FR2845894A1 - WALKING ASSISTANCE DEVICE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The walking stick comprises a manual gripping part (5) and a long part (1) the bottom end of which is supported on the ground. The gripping part encloses a piston (9), a spring (11), a nut (12) and a pre-compression adjusting screw (4). The gripping part and long part are articulated by a spindle (3). The screw adjusts the amplitude of the projection of the long part frontward during lifting the bottom end from the ground restoring the elastic energy stored during the support of the hand on the gripping part when the bottom end is supported on the ground.

Description

The present invention is in the field of walking devices such

  as single cane, English cane, cane with elbow support, mountain cane, crutch with single mast and rollator, devices used by the elderly and disabled, by people undergoing rehabilitation and by hikers for 5 l assistance with walking. These devices include a manual gripping member and an elongated part, the end of which is intended to come to bear on the ground; they can be

  used individually or in pairs for some.

  The use of a cane during walking requires a movement of the arm forwards and the shoulder up, the transport of the cane at each step, and a

  synchronization of arm and leg movements for regular walking.

  Moving a cane at each step can be a nuisance for very weak people. If the cane is projected on the front by a movement of the wrist, in the case of a cane with curved handle for example, the shoulder and the arm must follow, during the step which follows the projection, the movement of the handle from the cane upwards, the cane passing from the oblique position to the vertical position, this phenomenon is more noticeable in the use of the English cane and the crutch, the distance between the ground and the gripping member varies depending on whether the cane or crutch is oblique or vertical to the ground. The

  walker with wheels is often used during the rehabilitation of young people. These various walking assistance devices do not provide a dynamic effect in their use.

  The walking assistance device according to the invention proposes to provide

  solutions to the aforementioned drawbacks and shortcomings.

  The device is characterized by the fact that it includes a means of restoring elastic energy to project the elongated part forwards during detachment from the low end of the ground while restoring the elastic energy stored during support of the hand on the manual gripping member when said lower end bears on the ground during the so-called advancement phase, and by the presence of an articulation around a precise articulation axis, substantially horizontal, to articulate said elongated part relative to the manual gripping member. The two parts assembled by the axis are held in the deployed position by elastic systems according to the following arrangements: - inside the manual gripping member along its longitudinal axis, one end of the spring bears, directly or indirectly, in particular by means of a piston on the top of the elongated part, the lower end of which is intended to come to bear on the ground. In this case the system may include a flat or hollow cam, associated with a flat piston - in a housing in the upper part of the elongated part, along its axis, one end of the spring bears, directly or indirectly, in particular by the 'Intermediate of a piston or a rod on the manual gripping member.

  - around the articulation axis using a torsion spring.

  - by a metal or elastomeric tension spring connecting the gripping member

and the elongated part.

  - by a metal or elastomer spring located in a housing in the upper part 10 of the elongated part, one end of which rests, directly or indirectly, along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated part, on the

manual gripping.

  - by a wire or a blade working in flexion against the movement of the organ

  manual gripping relative to the lower part of the device.

  These different elastic systems include means for adjusting the intensity of

  the elastic organ, manual or using a tool.

  The relative rotational movements of the upper gripping part and of the elongated part are prohibited on the front in the direction of travel by free stops, rearward movements are limited by adjustable stops and can be canceled. These adjustable stops can be placed so as to limit the downward travel of the gripping members or so as to reduce this travel starting from the high position of the gripping member in the case of the device having conformations single canes or walker. These stops are intended for each device to give more or less freedom to the articulation which allows the adjustment of the bearing stroke and the amplitude of the projection of the elongated end of the device. The adjustments of the force elastic restraint, the support stroke and the amplitude of the projection movement of the elongated part of each device are intended to adapt

  the device to the physical force and the amplitude of the steps of the user.

  The elastic system fitted to each device is intended to store elastic energy when the user presses on the manual gripping member, action during which the gripping member and the lower elongated part of the device move. angularly with respect to each other, the internal angle of the device formed by the gripping member tending to reduce, this stored energy being restored to project the elongated part of the device towards the front during detachment of this part 35 of the ground allowed by a slight loosening of the wrist of the hand which grips the gripping member. The elongated part of the device makes a large amplitude movement through the lever arms defined by the position of the gripping member and of the end of the elongated part of the device relative to the axis of articulation, without using an arm movement forward and shoulder up. The lower end of the device describes an ascending arc whose center is on the axis which connects the two articulated parts, the device seeking to find the initial angle of rest made between them by the gripping member and the part elongated device, the gripping member held by the user being in abutment in the low angular position. When the user slightly releases the gripping member, the lower end of the device rests on the ground, it suffices for the user to move forward while resting on the gripping member so that the device is rearmed in continuity , even if it is very oblique to the

  ground, without movement of the arm or shoulder.

