WO2004047712A2

WO2004047712A2 - Walking device for supporting a body or part of the body

Info

Publication number: WO2004047712A2
Application number: PCT/NL2003/000844
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcel Plomp; Pieter Lenndert Mastenbroek; Niels Vrijlandt; Justus Laurens Herder
Original assignee: Gio Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2002-11-28
Filing date: 2003-11-28
Publication date: 2004-06-10
Also published as: AU2003289685A1; WO2004047712A3; NL1022017C2

Abstract

Walking device for providing support to a user at least during a walking movement, comprising a frame and at least one supporting part for supporting the body or a part of the body, in which the supporting part is situated or can be placed in a certain nominal position relative to the frame. The supporting part is movable relative to the nominal height position at least in the vertical direction along a certain movement path, in such a way that within said movement path, when a certain weight is placed upon the supporting part, the supporting part can assume various positions of equilibrium, the supporting part being supported by a balancing mechanism comprising a spring compensation mechanism.

Description

Short title: Walking device for supporting a body or part of the body

The invention relates to a walking device for providing support to a user at least during a walking movement.

Such a walking device is known, for example in the form of a rollator. Known rollators are available in various embodiments and often have several setting possibilities. For example, the handlebars of the rollator can be adjustable to various positions. The object of these setting possibilities is to prevent physical and psychosomatic complaints as a result of support for a long period of time during walking. A walking device is also known in the form of a wheeled walking frame. Such wheeled walking frames are also available in various embodiments and often have several setting possibilities. In this case, for example, handlebars and a walking frame saddle are adjustable to various positions. In addition, walking devices are known in the rehabilitation field, for example in the form of a gait trainer. In this case adjustable supporting parts that compensate for a body or part of the body are provided. The gait trainer is adjustable as a supporting surface to a desired speed. The object of these setting possibilities is to prevent physical and psychosomatic complaints as a result of support during this form of rehabilitation.

A walking device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 196 10 618 Al, which discloses a movement apparatus with two roller beams connected to each other by means of a crossbeam on which a column is provided. Inside the column is a mechanism with tension springs for supporting a saddle carrier that can move up and down. In this way a user does not have to bear his full weight while walking.

The disadvantage in this case is that weight has to be added in each case to move the saddle carrier downwards. In various height positions various upward pressures prevail upon the saddle carrier. In the case of a natural walk the body weight provides a constant force during the walking movement. A varying force exerted by the saddle carrier upon the body of the user in the course of walking therefore prevents a natural walking movement.

The object of the present invention is at least partially to overcome the abovementioned disadvantages, or to provide a usable alternative, and in particular to provide an improved walking device of the type mentioned in the preamble, in the case of which the abovementioned physical and psychosomatic complaints are prevented even more effectively.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a walking device according to claim 1. In this case a supporting part of the walking device is movable relative to a nominal height position at least vertically along a certain movement path, in such a way that within said movement path when a certain weight is placed upon the supporting part, the supporting part can assume various positions of equilibrium. The supporting part is in this case supported by a balancing mechanism that is in the form of a spring compensation mechanism. The invention is based on the insight that the walking device compensates for a desired part of the weight of the user, with the result that the force on the lower extremity is reduced, which very likely ensures that the user can remain on his feet for a longer period. The movements of the compensating supporting surface must take place within a limited path with upper and lower limit, since otherwise the supporting surface provides an unsafe support. The upper limit of the compensating supporting surface here means no support. The lower limit of the movement path ensures that the compensating supporting surface fully supports the body or part of the body. During walking there is a substantially constant supporting force from the supporting part within the movement path. The result is that the supporting part can move well along with the user's walking movement. This stimulates a natural gait. The dynamic body support according to the invention in the case of the walking device ensures more comfortable movement during the process of walking, without all kinds of adjustments having to be made on the walking device.

