WO2015104478A1

WO2015104478A1 - Apparatus for assisted autonomous verticalisation of persons, incorporating dynamic weight compensation, and assisted autonomous deambulation with fall-prevention

Info

Publication number: WO2015104478A1
Application number: PCT/FR2014/053578
Authority: WO
Inventors: Viviane ZELLER
Original assignee: Zeller Viviane
Priority date: 2014-01-10
Filing date: 2014-12-30
Publication date: 2015-07-16
Also published as: FR3016287A1; FR3016287B1

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for dynamic assistance with moving from the seated position to the standing position and vice-versa, comprising a frame (1) on multidirectional casters (11, 11') to which two vertical members (5, 5'), each topped with an axillary support (8, 8'), are laterally connected, said vertical members (5, 5') being energisable and having dimensions that can be adjusted between at least two values corresponding to retracted and deployed states and to raised and lowered positions, respectively, of the axillary supports (8, 8'). Said apparatus is characterised in particular in that the axillary supports (8, 8') are each connected to a horizontal portion (2, 2') of the frame (1) via a vertical member (5, 5') hinged to said frame (1) as well as to a vertical portion (3, 3') of the frame (1) by means of at least one connecting bar (14, 14'), constituting a deformable convex quadrilateral with one of the upper corners occupied by the axillary support (8, 8'), the curved travel course of which is contained in an isosceles triangle in which the base joins the axes of rotation of the casters (11, 11') and the angle at the apex is between 20° and 40°, the distance separating the hinged joints (12) that connect the vertical members (5, 5') to the frame (1) being greater than the distance separating the axillary supports (8, 8').

Description

An assistive device on the one hand for the autonomous verticalization of people, with dynamic weight compensation, and on the other hand for autonomous fall arrest walking. The present invention relates to an assistive device dynamic passage between sitting and standing, regardless of the order in which these postures follow one another, and walking aid, which allows in fine to pass from a station sitting somewhere at a station sitting elsewhere. In other words, it is able to perform at one location the verticalization of a person by performing a dynamic compensation of its weight completely autonomous, that is to say without any help or external assistance. It can also work in fall arrest walker without help or assistance from an outside person.

It therefore performs a very complete global function insofar as it supports two vertically-looking and reverse-direction assisted movements separated by a market path, ie a horizontal displacement, in this case also attended.

This type of device is for people who, in addition to problems of stable standing support, for example by lack of balance, and / or walking ability, have difficulty in mobilizing the leg muscles during passages between sitting and standing and vice versa. These movements in practice require muscular work that is far from innocuous, and is not within the reach of all bodies, for many reasons related to age, the physical condition of the moment, chronic shortcomings , reduced use of the legs following an operation or an accident, etc.

When the insufficiency of the lower part of the body makes these operations difficult, one of the strategies usually used is to make support the quasi totality of the muscular effort by the upper part of the body, that is to say by the muscles of the bust and arms, which supposes that these are functional and preferably trained.

In many cases, for example due to handicaps, old age, injuries, etc., muscular mobilization from the top of body is hardly possible to get out of the seated position or to return, and the natural compensation of weakness of the lower limbs by the upper limbs is actually not a safe alternative.

The invention is directed to persons who are still able to stand in a sitting position, and whose muscular leg potential is sufficient to exert a minimum vertical propulsion by successive presses of the feet on the ground, said vertical propulsion being then facilitated if not amplified by the apparatus which provides a partial compensation of the weight of the person to be lifted. It is used in particular for the recovery of autonomy in persons with partial deficiency of muscle tone of the lower limbs. In this regard, the invention allows people suffering from all kinds of disabilities related to walking regain autonomy in their mobility and independence.

It actually overcomes the deficiencies of current equipment numbers, when they are centered on a single function, for example:

- the wheelchairs: they accompany the movements but do not allow the standing position, do not provide any help to pass from the sitting station to the standing station, nor do they take part in the maintenance in standing position or the muscular reeducation of the legs ;

- crutches, even axillary: they do not accompany movement, are strictly reserved for standing and walking, require a manual grip, so the use of arms and require a particular synchronization not immediate movements of the arms and legs ;

- or the walkers: they accompany the movement well but occupy both hands as crutches, do not allow more assisted and secure passage from a sitting position to a standing position or vice versa and limit in most cases the amplitude of the steps during the reeducation. The apparatus of the invention overcomes the shortcomings of this equipment, and proposes a solution combining the changes of vertical position and walking by keeping the available hands.

