EP2233120A1 - Walking aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The aid (1) has a coupling device provided between front wheels (110) and a rear wheel (111) such a manner that a handicapped person (9) has the coupling device in a field of vision. A leg supporting and guiding unit supports and/or guides bones during step activation and/or walking of the handicapped person. The leg supporting and guiding unit is detachably connected with a holder arrangement (12) and is movably arranged at a chassis (11). The coupling device is realized with coupling pins formed at the holder arrangement.

Description

Walking aid for guiding a handicapped person according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

State of the art

From the state of the art walking aids for handicapped persons, consisting of a mobile frame and with a vertically mounted on this frame column known, which can be fixed to the column, for example. By means of bands, the person. Such walking aids should, for example, support children with movement disorders dynamically when standing or during walking movements. Disabilities of the present kind are usually characterized by disorders of the nervous and muscular system in the area of voluntary movement coordination. A feature of the walking aids provided for this is that the handicapped person is at least temporarily connected to the walker, which is achieved, for example, by means of straps or straps. However, the existing walking aids have the disadvantage that the handicapped person is dependent on the help of third parties to be releasably fixed with the walker and untied again from the walker. The on-and-off of the device is often so complex that the use of the same is avoided at an early stage, which adversely affects the desired therapeutic result. The devices are sometimes mechanically so complex that adults need to be trained on their use. The arrangement of the column on the frame to which the person, as shown, by means of bands or bspw. secured by a safety frame prevents natural movement while walking.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a walker, which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the autonomous operation of the walker should be made possible by the handicapped person and the support of the person when walking be improved.

The objectives of the invention are achieved in particular by the fact that the walker for guiding a handicapped person at step triggering and / or when walking comprises a two front wheels and at least one rear wheel exhibiting chassis, that the walker comprises a vertically mounted on the chassis securing arrangement that the walker a Retaining arrangement which is releasably connected to the securing arrangement by means of a coupling device, wherein the person is held on the walker by means of the holding arrangement, wherein the holding arrangement defines an approximately vertical center plane between the front wheels and the rear wheel, wherein the coupling means for fastening the holding arrangement to the securing arrangement is arranged between the median plane and the front wheels. The coupling device is located approximately centrally between the front wheels and the rear wheel, so that the person with impaired mobility has the coupling device in its viewing area. The walking aid has means for supporting and / or guiding the legs during step triggering and / or while walking the person, which are releasably connected to the holding arrangement and arranged movably on the chassis.

One of the advantages of the invention is that the ventral connection between the securing arrangement and the holding device arranged at the stomach of the person considerably facilitates the handling of the walking aid. The handicapped person can fix in the sitting position the securing arrangement on hips, legs, shoes and / or chest in advance. The person can even get up independently depending on the state of health and connect the fuse arrangement with the holding arrangement. Since the holding arrangement is in the field of vision of the person, the situation for the person is surveyable. Coupling the fuse arrangement is thus possible without third party.

Another advantage of the invention is that, compared to the prior art, the person does not have to be laid on the ground in advance to connect the person to the securing arrangement.

An additional advantage of the invention is that the person does not have to be picked up by a third party from the ground, which, for example, at a body weight of about 30 kg already requires considerable effort. It is therefore advantageous that the handicapped person can use the walker independently by the holding arrangement of the walker can independently on and off, for example. From the sitting out. As a result, an independent entry or exit, from sitting to standing and from standing to sitting is possible. The easy handling is supported by the horizontally coupled coupling mechanism.

A further advantage of the invention is that therapeutic movement sequences can be carried out independently by the use of the walking aid according to the invention for the handicapped person.

Another advantage of the invention is the controlled guidance of the legs. The hip is fixed to the support structure and the legs are movable by means of a reciprocal, interactive cable system in an alternating gait pattern. This movement pattern supports the fully stressful step, with full weight of the legs with your own body weight, the guidance of the legs and feet is obtained. Walking is initiated by the disabled person's own power but controlled by the walker.

The front-mounted spring system helps trigger acceleration when walking by shifting the center of gravity forward. As a result, your own remaining often low muscle power is used with ease to walk, with the full body load always acts on the feet or shoes. It follows that the step triggering with inherent force leads to a forward movement.

In one embodiment of the walking aid, the coupling device is realized with a coupling pin or pin formed integrally on the retaining arrangement, which can be detachably inserted into a bore formed on the securing arrangement. An advantage of the invention is that the holder assembly can be attached to the fuse assembly or mast by the person in an easily manageable manner. The arrangement is very clear and the coupling can be almost powerless. Since the bolt can be inserted almost horizontally into the hole, the person does not need to be raised or raised yet. To stabilize the coupling, one, two, three or more bolts can be used. Preferably there is a central bolt, which can be secured while two outboard pins serve to stabilize or guide the coupling device when connecting or disconnecting.

