WO2012131565A1

WO2012131565A1 - Orthopaedic apparatus for walking

Info

Publication number: WO2012131565A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/051428
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josep Pique Nadal
Original assignee: Josep Pique Nadal
Priority date: 2011-03-25
Filing date: 2012-03-26
Publication date: 2012-10-04
Also published as: ES2392232A1; ES2392232B1

Abstract

1. Orthopaedic apparatus (1, 1') for walking comprising a first leg-like member (2, 2') and a second knee- like member (3, 16) rotatably mounted at an upper end (2a) of said first member (2, 2'), is characterised in that it comprises a third foot-like member (5, 17) rotatably mounted at a lower end (2b, 2b') of said first member (2, 2'), and in that it comprises an actuator (8, 8') hingedly joined by one of its ends to said second knee-like member (3, 16) and by its opposed end to said third foot-like member (5, 17), said actuator (8, 8') being capable of driving the rotation of said second knee-like member (3, 16) when said third foot-like member (5, 17) swings when walking due to the weight load of the user.

Description

ORTHOPAEDIC APPARATUS FOR WALKING

The present invention refers to an orthopaedic apparatus that permits to correct or repair a damaged or lost extremity for walking in a natural way.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the objectives of an orthopaedic apparatus for walking is to provide the user a tool for correcting or repairing the damaged or lost extremity in a comfortable way and with no functional limitations.

Orthopaedic apparatuses for walking are known, comprising a first leg-like member, a second knee-like member rotatably mounted at an upper end of said first member, and a third foot-like member mounted at a lower end of said first member.

ES2075441T3 and WO2009/097841 disclose this kind of apparatuses that have the main objective of permitting a way of walking as natural as possible providing apparatuses with knee-like hinges that try to be sensible to the movements of the user when he/she walks, and at the same time stable in the support phase to prevent the collapse of the leg.

However, the apparatuses discloses in these documents have the drawback that they do not prevent the limp of the user when he/she walks, because to obtain the desired stability they resign the flexure of the member that has the function of the knee during some phases of the walking cycle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The objective of the present invention is to solve said drawbacks, developing an orthopaedic apparatus for walking that presents the advantage that permits the user to walk in a stable and comfortable way, preventing the limp.

According to this objective, the present invention provides an orthopaedic apparatus for walking comprising a first leg-like member and a second knee-like member rotatably mounted at an upper end of the first member, and it is characterised in that it comprises a third foot-like member rotatably mounted at a lower end of said first member, and in that it comprises a actuator hingedly joined by one of its ends to said second knee-like member and at its opposite end to said third foot-like member, said actuator being capable of driving the rotation of said second knee-like member when said third foot-like member swings when walking due to the weight load of the user.

The orthopaedic apparatus of the present invention has the advantage that permits the user to walk in a comfortable and stable way, preventing the limp caused by the flexion absence of the knee-like member.

This is obtained thanks to the presence of a actuator that is hinged by one of its ends to the knee-like member and by the other of its ends to a foot-like hinged member, and that is susceptible of swinging when walking due to the weight load of the user.

In the apparatus of the present invention, when the user charges the weight on the foot-like member, said member swings driving the actuator hingedly joined to the knee-like member. Thanks to this, the swinging movement of the foot itself drives the actuator for driving the rotation of the knee-like member. Therefore, differently from what happens with the prior apparatuses, the user does not limp because the knee- like member responds in a sensible way to the foot oscillations, as naturally happens when walking.

Besides the limp absence, the apparatus of the present invention has the advantage that provides a high stability during the walking cycle, because said actuator acts as a strut limiting as necessary the hinge of the knee-like member.

Another advantage of the apparatuses is that it does not need any sensor, battery or any other electric device for its operation.

In the present invention, by orthopaedic apparatus is meant an apparatus for correcting or recovering an extremity that is deformed or has been previously damaged, or an apparatus or a prosthesis for repairing or replacing an extremity that has been amputated above or below the knee.