In practice, it is first based on a multidirectional wheel chassis to which are connected laterally two amounts each surmounted by an axillary support, said amounts being energizable and of modifiable size between at least two values corresponding to retracted and deployed states and at respectively low and high positions of the axillary supports. Such a chassis is able to accompany users in their movements while supporting them in proportion to their weight or their degree of weakness.

In order to provide the above-mentioned combination of functions, the invention is essentially characterized in that the axillary supports are each connected to a horizontal-looking portion of the frame via an articulated amount on said frame on the one hand and a portion of vertical appearance of the frame by means of at least one connecting rod on the other hand, constituting a deformable convex quadrilateral with one of the upper angles occupied by the axillary support, whose curvilinear stroke is contained in an isosceles-like triangle whose base the axes of rotation of the wheels are joined and the angle at the apex is between 20 ° and 40 °, the distance separating the articulated connections of the uprights on the chassis being greater than the distance separating the axillary supports.

This structure must at least allow a minimum adjustment of the height of the axillary supports planned in advance or, according to the versions, offer a continuous adjustment in height, to ensure a firm immobilization at the maximum height which can itself be adjusted , and / or allow a control of the displacements of the amounts which depends on the weight of the user. The walking frame must allow free movement of the feet allowing the patient to use his remaining abilities and optimize them. It must be able to lengthen the pace without being bothered by a frame, and the horizontal portion of the frame must allow him both to rest the feet on the ground without being disturbed while respecting its support polygon. The width The ground frame is greater than the width between the axillary supports, the latter being determined by the morphology of the patient. The respect of both the comfort space for the feet and the ergonomics of the body of the patient is solved in particular by the mounting at an angle of the amounts carrying the axillary supports.

According to a preferred configuration, the frame may consist of two lateral sections each comprising a section of horizontal course to which the wheels are fixed and a section of vertical shape, the upper ends of the vertical section sections being connected by a cross member substantially horizontal. This crossbar being placed in height, the amplitude of the steps of the user is very freely adjustable by the latter according to its physiological possibilities, because it is never hindered by the existence, in the vicinity of the ground, a bottom rail likely to interfere. In addition, the frame can then be partially slid under a bed, a table, a toilet bowl, etc.

In this configuration, the connecting rod connecting each axillary support frame is articulated in the vicinity of one of the lateral ends of the crossbar.

The deformable mechanical structure formed on each side, that is to say laterally to the user, by the uprights, the connecting rods and the frame, operates a little in the manner of a pantograph of which only two adjacent sides would be movable . The amounts have an angular movement, in practice limited by the existence of the connecting rods. These are located at a height that places them in practice at the hips or shoulders of users depending on whether they are standing or sitting.

According to a complementary possibility, at least one axillary support is connected to the frame by means of a toggle joint, a first connecting rod is articulated to the axillary support and a second connecting rod is pivotally mounted on a member adjustable in height relative to the portion of vertical frame of the frame, the toggle making the locking of the amount in the high position by self-locking rods when aligned. The adjustable member may for example be a sleeve slidable on a pipe of the frame. When the toggle is fully open, that is to say when the two rods that constitute it are substantially aligned, the amounts are then locked in the high position. To initiate the descent movement, the user breaks the alignment of the toggle, unlocking the locking of the link and acting on the amounts in the direction of descent.

The axillary support preferably comprises a curved upper support surface of the user's armpit comprising two planar parts connected by a rounded part, the mechanical connections with the upright and the rod or rods making a first part of distal planar appearance of the portion of vertical appearance of the substantially horizontal frame in the retracted position of the upright, and swinging the axillary support so that said parts are positioned in V in the expanded state of the upright.

The user is then naturally welcomed by the device when he has to slide the axillary supports under the armpits, without obstacles whose crossing would require a muscular force that he does not necessarily have, and he is firmly maintained in the hollow formed between the two flat parts in phase of displacement of his body. The armpits are then physiologically surrounded by the curved shape of the axillary supports, giving the user an impression of enhanced security.

More specifically, each upright can be connected to an axillary support by means of a pivot connection of axis parallel to the plane of the quadrilateral, and articulated to the frame along an axis of shape perpendicular to the plane of the quadrilateral by means of a bearing allowing a travel on both sides of said plane. There is therefore no degree of freedom in the plane of the quadrilateral, at axillary supports, allowing the positioning of the latter as previously described in combination with the rods which pivot in said plane.

