GB2617311A

GB2617311A - Device to aid walking

Info

Publication number: GB2617311A
Application number: GB2119043.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Garwatuk James
Original assignee: Hart Walker Uk Ltd
Current assignee: Hart Walker Uk Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-27
Filing date: 2021-12-27
Publication date: 2023-10-11
Also published as: GB202119043D0

Abstract

A walking aid 10 comprises a frame body 16 having a front portion and a rear portion and mounting a first pair of ground engaging members 18a, 18b positioned at the front portion of the frame body and a second pair of ground engaging members 18c, 18d positioned at the rear portion of the frame body. The walking aid further comprises first 64 and second 66 footwear attachment points, and a pelvic support 37, wherein the front portion of the frame body defines an opening configured to enable a user to step into both the pelvic support and a piece of footwear attached to the first and second footwear attachment points. The first pair of ground engaging members may be mounted to the front portion of the frame body by respective telescopic members 26, and may pivot about wheel forks 27 (Figure 3). The second pair of ground engaging members may be mounted to the rear portion of the frame body by an A-frame attachment 34 (Figure 8), which may be adjusted to vary the angle of the telescopic members relative to the ground surface between 0 and 10 degrees.

Description

DEVICE TO AID WALKING

FIELD

The present invention relates to a device to aid walking.

BACKGROUND

Many physical and neurologic injuries, conditions and diseases can restrict a person's ability to walk. For example, children, and adults, suffering from cerebral palsy often do not have the muscular strength or coordination necessary to enable them to walk unaided. Various efforts have been made to provide walking aids which range from standard wheeled and non-wheeled walking frames. One such example is found in G32284768 which discloses a wheeled frame which is configured to support a user in their pelvic region and by their feet.

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide improvements to the aforementioned prior art.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the invention provides a device to aid walking comprising a frame body having a front portion and a rear portion and mounting a first pair of ground engaging members positioned at the front portion of the frame body and a second pair of ground engaging members positioned at the rear portion of the frame body; first and second footwear attachment points; and a pelvic support, wherein the front portion of the frame body defines an opening configured to enable a user to step into each of: i) the pelvic support; and ii) footwear associated with the first and second footwear attachment points without obstruction.

The core benefit of this aspect of the invention is improved accessibility for users whom have a disability that prevents or hinders mobility. A key requirement for walking devices is strength and support. Prior art devices have historically provided a full lower frame to which wheels are attached. This can make it difficult for users to enter the frame and adon an attached exoskeleton. The present invention defines a "U" shaped opening that enables a user to back up into the opening without restriction. This is advantageous for both users and carers in terms of: i) reduced time entering and exiting the walking device; and ii) reducing risk of injury to the user and carer.

The first pair of ground engaging members may be mounted to the front portion of the frame body by respective telescopic members configured to be arranged approximately perpendicular to a ground surface.

Respective front wheel forks may mount each of the first pair of ground engaging members to a respective telescopic member. Each of the front wheel forks may have a first end that mounts one of the first pair of ground engaging member and a second end that mounts to a pivot point provided by the respective telescopic member. The pivot point may provide up to 360-degree rotation of the ground engaging member mounted thereto.

The second pair of ground engaging members may be mounted to the rear portion of the frame body by an A-frame attachment.

The device to aid walking may further comprise a spine to which the A-frame is mounted by way of first and second mounting points, the spine being configured to support an exoskeleton.

A suspension member may be arranged between the first and second A-frame mounting points.

The frame body may comprise a pair of side arms from extending from the front portion of the frame body to the rear portion of the frame body, wherein the rear portion of the frame body curves in a first direction upwards from each side arm and towards the front portion of the frame body and then in a second direction perpendicularly towards the opposite side arm.

Opposing sides of the rear portion of the frame body may be joined by a tubular sleeve that permits variation of the width of the frame body.

The spine may further be mounted to the rear portion of the frame body by mounting to the sleeve.

The spine height may be adjusted vertically A first pair of roller attachments may be mounted to respective side arms at the front portion of the frame body, each of the first pair of roller attachments guiding and anchoring an elastic member and attached to either the first footwear attachment or second footwear attachment.

A second pair of roller attachments may be mounted to respective side arms at the rear portion of the frame body, each of the second pair of roller attachments guiding and anchoring the elastic member such that the elastic member extends: i) from one of the first pair of roller attachments rearwardly and parallel to a side arm of the frame body to one of the second pair of roller attachments; ii) between the second pair of roller attachments perpendicularly to the side arms of the frame body; and iii) forwardly and parallel to the other side arm of the frame body to the other of the first pair of roller attachments, wherein the elastic member further extends beyond each of the first pair of roller attachments and is provided with a fixing at each end thereof for attaching to a respective one of the first footwear attachment or second footwear attachment.