Preferably, said apparatus comprises a shock-absorber element interposed between said third foot-like member and the lower end of said first leg-like member.

This shock-absorber element has the function of absorbing part of the force that the foot-like swinging member receives to limit the force of the impulse transmitted by the actuator. Furthermore, this element permits the recovering to its original position of the foot-like member.

By shock-absorber element is meant an elastic engagement with a spring function or any other equivalent element susceptible of being moved for absorbing a force and recovering then its original position.

Advantageously, said shock-absorber element can be regulated according to the charge of the user's weight when walking or according to the flexion degree of the second knee-like member that the user wants.

Therefore, the apparatus is specifically adapted to the way of walking of each user to guarantee in any case the lack of limp, and also for guaranteeing a preset flexion degree of the knee-like member.

Advantageously, said shock-absorber element is adjustable between a first position, in which the swinging movement of said third member is permitted, and a second position, in which the movement of said third member is locked.

Therefore, the user has the option of starting walking not bending the knee (movement of the third member locked by the shock-absorber) and the option of passing walking afterwards progressively, bending the knee-like member (movement of the third member free but limited by the shock-absorber according to the desired flexion degree).

Preferably, the hinge axis of said actuator and the hinge axis of said second knee-like member are separated to each other a preset distance to permit the rotating movement of an end of said actuator with respect to the hinge axis of said second knee-like member when said second member swings when the user sits down or ducks.

Therefore, the user can seat or duck in a stable way with the same apparatus because the actuator is susceptible of being moved to pivot about the same axis that the knee-like member pivots.

Preferably, said actuator is susceptible of accumulating potential energy in an active position from the compression force applied to a spring or to a fluid.

This potential energy that accumulates the actuator can be used for the knee-like member recovers its original position when the user sits up with no effort. Thanks to this feature, the apparatus operates in a very similar way than a human leg.

On the other hand, the spring or fluid can be regulated for slowing down the user body when he/she sits down or up, so that said user gains stability also during these movements.

According one preferred embodiment, said actuator comprises a plunger and cylinder assembly hingedly joined to said second knee-like member and to said third foot-like member.

Preferably, the chamber of said cylinder comprises a spring or a fluid, said spring or fluid being compressed when the plunger in the chamber of the cylinder moves when said second knee-like member swings when the user sits down or up.

Advantageously, said actuator and said first leg-like member can be regulated in height.

Again advantageously, said apparatus comprises a second actuator hingedly joined at one of its ends to second knee-like member and at the other end to said first leg-like member, said second actuator preferably including a plunger and cylinder assembly.

This second actuator increases the shock-absorbing effect of the shock- absorber interposed between said third foot-like element and the lower end of said first leg-like element. On the other hand, it also increases the recovering effect of the actuator spring associated with the foot-like member.

According to one embodiment of the apparatus that is suitable for correcting or recovering bone or muscular illnesses:

- said first member comprises a structure provided with two side bars between which the leg of one user can be placed;

- said second member comprises two side plates between which the user knee can be placed, said plates being rotatably mounted at the upper ends of said side bars; and

- said third member comprises a element for housing the frontal part of the user foot, said element being rotatably mounted at the lower end of said structure.

Advantageously, in this embodiment, the apparatus comprises an actuator for each of the side plates in which the knee is placed.

In this case, the apparatus is put from the rear part fixing the different members by tethers, Velcro or any other equivalent element. This embodiment is particularly useful for recovering a damaged extremity by traumatism, bone wear, or any other illness that requires bone or muscular recovering of a leg or foot.

According to another embodiment of the apparatus for operating as prosthesis for amputation above the knee:

- said first member includes a structure for simulating the user leg;

- said second member is an element rotatably mounted at the upper end of said structure for simulating the user knee; and

- said third member is an element rotatably mounted at the lower end of said structure for simulating the frontal part of the user foot.

Preferably, in this embodiment, said third member also comprises a second element rotatably mounted at the lower end of said structure for simulating the foot heel of the user, and it advantageously comprises a second shock-absorbing element interposed between said element that simulates the heel and the lower end of said structure.