The spring compensation mechanism can be characterized not only by a mechanism that generates a substantially constant force, but also by a mechanism that has zero stiffness. The frame is advantageously constructed of at least two parts hinged to each other, one of which parts is connected to the supporting part. To this end, a hinged connection is provided between the frame parts, which hinged connection is designed to absorb lateral movements of the supporting part, such as those that can occur during a natural walking movement. If the supporting part is formed by a seating surface support, the sideward swing of the hip during walking can be absorbed in this way without the walking device having to tilt as a whole for that purpose. Spring means are preferably provided in this case, which spring means ensure that the two frame parts are in each case pressed back relative to each other to an initial position. The spring means can be formed by tension springs, leaf springs, rubber stops and the like. In particular, there is the possibility of varying the degree of compensation (for example, with a button) . This gives the user the possibility during rehabilitation of slowly increasing the load on the supported part of the body, in particular the lower extremity. The setting of the spring compensation mechanism can be performed mechanically, but can also be performed by, for example, an electromechanical type of setting device.

It must be easy to carry out the movements of the compensating supporting part. To this end, the friction in the spring compensation mechanism is in particular such that an additional force of at most 60N, more particularly of at most 25N, is needed to set the supporting part in motion in the movement path.

Further preferred embodiments of the walking device according to the invention are set out in the subclaims.

The invention will be explained in greater detail in the description that follows of a number of preferred embodiments of the walking device according to the invention in the form of a mobile walking device, in which: Figs, la and lb are diagrammatic views in perspective of an embodiment of a walking device according to the invention, without and with user respectively;

Fig. 2 shows diagrammatically on an enlarged scale the supporting part in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a rear view of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows diagrammatically the spring compensation mechanism without seating surface support, used in the case of the walking device in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 shows a variant of the spring compensation mechanism;

Figs. 6a and 6b show the basic principle of a spring compensation mechanism in two embodiments, and Fig. 6c shows a variant of this basic principle; Fig. 7 shows diagrammatically the movement path of the seating surface support of the walking device in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 shows a variant of a spring compensation mechanism that can be used;

Fig. 9 shows diagrammatically a further variant of a spring compensation mechanism for a walking device in the case of which the bridge piece of the seat is movable in the vertical direction relative to the rod mechanism;

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a variant of an embodiment of the walking device with frame hinge; Fig. 11 shows front views of the walking device in Fig. 10 in three different lateral hinge positions;

Fig. 12 shows side views of the walking device in Fig. 10 with additional frame hinge in two different height positions;

Fig. 13 shows diagrammatically the spring compensation mechanism in Fig. 10;

Fig. 14 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a further variant of the walking device;

Fig. 15 shows diagrammatically the spring compensation mechanism in Fig. 14; and Fig. 16 shows a variant of a spring compensation mechanism with compression spring that can be used.

The walking device is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1 in Figs. 1 - 3. The walking device 1 is essentially designed with a frame 2, which is provided with wheels 3. Fitted on the frame 2 is a supporting part for a part of the body, in the form of a seat 6 fitted on a bridge piece 5. The walking device 1 is further provided with handlebars 8. The walking device 1 has several setting possibilities. For instance, the height of the handlebars 8 can be set by a corresponding vertical adjustment of a steering pin 9 of the frame 2. For the seat 6 an adjustable seat pin can be provided in a corresponding manner, which seat pin is adjustable in height relative to the remainder of the frame 2. The seat is situated in a nominal height position, in particular at a height of at least 68 centimetres above the ground. The various setting possibilities serve to place the parts concerned of the walking device 1 in an optimum position for the user.

The walking device 1 according to the invention has a provision the object of which is to give the user more of a possibility of not placing his full body weight on his legs during his walking movement, in order to prevent physical and psychosomatic complaints as a result of a great load being placed on the legs for too long a period of time. This provision consists of a balancing mechanism, in the form of a spring compensation mechanism 10, fitted between the frame 2 and the bridge piece 5 of the seat 6, which spring compensation mechanism is shown in greater detail in Fig. 4. This spring compensation mechanism 10 is designed in such a way that the seat 6 is movable relative to the nominal height position, which is determined by the height of the frame 2 at least in the vertical direction along a certain movement path, in such a way that within this movement path the seat 6 can assume various positions of equilibrium at substantially the same vertical load (part of the weight of the walking device and of the user that rests at least partially on the seat 6) .

