ES1306134U - Support device (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Personal support device, formed by a stem (1) with a lower ferrule (3) and an upper handle or handle (2), and comprising a series of arms (5), mobile between an extended position, where they define a support plane substantially perpendicular to the stem (1); and a retracted position, where the arms (5) are attached to the stem (1), controlled by a control (11) coupled to the handle (2); characterized in that the arms (5) are mounted on a removable tubular accessory (4) adjacent to the ferrule (3), which comprises: at least one motor (6) for moving the arms (5); a rechargeable battery; a control unit (9); a wireless communication system (10) of the accessory (4) with the control (11). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Support device

TECHNIQUE SECTOR

The present invention relates to a support device, for personal support, of the type that carries a support rod for a user on the ground. An example of a device will be canes or crutches.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

People with physical problems, mobility problems for example, usually require the use of personal support devices such as crutches, canes... These devices are frequently based on a straight stem finished with a handle or handle. Sometimes the stem is telescopic. The stem has a lower finish, usually made of rubber, to reduce noise and impact on the ground.

When the user sits down, they must leave their device resting on some object or lying on the floor. That position is not always easy to find within the user's reach.

A cane with extendable legs is known from ES1259840U that allows its support surface to be increased when the user wants to let it go. This system is effective, but it is complex to adapt it to existing canes or crutches.

The applicant is not aware of any solution to these problems similar to the invention.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention consists of a support device according to the claims. Its different variants solve the aforementioned problems.

The support device is of the type formed by a stem (approximately vertical) with a lower end or tip and a handle or upper handle. It also comprises a series of arms, the arms being mobile between an extended position where they can hold the device substantially vertically, and a retracted position where they lean forward. The roots are used by a handle or cup or handle and device.

Unlike the aforementioned state of the art, the arms are arranged in a removable tubular accessory, adjacent to the ferrule. This accessory is autonomous, as it can be attached to any type of device, as long as the inner diameter is adequate. The accessory can be through but will normally be blind.

The accessory comprises at least one motor for the movement of the arms. It also has a rechargeable battery, a control unit and a wireless communication system with the controller. Preferably everything at the bottom to lower the center of gravity of the assembly, making it more stable.

Other particular variants can be seen in the rest of the memory.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a better understanding of the invention, the following figures are included.

Figure 1: Schematic side view of the handle of one embodiment.

Figure 2: Detail of an accessory applicable in the previous embodiment.

Figure 3: View of the accessory without its casing, to see the interior.

Figure 4: Detail of the zipper and arms.

MODES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Below we briefly describe a way of carrying out the invention, as an illustrative and non-limiting example of it.

Figure 1 shows an example of an embodiment, in which the personal support device is a crutch. As such, it has a stem (1), which in use is vertical, ending in a handle or handle (2). The shape of the handle (2) defines the type of device, between cane, crutch type...

v s ago is a row in a rubber cone, as is a ua in a conca. In the figures, the ferrule (3) is divided into two parts by a horizontal, perimeter groove, with a substantially triangular section, which allows adjustment of the support angle of the ferrule (3) on the ground. That is, if the user rests the device on the ground in a direction that is not purely vertical, the tip (3) bends in the slot area to maximize the contact area with the ground and prevent slipping.

Next to the ferrule (3), above, there is a removable tubular accessory (4). The accessory (4) can be integral with the ferrule (3), forming a single body, or be two different elements. The accessory is arranged around the bottom of the stem (1).

The accessory (4) has a series of arms (5), at least two but preferably three or more. The arms (5), as in the state of the art, are mobile between an extended position in which they form a support surface, approximately perpendicular to the stem (1), and a retracted position in which they are close to the accessory (4). . As shown in the figures, the preferred position of the arms (5) is inside the accessory.

The accessory (4) has at least one motor (6) connected to the arms (5). Ideally, a single motor (6) is sufficient, but it may be preferable to have smaller motors (6), one for each arm (5). The arms (5) may have a rotation axis (7) at one end and be toothed near this rotation axis (7), geared in a rack (12) connected to the motor (6). This rack (12) is preferably hollow and is finished with a bearing (14) for connection to the stem (1). It is possible to define the travel limits of the rack (12) so that it does not disengage from the arms (5). It is also possible to use an worm instead of the rack (12), or a solenoid.

The motor (6) is powered by a rechargeable battery, for example via a USB cable (8). A control unit (9) manages the battery charge and gives the appropriate commands to the motors (6). To do this, the control unit (9) has a wireless communication system (10), such as Bluetooth, which communicates with a remote control (11). The control (11) is arranged in the handle (2), for example in a removable manner. The remote control (11) will have its own battery, rechargeable or replaceable.

The accessory (4) can have power on lights, battery status... it can also have a stop button, so that you are not waiting for the signal from the remote control (11).

In addition to its construction, the mechanism has a cae ow in one or with an actuator arranged in the handle (2), and joined at its other end with a longitudinally moving piece, like a rack in which the arms (5) engage. This way of creating the mechanism can be combined with the previous one, so that the Bowden cable (15) performs the functions of the control (11), acting on a lever on the accessory (4) to activate the motor (6) (figure 2). If the stem (1) length is adjustable, such as a crutch, a Bowden cable length adjustment element may be required.

Preferably, the handle (2) is foldable, going from a deployed to a folded position, remaining in this position parallel to the stem (1) or longitudinal element. To do this, the handle (2) is attached to the stem (1) through an articulated shaft (13). Thus, in its folded position it makes the assembly more stable, since the center of gravity is closer to the axis of the stem (1).

Generally, the ferrule (3) will have a piece made of heavy material, or ballast, inside to lower the point of gravity.

The control (11) can be a pressure sensor, such that, when the reduction in pressure on the handle (2) is detected, the arms (5) are deployed automatically. This can be very useful for people with Parkinson's or those who do not have great mobility in their hands.

In one embodiment, the forearm support can have a presence sensor (16) in such a way that when it detects presence the arms (5) go to their folded position, and when they do not detect presence they go to their deployed position.

Claims (1)

1 - Personal support device, formed by a stem (1) with a lower ferrule (3) and an upper handle or handle (2), and comprising a series of arms (5), mobile between an extended position, where they define a support plane substantially perpendicular to the stem (1); and a retracted position, where the arms (5) are attached to the stem (1), controlled by a control (11) coupled to the handle (2); characterized in that the arms (5) are mounted on a removable tubular accessory (4) adjacent to the ferrule (3), which comprises: at least one motor (6) for moving the arms (5); a rechargeable battery; a control unit (9); a wireless communication system (10) of the accessory (4) with the control (11). 2- Personal support device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control (11) is removable from the handle (2). 3- Personal support device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the ferrule (3) is integral with the accessory (4). 4- Personal support device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the ferrule (3) has a horizontal perimeter groove of substantially triangular section. 5- Personal support device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control (11) is a pressure sensor and the arms (5) are deployed while no pressure is detected in the control. 6- Personal support device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control (11) comprises a Bowden cable (15). 7- Personal support device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the motor (6) is connected to a rack (12) and this is engaged in a toothing on each arm (5). 8- Personal support device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the support for the forearm has a presence sensor (16)