Again preferably, according to the same embodiment with prosthesis function, said apparatus comprises a central actuator hingedly joined at one of its ends to said element for simulating the knee, and at its opposed end to said first element for simulating the frontal part of the user foot and, advantageously, said element for simulating the knee comprises an opening for permitting the passage of said central actuator when said element for simulating the knee swings when the user sits down or ducks.

Therefore, a very simple and compact apparatus is obtained, permitting the amputated user to walk, sit down or duck in a very comfortable and stable way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of what has been disclosed some drawings are attached in which, diagrammatically and only as a non limitative example, two embodiments are shown.

In said drawings, Figs. 1-6 show a first embodiment of the orthopaedic apparatus according to the prosthesis for repairing or replacing an extremity that has been amputated above the knee. Figs. 7-10 show a second embodiment of the orthopaedic apparatus put on an extremity of a user for correcting or recovering said extremity.

Specifically,

Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatical side section view of a first embodiment of the orthopaedic apparatus in the supporting position of the element that simulates the frontal part of the user foot.

Fig. 2 shows a diagrammatical side section view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in the resting position.

Fig. 3 shows a diagrammatical side section view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in the supporting position of the element that simulates the user heel.

Fig. 4 shows a diagrammatical side section view of the embodiment of Fig.

1 in the position in which the user sits down.

Fig. 5 shows a diagrammatical side section view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 in the position in which the user ducks.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the apparatus in the ducking position of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 shows a diagrammatical side section view of a second embodiment of the orthopaedic apparatus in the supporting position of the element that simulates the frontal part of the user foot.

Fig. 8 shows a diagrammatical side section view of the embodiment of Fig. 7 in the resting position.

Fig. 9 shows a diagrammatical side section view of the embodiment of Fig. 7 in the position in which the user sits down.

Fig. 10 shows a diagrammatical side section view of the embodiment of Fig. 7 in the position in which the user ducks.

Fig. 11 shows a diagrammatical side section view of a particular case of the embodiment of Fig. 1 including a second actuator.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Figs. 1-6 show a first embodiment of an orthopaedic apparatus 1 of the present invention that has a prosthesis function for repairing or replacing a extremity that has been amputated above the knee.

As shown in Figs. 1-6, this embodiment presents:

- a first member that includes a structure 2 for simulating a user leg;

- a second member for simulating the user knee including an element 3 rotatably mounted about an axis 4 provided at the upper end 2a of the structure 2; and

- a third member that includes a first element 5 for simulating the frontal part of the user foot and a second element 6 for simulating the user heel. Both elements 5, 6 are rotatably mounted about an axis 7 provided at the lower end 2b of the structure 2.

Further to said members, the apparatus 1 includes an actuator 8 and two shock-absorbing elements 9, 10. One of said shock-absorbing elements 9 is interposed between the element 5 simulating the frontal part of the foot and the lower end 2b of the structure 2. The other shock-absorbing element 10 is interposed between the element 6 simulating the heel and the same lower end 2b of the structure 2. The actuator 8 includes a plunger 8a and cylinder 8b assembly and a spring 1 1 placed at the cylinder chamber 8b housing the plunger 8a.

As shown in detail in Figs. 1-5, the plunger 8 is hingedly joined to the element 3 simulating the knee through a first hinge axis 12, and the cylinder 8b is hingedly joined to the element 5 that simulates the frontal part of the foot through a second hinge axis 13.

Hereinafter the way of walking and the way of seating and ducking of this first embodiment of the apparatus 1 are described, making reference to Figs. 1-3 and Figs. 4-6, respectively.

Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatical side section view of the apparatus 1 in the supporting position of element 5 simulating the frontal part of the user foot. In this supporting position, the element 5 simulating the frontal part of the user foot abuts against the shock-absorbing element 9. This shock-absorbing element 9 absorbs part of the force received by the foot-like member and it can be regulated for limiting the impulse force that the actuator 8 transmits according to the weight charge of the user.