According to one possible configuration, each upright is telescopic and comprises at least one pair of tubes respectively lower connected to the frame and upper connected to the axillary support, said tubes being on the one hand nested and continuously sliding in a race between two positions extremes corresponding to the low position and the high position of the axillary supports, and secondly connected by adjustable spring means reminding them in an extended position corresponding to the high position at rest, locking means being provided in at least one retracted position corresponding to the low position.

When the blocking means in question are unlocked, the energy stored by the spring means is released and pulls the user upwards by applying the force under the armpits via the axillary supports, compensating for the major part of its weight in a completely autonomous way, that is to say without help of a third person, but also without external source of energy. He then moves from a sitting position to a standing position, where he is flexibly supported. Conversely, when he weighs the full weight of the upper part of his body on said supports, the amounts retract against the restoring force of the springs, and the descent from the standing position to the sitting position is is smoothly compensated until engagement of the locking means.

It becomes possible again, for people with reduced use of the legs, for example to get up from a bed and sit alone, the same for a chair or an armchair, a toilet bowl, etc. .. The autonomy provided is considerable, and likely to greatly facilitate the lives of people with reduced mobility due to a lack of lower muscles. The possibility of adjusting the spring means makes it possible to adapt the desired compensation according to the progress made, if any, where the morphology and weight characteristics of the person.

More specifically, said spring means may be gas, preferably simply air, the pairs of telescopic tubes of each upright having an axial passage connecting them, the upper tube forming a working chamber and the lower tube forming a compression chamber . A seal is interposed between said tubes which actually form a jack. These specific cylinders are in fact light and robust, rigid to ensure the support function of the body, since the axillary supports rest directly on it, and able to perform a great race making them perfectly suited to the particular use required in the context of the body. 'invention.

The uprights may alternatively consist of compression chamber cylinders at least partially filled with gas and each comprise a control lever actuable in two directions respectively activating a lifting or lowering of each axillary support, a central position of the movement blocking allowing a continuous adjustment of the height of said axillary support.

More preferably, the frame is tubular and hollow, the compression chambers of the cylinders being connected to at least a portion of the internal volume of said hollow tubular frame which constitutes an additional compression chamber and reservoir. Thus, the frame can be divided into two, the amounts then reacting symmetrically since the compression conditions of the gas are identical.

According to one possibility, the tubular frame forms a single integrated reservoir, and a common additional compression chamber, connected to the compression chambers of the cylinders, allowing a relative compensation when the forces applying to the axillary supports are very different.

At least one compression chamber amounts constituted by cylinders or at least one additional compression chamber may be provided with a pressurizing valve. This valve makes it possible to easily adjust the restoring force of the spring, according to the pressure of the gas, that is to say in practice the pressure of the air, contained in the pneumatic circuit.

If the pressure setting is done correctly, and for some cases where it is needed, the vertical support force can be calibrated to provide dynamic support to support almost the entire weight of the person. It is also possible to split the pairs of tubes of each amount, when users have a very heavy weight. If necessary, an additional gas reservoir can be connected to each compression chamber. Alternatively, at least one compressor and at least one exhaust valve can be connected to at least one compression chamber, compression control means and exhaust means being provided on the chassis. The tank or tanks may finally be provided with a manometer for the purpose of controlling the internal pressure of the pneumatic circuit and adapting it to the users.

The fluid passage between the upright and the frame does not occur at the pivot connection. The compression chamber of each jack is in practice connected to the interior volume of the frame by means of a flexible tubing allowing the gas to pass, making it possible respectively to correctly develop the pushing force upwards and the elastic compensation force downwards such than desired.

The locking means of a tube relative to the other may consist of a pivoting lever located on one of the tubes, for example at the end of the arm or at the knees of the user as needed said lever being pivotable against a spring means so that one end is biased towards the wall of the other tube and adapted to cooperate with at least one shoulder protruding from said wall in order to automatically block sliding in retracted position of the upright when said end protrudes said shoulder, to contain the lifting force exerted permanently by the device. To prevent unwanted unlocking, and for security purposes, the shape of said end and shoulder preferably involve an initial stroke of the lever down before unlocking.

For ease of handling, a handle is provided on or near the locking means: rather than acting directly on the lever, the user acts on said lever which is shaped to transmit the effort in the most practical, without the user needing a lot of energy.

