NO340396B1

NO340396B1 - A walker

Info

Publication number: NO340396B1
Application number: NO20160192A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Svein Bjørge; Andre Lindaas; Christian Tuva Stensland; Kristian Ulvevadet
Original assignee: Made For Movement Group As
Priority date: 2016-02-04
Filing date: 2016-02-04
Publication date: 2017-04-10
Also published as: DE102017102066A1; GB2547109B; GB201701638D0; NO20160192A1; GB2547109A

Description

A walker

Field of the invention

The invention concems assistive technology, more specifically devices for assisting and providing mobility to physically impaired persons. Specifically, the invention concerns a brace as set out by the preamble of claim 1, a walker as set out by the preamble of claim 7, a joint element as set out in the preamble of claim 12, and a brace as set out in the preamble of claim 13.

Background of the invention

Devices for assisting physically disabled persons are well known.

For example, WO 2012/044621 Al describes an exoskeleton system with a plurality of sensors for generating signals indicating a current motion and a current arrangement of at least the exoskeleton system, a hip segment, and at least one lower limb. The lower limb includes thigh and shank segments for coupling to a lateral surface of a user's leg. The thigh segment includes a first powered joint coupling the thigh segment to the hip segment, a second powered joint coupling the thigh segment to the shank segment, and a controller coupled to the sensors, the first powered joint, and the second powered joint. The controller is configured for determining a current state of the exoskeleton system and a current intent of the user based on the signals and generating control signals for the first and second powered joints based on the current state and the current intent.

Another type of device for assisting physically disabled persons is known as "walkers", which are mobility devices generally configured for providing additional support for a physically disabled person in order the person to maintain balance and stability while walking and standing.

Walkers designed for persons diagnosed with impairments such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic injuries, etc; generally comprise a brace and an undercarriage. An example of a prior art walker is illustrated in figure la and figure lb. The brace 1 has a chest belt 5, a hip belt 6, two calf bows 7 and shoe clips 8, interconnected via structural members and joints, in a manner illustrated in figure la and generally known in the art. In the known walkers of this type, the hip belt 6 is connected to a pelvic plate 9. A bolt 3 is attached to the pelvic plate 9 (see also figure lb). Thus, the brace 1 is supported by the undercarriage 2 via the bolt 3 which is entered into a tube-shaped support column 4 on the undercarriage. The undercarriage comprises wheels, wherein one set (in figure la: the forward set) normally are caster wheels. The brace is height-adjustable, whereby the user's legs may be arranged to touch the surface on which the wheels are rolling.

When using the prior art walker, the brace is normally attached to the person while he or she is in a lying down or sitting. The person wearing the brace is then lifted to an upright position, and the brace is connected to the undercarriage by inserting the bolt 3 into the tubular support column 4. This operation may be difficult to execute, particularly if the person is an adult, because considerable bending moments are generated at the bolt/column interface. For similar reasons, the procedure of disconnecting the brace from the undercarriage may be difficult to execute. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved brace-to-undercarriage coupling device, as well as other improvements to the brace.

Summary of the invention

The invention is set forth andcharacterized inthe main claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention.

It is thus provided a brace for a physically disabled person, said brace håving

- a central support element with one or more attachment devices for connection to a person's upper body, and - a pair of leg braces articulately connected to opposite sides of the central support element via respective hip joint elements; each leg brace comprising leg attachment means and a thigh member connected between the hip joint element and a knee joint, and a lower leg member connected between the knee joint and an ankle joint element,characterized in thatthe leg brace comprises - a twisted portion configured to arrange a hip joint element plane of rotation and a knee joint plane of rotation in different planes, or - a twist controller håving means configured to allow the knee joint plane of rotation to

be set at one or more of a plurality of predetermined twisting angles, laterally outwards with respect to the hip joint element plane of rotation.

In one embodiment, the twisted portion comprises a twisted portion in the thigh member, and the knee joint plane of rotation is twisted a twisting angle laterally outwards with respect to the hip joint element plane of rotation.

The twisting angles may be in a range between 0° and 30°.

The twist controller may be arranged in the thigh member.

In one embodiment, the knee joint comprises a first knee joint element connected to the thigh member and a second knee joint element connected to the lower leg member, and the joint elements are offset with respect to one another by a distance ( d) between said members' longitudinal axes.