The spring compensation mechanism 10 here comprises a rod mechanism consisting of two parallel rods 11 and 12 placed one above the other, which rods are hinged at one end by way of hinges 13 and 14 to the bridge piece 5 and are hinged at the other end by way of hinges 15 and 16 to the frame 2. The hinges

15 and 16 may, if desired, be fitted on an intermediate part

(not shown here) fitted on the frame 2. As a result of this measure, the bridge piece 5 and the seat 6 fitted on it are movable in height relative to the frame 2, substantially parallel to themselves. Through the construction of the rod mechanism, the bridge piece 5 and the seat 6 will also make a slight movement in the horizontal direction during a movement in the vertical direction. A cable 18 is fixed near one end 17 of the rod 12. Said cable 18 runs over a pulley 19, and is fixed to a spring 20, which is fitted in the frame 2. The spring 20, in the form of a coil spring, pulls the end 17 of the rod 12 upwards by way of the cable 18.

The spring constant of the spring 20 can be made adjustable.

In order to achieve the desired effect of the invention, the spring constant of the spring 20 must be adapted to the weight of the user of the walking device, in such a way that when the user is resting partially on the seat 6 and begins to walk, the seat 6 can automatically move up and down along with him, without any significant force being necessary. The user resting on the seat 6 can in this case experience a more λbuoyant' walking sensation.

The principle and the functioning of the spring compensation mechanism used in the case of the walking device described above will be explained in greater detail with reference to Fig. 5, in which a variant of this mechanism is shown diagrammatically. Reference is also made to Figs. 6a and 6b, in which the basic principle of a spring compensation mechanism is shown in two embodiments.

The various distances R, d, 1 and A are indicated in Fig. 5 and in Figs. 6a and 6b. Identical or similar parts are further indicated by the same reference numerals as those in Figs. 1 -

4. The load G is caused by a part of the weight of the walking device and of the user resting partially on the latter. The height of the action point of the load G upon the rod 11 relative to the pivot point 15 of the rod 11 is indicated by h. The distance between the point where the cable 18 is connected to the end 17 of the rod 11 and the contact point 24 of the cable 18 with the pulley 19 is 1. The contact point 24 lies substantially directly below the pivot point 15 of the rod

11. The distance 1 corresponds to the extension of the spring 20 from the released zero-force position (i.e. without residual initial tension) . The spring constant of the spring 20 is c.

The angle φ is the angle between the rod 11 and the line between the pivot point 15 and the contact point 24.

In order to compensate for the load G at every angle φ of the rod 11, the potential energy E_pot of the spring compensation mechanism must remain constant,

In this formula: Eg_rav = the potential energy of the load G = G.h = G.d.cos φ E_ei_as ⁼ potential energy of the spring 20

= .c.l² (surface under the spring characteristic) = *s . c (A² + R² - 2A.R.cos φ) = .c (A² + R²) - c.A.R cos φ

If E_p0t must be constant for each angle φ, the following must apply:

G.d = c.A.R

The setting of the compensating supporting surface at a desired weight load to be compensated for is carried out by varying the various variables from the formula (G.d = c.A.R) . G is variable by varying the variables d or c or A or R.

As soon as d, A, c and R have been set, a compensation for the load G occurs in the spring compensation mechanism of Fig. 5 at any angle φ.

The variant shown in Fig. 6c can be produced by rotation in Fig. 6b of the imaginary triangle consisting of the suspension points of the spring and the pivot point of the rod in the frozen position. Fig. βc also indicates the variables that have to meet the abovementioned formula. The oblique position of the imaginary triangle has the advantage that a setting mechanism to be discussed below with reference to, for example, Fig. 13 acquires an axis extending obliquely relative to the vertical, which in some cases makes it simpler to provide an efficient place on the walking device for such a setting mechanism.

It is pointed out that the embodiments in Fig. 6 have been drawn with an ideal spring. This is a spring that has no length if its force is zero. It is also possible to use a spring with so much initial tension that in a certain range said spring behaves like an ideal spring, or it is possible to replace the spring by an assembly of a cable guided over a pulley with a spring fixed to it, as shown, for example, in one of the other figures .

The magnitude of the path within which at the same vertical load upon the seat various positions of equilibrium can be assumed, the so-called "buoyancy path", is fixed at, for example, approximately 70 mm. A shorter path has the result that the user resting partially on the seat cannot move sufficiently. In order to ensure that an abrupt end does not come to the movement at the ends of the movement path, a path with a certain shock absorption is provided at each of the two ends of the movement path. The length of said shock absorption paths is, for example, approx. 7.5 mm. This shock absorption can be produced by means of rubber shock absorbers.