  Thus equipped with the device, the walking devices provide damping at the instant of the contact of the end piece with the ground and during support, a regular movement of the user which takes place without arm and shoulder movements. . In the case of a device having a simple cane conformation, the hand remains at the same height relative to the ground during advancement by the phenomenon of the handle tilting. The device provides dynamic movement assistance by projecting the part

  lying on the front: the device can be described as propellant.

  The device equipping the cones with reverse handle cane, English cane and crutch behaves like a toggle system during the support and advancement phase, that is to say that the gripping member and the part elongated are driven relative rotational movements with respect to each other and that the axis of articulation advances slightly during the support. Thanks to the length of the gripping members which creates a lever arm and a change in direction of part of the bearing force. This toggle effect has the effect of making the elongated part straighten more quickly during advancement, starting from the oblique position of the device.

  Also in the support position, the toggle device offers great stability.

  The conformations equipped with the device can be equipped with tilting end pieces 30 to have a good seat of the lower end in contact with the ground even when it is oblique to the ground The conformations equipped with the device can be equipped with adjustments in

  known length, they are identified by the letters RL in the figures.

  The conformations equipped with the device can be provided with orthopedic gripping members.

  The various elastic return systems, spring settings and settings for the support stroke and the amplitude of the projection can be fitted in whole or in

  mixing the different embodiments.

  It should be noted that certain gripping members mounted on devices with simple cane conformations can be sold separately, it suffices to drill a hole adapted to the upper end of an elongated part. Sports hikers can use the simple cane conformation device

  equipped with powerful springs to energize walking.

  The device being hinged backwards, obstacles such as stones, borders are better absorbed.

  The stairs are easier to climb, the lower end being projected against the

counter walk.

  Umbrellas can be fitted with the device.

  FIG. 1 represents a device according to a first embodiment of the invention having a simple cane conformation, in the rest position.

  2 shows the device of Figure 1 in the support position on the body of

gripping, according to FI.

  Figure 3 shows the device of Figure 1 in the projection phase of the part

lying on the front following F2.

  FIG. 4 represents the device of FIG. 1 in the advancement and start phase

support according to FI and F3.

  FIG. 5 represents the gripping member of the device of FIG. 1, in section

  along the line AA in FIG. 7, in the inactive position, equipped with a cam mechanism.

  FIG. 6 represents the gripping member of the device of FIG. 1, in longitudinal section, in the support position.

  FIG. 7 represents a side view of FIG. 5.

  Figure 8 shows the manual spring pressure pre-compression adjustment washer

mechanism of figure 5.

  FIG. 9 represents the nut for adjusting the precompression of the spring of the mechanism 30 of FIG. 5.

  FIG. 10 represents a device according to a second embodiment of the invention having a simple cane conformation with an inverted handle, mechanism

inoperative, advancement along F4.

  FIG. 11 represents the device of FIG. 10, operational mechanism according to F5.

  Figure 12 shows the device of Figure 11 in the support position, F6.

  Figure 13 shows the device of Figure 11 in the projection phase on the front

of the elongated part along F7.

  FIG. 14 represents the device of FIG. 11 in the advancement and start of support phase according to F5 and F6. Figure 15 shows the gripping member of the device of Figure 11 in section

  along the line BB in FIG. 17, in the inactive position, provided with a cam mechanism.

  Figure 16 shows the gripping member of the device of Figure 11 in the support position.

  FIG. 17 represents a side view of FIG. 15.

  FIG. 18 shows a view of the lower bare end of the gripping member of

  FIG. 15 in section along line II of FIG. 19.

  FIG. 19 represents a top view of FIG. 18.

  FIG. 20 represents a bottom view of the ring for adjusting the support stroke and the amplitude of the projection, of the gripping member of FIG. 15.

  Figure 21 shows a top view of Figure 20 in section along the line CC.