As shown in Fig. 1, the swinging of the element 5 has driven the actuator 8 by the hinge axis 12, 13, driving the rotation of the element 3 simulating the knee about axis 4. Therefore, differently from the prior art apparatuses, the user does not limp because the knee-like member responds according to the foot oscillations, as it happens naturally when walking.

Fig. 2 shows a view of the apparatus 1 at the resting position in which the element 5 simulating the frontal part of the foot has recovered its original position, swinging about the axis 7 thanks to the impulse received by the shock-absorbing element 9. In this position, the apparatus 1 contacts the floor in a stable way through the element 5, 6 simulating the frontal part and the foot heel, and through the curved lower end 2b of the structure 2 simulating the leg.

Fig. 3 shows a view of the apparatus 1 in the supporting position of the element 6 simulating the user heel. In this supporting position, this element 6 simulating the heel has been swung about the axis 7 by the weight charge of the user, until it abuts against the shock-absorbing element 10 that absorbs the impact.

In the described embodiment, the hinge axis 12 of the plunger 8a and the hinge axis 4 of the element 3 simulating the knee are separated to each other a preset distance for permitting the rotating movement of the plunger end 8a about the hinge axis 4 when said element 3 swings when the user sits down or ducks.

Figs. 4 and 5 show a view of the apparatus 1 in the sitting position and the ducking position in which the plunger end 8a has been rotated about the hinge axis 4 of the element 3 simulating the knee, driven through the hinge axis 12 by the rotation done by the element 3 itself when the user sits down or ducks.

As shown in the figures, the movement of the plunger 8a has compressed the spring 11 placed inside the cylinder chamber 8b, so that the plunger 8a has accumulated elastic potential energy from the compression force applied to the spring 11.

In the positions shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the hinge axis 12 of the plunger 8a is substantially aligned with the hinge axis 4 of the element 3 simulating the knee, determining a neutral position of the actuator 8 that permits the user to be in a sitting or ducking position in a stable way.

When the user sits up, he/she misalign the axes 12, 4, determining an active position of the actuator 8 in which the recovering force of the spring 11 can act for driving the recovering of the element 3 simulating the knee. Thanks to this feature, the user can sit up driven by the spring 11 with no other kind of help.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the apparatus 1 in the ducking position of Fig. 5. In this view, the central positioning of the actuator 8 can be seen, and also the central opening 14 of the element 3 simulating the knee, for permitting the passage of the plunger 8a of the actuator 8. This Fig. 6 also shows the side springs 5a of the element 5 simulating the frontal part of the user foot. These springs absorb the side movements of said element 5.

In Fig. 11 a particular embodiment of the apparatus 1 with prosthesis function described previously has been shown, that is characterised in that it includes a second actuator 18 provided with a plunger 18a and cylinder 18b assembly.

As shown in said Fig. 1 1, the plunger 18a of said second actuator 18 is hingedly joined to the same hinge axis 12 that also supports the plunger 8a of the first actuator 8, and the cylinder 18b of said second actuator 18 is joined to a hinge axis 19 mounted on the structure 2 simulating the leg.

This second actuator 18 shown in Fig. 11 has the advantage that increases the shock-absorbing effect of the shock-absorbing element 9, and also the impulse of the spring 11 of the actuator 8 when the user sits up, constituting an enhancement of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-6.

As stated in the description of the invention, this embodiment is very compact, simple, and stable, resulting of great utility for amputations above the knee.

The second embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in Figs. 1-10 is described hereinafter, that serves for correcting or recovering a damaged extremity. This embodiment can be put and held to the user extremity.

As shown in Figs. 7-10, this embodiment presents:

- a first member comprising a structure 2' provided with two side bars 15 between which the user leg can be placed; - a second member comprising two side plates 16 between which the user knee can be placed, rotatably mounted about two axes 4' provided at the upper ends of said side bars 15; and

- a third member comprising an element 17 for housing the user foot rotatably mounted about two axis 7' provided at the lower end 2b' of said structure 2'.