The abovementioned paths of the seat 6 are diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 7. The movement of the seat 6 can be compared to the movement of a ball in a channel of the shape indicated in Fig. 5. In the case of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 - 3 the rods 11 and 12 are provided in such a way that relative to the frame 2 they are directed towards the front end of the walking device. It is, however, also possible to fit the rods 11 and 12 in such a way that relative to the frame 2 they are directed towards the rear end of the walking device.

A rod mechanism consisting of two rods 11 and 12 disposed one above the other is described in the description.

For design reasons it may be desirable to make each of the rods 11 and 12 in the form of double rods, in which case the rod parts are fitted on either side of the frame 2.

Instead of a rod mechanism of the type described above, leaf springs could also be used, which leaf springs are provided with reinforcement pieces, in such a way that the parts provided with reinforcement pieces act as rods, and the parts not provided with reinforcement pieces act as hinges.

Fig. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a spring compensation mechanism fitted between the frame 2 and the bridge piece 5 of the seat 6. In Fig. 8 parts of the spring compensation mechanism that in terms of function correspond to parts of the spring compensation mechanism shown in Figs. 1 - 3 are indicated by the same reference numerals, but are provided with the prefix "1".

The spring compensation mechanism shown in Fig. 8 comprises at least one rod mechanism consisting of two parallel rods 111 and 112 placed one above the other, which are connected at one end by way of hinges 113 and 114 to a first intermediate part

128 that is connected to the bridge piece 5 and are hinged at the other end by way of hinges 115 and 116 to a second intermediate part 129 that is fitted in the frame 2.

The hinges 114 and 116 are, for example, in the form of ball or roller bearings. The hinges 113 and 115 are in the form of rolling links, which have very low friction. The hinges 113 and 115 could, however, also be in the form of ball or roller bearings.

The spring compensation mechanism further comprises a spring 120, which is active between the second intermediate part

129 fitted on the frame and the bridge piece 5 of the seat 6.

The spring 120 is connected on the side of the frame 2 to one end of a flexible band 131, which is fixed at the other end at the position of a fixing point 132 to the outside of a part 133 projecting towards the side edge and immovably connected to the second intermediate part 129, which projecting part is at least partially of a circular cylindrical shape. From the fixing point 132 onwards, the flexible band 131 rests at least partially against the outside of the projecting part 133.

On the side of the bridge piece 5 the spring 120 is fixed at the position of a fixing point 134 to one end of an arm 135. At the other end the arm 135 is connected to one end of a flexible band 136, which is fixed at the other end at the position of a fixing point 137 to the outside of a part 138 projecting towards the side edge and immovably connected to the bridge piece 5, which projecting part is at least partially of a circular cylindrical shape. From the fixing point 137 onwards, the flexible band 136 rests at least partially against the outside of the projecting part 138.

As an alternative, instead of the flexible bands 131 and 136 and the partially circular cylindrical projecting parts 133 and 138, ball or roller bearings can be used for connecting the spring 120 to the second intermediate part 129 and the bridge piece 5 respectively. Other hinged connections are also conceivable.

Near the fixing point 134 an L-shaped supporting arm 139 is fixed to the end of the arm 135, the end part of which supporting arm rests against a roller element 140, which is provided at the position of the projecting part 133, and preferably concentrically with the circular cylindrical external surface of said projecting part. Instead of the L-shape, the supporting arm 139 could also be of another shape. The supporting arm 139 could also be fixed at a different position to the arm 135, for example near the projecting part 138.

The construction described above is such that the arm 135 and the supporting arm 139 fixed to it always have the tendency in Fig. 8 to turn in an anticlockwise direction, so that the supporting arm always rests against the roller element 140. As an additional locking means, a stop 141 is also fitted on the second intermediate part 129, which stop prevents the arm 135 and the supporting arm connected to it from being able to swing back in a clockwise direction.