  FIG. 22 represents a device according to a third embodiment of

  the invention, having a simple cane conformation with T-handle, provided with an extension spring, in section along the line DD of FIG. 23, in the inactive position. Figure 23 shows a side view of Figure 22.

  Figure 24 shows a side view of Figure 22 in section along the line EE.

  Figure 25 shows the device of Figure 22 in the support position.

  Figure 26 shows a top view of the tension adjustment flange

  spring of the device of figure 22.

  FIG. 27 represents a side view of FIG. 26.

  FIG. 28 represents a first variant of the device of FIG. 22, provided with a

  compression spring, in the inactive position, in section along the line FF in FIG. 29.

  FIG. 29 represents a side view of FIG. 28.

  FIG. 30 shows a second variant of the device in FIG. 22, provided with a torsion spring, in section along the line GG in FIG. 32 (uncut spring), in

inactive position.

  Figure 31 shows a side view of Figure 30 in section along the line KK.

  Figure 32 shows a side view of Figure 30 in section along line 11H.

  FIG. 33 represents a side view of the spring adjustment cam of the device 35 of FIG. 30.

  FIG. 34 represents a side view of FIG. 33.

  Figure 35 shows a third variant of the device of Figure 22, provided with a

  flexion spring, in section along line LL in Figure 36, in the inactive position.

  Figure 36 shows a side view of Figure 35 in section along the line JJ.

  FIG. 37 represents a device according to a fourth embodiment of

  the invention, having an English cane conformation, in the rest position.

  FIG. 38 represents the device of FIG. 37 in the support position along F8.

  Figure 39 shows the device of Figure 37 in the projection phase on the front

of the elongated part along F9.

  FIG. 40 represents the device of FIG. 37 in the advancement and start phase

support according to F8 and F10.

  Figure 41 shows the elastic cam mechanism of the device of Figure 37,

  section along line MM in Figure 42, in the inactive position.

  FIG. 42 represents a side view of FIG. 41.

  Figure 43 shows the mechanism of Figure 41 in the support position.

  Figure 44 shows a variant of the mechanism of Figure 41, provided with a spring

parallel, in the inactive position.

  FIG. 45 represents a side view of FIG. 44.

  Figure 46 shows the mechanism of Figure 44 in the support position.

  FIG. 47 represents a front view of the sleeves adjustable in three directions, provided for the devices having English rod conformations and

rods with elbow support.

  FIG. 48 represents a side view of FIG. 47 in half-section along line 00. FIG. 49 represents a device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention having a conformation of mountain cane, in section along the line

  PP of figure 51, in the inactive position.

  FIG. 50 represents an exterior view of FIG. 49.

  FIG. 51 represents a side view of FIG. 50.

  Figure 52 shows the device of Figure 49 arranged for use of a fixed rod. FIG. 53 represents a device according to a sixth embodiment of

  the invention having the form of a stand with a single mast, in the rest position.

  FIG. 54 represents the device of FIG. 53 in the support position along F11.

  Figure 55 shows the device of Figure 53 in the projection phase of the part

extended along F12.

  FIG. 56 represents the device of FIG. 53 in the advancement and start phase

support according to Fl l and F 13.

  FIG. 57 represents the adjustable manual gripping member of the device of the

  Figure 53, in section along line QQ in Figure 58.

  FIG. 58 represents a top view of FIG. 57.

  Figure 59 shows a view of a tip or simple pad.

  FIG. 60 represents a tip or tilting shoe, in vertical position, in section 10 along the line RR of FIG. 61.

  FIG. 61 represents a side view of FIG. 60.

  Figure 62 shows the tip of Figure 60 mounted on a device whose

  position is oblique to the ground.

  FIG. 63 represents a device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention having a cane configuration with support for the elbow, in the rest position.

  FIG. 64 represents the device of FIG. 63 in the support position along F14.

  Figure 65 shows the device of Figure 63 in the projection phase of the part

extended along F15.

  FIG. 66 represents a device according to an eighth embodiment of

  the invention having a walker configuration, in the rest position.

  Figure 67 shows the device of Figure 66 in the projection phase on the front

according to F16.

  FIG. 68 represents a half top view of FIG. 66.

  Figures 1 to 9 show a walking assistance device according to a

  first embodiment of the invention having a simple cane conformation.