In a further embodiment of the walker, the chassis comprises a frame part on which a rocker is movably arranged with a free end that the rocker is connected to a arranged on the frame part movable strut, wherein at the free end of the rocker a cross member for receiving the two front wheels is realized. An advantage of the invention is that the displacement of the body center of gravity of the person is transmitted to the chassis via the holding arrangement. If the person moves forward, putting one leg in front of the other, the center of gravity shifts over the chassis forward. This direction of movement is referred to as the main direction of movement or forward movement. Of course, the walker also supports the person when walking in other directions of movement, such as sideways or backwards. As the person is connected to the restraint assembly, shifting the weight will cause the strut to compress and increase the traction of the rear foot. It has been shown that this ergonomic design of the walker supports the natural body movement. The walker allows a coordinated shift of body weight on the legs and feet. The handicapped person experiences a balanced movement. The chassis has a front axle on which the wheels are arranged. Since during movement at times a weight shift takes place in the direction of the front axle, wheels, wheel axle and chassis must be adjusted so that lateral tilting of the person is prevented as possible. For this purpose, the wheels are preferably as far as possible spaced apart to ensure a secure footing. Preferably, the rear axle has two spaced-apart wheels. However, it is also a variant with a centrally arranged rear wheel realized.

In another embodiment of the walker a coupling device is provided, by means of which the wiederentfernbare attachment of the holding arrangement is realized on the fuse arrangement. One of the advantages of the invention is that the on and off the walker by the handicapped person is independently executable. The coupling device is always in their field of vision and easily accessible. The coupling mechanism is realized, for example, by a snap-in element which allows the holding arrangement to snap onto the securing arrangement. The securing of the closure is additionally secured by a split pin or bolt to prevent accidental release. Instead of a splint or bolt, a locking device may be used which comprises a bolt and a slider. By a lever for releasing the snap device, the connection can be released again.

In a further embodiment of the walker, the chassis comprises a frame part and a rocker with a free end, wherein the rocker is connected to a strut, wherein at the free end of the rocker a cross member for receiving two front wheels is realized. An advantage of the invention is that the chassis is tracked by the suspension of the movements of the person using the walker, so that the walking movements are supported. On the chassis are at the rear end Rear wheels arranged on a transverse axis. At least one rear wheel is required. Another advantage of this embodiment is therefore in the maneuverability of the walker, which further supports the movements of the person.

In an embodiment variant of the walker, the holding arrangement comprises at least one hip frame which can be removably connected to the person and / or removably connectable leg splints and / or a removably connectable upper body fixation and / or removably connectable shoes, by means of which the person can be guided while walking. It is advantageous that the coupling device is arranged in the chest area of the person on the holding arrangement. As a result, hip frame, greaves, upper body fixation and shoes and other possible fixations in the sitting position of the person can be attached to this, the attachment to the safety arrangement of the walker by the person himself is possible because they always have the clutch in the field of view and make appropriate manipulations can. The hip frame consists of a rigid part and a movable, flexible part, for example a strap, wherein both parts together enclose the hips of the person. In the chest area or the upper body, a fixation part is also provided, which is connected via a linkage on the right and left side of the person with the hip frame. On the hip frame further linkage are arranged laterally, to which the legs are connected via straps. At the free ends of the linkage each shoe is mountable. The poles are flexibly connected to each other via joints, so that the poles can follow the movements of the legs or support the movements. Furthermore, the movements of the legs can be assisted by making a strap or strap with the poles approximately in the Knee area is connected, wherein the band is banged on the chassis, for example. Through an eyelet. If, for example, one leg is pushed forward, the band pulls the other leg backwards at the same time. Such a band can also be mounted in the field of shoes and is connectable to the chassis.

In another embodiment of the walker, the chassis comprises at least three wheels attached thereto, wherein at least two front wheels and at least one rear wheel are provided. An advantage of the invention is that a weight transfer of the person when walking forward through two front wheels is sufficiently stabilized. The person is guided and supported in their movements. It can be used a rear wheel to ensure the required stability of the walker.

In a further embodiment of the walker, the chassis comprises four wheels attached thereto, wherein at least two front wheels and at least two rear wheels are provided. An advantage of the invention is that the distance between the two rear wheels or the distance between the two front wheels is adaptable to the needs of the person. Preferably, the two rear wheels are spaced closer than the front two wheels.