The tensile force of the spring 120 ensures that the first and second intermediate parts 128 and 129 are drawn towards each other. As a result of this, if the hinges 113 and 115 are in the form of rolling links, the rod 111 will remain in place. Through setting of the spring constant of the spring 120, the spring compensation mechanism shown in Fig. 8 can be adapted to the weight load on the seat 6. The first intermediate part 128 in that case is immovably connected to the bridge piece 5 of the seat 6. The spring compensation mechanism can, however, also be set in another way. To that end, the bridge piece 5 of the seat is movable in the vertical direction relative to the first intermediate part 128. All this is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 9. In Fig. 9 parts that correspond in terms of function to parts of the spring compensation mechanism shown in Fig. 8 are indicated by the same reference numerals, but provided with the suffix "a".

On loading of the bridge piece 5a with the load G, the bridge piece 5a will move downwards relative to the first intermediate part 128a until the counterforce exerted by the spring 120a upon the bridge piece is equal to the load G. In that situation the bridge piece 5a is fixed relative to the first intermediate part 128a. This setting, which can be regarded as a self-setting, amounts to adjustment of the distance A to the load G in the abovementioned formula G.d. = c.A.R (see also Fig. 5 and Figs. 6a and 6b). The spring constant c, the distance d and the distance R can now remain constant.

The fixing of the bridge piece 5, 5a relative to the first intermediate part 128, 128a can be carried out by means of various locking mechanisms that are known to the person skilled in the art.

In Fig. 10 the walking device comprises a frame 140 with a first frame part 140a and a second frame part 140b, which are connected to each other by means of a hinged connection 141. The first frame part 140a is further connected to a supporting part 143, which according to the invention is dynamically supported by a spring compensation mechanism. Handlebars 144 are provided on the first frame part 140a. The second frame part 140b is substantially formed by a crossbar on which two swivelling wheels 145 are bearing-mounted. The first frame part 140a is further hinged by means of a hinged connection 146 to a frame part 140c extending backwards, on the free end of which frame part a wheel 147 is bearing-mounted. The hinged connection 141 is designed to permit lateral movements of the frame parts 140a and 140c and the supporting part 143 relative to the frame part 140b. This freedom of movement can be seen clearly in Fig. 11. Spring means (not shown) are provided in the hinged connection 141 or between the frame parts 140a, 140b, in order to press the two frame parts towards a central upright initial position.

The hinged connection 146 is designed to permit a downward compression movement of the frame parts 140a, 140c relative to the wheels 145, 147 supported on the ground. This is shown in Fig. 12. The compression movement serves to provide a kneeling position in which it is easy for the user to mount. A spring 150 is provided between the frame parts 140a and 140c, which spring presses the two frame parts upwards to a walking position. In this position the frame parts can preferably be locked together. The supporting part 143, formed here by a seating surface support, comprises a saddle pin 152, which is clamped in a clamping bush 153 in a vertically adjustable manner (see also Fig. 13) . The clamping bush 153 connects to a bridge piece 154, which is connected to the frame part 140a by means of a rod mechanism 155. A setting mechanism, with a manually operable setting bolt 157 onto which a setting carriage 158 is screwed, is provided in the bridge piece 154. The setting carriage 158 is non-rotatably guided inside the bridge piece 154. A turn of the setting bolt 157 causes the setting carriage 158 to move up and down. A uncoil spindle 160, onto which a cable 161 is wound, is provided on the setting carriage. The cable 161 can be wound to a greater or lesser extent onto the uncoil spindle 160 and then fixed by means of a clamping screw 162. The cable 161 extends obliquely upwards and runs over a pulley 163 at the position of the top hinge point of the rod mechanism 155 with the frame part 140a. From there the cable 161 extends until inside the frame part 140a, where it is connected to a spring 164. In this way a spring compensation mechanism that can be set manually is formed and works substantially in the same way as the mechanism shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 14 shows a walking device in which a main frame 170 is provided with a front and a rear wheel 171, and also with handlebars 172. The main frame 170 in the variant shown has substantially the contours of a step. The handlebars 172 here form part of a steering mechanism by means of which the front wheel 171 can be turned. A bearing rod 174 is fixed on the main frame 170 by means of a hinged connection 173, on the free end of which bearing rod a supporting part 175 is provided. The hinged connection 173 is designed to make at least movements up and down of the bearing rod 174 with supporting part 175 possible. The hinged connection 173 can also be designed to permit lateral turns of the bearing rod 174 with supporting part 175. A spring compensation mechanism is active between the main frame 170 and the bearing rod 174. The mechanism here comprises a spring 178 accommodated in the bearing rod 174, which spring merges into a cable 179. The cable 179 is guided over a pulley 180 and extends from there to a setting carriage 182 screwed onto a setting bolt 181. The mechanism is shown more diagrammatically in Fig. 15, which indicates the various variable quantities that correspond to the quantities indicated in Figs. 5 and 6. For the quantities in Fig. 15 it is the case here too that the following applies for each angle of rotation: G . d = c . A . R

By, for example, adapting the distance A between the setting carriage 182 and the hinged connection 173 by means of turning the setting bolt 181, it is possible in a simple manner to set a weight load for which compensation is required.