  The lower elongated part 1 of the device is provided with a flat cam 2, the flat of which forms an angle c3 of approximately 250 with the longitudinal axis of 1, at its upper end. This cam 2 of rectangular section is calibrated in its functional part, this is connected to a foot of cylindrical section which is glued or screwed into a hole at the top of the elongated part (1), the cam can be part of the elongated part in the case of a molded part for example. A freely rotating axis 3 crosses the cam perpendicular to its section, it is located on the median axis of the useful height of the cam. At the base of the useful part of the cam, a braked screw 4, with manual control and rounded end is mounted 35 in the middle of the thickness of the cam, it is intended to adjust the bearing stroke of the gripping member. manual 5 and the amplitude of the projection on the front of the elongated part 1 of the device, FIGS. 2 and 3. It constitutes an adjustable end-of-travel stop bearing on the bottom 6 of the yoke 8 and can annihilate the system elastic if fully screwed and abuts against the bottom 6 in the rest position. The manual gripping member 5 is in the form of a hollow cylinder 7 which is cut in yoke 8 at its front part. A piston 9 which slides in a bore 1 0, located along the longitudinal axis of, is pushed against the cam 2 by a compression spring 11 which may be metallic or elastomeric. A adjusting nut 12 for the precompression of 11 is immobilized in rotation by the flat 13, it is controlled by the screw 14 which is supported by a flange 10 against the bottom of the bore 10. The screw 14 is connected to a outer ring 15 for manual control by a square section 16 and a locking screw 17. The ring 15 is intended to be able to manually vary the precompression of the spring 11 to adapt the elastic return force of the device to the physical force of the user. Axis 3

  crosses perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 7 the wings of the yoke 8 in which it is mounted in a greenhouse or riveted.

  It should be noted that the gripping member 5 can be constructed from a tube provided with a bottom and that the flat cam 2 can be a hollow cam which acts against a piston

fitted with a bump.

  The maximum angular travel, FIGS. 5 and 6, of the gripping member 5 relative to the elongated part 1 is approximately 250, the angle c2 being approximately 90.

  The device is provided at its lower end with a tip or tilting shoe 18 shown in Figures 60, 61, 62. A cylindrical piece 19 receives in a hole 20 the lower end of the elongated part 1 held by clamping or screwing for example . The cylindrical part 19 is cut symmetrically at its lower part by two recesses 25 which give a flat 21. An axis 22 freely rotating crosses at its lower part the flat 21, perpendicular to its faces, on the longitudinal axis. A piece 23 having the consistency of hard rubber, resulting from a truncated cone is cut in the form of a yoke 24. The latter

  receives the plate 21 and is crossed perpendicular to its wings by the axis 22 held by tightening. The part 19 can tilt freely from an angle a4 of about 30 in the direction F17 30 thanks to the chamfers 25 and 26 carried by 19; in the sense of F18 the system is condemned.

  This tilting tip allows the device to always have a good seat on the ground when it is tilted relative to the ground after a projection, Figure 62. It automatically returns to alignment when advancing and straightening the vertical

  device, Figure 60. This tip can be mounted on all the configurations described with suitable sizes.

  A one-piece nozzle, figure 59, can also be mounted on the devices, it is

  characterized by rounded edges 27 provided with an aggressive coating.

  The operation of the device having a simple cane conformation which has just been described is as follows. Adjust the spring precompression and the amplitude of the projection on the front of the lower end according to the physical force and the amplitude of the steps of the user. For a first use, put the device at body level, the arm folded and glued to the body, the forearm forward, grasp the gripping member 5 with your hand while resting on it, the member 5 will press elastically to arm the device, until it stops, figure 2, then while keeping the member 5 10 pressed let go the wrist in a slight upward movement, the elastic system will relax and the end extended of the device will take off from the ground in a rotating movement having the axis 3 as its center, Figure 3. The gripping member 5 still being in its support position, Figure 2, the elongated part 1 of the device seeks to find the angle initial ctl, the long length of the elongated part 1 starting from the axis 3 means that the lower end provided with the end piece 18 is thrown forward a great distance, FIG. 3. Slightly releasing the wrist down the device will end up in the position in FIG. 4, spring relaxed, it suffices to move forward while keeping the support on the member 5

  so that the device resets automatically and is found as in Figure 2.

  Each projection on the front gives an impulse which is an aid for the movement of very weak people. When the user climbs a staircase, the low end hits the riser, it is enough to lift the device vertically to take support

on the next step.