It is also provided a walker, comprising

- an undercarriage håving a brace support member and

- a brace for a physically disabled person, said brace håving a central support element with one or more attachment devices for connection to a person's upper body,characterized in that- the brace support member comprises a brace coupling unit håving a housing with a an upwardly oriented opening and - the central support element comprises a tongue arranged at an angle with respect to a central support element plane.

The central support element plane may be a substantially vertical plane. The central support element may comprise a receptacle opening configured for accommodation of at least a portion of the housing.

In one embodiment, the walker comprises locking means, operable to selectively lock and unlock the coupling unit and the central support element.

In one embodiment, the walker comprises said undercarriage and the brace according to the invention.

The invented coupling unit and the corresponding coupling unit interface portion provides for an easy and stable connection of the brace to, and disconnection from, the undercarriage, without the excessive bending moments that are associated with prior art.

It is also provided a joint element for connection to a brace member håving a longitudinal axis,characterized byan offset distance between the longitudinal axis and the joint element fulcrum.

It is also provided a brace for a physically disabled person, said brace håving a central support element with one or more attachment devices for connection to a person's upper body, and leg braces articulately connected to opposite sides of the central support element,characterized in thatat least one of the attachment devices comprises a rear attachment portion and a forward attachment portion, and in that said attachment portions are arranged in different planes.

The rear attachment portion is in one embodiment arranged in a plane below the plane of the forward attachment portion when the brace is connected to a user.

In one embodiment, said attachment portions are hip belt portions, and the brace further comprises a chest belt arranged above said forward attachment portion when the brace is connected to a user.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other characteristics of the invention will become clear from the following description of a preferential form of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, wherein: Figure la is a perspective view of a walker according to the prior art; Figure lb is perspective view of a prior art brace pelvic plate and coupling bolt, of the walker illustrated in figure la; Figure 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the invented walker, in an assembled state; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the walker illustrated in figure 2; Figure 4 is a side view of the undercarriage of the walker illustrated in figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the brace of the walker illustrated in figures 2 and 3, with certain belts removed; Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a brace pelvic plate, with back support and coupling unit interface; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the upper portion of a support column, with an embodiment of the coupling unit; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the upper portion of a support column, with an embodiment of the coupling unit and an embodiment of the brace pelvic plate, in a disconnected state; Figure 9 corresponds to figure 8, and illustrates an intermediate state in the connecting/disconnecting process between the coupling unit and the pelvic plate; Figure 10 is a sectional side view through the support column, coupling unit and pelvic plate, and shows the coupling unit and pelvic plate in a connected and unlocked state; Figure 11 is a partly transparent drawing, corresponding to figure 10 and showing the coupling unit and pelvic plate in a connected and unlocked state; Figure 12 is a partly transparent drawing, corresponding to figure 11 and showing the coupling unit and pelvic plate in a connected and locked state; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the upper portion of the support column, corresponding to figure 9, but showing the coupling unit and pelvic plate in a connected and locked state (corresponding to figure 12); Figure 14 is a perspective view corresponding to figure 13, showing the coupling unit and pelvic plate in a connected and locked state; Figure 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a brace knee joint, with thigh member and lower leg member; Figure 16a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a brace hip joint element and knee joint, where the knee joint and hip joint element are twisted with respect to one another; Figure 16b is a perspective view of an embodiment of a twisted thigh member (connecting the hip and knee joints); Figure 16c is a cross-sectional view of the rod shown in figure 16b, illustrating a 10° twist in the thigh member; Figure 17 is a top view of a twisted brace where the hip joint element and knee joint are set to rotate in different planes; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a twisted brace, håving twist controllers assembled on each thigh member; Figure 19 is a perspective view of a twisting device, interconnecting two parts of a thigh member; Figure 20 is an exploded view of the device illustrated in figure 19; Figure 21a is a side view of the twisting device illustrated in figure 19; Figure 21b is a cross-sectional drawing in the plane A-A in figure 21a; Figure 22 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the brace, illustrating in particular the thorax support and various slots for chest and hip belts; Figure 23 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the brace, illustrating one embodiment of a chest and hip belt configuration; Figure 24 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the brace, illustrating one embodiment of a rear hip belt configuration; Figure 25 is a perspective view of a portion of the brace, illustrating an embodiment of a rear and forward hip belt configuration; Figure 26 is a perspective view of a portion of the brace corresponding to figure 25, illustrating also an embodiment of a chest belt configuration; and Figure 27 is a perspective view of the brace, corresponding to figure 26.

Detailed description of a preferential embodiment

The following description may use terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "lateral", "back and forth", "up and down", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "forward", "rear", etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be limiting.