In one embodiment of the walker each front wheel is rotatably mounted in a rotatable fork. An advantage of the invention is that the chassis is very manoeuvrable and thus the movements of the handicapped person is easily trackable. The person is guided and supported in the movement process.

In another embodiment of the walker the fuse assembly is remotely mounted on the chassis. An advantage of the invention is that the securing arrangement or the mast can be released from the chassis. This increases the mobility of the walker, for example, if you want to be transported with a vehicle in the trunk. The mast is preferably inserted into the chassis and secured by securing means, for example. A screw or a split pin.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine perspektivische und vereinfachte Darstellung der erfindungsgemässen fahrbaren Gehhilfe;
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine schematische Seitenansicht der Gehhilfe;
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine vereinfachte Darstellung der Gehhilfe von hinten;
• Fig. 4 und Fig. 5 zeigen in einer Detailansicht aus Fig. 1 den Kopplungsmechanismus zwischen der Sicherungsanordnung und der Halteanordnung der Gehhilfe in verbundener Position (Fig. 4) sowie in gelöster Position (Fig. 5);
• Fig. 6 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung der bewegbaren Halteanordnung der Gehhilfe;
• Fig. 7a bis 7c zeigen die prinzipielle Abfolge eines Schrittes der gehbehinderten Person, wobei die Schrittbetätigung der Person durch ein an den Beinen befestigtes Band der Gehhilfe unterstützt wird;
• Fig. 8a bis 8c zeigen Kompression bzw. Dekompression der Feder an der Gehhilfe bei der in Fig. 7a bis 7c dargestellten Schrittbetätigung und
• Fig. 9a bis 9c zeigen in einer seitlichen Ansicht der Gehhilfe die in Fig. 7a bis 7c dargestellte Schrittbetätigung der Person.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings. Here are the drawings and their description further essential features and advantages of the invention.

• Fig. 1 shows a perspective and simplified illustration of the inventive mobile walker;
• Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the walker;
• Fig. 3 shows a simplified view of the walker from behind;
• 4 and FIG. 5 show in a detail view Fig. 1 the coupling mechanism between the securing arrangement and the holding arrangement of the walking aid in the connected position ( Fig. 4 ) as well as in the released position ( Fig. 5 );
• Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the movable holding arrangement of the walker;
• Fig. 7a to 7c show the basic sequence of a step of the handicapped person, wherein the stepping operation of the person is supported by a band attached to the legs of the walker;
• Fig. 8a to 8c show compression or decompression of the spring on the walker at the in Fig. 7a to 7c illustrated stepper operation and
• Fig. 9a to 9c show in a side view of the walker the in Fig. 7a to 7c illustrated step operation of the person.

FIG. 1 illustrates the designated with reference numeral 1 mobile walker for guiding a handicapped person 9. The walker 1 has a chassis 11. Perpendicular to the chassis a fuse assembly 13 is mounted on this. This can be remotely attached. It is also designed height adjustable. Usually, the fuse assembly 13 is designed to be height adjustable. In other words - the person is behind the fuse arrangement, so that the belly of the fuse arrangement is turned. A retaining arrangement 12 for holding and securing the person 9 to the walking aid 1 is again detachably attached to the securing arrangement 13. The holding arrangement 12 is detachably connected by means of a coupling or coupling device 14 with the holding arrangement. This creates a coupling point or transition. Especially in children, the holding arrangement must be extended and adapted to the growth of a child, which is achieved by the height adjustment of the holding arrangement. The fuse arrangement 13 is arranged in front of the person 9, that is, ventrally. This makes the handling of the walker considerably facilitates, because the coupling means 14 for connection of the holding arrangement 12 with the securing arrangement 13 is located in front of the person 9. The holding arrangement connected to the securing arrangement also defines a median plane M, which runs approximately vertically, ie perpendicular to the surface, to the ground or to the terrain and is arranged between the front and rear wheels. The clutch 14 is disposed between this center plane M and the front wheels. The clutch 14 is easily accessible. Reference numeral 110 denotes the front wheels. These are arranged on a transverse strut or a cross member 116. Preferably, front wheels are used, which are also rotatably mounted about their vertical axis. The front wheels 110 are usually rotatable by 360 ° about the vertical axis. The rear wheels 111 are arranged on an axle or a transverse element 115 and can be blocked, for example, via a brake linkage 117.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the walker 1. Here are designated by reference numeral 110, the front wheels and 111, the rear wheels. The reference numeral 117 denotes the brake linkage, which is mounted pivotably about an axis and by spring means between two positions, a braking position and a freewheeling position, can be pivoted.