A third pair of roller attachments may be provided adjacent to the sleeve at the rear portion of the frame body for guiding and attaching a second elastic member that has a fixing provided at each end thereof for attachment to respective braces of the exoskeleton.

The device to aid walking may further comprise a foot brake arranged to apply friction braking directly to at least one ground engaging member of the second pair of ground engaging members. The foot brake may comprise a pedal portion and a braking surface joined together by a central member. In the case of provision of a pair of braking surfaces, the central bar joins the braking surfaces together such that the foot brake can be applied equally to both of the second pair of gound engaging members simultaneously using a single action.

The pelvis support of the exoskeleton may be mounted to the spine at an upper end thereof. The pelvis support of the exoskeleton may connect to respective knee supports by way of first and second braces. Each knee support may connect to a respective one of the first and second footwear attachment by way of third and fourth braces.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. The detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended to be given by way of example only.

FIGURES

Aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of reference to the following figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a device to aid walking according to aspects and embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first view of a base of the device according to aspects and embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second view of the base of FIGs 2 and 3.

FIG. 4 illustrates a third view of the base of FIGs 2 to 4.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a front wheel according to aspects and embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a rear wheel according to aspects and embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of a suspension arrangement according to aspects and embodiments of the invention.

S

FIG. 8 is a view of an A-frame arrangement according to aspects and embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a view of a foot brake arrangement according to aspects and embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly,' etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as "attached," "affixed," "connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

A walker (10) according to aspects and embodiments of the invention is shown generally in Fig. 1. The walker (10) comprises a base (12) and exoskeleton (14). The base (12) is shown in isolation in Figs. 2 to 4. The base (12) comprises a frame (16) defined by a shaped tubular structure which mounts four wheels (18). The frame (12) extends from the front of the walker (10) by way of a pair of parallel, spaced apart side rails (20) joined by a bridge (22) at the rear of the walker (10). A gap (24) is defined between the pair of side rails (20) to enable a user to position themselves between the side rails (20) without obstruction.

The length of each side rail (20) is adjustable by way of a telescopic extension member (26) that is locked in position by a fixing (28). Each telescopic extension member (26) mounts a respective wheel (18a, 18b) to support the front of the walker (10) on the ground. Each of wheels (18a, 18b) is pivotally attached to a respective side rail (20), much like a caster, so that each wheel (18a, 18b) is free to pivot through 360 degrees around an axis perpendicular to the respective telescopic extension member (26). A front wheel fork (27) mounts a wheel (18a, 18b) at a first end thereof and mounts to the telescopic extension member (26) by way of a bushing (40) at the second end thereof. This is shown in detail in Fig. 5. The position of the front wheels (18a, 18b) is adjustable by mounting in one of a plurality of holes spaced along the front wheel fork (27). The front wheel fork (27) is configured at an angle of approximately of 30 degrees from the telescopic extension member (26) to enable a broader range of wheel sizes to be mounted to the walking device (10).

The frame body (12) transitions from a first width (w1) at the front of the walker (10) to a second width (w2) at the rear of the walker (10), where (w1) is wider than (w2). The side rails (20) are each generally horizontal at the front of the frame body (12) and angle upwardly towards the rear of the frame body (12). At the rear of the frame body (12), each side rail (20) is angled back upon itself to define an acute angle between the section of the side rail (20) extending from the front to the rear of the frame body (12) and a diagonal portion that extends upwardly and forwardly from the rear of the frame body (12). This is shown clearly in FIG. 2. At the top of the diagonal portion of each side rail (20), the tubular structure is bent through 90 degrees inwardly towards the centre of the frame body (12). The bridge (22) connects the tubular structure of each side rail (20) as shown in FIG. 4. The bridge (22) is defined by a horizontal member comprising a hollow tube at each end thereof. Each hollow tube of the bridge (22) receives a respective part of a side rail (20) at the rear of the frame body (12) to join the side rails (20) together. It will be appreciated that is just one example of how the frame body (12) may be constructed. In another example, the bridge (22) may be defined by a solid core and the side arms (20), being of tubular construction, may each receive an end of the solid core of the bridge (22) and be screwed, or otherwise attached thereto.

A vertical support member, or spine (30), is attached to the frame body (12) by way of a clamp forming an integral part of the bridge (22). The spine (30) is positioned inset of the frame body (12) and mounts the exoskeleton (14) and rear wheel assembly (32). The rear wheel assembly (32) mounts to the spine (30) at two positions that are vertically spaced apart. The exoskeleton (14) mounts to the spine (30) at a third position above the mounting positions of the rear wheel assembly (32). As shown in FIG. 1, a pelvis support (37) of the exoskeleton (14) is mounted to the spine at the third position.