  Figures 10 to 21 show a walking assistance device according to a second embodiment of the invention having a simple cane conformation 25 with an inverted handle. This device can be used in energy restitution mode or,

  alternatively, in so-called rigid mode without energy restitution.

  The elongated part 30 is provided at its upper end with a flat cam 31 whose flat makes an angle u5 of about 60 with the longitudinal axis of 30. The connection of the cam

  and the upper end of 30 is identical to that previously described. The cam 31 is crossed perpendicularly to its section by an axis of rotation 32 rotating freely.

  The manual gripping member 33 is in the form of an inverted handle, that is to say that the free end of the handle is facing the direction of travel. 33 is constituted by two straight tubes joined by a bent spacer 34. The tube 35 receives along its longitudinal axis a bore 36 in which are housed a piston 37, a metal or elastomer spring 38 and a screw 39 intended to adjust the precompression of the comes out by its movement in the internal thread 40 of the height rod 34. The tube 35 is cut in yoke 41 to be engaged with the sides of the cam 3 1. The axis 32 which crosses the yoke perpendicular to its wings, on the longitudinal axis of the tube is riveted on the wings. The tube 42 is used only for gripping, it is possible to extend 34 to avoid the tube 5 42. The tubes are assembled to the spacer by gluing for example. The bottom of the yoke 41 bears against the cam 31 by the thickness of the tube 35 on the front part 43 to create a frank stop on the front, the rear part 44 of the bottom of the yoke and extended to allow the maximum travel of the gripping organ. Externally above the yoke 41 the tube 35 has a turning 45 intended to receive the ring 46 for adjusting the amplitude of the projection and the bearing stroke. 46 is slotted to be friction mounted in 45 in which it can rotate manually; it has three notches 47 and a dish 48 intended for adjustment, the mark O corresponds to the blocking of the

  system and the 3 at the largest travel.

  The operation of the device is as follows. It is necessary to adjust the elastic return force 15 using the screw 39 through the hole 49 using a screwdriver, adjust the amplitude of the bearing stroke and the projection of the elongated end 30 by positioning the ring 46. FIG. 10 corresponds to a use of the device according to F4 for the direction of travel, the elastic system is inoperative, the device behaves like a normal rod. Figure l l, step F5, shows the device at rest. When one rests on the gripping member 33, FIG. 12, a toggle effect occurs which slightly displaces the axis of rotation 32 towards the front by an effect of change of direction of part of the bearing force, the tube 35 being very long and inclined, causing relative rotations of the member 33 and the elongated part 30, the latter pivoting on the ground by bearing on its lower end. The difference between the angle ct6 and the angle OE7 is approximately 25 100. The change in angle of the elongated part 30 resting on its end, from the vertical, being approximately 3. This toggle effect allows very easy resetting of the elastic system during walking, rapid straightening of the straight elongated part from the oblique position to the vertical position and great stability in the support position. Starting from the support position in figure 12, slightly release your wrist, the lower end 30 will take off from the ground and will be projected onto the front, figure 13, let the device drop down

  opening your hand slightly and advancing continuously, fig 14.

  Figures 22 to 36 show a walking assistance device, and three variants, according to a third embodiment of the invention, having a simple cane conformation. These different variants illustrate elastic return systems there and their settings and the settings of the support and projection strokes that it is

  possible to mount indifferently on the conformations of the patent.

  According to FIGS. 22 to 27, the lower elongated part 50 of the device carries at its upper end a head 51 wider than the diameter of 50 and has a calibrated flat 5 symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis. A freely rotating axis 53 is mounted at the upper part of 51, perpendicular to the faces of the dish and located on the longitudinal axis of 50. The gripping member 54 is in the form of a tube 55, which can be a cylinder full hollow for the functional parts, provided with a slot calibrated 59 for the

  passage of the head 51 and crossed in the middle on the longitudinal axis by the riveted axis 53.

  The member 54 can tilt in the direction of F20 thanks to the slope 56 and to the slot 59 wider than 51 on this side, it is blocked in the direction F21 thanks to the straight part 58. A braked screw 60, with head rounded, is positioned, in a recess of 51, along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of 50, it is intended to adjust the bearing stroke and the projection, it is accessible using a screwdriver by a hole 61 of the tube 55. An axis 62 is fixedly mounted, 15 parallel to the axis 53, on the longitudinal axis of 55, on the side F21. On 62 is hung a tension spring 63 in elastomer, it can be metallic, which passes through a hole of 55 and it

  is attached at its lower end to a screw 64 which is used for clamping by pinching on 50 a flange 65 for adjusting the initial tension of the spring. To increase the hardness of the elastic return, it is necessary to loosen 64 and slide 65 down 50 and vice versa.

