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WO2009150605A1 - Walking aid apparatus - Google Patents

Walking aid apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009150605A1
WO2009150605A1 PCT/IB2009/052424 IB2009052424W WO2009150605A1 WO 2009150605 A1 WO2009150605 A1 WO 2009150605A1 IB 2009052424 W IB2009052424 W IB 2009052424W WO 2009150605 A1 WO2009150605 A1 WO 2009150605A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
walking aid
aid apparatus
frame
attachment means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2009/052424
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Daniel Koanaite
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2009150605A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009150605A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Priority to ZA2011/00162A priority Critical patent/ZA201100162B/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/04—Wheeled walking aids for patients or disabled persons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
    • A61H3/008—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about using suspension devices for supporting the body in an upright walking or standing position, e.g. harnesses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/01—Constructive details
    • A61H2201/0161—Size reducing arrangements when not in use, for stowing or transport
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1628—Pelvis
    • A61H2201/163—Pelvis holding means therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1635—Hand or arm, e.g. handle

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a walking aid apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to a walking aid apparatus for supporting a person who requires additional support while walking or standing to maintain an upright posture.
  • a conventional walker or walking frame is a tool for disabled or old people, or people, in general, who require additional support to maintain balance or stability while walking.
  • Such a conventional walker comprises of a frame that is approximately waist high and slightly wider than the user.
  • the walker is height adjustable and should be set at a height that is comfortable for the user, but which will allow the user to maintain a slight bend in their arms. This bend is needed to allow for proper blood circulation through the arms as the walker is used.
  • the front two legs of the walker may or may not have wheels attached depending on the strength and abilities of the person using it. It is also common to see caster wheels or glides on the back legs of a walker with wheels on the front.
  • a walker is picked up and placed a short distance ahead of the user. The user then walks to it and repeats the process. With the use of wheels and glides, the user may push the walker ahead as opposed to picking it up. This makes for easier use of the walker, as it does not require the user to use their arms to lift the walker. This is beneficial for those with little arm strength.
  • a disadvantage of the conventional walker is that the user must have enough strength to move the walker forward when walking with it. Furthermore, the user must be able to walk, even with the aid of the walker. A person who can barely walk by himself and who does not have a relative amount of strength in his arms and legs, will not be able to use a walker to aid in walking.
  • a walking aid apparatus comprising: a frame for proving support to a user and for at least partially surrounding the user; and attachment means for being attached to the user to provided support to said user while he is walking or standing to maintain an upright posture.
  • the frame may include a plurality of support members.
  • the frame may further include grip members so that the user may hold onto the grip members.
  • Two grip members may be provided, one on each side of the frame, to allow the user to hold onto both grip members.
  • the attachment means may be a belt, strap, girdle or the like, for being fastened around the waist of the user.
  • the frame may be provided with a plurality of moving members, to allow for easy movement of the apparatus.
  • the support members may include opposite and spaced legs, so that the user is able to move in between the legs.
  • the moving members may be wheels and the apparatus may include four wheels, each located on a lower and opposite end of each support member.
  • the attachment means may be connected to an upper end of the frame, the arrangement being such that the user is positioned between the spaced apart legs, and is attached around the waist to the attachment means.
  • the frame may be height adjustable, so that the attachment means may be adjusted to be connected to the waist of users who have different lengths.
  • the frame may consist of a plurality of separate parts, which are connectable to one another to form the apparatus, the arrangement being such that the apparatus may be disassembled.
  • figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a walking aid apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
  • figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus of figure 1 , in use
  • figure 3 is also a side view of the apparatus of figure 1 , in use.
  • a walking aid apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10.
  • the walking aid apparatus 10 comprises a frame 12 for proving support to a user 14 and attachment means 16 for being attached to the user 14. When attached to the user 14, the apparatus 10 provides support to the user while he is walking or standing to maintain an upright posture, as shown in figures 2 and 3.
  • the frame 12 includes a plurality of support members, such as legs 18, which are located opposite to one another and spaced apart, so that the user 14 is able to move in-between the legs 18.
  • the support members partially surrounds the user 14 and includes side portions in between which the user is located and a rear portion located behind the user.
  • the frame 12 is further provided with a plurality of moving members, in the form of wheels 20, to allow for easy movement of the apparatus 10.
  • the apparatus specifically includes four wheels 20, which are each located on one of the legs 18, toward the lower corners of the apparatus 10.
  • the frame 12 further includes two grip members 22, such as handles, one on each side of the frame, so that the user 14 is able to hold onto the grip members 22 while standing or walking with the aid of the apparatus 10.
  • the attachment means 16 is connected to the upper end of the frame 12 and is in the form of a belt, for being fastened around the waist of the user 14.
  • the attachment means 16 helps to maintain the user 14 in an upright position.
  • the arrangement is such that the user 14 is positioned between the spaced apart legs 18 with the attachment means 16 being attached around his waist.
  • the height of the attachment means 16 is therefore adjustable, so that the apparatus 10 could be used with different users having different lengths.
  • the frame 12 of the apparatus 10 could further consist of a plurality of separate parts, which are connectable to one another to form the apparatus.
  • the arrangement is thus such that the apparatus could be disassembled when not being used. This will also ease transport and storage of the apparatus 10.
  • the walking aid apparatus aids users who are recuperating from leg or back injuries or who merely requires help in walking or standing in an upright position. Persons having problems with walking or with mild balance problems could further use the apparatus. Furthermore, by using the apparatus according to the present invention, the user's posture would be maintained better that the posture of a user of a conventional walker, since the user is kept upright by the attachment means.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to a walking aid apparatus (10). The apparatus (10) comprises a frame (12) for proving support to a user (14) and attachment means (16) for being attached to the user (14). When attached to the user (14), the apparatus (10) provides support to the user while he is walking or standing to maintain an upright posture.