The rear wheel assembly (32) comprises a pair of rear wheels (18c, 18d) connected to an A-frame (34). The top of the A-frame (34) is received by at least one pair of trailing arms (36) configured to connect the A-frame (34) to the spine (30) by way of a first mounting point (38). In some embodiments, multiple pairs of trailing arms (36) may be adopted to connect the A-frame (34) to the vertical support member (30). This is shown more particularly in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, a pair of tie bars (37) may extend between the first mounting point (38) and a horizontal support bar (39) defined by the bottom of the A-frame (34). The horizontal support bar (39) extends between the "legs of the A-frame (34) to spread the compressive load exerted by a user on the rear part of the frame body (12).

Suspension means (42), as shown in FIG. 7, are provided between the top of the A-frame (34) and a second mounting point (44) spaced vertically above the first mounting point (38). As shown in the figures, the suspension means may be a suspension coil (76) extending between the A-frame (34) and a second mounting point (44). The pair of rear wheels (18c, 18d) are mounted to respective "legs" of the A-frame (34) and arranged in a fixed direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the height of the pair of rear wheels (18c, 18d) may be adjusted by releasing the respective wheel mounts (46) and varying the depth of insertion of the "legs' of the A-frame (34) into the wheel mounts (46). Adjustment of the height of the pair of rear wheels (18c, 18d) varies the angle of the side arms (20) relative to a ground surface between 0 degrees and 10 degrees. Preferably the range of angular variation of the side arms (20) relative to the ground surface is between 0 degrees and 6 degrees.

A foot brake (48), as illustrated in FIG. 9, may be provided to facilitate friction braking to the pair of rear wheels (18c, 18d). The footbrake (48) comprises a foot pedal (50) and at least one braking member (52) joined by a connecting plate (54). Actuation of the foot pedal (50) results in translation of motion through the connecting plate (54) to the at least one braking member (52) such that the at least one braking member (52) applies direct friction braking to the pair of rear wheels (18c, 18d). In some embodiments, a pair of braking members (52) are provided with each braking member (52) of the pair being associated with a single one of the pair of rear wheels (18c, 18d). Each braking member (52) is biased in an unapplied condition by way of a sprung loaded braking mechanism (53). When the foot pedal (50) is actuated, the translated motion provided by the connecting plate (54) overcomes the spring strength to enable each braking member (52) to move from the unapplied condition to an applied condition wherein it moves into contact with a respective rear wheel. When the foot pedal (50) is released, the spring of the braking mechanism (53) causes the braking member (52) to revert to the unapplied condition. The braking mechanism (53) comprises a stop (55) that limits motion of the braking member (52) between a first position representative of the unapplied condition and a second position representative of the applied condition.

The frame body (12) acts as an anchor for at least first and second elastic members (56, 58). The first elastic member (56) is anchored to the frame body (12) at four locations. A first pair of roller attachments (60a, 60b) is provided towards the front of the frame body (12) and mounted to opposing side rails (20). A second pair of roller attachments (62a, 62b) is provided towards the rear of the frame body (12) and mounted to opposing side rails (20). The first elastic member (56) extends from the first pair of roller attachments (60a, 60b) to the second pair of roller attachments with a free end of the first elastic member (56) extending forwardly from each of the first pair of roller attachments (60a, 60b). Both free ends of the first elastic member (56) are provided with a fastener for attaching to first-and second-foot attachments (64, 66) of the exoskeleton (14). The roller attachments (60a, 60b, 62a, 62b) both guide and anchor the first elastic member (56).

A third pair of roller attachments (64a, 64b) are provided adjacent to the bridge to the bridge (22) at opposing sides thereof. The second elastic member (58) is guided and anchored by the third pair of roller attachments (64a, 64b) with both free ends of the second elastic member (58) comprising a fastener for attaching to bracing members of the exoskeleton (14).

Referring back to FIG. 1, the pelvis support (37) of the exoskeleton (14) provides a secure support for receiving the pelvic and groin region of a user of the device (10). The user's back and chest are supported by a thoracic support (68) which is spaced vertically above the pelvis support (37) by a pair of opposing rigid support members (70). The thoracic support (68) comprises a strap-like arrangement that the user can lean against, and which is configured to strap the user in the device (10). The user may also be strapped in place by way of the pelvis support (37). From the pelvis support (37), a pair of upper leg braces (72a, 72b) extend downwardly to a pair of knee supports (74a, 74b). A lower leg brace extends downwardly from each knee support (74a, 74b) to a respective one of the first-and second-foot attachments (64, 66). The upper leg braces (72a, 72b) provide an anchor for respective ends of the second elastic member (58). In use, as the user walks, the second elastic member (58) provides a degree of resistance to the user's legs and acts to bias the user's legs in a first position.