Further to said members, the apparatus 1 includes two side actuators 8' and two shock-absorbing elements 9' interposed between the element 16 that houses the user foot and the lower end 2b' of said structure 2'.

In the described embodiment, the actuators 8' are each constituted by a plunger 8a' and cylinder 8b' assembly and a spring (not shown) placed inside the cylinder 8b' chamber that houses the plunger 8a'.

As shown in Figs. 7-10, the plunger 8a' of each actuator 8' is hingedly joined to element 17 that houses the user foot through the hinge axis 13', when the cylinder 8b' of each actuator is hingedly joined to a side plate 16 of the knee through a hinge axis 12'.

The way of walking and the way of seating down and ducking of this second embodiment is similar to that described in the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the apparatus in the supporting position of the frontal part of the user foot. In this position, the element 17 that houses the frontal part of the foot has swung about the axis 7' provided in the structure 2' until it abuts against the shock-absorbing elements 9' placed at the sides of the structure 2'. As in the first embodiment, said shock- absorbing elements 9' have the function of absorbing part of the force received by the element 17 that houses the foot for limiting in a way that it can be regulated, the impulse force transmitted by the side actuators 8' when they are driven by the element

17.

As shown in said Fig. 7, the oscillation of the element 17 drives the actuators 8' through the hinge axis 12', 13', driving the rotation of the side plates 16 about the axes 4' between which the user knee is placed. Thanks to this feature, differently from what happens in the prior art apparatuses, in this embodiment, the apparatus 1 ' forces the flexion of the user knee when walking, so that the user does not limp. Furthermore, the flexion of the knee can be regulated according to the needs of the user acting on the shock-absorbing elements 9' placed at the sides of the structure 2'.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the apparatus of the second embodiment in the resting position in which the element 17 that houses the frontal part of the user foot has recovered its original position, swinging about the axis 7' thanks to the impulse received by the shock-absorbing elements 9' . In this position, the apparatus contacts the floor in a stable way through the element 17 and the lower end 2b' of the structure 2', that in this case houses the user heel.

Figs. 9 and 10 show a perspective view of the apparatus of the second embodiment in the sitting and ducking position, respectively. In these positions, the ends of each of the side actuators 8' have pivoted about the hinge axes 4' of each of the side plates 16 between which the user leg is placed, driven by the effort of the user when he/she sits down or ducks. Therefore, the user can sit down or duck with complete normality, helped by the side actuators 8' .

In this embodiment, as with the first embodiment, the movement of the plungers 8a' compresses springs (not shown) placed in the cylinder 8b' chamber of the actuators 8', so that said actuators 8' can also accumulate elastic potential energy that will be used by the user when he/she sits up.

In the position shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the hinge axes 12' of the actuators are substantially aligned with the hinge axes 4' of the side plates 16, determining a neutral position of said actuators 8' permitting the user to remain sit or duck in a stable way.

When the user sits up, he/she misaligns the axes 12' and 4', determining then an active position of the actuators 8' in which the recovering force of the springs can act for helping the user to sit up.

Thanks to these features, the apparatus of this second embodiment is optimal for recovering the extremities, and it adapts to the needs of the user from the first recovery day until the last day. Therefore, e.g. the flexion of the knee can be graduated by the shock-absorbing elements 9', so that the impulse from the actuators 8' that receive the side plates 16 is slight at the beginning and stronger at the end of the recovering period.

Even though a specific embodiment of the present invention has been described and shown, it is clear that the person skilled in the art can introduce variations and modifications, or to substitute the details by other technically equivalent ones, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

For example, even though reference is made in the present specification to an embodiment of the apparatus 1 with a prosthesis function for amputations above the knee, and to another embodiment of the apparatus 1 ' with a strict orthopaedic function for correcting or recovering extremities, it could also be possible an embodiment of the apparatus as a mixed version of both described embodiments covering the needs of the users with amputations in any part of the leg or foot.