According to another alternative, the amounts consist of electric cylinders provided with means for controlling the direction of movement. axillary supports and locking means at any point of the cylinder stroke.

Incidentally, and if it is necessary, the apparatus of the invention may comprise a harness or a harness hung between the axillary supports.

The invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the figures, for which:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first variant of an apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 2 represents a possible configuration of the automatic locking means;

- Figure 3 shows a side view of a second variant provided with a toggle joint, the upper position of the axillary support and its support structure appearing in dashed lines; and

- Figure 4 shows a third version with gas cylinder, also in two use position.

With reference to FIG. 1, the frame (1) comprises two lateral sections, each consisting of a section of horizontal shape (2, 2 ') and of a section of vertical shape (3, 3'), in the occurrence of hollow tubes, the upper ends of which are connected by a horizontal-looking cross member (4) which constitutes a part on which the user can possibly put his hands, it being understood that the guidance of the apparatus does not come from this support, but that it is the body which guides exclusively or mainly the direction of displacement via axillary supports (8, 8 '). A caregiver can also hold the device to guide the user as needed.

Two uprights (5, 5 '), each consisting of a lower tube (6, 6') and an upper tube (7, 7 ') surmounted by an axillary support (8, 8'), are fixed on the horizontal sections (2, 2 ') of the frame (1).

These uprights (5, 5 ') are adjustable in height at the discretion of the user, the upper tubes (7, 7') being slidably mounted on the lower tubes (6, 6 '). The set works in fact like a cylinder and thus presents the same technical potentialities as a cylinder. Amount (5) is shown in its extended position, while the amount (5 ') is shown in the retracted position.

These lower and upper tubes (6, 6 ', 7, 7'), as well as the frame (1) in its entirety constitute in this case a pneumatic circuit for air injected with a valve by any inflation means, and whose internal pressure can for example be controlled using a manometer. The pressure adjustment makes it possible to adapt the device to the weight and personal power characteristics of its user. Thus, if the person is for example light and relatively weak as can be elderly people, the internal pressure will be reduced so as to reduce the vertical thrust during the transition from sitting posture to standing posture, and conversely to limit the resistance when it comes to the reverse postural passage.

The frame is mounted on wheels (1 1, 1 1 ') placed under the horizontal section (2, 2') of each side section, allowing the accompaniment when walking.

The visible lower tube (6) is pivotally mounted on the horizontal section (2) of the frame (1), by means of a pivot (12) which allows an angular displacement in the plane of the lateral section of the frame ( 1), that is to say the quadrilateral formed on each side by an upright (5, 5 '), a connecting rod (14, 14'), a vertical tube (3, 3 ') and a tube portion d horizontal course (2, 2 '). A bearing at this pivot connection (12) also allows a movement in a perpendicular plane plan, providing all the flexibility. Each connecting rod (14, 14 ') is hinged on the one hand on protuberances (13, 13') (see in particular in Figure 3) protruding from the upper crossbar (4), and on the other hand to the axillary supports (8 , 8 ')), in pivots (16, 16') located near the upper end of the tube (7, 7 '), which is connected to said supports (8, 8') via a pivot connection but axis contained in the plane of the quadrilateral.

A flexible hose (15, 15 ') is used to connect the lower tube (6, 6') to the rest of the pneumatic circuit constituted by the frame (1). Due to the existence of the connecting rods (14, 14 ') the amounts are straightened forward when they are in deployed position, as is the case in this case for the amount (5) while they are more inclined rearward in the retracted position as is the case for the amount (5 '). The trajectory is actually circular, of radius equal to the connecting rod (14, 14 '), as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4. This circular trajectory depends on the dimensions of the components of the structure, and it is contained in a space much lower than the spacing of the wheels, as is also apparent from Figures 3 and 4. In the lower position of the axillary support (8, 8 '), the portion (9,9') of the plane of the upper curved surface is of pace horizontal, greatly facilitating the sliding axillary support (8, 8 ') under the armpit of the user without having to spend an undue energy. In the up position as visible for the upright (5), the support (8, 8 ') has tilted forwards and the surfaces (9, 9', 10, 10 ') are oriented in open V, comfortably accommodating the armpit and imparting a sense of security to the person in the walking position since it is held forward and backward.