Referring initially to figure 2 and figure 3, the walker according to the invention generally comprises a brace 10 supported by an undercarriage 20. Referring also to figure 4, the undercarriage 20 comprises a rods and axels interconnected by a frame plate 26, and to which is connected a support column 28. The column 28 is height-adjustable in a manner which per se is known in the art. The undercarriage comprises wheel sets 21a,b, wherein one set (in figure 3: the forward set 21b) are caster wheels. The rear end (in figure 4: left-hand end) of the undercarriage is furnished with a so-called u-bow 24, which is movably attached to the support column 28 via a slidable connection piece 25. The u-bow 24 is thus height-adjustable, as indicated by the doubleheaded arrow M in figure 2. The u-bow is used as one connecting point for motion-assisting elastic bands (not shown), extending between a forward portion of the undercarriage, the shoe clips 8, and rollers 24a on the u-bow 24. This feature is well known in the art, and will therefore not be described in any more detail here. The undercarriage rear end also comprises a suspension spring 23 and a wheel brake 22. The front end of the undercarriage is provided with wall guards 27. A coupling unit 30 and a lock lever 31, both of which will be described later, are arranged in an upper region of the support column 28.

Referring additionally to figure 5, the brace 10 is designed for supporting a physically disabled person, and comprises generally a pelvic plate 17 to which an adjustable hip bow 18 and thorax-and-chest support 16 are connected. The illustrated pelvic plate also comprises a padded back support portion 15 and an adjustable headrest frame 11. Referring to figures 2 and 3, a chest belt 12 and a hip belt 13 are connected to the thorax-and-chest support 16, in a manner which is discussed in more detail below, with reference to figures 22 to 27 (The chest belt 12 and hip belt 13 have been removed in figure 5).

Connected to both sides of the hip bow 18 are articulated leg braces 47a, 47b, configured for connection to and support of respective ones of the users' legs. Each articulated leg brace comprises a hip joint element 41 which is rotatably connected to the hip bow. A thigh rod 42 connects the hip joint element 41 with a knee joint 43, and a shin (lower leg) rod 44 connects the knee joint 43 with an ankle joint element 45. Although not illustrated, the hip joint element may additionally comprise a lateral hinge connection, allowing an abduction movement (i.e. movement away from the user's centre-line) in the user's leg. Such abduction joints are known in the art and need therefore not be discussed in further detail here. A shoe clip 46 is rotatably connected to the ankle joint element. A calf bow 14, configured for connection to the user's lower leg) is attached to the shin rod. The thigh rod and the shin rod are made of extruded aluminium profiles of circular or oval cross-sections, but the invention shall not be limited to such materials and cross-sections. The joints, håving a design which allows axial (i.e. length) rod adjustment (in order to suit the user's limb lengths) are described in more detail below, with reference to figures 15 and 16a.

The coupling between the brace 10 and undercarriage 20 (i.e. to the coupling unit 30) will now be described in greater detail, with additional reference to figures 6 to 15. Referring initially to figure 6, the pelvic plate 17 comprises a coupling unit interface portion håving a recessed portion 54 in which a hole 52 and a tongue 51 are formed. The tongue 51 is extending partially downwards, into the hole 52, and is angled away from the pelvic plate. Referring to figure 10, Ycdenotes the pelvic plate plane, Yi denotes the main tongue plane, and Y2denotes the plane of a lower tongue portion 55. The main tongue portion defines an angle Pi with respect to the pelvic plate, and the lower tongue portion defines an angle P2with respect to the pelvic plate.

The interface portion further comprises a pair of lock receptacles 53a,b, here in the form of plate elements håving a v-shaped slit. In figure 6, one lock receptacle (53a) is oriented with its v-shaped slit håving an upward-facing opening, while the other (53b) is facing downwards.