Fig. 16 shows a variant of a spring compensation mechanism that supports a supporting part 190 of a walking device. The supporting part 190 is hinged by means of a rod 191 to a frame part (not shown in any further detail) of the walking device. A force transmission element 192 is provided by means of a hinged connection on the rod 191. A rod 193, which at one end is hinged to a frame part (not shown in any further detail) and at the other end is provided with a retainer 194, is guided in this element 192. A compression spring 196 is provided between the retainer 194 and the element 192. The various variable quantities corresponding to the quantities indicated in Figs. 5 and 6 are again indicated in the mechanism. For the quantities in Fig. 16, here again the following applies for each angle of rotation: G.d = c.A.R

In particular, the rod 193 is guided in the element 192 by means of a guide 197 with friction-reducing means. This improves the reliability of the mechanism. Other guides are, however, possible . Many variants are possible in addition to the embodiments shown. Thus it is possible, for example, to use a different spring compensation mechanism instead of the spring compensation mechanisms described above. Combinations of the various embodiment details are also possible. Furthermore, it is conceivable, instead of or in addition to the seat of a walking device, for the handlebars and/or the steering to be provided with a spring compensation mechanism by means of which a "buoyancy effect" is achieved. Furthermore, it is possible to provide supporting parts that are designed for partially supporting body weight by way of "buoyant" support of other parts of the body, such as the upper arms, the elbows, the armpits, the pubic bone, parts of the pelvic area, the chest and/or the back. Instead of one spring, several springs placed in series can also be used. At least some of the hinge points of the rod mechanism and of the connection of the spring are hinge points with a low friction. The friction in the spring compensation mechanism is such that substantially an additional force of at most 60N, in particular at most 25N, is needed to set the supporting part in motion in the movement path.

According to the idea on which the invention is based, it is important for the user of a walking device, in particular a mobile walking device, to start off the movement easily. The easier it is to start moving, the more the user will proceed to move. In the case of rehabilitation it will, however, be generally desirable to increase the load on the legs slowly from day to day. In this case adjustability is desirable.

The setting of the spring compensation mechanism (for example, by adapting the spring constant of the spring or the position of the bridge piece of the seat relative to the first intermediate part of the rod mechanism) can be carried out manually, but it could also be carried out by electronic or electromechanical means. The spring compensation mechanism can then be adapted continuously (possibly with a certain time delay) to the desired leaning weight of the user of the walking device .

A mobile walking device according to the invention is described above. Apart from the two or three wheels shown, the mobile walking device can also be equipped with four or more wheels. The invention is not limited to mobile walking devices, but also extends to other walking devices, for example a gait trainer for purposes of rehabilitation.

Instead of swivelling wheels or the construction with steering head/steering pin, other types of steering systems, such as parallel systems, are also conceivable.

A locking facility can be provided on the spring compensation mechanism, by means of which locking facility the rod or rods connecting to the dynamically supported supporting part are locked in a desired position. In the locked position a passive support is then produced. The advantage of this is that the user can then rest or can use the walking device as a wheeled walking frame. A second advantage is that in this locked position the user can set the height of the supporting part more easily .

If the supporting part is formed by a seating surface support, it is further possible to provide at the position of the joint between the pubic bones an adjustable support extending upwards from the seating surface support. This prevents sliding off the seating surface support.

In this way a walking device with an adjustable weight compensation is provided according to the invention, in which it is possible to support a part of the weight within a certain movement path in several positions of equilibrium. The force exerted by the spring compensation mechanism upon the supporting part remains substantially the same during the movement up and down of the supporting part. Persons with limited movement in the lower extremity or extremities, such as persons with joint complaints, elderly people living independently, children and convalescing patients are in this way given the chance to utilize their individual capacity in the optimum way, and to move themselves along independently.