  The general operation of the device is identical to that described for Figures 1 to 4. The difference between the angles ax8 and cx9 is at most around 10. On the face

  22 a8 measures 900, it can vary by a few degrees.

  Figures 28 and 29 show a first variant.

  The gripping member 66 is a cylinder having a recess 67 of rectangular section. The elongated part 68 has at its upper end a head 69, flattened symmetrically in the shape of a lying trapezoid. At the top of 69 on the longitudinal axis of 68, an axis 70 crosses perpendicularly 69 in which it is free and 66 on which it is riveted. Along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of 68 is mounted, in the axis of the thickness of 69, a piston 71 pushed by a spring 72 which is held in compression by an adjusting screw 73 of the return force elastic. Parallel to the axis

  of 71 is mounted a screw 74 for adjusting the support stroke and the amplitude of the projection of 68. The operation is identical to that described for FIG. 22.

  Figures 30 to 34 show a second variant.

  The gripping member 76 of rectangular section rounded at the top carries a cavity 77 of rectangular section in which is housed a flattened head 78. The shape of 77 and the slopes present on 78 allow 76 to be able to tilt by about 10 following F23 and to be sentenced the other way. 78 is carried by a threaded cylindrical foot 79 which is locked at the top of the elongated part 81. 78 has at its upper part a recess 85, located in the axis of the thickness, which receives a torsion spring 82. 82 is crossed by the hinge pin 84 which joins 76 and 78. The upper branch of 82 rests against the bottom of 77, the lower branch against an adjustment cam 83, with four positions, intended to adjust the force of elastic reminder. 83 is housed in a cradle of the recess 85, it is accessible through a hole 98 of 76. A lock nut 86 is mounted on 79, it allows

  according to its screwing to vary the bearing stroke and the amplitude of the projection. The operation is identical to that described for FIG. 22.

  Figures 35 and 36 show a third variant.

  The gripping member 87 has a recess 88 at its lower part. The head 89 has a top arranged for the tilting of 87 along F24 of approximately 10. The bottom of 88 bears against a remote part 91 on the left in the figure. 91 has a 15 oblong hole 92 which lets pass a screw 93 mounted in 87 which allows the adjustment of the stroke

  support and projection. A rotation axis 94 is mounted free in 89 and riveted in 87.

  A metallic spring wire 95 acting as a bending spring is mounted tight under 94, in the middle of the dish of 89, substantially parallel to the bottom of 88. A slider 96 regulates the elastic restoring force by its movement along 95, it is held by the screw 97. The wire 95 can be replaced by a metal or plastic blade. The operation of the device is

identical to that of figure 22.

  Figures 37 to 48 show a walking assistance device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention having an English cane conformation. The gripping member 100 comprises a handle 101, a tube 102 whose longitudinal axis is inclined towards the rear of the device and on which is mounted an adjustable cuff 103 in three directions. 101 and 102 are assembled by a piece 99 which carries a flat cam at its base 104 of rectangular section. An axis 105 crosses freely and perpendicularly 104 in its middle located on the longitudinal axis of the elongated part 30 106. The upper part of 99 carries two cylinders 107 and 108 on which are fixed 101 and 102. The longitudinal axes of 106, 101 and of 102 meet at a point 109 which is located approximately 20 mm above 105. The angle acO is approximately 25, the angle dl 1 is approximately 75. The top of 106 receives the calibrated tube 110, 106 and 110 are assembled by a spacer 111 held by pinout for example. The top of 110 is cut in yoke 112 to the width of 104. The bottom of 112 is deeper 113 on the side F25 to allow the rear tilting, the tilting on the front is condemned by the bottom 114 which is at the same level than the cam. Inside 110 a bore 118 receives a piston 115, a spring 116, a contact washer 117 and a push rod 119. 119 moves in

  a light 120 which passes right through 110 it is pushed by a threaded ring 128 5 for adjusting the precompression of 116. 128 is screwed onto a fine pitch thread 21 of 110.