The coupling unit 30, mounted on a support column 28 (which in turn is supported by the undercarriage, as explained above) is illustrated in figure 7. The coupling unit 30 comprises a housing 35 with two upwardly extending protrusions 32 (only one shown in figure 7) and an opening 38 with an upper edge 36. The housing material is tempered steel, but the invention shall not be limited to this material. A lock lever 31 is connected to a rotatable locking blade 33 (only one tip of which is shown in figure 7) which protrudes through a slit 34 in the housing 35. Figure 8 is an illustration of a first stage of a connecting sequence. The pelvic plate 17 is above the coupling unit 30 and held at an inclined angle with respect to the coupling unit. The lock lever 31 is in an unlocked position (note that locking blade tip is not protruding through the slit 34, as opposed to the illustration of figure 7). Figure 9 illustrates a next step, in which the tongue 51 (not shown in figure 9, seen in figure 8) has been inserted into the housing opening. The pelvic plate 17 is resting on the coupling unit housing, whereupon the pelvic plate is rotated towards the support column 28 as indicated by the arrow R. This brings the pelvic plate into connection with the coupling unit, whereby the coupling unit carries the weight of the pelvic plate (and the brace to which the plate is connected). This state is shown in figure 10: A portion of the coupling unit housing 35 extends through the hole 52 (not visible in figure 10) and the tongue 51 extends a distance inside the housing. An upper region 56 of the interface portion is resting against a portion of the upper edge 36. The locking blade 33, which is connected to the lock lever 31 via an axle 37, is in the unlocked position. Thus, in the state shown in figure 10 the brace is supported by the coupling unit. This state is also shown in figure 11, where also the locking blade 33 is shown, in an unlocked position. In figure 12, the locking blade 33 has been rotated (by means of the lock lever) such that the locking blade tips extend through respective slits 34 in the coupling unit housing and into respective slits in the lock receptacles 53a,b. The locking blade thus prevents an inadvertent disconnection between the coupling unit and pelvic plate. This connected and locked state is also illustrated in figure 13 and figure 14.

It should be understood that the connecting sequence described above with reference to figures 8 to 13 may be reversed in order to disconnect the pelvic plate (i.e. the brace) from the coupling unit (i.e. the undercarriage).

Figure 15 is an illustration of a knee joint 43 (referring to figure 5, the left-hand knee joint). An upper knee joint element 43a is connected to the thigh rod, a lower knee joint element 43b is connected to the shin rod 44, and the knee joint elements are rotatably interconnected by a knee axle 49. Reference number 48 indicates a clamping bolt, by means of which the rod is fixated in its joint element. The upper 43a and lower 43b knee joint elements are offset with respect to one another, by a distance d between the joint elements' longitudinal axes L. This offset greatly increases the span within which the thigh and shin rods may be height (length) adjusted, because the rods may be extended through the respective joint element without interfering with the other joint element or rod. Referring additionally to figure 5 figure 18 and figure 22, it will be apparent that the upper and lower knee joint elements 43a,b are similar to the hip joint

element 41 and the ankle joint element 45. Each joint element comprises a housing with an internal bore which is configured for receiving a rod. By virtue of the offset between the rod (and thus the internal bore) longitudinal axis L (cf. offset distance din figure 15) and the joint element's axis of rotation (e.g. axle 49 in figure 15), the rod may be moved within the joint element, providing axial (i.e. length) rod adjustment in order to suit the user's limb lengths. Referring to figure 16a, the rod 42' is furnished with a peg 91

which serves a two-fold function: to prevent the rod from accidentally sliding out of the joint element when the clamping bolt 48 is released (for length adjustment), and to serve as a position indicator in combination with the indicator marks 93. In figure 16a, the peg 91 is visible through the slit 92 in the joint element housing.

Another aspect of the invented brace will now be described with reference to figures 16a to 21b. In order to provide an anatomically more correct positioning of the user's foot when walking (or standing), the foot should be rotated somewhat outwards with respect to the direction of movement (i.e. laterally outwards). Referring to figure 16a (which illustrates a left-leg brace; cf. right-hand side in figure 5), the knee joint 43 has been twisted (denoted by "T" in figure 16a), i.e. rotated around the longitudinal axis La, with respect to the hip joint element 41, thereby allowing the user's foot to point slightly outwards. In the illustrated embodiment, this twist T is accomplished by a twisted portion 60 in the thigh rod 42'. The thigh rod 42' has a non-circular cross section. Figures 16a-c illustrate an embodiment where a twisted portion 60 generates a twist T (axial rotation) of 10° between an upper thigh rod portion 42a and a lower thigh rod portion 42b, about the rods' common longitudinal axes L. A corresponding twist T is illustrated in figure 17, in which Ps denotes a plane of rotation for the hip joint element and Pt denotes a plane of rotation for the knee joint. The angle between the two planes of rotation is denoted by a. Although not illustrated, it should be understood that the twist T may be accomplished by a more gradual twisting of the thigh rod, extending over a longer portion of the rod than that defined by the twisted portion 60. It should also be understood that the twist T may be accomplished by rods håving circular cross-sections, for example by rotating (twisting) the thigh rod inside the hip joint element. The twist T may be thus be accomplished by rods håving any cross-section (e.g. squared, oval, triangular). The skilled person will understand that in certain cases, depending on the nature of the user's physical disability, it may be desirable to håving the foot rotated somewhat inwards with respect to the direction of movement (i.e. laterally inwards). This may be accomplished by inducing the twist in the opposite direction of that described above, or by swapping the leg braces from one side to the other.