Claims

1. Orthopaedic apparatus (1 , ) for walking comprising a first leg-like member (2, 2') and a second knee- like member (3, 16) rotatably mounted at an upper end (2a) of said first member (2, 2'), characterised in that it comprises a third foot-like member (5, 17) rotatably mounted at a lower end (2b, 2b') of said first member (2, 2'), and in that it comprises an actuator (8, 8') hingedly joined by one of its ends to said second knee-like member (3, 16) and by its opposed end to said third foot-like member (5, 17), said actuator (8, 8') being capable of driving the rotation of said second knee- like member (3, 16) when said third foot-like member (5, 17) swings when walking due to the weight load of the user.

2. Orthopaedic apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a shock- absorbing element (9, 9') interposed between said third element (5, 17) and the lower end (2b, 2b') of said first member (2, 2').

3. Orthopaedic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said shock- absorbing element (9, 9') can be regulated according to the weight load of the user when walking or according to the flexion degree of the second knee-like member desired by the user.

4. Orthopaedic apparatus according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein a hinge axis (12, 12') of the actuator (8, 8') and the hinge axis (4, 4') of said second member (3, 16) are spaced to each other a preset distance for permitting the rotating movement of an end of said actuator (8, 8') with respect to the hinge axis (4,

4') of said second knee-like member (3, 16) when said second member (3, 16) swing when the user sits down or ducks.

5. Orthopaedic apparatus according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said actuator (8, 8') is susceptible of accumulating in an active position potential energy from the compression force applied to a spring (11) or to a fluid.

6. Orthopaedic apparatus according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said actuator (8, 8') comprises a plunger (8a, 8a') and cylinder (8b, 8b') assembly hingedly joined to said second member (3, 16) and to said third member (5, 17).

7. Orthopaedic apparatus according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the chamber of said cylinder (8b, 8b') comprises said spring (11) or fluid, said spring (11) or fluid being compressed when the plunger (8a, 8a') moves inside the cylinder chamber (8b, 8b') when said second knee-like member (3, 16) swings when the user sits down or ducks.

8. Orthopaedic apparatus according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said actuator (8, 8') and said first member (2, 2') can be regulated in height.

9. Orthopaedic apparatus according to anyone of the previous claims, comprising a second actuator (18) hingedly joined at one of its ends to said second knee-like member (3) and at the other of its ends to said first leg-like member (2), said second actuator (18) including preferably a plunger (18a) and cylinder (18b) assembly.

10. Orthopaedic apparatus according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein:

- said first member comprises a structure (2') provided with two side bars (15) between which the user leg can be placed;

- said second member comprises two side plates (16) between which the user knee can be placed, said plates (16) being rotatably mounted at the upper ends of said bars (15); and

- said third member comprises an element (17) for housing the frontal part of the user foot, said element (17) being rotatably mounted at the lower end (2b') of said structure (2').

11. Orthopaedic apparatus according to claim 10, comprising an actuator (8') for each of said side plates (16).

12. Orthopaedic apparatus according to anyone of claims 1-9, wherein:

- said first member includes a structure (2) for simulating the user leg;

- said second member includes an element (3) rotatably mounted at the upper end (2b) of said structure (2) for simulating the user knee; and

- said third member includes a first element (5) rotatably mounted at the lower end (2b) of said structure (2) for simulating the frontal part of the user foot.

13. Orthopaedic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said third member also includes a second element (6) rotatably mounted at the lower end (2b) of said structure (2) for simulating the heel of the user foot.

14. Orthopaedic apparatus according to claim 13, comprising a second shock-absorbing element (10) interposed between said element (6) simulating the heel and the lower end (2b) of said structure (2).

15. Orthopaedic apparatus according to anyone of claims 12-14, comprising a central actuator (8) hingedly joined at one of its ends to said element (3) simulating the knee and at its opposed end to said first element (5) for simulating the frontal part of the user foot.

16. Orthopaedic apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said element (3) for simulating the knee comprises an opening (14) for permitting the passage of said central actuator (8) when said element (3) for simulating the knee swing when the user sits down or ducks.