  The top of 1 10 is threaded 123 to receive the adjusting ring 122 for the support stroke and the amplitude of the projection of 106. If 122 is fully screwed the system is blocked. The cuff 103 is adjustable as follows. A flange in two parts 124 is held by screws 125 on 102, these screws allow the adjustment in length and in rotation of 103. The two sides of 124 carry screws 126 which hold the cradle 127 for the adjustment of the

front-rear tilting of 103.

  The operation is as follows. Adjust the elastic restoring force by 128 and the amplitude of the support and projection by 122 and the arrangement of 103 on 102 for the comfort of the user. Grasp 101 by gluing the forearm against 127, the device must be placed on the side, slightly in front of the user, press 101 while holding the forearm in 127 and move forward. The device is put as on figure 38 by folding in knee. The relative rotations between 100 and 106 are about 10. By resting on the ground 106 opposes advancement and absorbs about 50% of the 10. c12 measures approximately 100. Slightly release 101, the device will behave as in Figure 39, the end of 106 takes off from the ground and 106 is projected onto the front along F9. Open your hand slightly to let the device drop and as soon as 106 touches the ground press

  on 101 by advancing along F8 and F10, the device resets automatically.

  Figures 44 to 46 show a variant.

  The elastic system is identical to that of FIG. 28. The return by piston and compression spring and its adjustment by the manual screw 130 and the adjustment of the amplitude of the arming and the projection by the manual adjustment screw 131 are located on axes substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated part. Clevis 132 is

  attached to the gripping member 134, the flat head 133 to the elongated part.

  Figures 49 to 52 show a walking assistance device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention having a cone of mountain cane. The top of the elongated part 135 is pierced in the axis of a smooth hole 136 surmounted by a thread 137, it is reduced symmetrically to a flat 138 on which is articulated a gripping member 139 by a yoke 140. A light 141 crosses the bottom of 138

  perpendicularly. An axis 142 which passes through 141 is made integral by riveting 140.

  A spring 143 compressed by an adjustment screw 144 pushes 142 which drives the two sides of 140 against the starting faces 146 of 138. A race adjustment ring 147

  of the arming and the amplitude of the projection and maintained on 138 by a screw 148.

  When you press 139, 145 take support on 146 by the angles 149, and by turning 5 pushes 142 vertically in 141 against 143. To transform the device into a rigid cane conformation, you must unscrew 148, remove 147 of 138, then rotate 139 vertically or it is in balance and put 147 back on 138 and 139 and

block 148, figure 52.

  Figures 53 to 58 show a walking assistance device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention having a conformation of a stand with a single mast. The elastic system 150 mounted in the axis of the elongated part 159, is identical to that of the fourth embodiment, Figures 41 to 43. The cam 151 is integral with the gripping member 152 which is composed of a handle 154 adjustable in height and rotation on a straight tube 158 carrying an armpit support 153 at its top. 154 door fixedly fixed a screw 155 which is mounted in a thread of the flange 156, a blocking pad 157 is controlled by 155 to act by friction against 158. To unlock turn the handle to the left and position 154 according to the user . The

  privileged position of 154 is on the back as shown in figure 53.

  The operation is as follows. Put the armpit on the support 153 and take the handle 154 firmly, let go of its weight on 153 and on 154, the device will behave as a kneepad, figure 54, the angle cxl3 is 1700, the changes of angles of the

  upper part and lower part are equivalent with respect to the axis of articulation.

  Slightly lift the shoulder while holding 154, the elongated part will be projected forward, figure 55, slightly relax 154 the device will be found again according to figure 56, lean again while advancing to rearm the system according to Fi1 and F13. If the device is used in the opposite direction to F13 it will behave like a rigid stand. Figures 63 to 65 show a walking assistance device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention having a cane conformation with

elbow support.

  The elastic system 160 is identical to that of the fourth embodiment, Figures from 41 to 43. The cam 161 is extended upwards by a wider part 162 which receives in a bore the gripping member 163 sliding and adjustable in position by the screw 164. The support for the elbow 166 has the adjustment described in Figures 47 and 48. The operation is as follows. Take the end 165 in hand and place the elbow on 166, the device will arm, slightly relieve the elbow without letting go 165, the elongated part 162 will be projected along F15. Slightly release 165 to allow the device to drop and

  move forward with your elbow.

  Figures 66 to 68 show a walking assistance device according to a

  eighth embodiment of the invention having a walker conformation.