Figures 18 to 21b illustrate another embodiment of the rod twisting capability. The upper 42a and lower 42b thigh rod parts, both håving a non-circular cross-section, are joined by a twist controller 61 whereby the thigh rod portions 42a,b may be rotated in a controlled fashion with respect to one another, around their common longitudinal axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper thigh rod part 42a comprises a pivot portion 67 configured for rotation in a receptacle 72 in the lower thigh rod part 42b. An axial support peg 66 is arranged coaxially with the rod parts and provides support for a ball bearing 69, a spacer 70 and a seeger ring 71. The upper and lower rod portions can freely rotate separately about the rods' common longitudinal axes L when they are assembled without the rest of the parts. By inserting a stop pin 68 into a pin hole 73 in the upper thigh rod part 42a, the thigh rod parts may be locked relatively to each other, or rotational movement may be limited. In the illustrated embodiment the housing 62 comprises four grooves 75a-d (see figure 21b), each configured for receiving the stop pin 68. The receptacle 72 also comprises a threaded screw connection hole 74 (see figure 18), configured for receiving a locking screw 64 and thus fixate the housing 62 to the receptacle 72.

The housing 62 comprises four holes 65 (only two shown in figure 21) through which the locking screw can pass. If the user wants to change the degree of rotation (twist) he or she unscrews the locking screw 64, lifts up the housing 62, rotates the housing to the desired position, and then lowers the housing such that the stop pin 68 falls into a desired one of the grooves 75a-d in the housing. Then secures the housing position by means of the locking screw.

In the illustrated embodiment, the twist controller is shown håving four different settings, defined by the position and shape of the individual grooves (see figure 21b):

- reference number 75a: 0°(straight),

- reference number 75b: 5°,

- reference number 75c: 10°, and

- reference number 75d: a play that give the user the freedom to rotate his leg within a certain limit. In one embodiment, this play (in groove 75d) is set to 0 - 10°, but this can easily be decreased or increased by milling the groove differently.

The twisted rods gives possibility to position the user's leg laterally outwards, which gives a more correct and comfortable positioning of the leg, both when walking and standing. Also, the laterally outward positioning may advantageously be combined with the hip abduction joint, briefly mentioned above.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a twisted portion 60 and a twist controller 61 in the thigh rod, it should be understood that a similar twisted portion or twist controller may be incorporated in the shin (lower leg) rod and/or in the knee joint itself.

Referring to figures 22 - 27, various belt configurations will now be described in more detail. As explained above (with reference to figure 5), the brace 10 comprises a pelvic plate 17 to which an adjustable hip bow 18 and thorax-and-chest support 16 are connected. In the illustrated embodiment, the latter comprises a pair of thorax supports 16a and lower chest supports 16b. In each pair, the thorax support 16a and lower chest support 16b are interconnected via height-adjustable connections 85.

In the illustrated embodiment, each thorax support 16a comprises a forward chest belt slot 81 and a rear chest belt slot 82. Each lower chest support 16b comprises a rear hip belt slot 83. The hip bow 18 comprises two forward hip belt slots 84, one on each side, as illustrated in figure 22.

In one belt configuration (see figure 23), the chest belt 12 extends through the two forward chest belt slots 81, and comprises a releasable buckle 19. The hip belt 13 extends through the forward hip belt slot 84, and comprises a releasable buckle 19. In this belt configuration, the belts will be the same level (i.e. height) at both the front and the back of the user. The belts are preferably made of one length of strap, connected in manner known in the art.

In another configuration (see figures 24 to 27), the hip belt comprises a rear hip belt portion 13a, a forward left-hand hip belt portion 13b, and forward right-hand hip belt portion 13c. The rear hip belt portion 13a is extended through the forward hip belt slots 84 and curves backwards (to be arranged behind the user's hips or lower back) as illustrated in figure 24. Referring to figure 25, the forward left-hand hip belt portion 13b and the forward right-hand hip belt portion 13c are connected to respective ones of rear hip belt slots 83 and are interconnected via a releasable buckle 19. The forward hip belt portions 13b,c (comprising one belt member when connected) are thus at a level above the rear hip belt portion 13a. The rear hip belt portion 13a being in a plane below the plane of the forward hip belt portions 13b,c, makes it easier to position the user correctly in the brace. The rear and front hip belts have an overlap at the sides, ensuring comfort for the user and flexibility while walking.