A locking lever (17) is also provided for locking the upper tube (7) relative to the lower tube (6) (see Figure 2). More specifically, these automatic locking means (17) of the upper tube (7, 7 ') relative to the lower tube (6, 6') in the retracted position of the upright (5, 5 '), operate in the following manner: lever (17) is pivotally mounted against a torsion spring (18) or equivalent (for example a deformable plastic material ...) at a sleeve (19) fixed around the lower end of the upper tube (7, 7 '), and its uncoupled free end (23) is constantly biased towards the walls of the tubes. When sliding downwards, the meeting of said uncoupled end (23) with a second sleeve (20) secured to the lower tube (6, 6 ') and comprising a flare (21) followed by a shoulder (22) leads to bias the lever (17) against the spring (18) before releasing the unciform end (23) which automatically locks the upper tube (7, 7 ') with respect to the lower tube (6, 6') in a position given. As indicated above, the lever (17) needs to be printed with an initial downward stroke for unlock it. Alternatively, there may be two shoulders located a short distance apart.

Referring to Figure 3, a variant of the configuration of Figure 1 provided with an additional toggle joint with two connecting rods (24, 25) is shown. It allows a locking in the up position of the axillary supports (8, 8 '), because when the connecting rods (24, 25) are aligned, as appears in the position shown in dotted lines, the toggle is blocked. Such a possibility allows a pivot for the movements of people with only one support, for example hemiplegics, amputees, patients involved in operations on a leg etc. A simple push forward on the knee aligned allows to unlock and return to the lower position or the axillary supports (8, 8 '). A sleeve (26) sliding and biocable on each vertical pipe of the frame (1), on which is articulated the connecting rod (25), is provided to adjust the height of the toggle joint, and therefore the height of the axillary supports (8, 8 ') in the up position, depending on the size of the user. The object of FIG. 3 being centered on the addition of the toggle joint, the figure is shown schematically with regard to other functions such as locking in the lower position, or the wheels, or a possible flexible passage between the amount ( 5, 5 ') and the frame (1), not shown but which may exist.

Figure 4 shows yet another variant, provided with a gas cylinder (27) and its control handle (28). According to the direction of actuation of said handle (28), the jack (27) is controlled to raise or lower the axillary supports (8, 8 '), the intermediate position of the handle (28) blocking the jack (27) in its position of the moment. This cylinder (27) can be connected to the frame (1) then constituting an additional gas reservoir, under the same conditions as for the first variant presented. Thus, there can be at least one compressor and control means of the latter, to adjust to the morphology of the user the characteristics of lifting thrust and resistance to the descent. However, such a cylinder (27) providing a locking height, it is not necessary to use a toggle in a version of the invention with gas cylinder (27).

The figures show possible embodiments of the apparatus of the invention, not exhaustive of the invention, which on the contrary covers variants of shape and constitution. The gas cylinder (27) can for example be replaced by an electric cylinder which performs the same function, and is controlled by control members for example of the push button type for each direction of change of height of the axillary supports (8, 8 '). Such an electric cylinder then of course requires the equipment of the invention to equip at least one rechargeable battery. Similarly, in some extreme cases, the apparatus may be provided with a harness or shoulder belt, if the condition of the user requires it, especially if the upper part of his body and his muscular capacity are not able to hold it alone on the axillary supports.

Claims

1. Dynamic assistance apparatus for transitioning from the seated position to the upright position and vice versa, and for walking assistance in a standing position, comprising a chassis (1) on wheels (1 1, 1 1 ') multidirectional to which are connected laterally two uprights (5, 5 ') each surmounted by an axillary support (8, 8'), said uprights (5, 5 ') being energizable and of modifiable size between at least two values corresponding to retracted and deployed states and to respectively low and high positions of the axillary supports (8, 8 '), characterized in that the axillary supports (8, 8') are each connected to a horizontal portion (2, 2 ') of the frame (1) via an amount (5, 5 ') hinged to said frame (1) on the one hand and to a vertical portion (3, 3') of the frame (1) by means of at least one connecting rod (14, 14 ') on the other hand, constituting a deformable convex quadrilateral with one of the upper angles occupied by the axillary support (8, 8 '), whose curvilinear race is contained in an isosceles-like triangle whose base joins the axes of rotation of the wheels (1 1, 1 1') and the apex angle is between 20 ° and 40 °, the distance separating the articulated links (12) of the uprights (5, 5 ') on the frame (1) being greater than the distance separating the axillary supports (8, 8').

2. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the frame (1) consists of two lateral sections (2, 3; 2 ', 3') each comprising a section of horizontal appearance (2, 2 ') which are fixed the wheels (1 1, 1 1 ') and a section of vertical shape (3, 3'), the upper ends of the sections of vertical appearance (3, 3 ') being connected by a cross member (4) substantially horizontal .

3. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the connecting rod connecting each axillary support frame is articulated in the vicinity of one of the lateral ends of the cross member (4).

4. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one axillary support (8, 8 ') is connected to the frame (1) by means of a toggle joint, a first connecting rod (24) is articulated to the axillary support (8) and a second connecting rod (25) of which is pivotally mounted on a member (26) adjustable in height relative to the vertical portion (3, 3 ') of the frame (1), the toggle blocking the amount (5, 5') in the high position by self-locking rods (24, 25) when aligned.

5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axillary support (8, 8 ') comprises a curved upper support surface of the user's armpit comprising two parts of planar shape (9, 9 '10, 10') connected by a rounded part, the mechanical connections with the upright (5, 5 ') and the rod (s) (14, 14') making a first part of planar shape (9, 9 ') distal of the vertical portion (3, 3 ') of the substantially horizontal frame (1) in the retracted position of the upright (5, 5'), and swinging the axillary support (8, 8 ') so that said parts ( 9, 9 ', 10, 10') are positioned in V in the expanded state of the upright (5, 5 ').

6. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each upright (5, 5 ') is connected to an axillary support (8, 8') by means of a pivot connection axis parallel to the plane of the quadrilateral , and articulated to the frame (1) along a line axis perpendicular to the plane of the quadrilateral by means of a bearing (12) allowing a movement on either side of said plane.

7. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each upright (5, 5 ') is telescopic and comprises at least one pair of respectively lower tubes (6, 6') connected to the frame (1) and upper ( 7, 7 ') connected to the axillary support (8, 8'), said tubes (6, 6 ', 7, 7') being on the one hand nested and continuously sliding in a race between two extreme positions corresponding to the low position and at the upper position of the axillary supports (8, 8 '), and secondly connected by adjustable spring means reminding them to an extended position corresponding to the high rest position, locking means (17) being provided in at least one retracted position corresponding to the low position.

8. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said spring means are gas, the pairs of tubes (6, 6 ', 7, 7') telescopic of each upright (5, 5 ') having an axial passage connecting them, the upper tube (6, 6') forming a working chamber and the lower tube (7, 7 ') forming a compression chamber, a seal being interposed between said tubes (6, 6 '; 7, 7') constituted by cylinder.

9. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the amounts consist of cylinders (27) with a compression chamber at least partially filled with gas and each comprise a control lever (28) operable in two directions activating respectively lifting or lowering each axillary support (8, 8 '), a median position for locking the movement allowing continuous adjustment of the height of said axillary support (8, 8').

10. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the frame (1) is tubular and hollow, the compression chambers of the cylinders (6, 6 '; 7, 7'; 27) being connected to at least a portion of the interior volume of said hollow tubular frame (1) which constitutes an additional compression chamber and reservoir.

1 1. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tubular frame (1) forms a single integrated reservoir, and a common additional compression chamber connected to the compression chambers of the cylinders (6, 6 '; 7, 7', 27). .

12. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 1 1, characterized in that at least one compression chamber (6, 6 ') of the uprights (5, 5') constituted by cylinders or at least one additional compression chamber is equipped with a pressurizing valve.

13. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that at least one compressor and at least one exhaust valve are connected to at least one compression chamber, means for controlling the compression and the exhaust being provided on the chassis.

14. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the compression chamber of each cylinder (6, 6 ', 7, 7', 27) is connected to the lower volume of the frame (1) by means of a flexible tubing (15).

15. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas is air.

16. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that the locking means consist of a lever (17) pivoting on one of the tubes (6, 6 '; 7, 7'), said lever (17) being pivotable against a spring means (18) so that one end (23) is urged towards the wall of the other tube (6, 6 '; 7, 7') and able to cooperate with at least one shoulder (22) protruding from said wall for automatically locking the retracted sliding of the upright (5, 5 '), the shape of said end (23) and the shoulder (22) involving an initial stroke of the lever (17) down before unlocking.

17. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 16, characterized in that a handle is provided on or near the locking means.

18. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the amounts consist of electric cylinders provided with means for controlling the direction of movement of the axillary supports (8, 8 ') and locking means at any point of the stroke of the cylinder.

19. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a harness or a harness hung between the axillary supports.