (14) and the support legs (14) are held in a pivoting manner at the lower end of the shaft (4), at a specific position that cannot be changed,
    wherein a sliding sleeve (22) that can be moved in a longitudinal direction of the shaft (4) is arranged at a lower end section of the shaft (4),
    characterised in that in the position of use the sliding sleeve (22) is displaced towards the support foot (8) in order to fold the support legs (14) together and the sliding sleeve (22) at least partially overlaps the support legs (14) from the outside and holds them in the position of use, and in the setting-down position it is displaced, compared with the position of use, towards the support upper part (2) and releases the support legs (14) so that they can fold out.
  2. Walking aid according to claim 1, characterised in that arranged between each support leg (14) and the shaft (4) is a limit stop (28), with which the predefined angle (27) is set.
  3. Walking aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that each support leg (14) is held on the shaft (4) such that it can be pivoted around a pivot axis (20) running crosswise to a longitudinal axis of the shaft (4).
  4. Walking aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that arranged in or on the shaft (4) is an electric motor (24) as a drive element that is in drive connection with the sliding sleeve (22).
  5. Walking aid according to claim 4, characterised in that the drive connection is formed by a crank mechanism with a first crank arm (36) on a rotating shaft (34) of the electric motor and a second crank arm (38) which is connected in an articulated manner to the first crank arm (36), and which is pivoted on the sliding sleeve (22).
  6. Walking aid according to claim 5, characterised in that a battery and operating elements are accommodated in the support upper part (2).
  7. Walking aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support legs (14) are articulated on a cylindrical bearing element (12) that is set into a lower, hollow end section of the shaft (4).
  8. Walking aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the length of the shaft (4) can be adjusted in a telescopic manner.
  9. Walking aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support upper part (2) is designed as an elbow crutch with a forearm support (2a) and a hand grip (2b).
  10. Walking aid according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the support upper part (2) is designed as an axillary crutch with an axilla support and a hand grip.
  11. Walking aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that arranged on or in the hand grip (2b) is an operating element for triggering a movement of the support legs (14) into the position of use or into the setting-down position.
  12. Walking aid according to one of the claims 6 to 11, characterised in that arranged on the walking aid is an inductive charging unit for wireless charging of the battery.
  13. Walking aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that held on the lower end of the shaft (4) is a central reinforcement element (40) which, in the position of use, is situated centrally between the support legs (14).
EP19185669.9A 2019-07-11 2019-07-11 Walking aid with foldable support legs Active EP3763346B1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19185669.9A EP3763346B1 (en) 2019-07-11 2019-07-11 Walking aid with foldable support legs
ES19185669T ES2898980T3 (en) 2019-07-11 2019-07-11 Walking aid with fold-out support legs for placement
US17/612,800 US20220218554A1 (en) 2019-07-11 2020-07-10 Walking aid with fold-out support legs for sitting down
CN202080050410.0A CN114423394B (en) 2019-07-11 2020-07-10 Walker with deployable support legs for placement
PCT/EP2020/069624 WO2021005228A1 (en) 2019-07-11 2020-07-10 Walking aid with fold-out support legs for setting down

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19185669.9A EP3763346B1 (en) 2019-07-11 2019-07-11 Walking aid with foldable support legs

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3763346A1 EP3763346A1 (en) 2021-01-13
EP3763346B1 true EP3763346B1 (en) 2021-08-25

Family

ID=67262087

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19185669.9A Active EP3763346B1 (en) 2019-07-11 2019-07-11 Walking aid with foldable support legs

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20220218554A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3763346B1 (en)
CN (1) CN114423394B (en)
ES (1) ES2898980T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2021005228A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2601317A (en) * 2020-11-25 2022-06-01 Kohn Sandra A walking aid

Family Cites Families (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US478460A (en) * 1892-07-05 potter
US245020A (en) * 1881-08-02 William h
US345852A (en) * 1886-07-20 Cane-stool
US4091828A (en) * 1977-03-09 1978-05-30 Jorgensen Larry C Manually operable crutch and cane stand
US6192908B1 (en) * 1999-08-12 2001-02-27 William M. Smith Portable cane seat
DE20018883U1 (en) * 2000-11-04 2001-02-08 Schaefer Wolfgang Walking aid
US6651684B2 (en) * 2001-06-01 2003-11-25 A. Robert Spitzer Free standing cane
US7434592B2 (en) * 2003-10-10 2008-10-14 Millennial Medical Equipment, L.L.C. Ergonomic collapsible crutch
JP3836105B2 (en) * 2003-12-17 2006-10-18 勝 小宮山 Cane
TWI246405B (en) * 2005-03-28 2006-01-01 Meng-Huei Shiu Walking stick structure
JP2009195396A (en) * 2008-02-20 2009-09-03 Inotekku:Kk Self-sustaining stick
ITFI20080038U1 (en) * 2008-06-30 2009-12-30 Chimia Renato La STABILIZING SUPPORT FOR MOLD AND / OR WALKING STICK.
US9468272B1 (en) * 2015-04-13 2016-10-18 Elwha Llc Smart cane with extensions for navigating stairs
US20170196322A1 (en) * 2016-01-12 2017-07-13 Kyle Denmark Cane assembly
CN206151998U (en) * 2016-08-23 2017-05-10 褚天会 Infusion support
DE202016006146U1 (en) 2016-09-26 2016-11-30 Walter Gobbers Device for walker with electromechanically driven support
CN206438743U (en) * 2016-12-21 2017-08-25 江西省跃宸幕墙装饰工程有限公司 A kind of decorative engineering floor ceramic tile paving device
GB201821319D0 (en) * 2018-12-31 2019-02-13 Joint Project Ltd Multi-functional foot crutch

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3763346A1 (en) 2021-01-13
WO2021005228A1 (en) 2021-01-14
CN114423394A (en) 2022-04-29
US20220218554A1 (en) 2022-07-14
ES2898980T3 (en) 2022-03-09
CN114423394B (en) 2024-05-24

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