Claims

1. Walking device for providing support to a user at least during a walking movement, comprising: - a frame; at least one supporting part for supporting the body or a part of the body; in which the supporting part is situated or can be placed in a certain nominal position relative to the frame; and in which the supporting part is movable relative to the nominal height position at least in the vertical direction along a certain movement path, characterized in that the supporting part is supported by a balancing mechanism comprising a spring compensation mechanism, in such a way that within said movement path, when a certain weight is placed upon the supporting part, the supporting part can assume various positions of equilibrium.

2. Walking device according to claim 1, in which the supporting part comprises a seating surface support.

3. Walking device according to one of the preceding claims, in which a first frame part connected to the supporting part is connected by means of a hinged connection to a second frame part, the hinged connection being designed to permit lateral movements of the first frame part connected to the supporting part relative to the second frame part.

4. Walking device according to claim 3, in which the hinged connection comprises spring means for pressing the first frame part to an initial position relative to the second frame part.

5. Walking device according to claim 3 or 4, in which the second frame part comprises two wheels placed at a distance from each other in the transverse direction.

6. Walking device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the walking device is mobile, and the frame is provided with handlebars.

7. Walking device according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least two wheels that are bearing-mounted in the frame and can rest on the ground are provided.

8. Walking device according to one of the preceding claims, in which a front part of the frame is provided with handlebars, and a rear part of the frame is provided with the supporting part, the front and rear parts of the frame being connected to each other by means of a connecting part extending laterally from a walking space provided between the supporting part and the handlebars, in order to permit unimpeded movement of the legs in said space.

9. Walking device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the spring compensation mechanism is adjustable in such a way that, when a certain weight is placed upon the supporting part, the supporting part is always in equilibrium within the movement path.

10. Walking device according to claim 9, in which the spring compensation mechanism is adjustable by means of adjustment of the spring constant of a spring of the spring compensation mechanism.

11. Walking device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the spring compensation mechanism comprises a rod mechanism consisting of two parallel rods placed one above the other, which rods are hinged at one end to the frame and are hinged at the other end to the supporting part or to an intermediate part to be connected to the supporting part, the hinge points of the one rod lying at the same distance from each other as the hinge points of the other rod.

12. Walking device according to claim 11, in which an active spring is provided between the frame and the rod mechanism or between the frame and a supporting part connected or to be connected to the rod mechanism.

13. Walking device according to claim 12, in which the spring compensation mechanism is adjustable by means of adjusting the position of at least one of the action points of the spring relative to the rod mechanism.

14. Walking device according to claim 12 or 13, in which the spring is connected to the supporting part, the supporting part is movable in the vertical direction relative to the intermediate part of the rod mechanism to which the supporting part can be connected, and the spring compensation mechanism is adjustable by means of adjusting the position of the supporting part in the vertical direction relative to the intermediate part.

15. Walking device according to one of the preceding claims 11 - 14, in which at least some of the hinge points of the rod mechanism and of the connection of the spring are hinge points with a low friction.

16. Walking device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the friction in the spring compensation mechanism is such that substantially an additional force of at most 60N, in particular at most 25N, is necessary to set the supporting part in motion in the movement path.

17. Walking device according to one of the preceding claims, in which a spring is connected to the frame by way of a hinged connection and the spring is connected to the supporting part by way of a rigid arm connected to the end of the spring concerned, which rigid arm is connected at the other end by way of a hinged connection to the supporting part, the arm facing away from the end of the spring that is connected to the frame, and the arm being connected to a supporting arm, the end part of which supporting arm rests against a support provided on the frame.

18. Walking device according to claim 17, in which the spring is connected to the frame by way of a flexible band connected to the end of the spring concerned, the free end section of which flexible band is passed over a circular cylindrical external surface of a projecting part immovably connected to the frame and is connected to said part at the end, and the spring is connected to the supporting part by way of a rigid arm connected to the end of the spring concerned, which rigid arm is connected at the other end to a flexible band, the free end part of which is passed over a circular cylindrical external surface of a projecting part immovably connected to the supporting part and connected to said part at the end.

19. Walking device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the supporting part in the nominal height position is situated at least 68 centimetres from the ground or from a walking surface provided.