FIG. 3 shows a simplified view of the walker from behind. It can be seen that the rear wheels 111 preferably have a narrower wheelbase than the front wheels 110. However, the wheelbase between the rear wheels can be realized smaller or larger as needed. The wider the wheelbase, the more stable the walker 1 is positioned on the lower surface. Reference numeral 120 denotes a cross member. Each front wheel 110 is on a fork 1101 held and rotatable about the vertical. The fork in turn is attached to the cross member 116, so that the fork is freely rotatable. The cross member 115 is arranged on the chassis and provided for receiving the rear wheels 111.

FIG. 4 11 illustrates a detailed view of the coupling mechanism 14 between the securing arrangement 13 and the holding arrangement 12 of the walker 1. FIG. 4 shows the coupling mechanism or the coupling in the connected position. The holding arrangement 12 has a transverse element 120, which serves as a strut or cross strut, wherein at its outer two ends in each case a hip frame 15 is arranged, to which in turn leg splints 16 and Öberkörperfixation 17 are connected. The cross brace 120 has in its center a coupling pin or coupling pin 121. This bolt is adapted to be inserted into a bore 131 on the fuse assembly 13. For the securable coupling bolt additional bolts may be present, which have a guide function when connecting or disconnecting, so that the coupling curtain works safely and reliably, even under load. The securing arrangement is preferably designed as a mast or pillar and is connected to the chassis. If the bolt 121 is inserted in the bore 131, it is secured by a securing bolt or securing pin 133, so that the bolt 121 does not come loose on its own. The securing pin is provided with a handle 134. A return spring 135, preferably designed as a spiral spring, presses the pin 133 in the bore 121 provided on the bolt. The bolt 121 may protrude from the bore 131, so that the free end can be temporarily secured additionally with a split pin or pin.

FIG. 5 shows the same coupling mechanism 14 in the released position.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic representation of the displacement of the body center of gravity. If, for example, the person 9 moves one leg forward, the center of gravity shifts over the chassis forward. Since the person 9 is connected to the holding arrangement 12, the weight shift causes the spring to be compressed, as indicated by the torso of the person designated by reference numeral 9 'in dashed line. It has been shown that the ergonomic design of the walker supports the natural body movement. The walker 1 allows a coordinated shift of body weight on the legs and feet. The handicapped person experiences a balanced movement. The angle α shows by way of example how the holding arrangement of the walking aid 1 can be moved as a function of the load. Further illustrated FIG. 6 a hip frame 15 of the holding arrangement 12, which is connected approximately at waist height with the person 9, for example. By means of a belt at the hip. In addition shows FIG. 6 a leg rail 16 of the holding arrangement 12, on which the left leg shown here can be fixed. Not shown or hidden is the leg splint 16 for the right leg. By means of a Öberkörperfixation 17 of the holding arrangement 12 of the upper body of the person 9 to the holding arrangement 12 can be fixed. The shoe 91 may be detachably or permanently connected to the support structure 12. The reference symbol M shows in simplified form the approximately vertically extending center plane, which is defined by the holding arrangement 12.

The FIGS. 7a to 7c show the basic sequence in the operation of a step of the handicapped person, wherein the step operation of the person is supported by two attached to the legs bands or ropes 160,162 of the walker 1. Each cable 160 has two free ends 1601, each cable end being connected to the holder assembly 12, also called a hanger or rack. Each cable is accordingly passed through a Seilumlenkmittel so that two cable sections from one end of the rope to the Seilumlenkmittel and from this result to the other end of the rope. If one cable section is lengthened, the other cable section shortens accordingly since the length of the cable remains constant. This reciprocal or reciprocal behavior can be used to influence the shape of walking or the movement pattern. The interaction of the two ropes has the success that the legs are actively guided in a step operation.

Instead of a rope, a belt, a band, a chain or the like may be used. The Seilumlenkmittel is preferably designed as an eyelet or pulley and connected to the chassis. The Seilumlenkmittel can be arranged elevated on a column.

The FIGS. 8a to 8c show the compression or decompression of the spring in the front area of the walker at the in Fig. 7a to 7c shown stepping action due to displacement of the body of the person.