The frame body (12) can be folded to reduce the space envelope of the device (10) for storage and transport. Rotating the spine (30) around the bridge (22) so that the spine (30) moves from a vertical configuration to a substantially horizontal, forward-facing configuration, the rear A-frame assembly (34) is moved forwards to within the space that would be occupied by the user in use. The length of the device (10) is thus reduced. The pair of front wheels (18a, 18b) and the telescopic extension members (26) to which they are attached may also be removed for transportation and storage. The side arms (20) of the frame body (12) may be detached from the bridge (22) to further reduce the space envelope of the device (10) for transport and storage.

The above embodiments are exemplary only, and other possibilities and alternatives within the scope of the appended claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device to aid walking comprising a frame body having a front portion and a rear portion and mounting a first pair of ground engaging members positioned at the front portion of the frame body and a second pair of ground engaging members positioned at the rear portion of the frame body; first and second footwear attachment points; and a pelvic support, wherein the front portion of the frame body defines an opening configured to enable a user to step into each of: i) the pelvic support; and H) footwear associated with the first and second footwear attachment points without obstruction.
2. A device to aid walking according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of ground engaging members is mounted to the front portion of the frame body by respective telescopic members configured to be arranged approximately perpendicular to a ground surface.
3. A device to aid walking according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein respective front wheel forks mount each of the first pair of ground engaging members to a respective telescopic member, each of the front wheel forks having a first end that mounts one of the first pair of ground engaging members and a second end that mounts to a pivot point provided by the respective telescopic member.
4. A device to aid walking according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second pair of ground engaging members is mounted to the rear portion of the frame body by an A-frame attachment.
5. A device to aid walking according to claim 4, wherein the angle of the A-frame attachment relative to the frame body is adjustable to vary the angle of the telescopic members relative to the ground surface between 0 degrees and 10 degrees.
6. A device to aid walking according to claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising a spine to which the A-frame is mounted by way of first and second mounting points, the spine being configured to support an exoskeleton.
7. A device to aid walking according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein a suspension member is arranged between the first and second A-frame mounting points.
8. A device to aid walking according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the frame body comprises a pair of side arms extending from the front portion of the frame body to the rear portion of the frame body, wherein the rear portion of the frame body curves in a first direction upwards from each side arm and towards the front portion of the frame body and then in a second direction perpendicularly towards the opposite side arm.
9. A device to aid walking according to claim 8, wherein opposing sides of the rear portion of the frame body are joined by a tubular sleeve comprising a spine attachment portion for mounting the spine to the rear portion of the frame body.
10. A device to aid walking according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the spine height is adjustable vertically.
11. A device to aid walking according to any of claims 8 to 10 further comprising a first pair of roller attachments may be mounted to respective side arms at the front portion of the frame body, each of the first pair of roller attachments guiding and anchoring a first elastic member that is attached to the first footwear attachment and second footwear attachment.
12. A device to aid walking according to claim 11 further comprising a second pair of roller attachments mounted to respective side arms at the rear portion of the frame body, each of the second pair of roller attachments guiding and anchoring the first elastic member such that the first elastic member extends: i) from one of the first pair of roller attachments rearwardly and parallel to a side arm of the frame body to one of the second pair of roller attachments; ii) between the second pair of roller attachments perpendicularly to the side arms of the frame body; and iii) forwardly and parallel to the other side arm of the frame body to the other of the first pair of roller attachments, wherein the first elastic member further extends beyond each of the first pair of roller attachments and is provided with a fixing at each end thereof for attaching to a respective one of the first footwear attachment or second footwear attachment.
13. A device to aid walking according to claim 12 further comprising a third pair of roller attachments provided adjacent to the sleeve at the rear portion of the frame body for guiding and attaching a second elastic member that has a fixing provided at each end thereof for attachment to respective braces of the exoskeleton.
14. A device to aid walking according to any preceding claim further comprising a foot brake arranged to apply friction braking directly to at least one ground engaging member of the second pair of ground engaging members. The foot brake may comprise a pedal portion and a braking surface.
15. A device to aid walking according to any preceding claim, wherein the pelvis support of the exoskeleton is mounted to the spine at an upper end thereof and to respective knee supports by way of first and second braces, each knee support being connected to a respective one of the first and second footwear attachments by way of third and fourth braces.