  The device has rollers 170 placed at the rear of the elongated part 174, which it is possible to retract by rotation to rest on feet 172. The gripping members 173 have the elastic systems of the first embodiment, FIGS. 10 5, 6, 7. The operation is as follows. Press 173, then release your wrists up, the front of the device will lift and move forward while rolling on 170, then open your hands to let the device fall down Industrially, the device is interesting, the designs are simple. of the

  common elastic systems can equip different embodiments. New materials such as carbon can be used for the elongated parts.

  Some elastic members may be sold separately.

Claims (11)

  1- Walking assistance device, comprising at least one manual gripping member and an elongated part the lower end of which is intended to come to rest on the ground, characterized in that the device comprises a means of restoring elastic energy to project the elongated part (1, 30, 50, 68, 81, 106, 135, 159, 167, 174) forwards when the lower end of the soil is detached (fig 3, fig 13, fig 39, fig 55, fig 65, fig 67) by restoring the elastic energy stored during the pressing of the hand on the manual gripping member (5, 33, 54, 66, 76, 87, 100, 134 , 139, 152, 163, 173)   when said lower end bears on the ground, during the so-called advancement phase 10 (fig 4, fig 14, fig 40, fig 56).   2- Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the elastic energy return means comprises an elastic member (10,38, 63, 72, 82, 95, 116, 143) of the spring type, stressed by the support of the hand on the manual gripping member (5, 33, 54, 66, 76, 87, 100, 134, 139, 152, 163, 173) and released during the detachment of said end to project said elongated part (1, 30, 50, 68, 81, 106, 135, 159, 167, 174) forward.   3- Device according to claim l or claim 2 characterized in that said means for restoring elastic energy has a means for adjusting the intensity of   the elastic organ (15, 39, 65, 73, 83, 96, 128, 130, 144).   4- Device according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterized in that said means for restoring elastic energy has means for adjusting (4, 46, 60, 74, 86, 93, 122, 131, 147) of the stroke support and the amplitude of the projection forward of the elongated part.   - Device according to claim I or claim 2 characterized in that said elastic energy restitution means comprises an articulation around an axis (3, 32, 53, 70, 84, 94, 105, 142) substantially horizontal, to articulate said elongated part (1, 30, 50, 68, 81, 106, 135, 159, 167, 174) relative to the manual gripping member   (5, 33, 54, 66, 76, 87, 100, 134, 139, 152, 163, 173).   6- Device according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 5 characterized in that the manual gripping member (5, 33) contains along its longitudinal axis an elastic member of the   spring type (10, 38), one end of which bears directly or indirectly, in particular by means of a piston (9.37) on the top (2, 31) of the elongated part (1, 30) of which   the lower end is intended to come to rest on the ground.   7- Device according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 5 characterized in that the top   (110, 138) of the elongated part (106,135, 159,167) has a housing along its longitudinal axis for an elastic member of the spring type (116,143), one end of which bears directly or indirectly, in particular by means of a piston (115 ) or a   rod (142), on the manual gripping member (100,139, 152,163).   8- Device according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 5 characterized in that the top (69, 5 78.89) of the elongated part (68, 81) has a housing for an elastic member of the spring type (72, 82 , 95) one end of which bears, directly or indirectly, according to   an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated part, on the manual gripping (66, 76, 87).   9- Device according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 5 characterized in that the member   manual gripping (54) and the elongated part (50) are connected by an elastic member (63) working in traction.   - Device according to claims 1, 2, and 5 characterized in that the member   manual gripping (33, 100, 152) and the elongated part (30, 106, 159) are articulated between   them elastically like a knee pad.   11- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in   that the lower end of the device carries a shoe or articulated end (fig 60, 61, 62) of contact with the ground.   12- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in   that it includes a manual gripping member (5, 33, 54, 66, 76, 87, 100, 134, 139, 20 152, 163, 173) and an elongated part (1, 30, 50, 68, 81 , 106, 135, 159, 167, 174) and that it has a conformation chosen from the group comprising: simple canes (fig 1, fig 22, fig 28, fig 30, fig 35), canes with inverted handles ( fig I 1), mountain canes (fig 49), English canes (fig 37), crutches with single mast (fig 53),   walking sticks with elbow support (fig 63), walkers (fig 66), umbrellas.   13- Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in   that the device can be used in energy restitution mode or, alternatively, in   so-called rigid mode without energy restitution (fig 10, fig 52).