The FIGS. 9a to 9c show in a side view of the walker the in Fig. 7a to 7c illustrated step operation of the person. In essence, even at low displacement of the upper body of the person 9 in Forward direction with simultaneous slight lifting, for example. The right foot achieved that the strut 112 compressed and thereby takes place according to an even stronger load on the left leg, whereupon adjusts a pulling force on the right leg on the two cables. By shifting the center of gravity forward - for example, by dropping forward - so a step is triggered. The loaded right leg remains on the ground, while the walker 1 and thus also move the left leg forward. The just described step activation works for both the left and right legs.

Although two separate pieces of rope are used here. However, it will be understood that an endless rope or a long one-piece rope could be used to pass through the two Seilumlenkmittel and secured to the legs.

Preferably, two cables are always used consisting of two separate pieces of rope. In this case, the one cable 160 is arranged to be movable on the cable deflection means 161 fastened in the region of the at least one rear wheel 111. The other cable section 162 is looped through by a deflection means 163 arranged in the region of the front wheels 110.

FIG. 10 Illustrates in a detailed representation of another embodiment variant of the suspension of the inventive walker 1. The chassis 11 has a slide-like device in the region of the front axle. The device has a carriage 1140, which is preferably mounted on two rods 1141 sliding back and forth. In this case, the carriage is preferably held with a spring in a first position. Shift that handicapped person their body weight now forward, so the spring is compressed, the slide moves in the direction of a second position. By this displacement, a lowering of the holding arrangement, whereby the person gains more grip. The coupling device 14 is thus mounted movable relative to the chassis 11.

Reference numeral Legend

1

walker

11

chassis

110

Wheel, front wheel

1101

fork

111

Wheel, rear wheel

112

Strut, spring

113

frame part

114

Swingarm, spring swingarm, sledges

1141

free end of the swingarm

115

Cross element, axis

116

Cross element, axis

117

Brake, wheel brake

12

holding assembly

120

crossmember

121

Coupling pin, coupling pin

13.13 '

Safety arrangement, mast

131

drilling

133

Securing bolt, securing pin

134

Handle

135

Return spring

14

Coupling device, coupling

15

Hüftgestell

16

Greaves

160

Ribbon, strap, rope

161

Cable deflection means, deflection means

17

Upper body fixation

8th

Surface, ground, terrain

9.9 '

person

91

shoe

α

angle

M

midplane

Claims (11)

Walking aid (1) for guiding a handicapped person (9), comprising a chassis (11) having two front wheels (110) and at least one rear wheel (111), with a safety arrangement (13) mounted vertically on the chassis and with a holding arrangement (12) which is detachably connected to the securing arrangement by means of a coupling device (14), the person being held by the holding arrangement (12) at least on the hips, the legs and / or the feet on the walking aid, characterized
that approximately centrally between the front wheels (110) and the rear wheel (111), the coupling means (14) is located such that the disabled person (9), the coupling means (14) in the view area,
in that there are means for supporting and / or guiding the legs during step triggering and / or while the person (9) is walking, which are detachably connected to the holding arrangement (12) and movably arranged on the chassis (11). Walking aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling device (14) is realized with a coupling pin (121) integrally formed on the retaining arrangement (12), which can be detachably inserted into a bore (131) integrally formed on the securing arrangement (13) , Walker (1) according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the chassis (11) comprises a frame part (113) on which a rocker (114) is movably arranged with a free end, that the rocker with a on the frame part (113) arranged movable strut (112) is connected, wherein at the free end of the rocker (114), a transverse element (116) for receiving the two front wheels (110) is realized, such that the coupling device (14) to the chassis (11) is mounted relatively movable. Walking aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the holding arrangement (12) at least one with the person (9) wiederentfernbar connectable hip frame (15) and / or wiederentfernbar connectable leg splints (16) and / or a wiederentfernbar connectable Upper body fixation (17) and / or removably connectable shoes (91), by means of which the person (9) can be guided while walking. Walker (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the chassis comprises four attached thereto wheels (111), wherein at least two front wheels and at least two rear wheels are provided. Walking aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each front wheel (110) is rotatably mounted in a rotatable fork (1101). Walker (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the securing arrangement (13) is remotely mounted on the chassis (11). Walking aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the means comprises two Seilumlenkmittel (161.163) and a movably connected to this cable (160,162), wherein the holding arrangement (12) in the region of the knee and / or on the Holding arrangement (12) is connected in the field of shoes with the rope. Walking aid (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the rope is formed from two pieces of rope, wherein the respective rope ends (1601.1621) with the holding arrangement (12) in the region of the knee and / or with the holding arrangement (12) in the area the shoes are connected. Use of a walker (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that by means of the walker for the handicapped person therapeutic movement sequences are independently executable. Use of a walking aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the walking aid (1) by the person (9) is independently on and off.

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