In the configuration illustrated in figures 26 and 27, the chest belt comprises a rear chest belt portion 12a, a forward left-hand chest belt portion 12b, and forward right-hand chest belt portion 12c. The rear chest belt portion 12a is extended through the rear chest belt slots 82 and curves backwards (to be arranged behind the user's chest. The forward left-hand chest belt portion 12b and the forward right-hand chest belt portion 12c are connected to respective ones of forward chest belt slots 81 and are interconnected via a releasable buckle 19.

Claims

1. A brace (10) for a physically disabled person, said brace håving - a central support element (17, 18) with one or more attachment devices (12, 13) for connection to a person's upper body, and - a pair of leg braces (47a,b) articulately connected to opposite sides of the central support element via respective hip joint elements (41); each leg brace comprising leg attachment means (14, 46) and - a thigh member (42) connected between the hip joint element (41) and a knee joint (43), and - a lower leg member (44) connected between the knee joint (43) and an ankle joint element (45), characterized in thatthe leg brace comprises - a twisted portion (60) configured to arrange a hip joint element plane of rotation (Ps) and a knee joint plane of rotation (Pt) in different planes, or . - a twist controller (61) håving means (62, 68, 72, 75) configured to allow the knee joint plane of rotation (Pt) to be set at one or more of a plurality of predetermined twisting angles (a), laterally outwards with respect to the hip joint element plane of rotation (Ps).

2. The brace of claim 1, wherein the twisted portion (60) comprises a twisted portion in the thigh member (42), and the knee joint plane of rotation (Pt) is twisted (T) a twisting angle (a) laterally outwards with respect to the hip joint element plane of rotation (Ps).

3. The brace of claim 1, wherein the twisting angles ( a) are in a range between 0° and 30°.

4. The brace of any one of claims 1 and 3, wherein the twist controller (61) is arranged in the thigh member (42).

5. The brace of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the knee joint (43) comprises a first knee joint element (43a) connected to the thigh member (42) and a second knee joint element (43b) connected to the lower leg member (44), and the knee joint elements (43a, 43b) are offset with respect to one another by a distance ( d) between said members' longitudinal axes.

6. A walker, comprising - an undercarriage (20) håving a brace support member (28) and - a brace (10) for a physically disabled person, said brace håving a central support element (17, 18) with one or more attachment devices (12, 13) for connection to a person's upper body,characterized in that- the brace support member (28) comprises a brace coupling unit (30) håving a housing (35) with a an upwardly oriented opening (38) and - the central support element (17,18) comprises a tongue (51) arranged at an angle (Pi) with respect to a central support element (17) plane (Yc).

7. The walker of claim 6, wherein the central support element plane (Yc) is a substantially vertical plane.

8. The walker of claim 6 and claim 7, wherein the central support element (17) comprises a receptacle opening (52) configured for accommodation of at least a portion of the housing (35).

9. The walker of any one of claims 6-8, further comprising locking means (31, 33, 34, 53a,b), operable to selectively lock and unlock the coupling unit and the central support element.

10. The walker of any one of claims 6-9, wherein the brace (10) comprises the brace of any one of claims 1-6.

11. A joint element (41; 43a; 43b; 45) for connection to a brace member (42; 44) håving a longitudinal axis (L),characterized byan offset distance ( d) between the longitudinal axis (L) and the joint element fulcrum (49).

12. A brace (10) for a physically disabled person, said brace håving a central support element (17, 18) with one or more attachment devices (12, 13) for connection to a person's upper body, and leg braces (47a,b) articulately connected to opposite sides of the central support element,characterized in thatat least one of the attachment devices comprises a rear attachment portion (13a) and a forward attachment portion (13b, 13c, 19), and in that said attachment portions are arranged in different planes.

13. The brace of claim 12, wherein the rear attachment portion (13a) is arranged in a plane below the plane of the forward attachment portion (13b, 13 c, 19) when the brace is connected to a user.

14. The brace of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said attachment portions are hip belt portions, and wherein the brace further comprises a chest belt (12; 12a-c) arranged above said forward attachment portion (13b, 13c, 19) when the brace is connected to a user.