Description

WALKING AID APPARATUS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a walking aid apparatus. More specifically, the invention relates to a walking aid apparatus for supporting a person who requires additional support while walking or standing to maintain an upright posture.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
A conventional walker or walking frame is a tool for disabled or old people, or people, in general, who require additional support to maintain balance or stability while walking. Such a conventional walker comprises of a frame that is approximately waist high and slightly wider than the user. The walker is height adjustable and should be set at a height that is comfortable for the user, but which will allow the user to maintain a slight bend in their arms. This bend is needed to allow for proper blood circulation through the arms as the walker is used. The front two legs of the walker may or may not have wheels attached depending on the strength and abilities of the person using it. It is also common to see caster wheels or glides on the back legs of a walker with wheels on the front. The person walks with the frame surrounding their front and sides and their hands provide additional support by holding on to the top of the sides of the frame. Traditionally, a walker is picked up and placed a short distance ahead of the user. The user then walks to it and repeats the process. With the use of wheels and glides, the user may push the walker ahead as opposed to picking it up. This makes for easier use of the walker, as it does not require the user to use their arms to lift the walker. This is beneficial for those with little arm strength.
A disadvantage of the conventional walker is that the user must have enough strength to move the walker forward when walking with it. Furthermore, the user must be able to walk, even with the aid of the walker. A person who can barely walk by himself and who does not have a relative amount of strength in his arms and legs, will not be able to use a walker to aid in walking.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a walking aid apparatus, which is an improvement, and/or useful alternative to existing walking aids. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a walking aid apparatus comprising: a frame for proving support to a user and for at least partially surrounding the user; and attachment means for being attached to the user to provided support to said user while he is walking or standing to maintain an upright posture.
The frame may include a plurality of support members.
The frame may further include grip members so that the user may hold onto the grip members.
Two grip members may be provided, one on each side of the frame, to allow the user to hold onto both grip members.
The attachment means may be a belt, strap, girdle or the like, for being fastened around the waist of the user.
The frame may be provided with a plurality of moving members, to allow for easy movement of the apparatus. The support members may include opposite and spaced legs, so that the user is able to move in between the legs.
The moving members may be wheels and the apparatus may include four wheels, each located on a lower and opposite end of each support member.
The attachment means may be connected to an upper end of the frame, the arrangement being such that the user is positioned between the spaced apart legs, and is attached around the waist to the attachment means.
The frame may be height adjustable, so that the attachment means may be adjusted to be connected to the waist of users who have different lengths.
The frame may consist of a plurality of separate parts, which are connectable to one another to form the apparatus, the arrangement being such that the apparatus may be disassembled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described further by way of a non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a walking aid apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus of figure 1 , in use; and figure 3 is also a side view of the apparatus of figure 1 , in use.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Referring to the drawings, a walking aid apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10.
The walking aid apparatus 10 comprises a frame 12 for proving support to a user 14 and attachment means 16 for being attached to the user 14. When attached to the user 14, the apparatus 10 provides support to the user while he is walking or standing to maintain an upright posture, as shown in figures 2 and 3.
The frame 12 includes a plurality of support members, such as legs 18, which are located opposite to one another and spaced apart, so that the user 14 is able to move in-between the legs 18. The support members partially surrounds the user 14 and includes side portions in between which the user is located and a rear portion located behind the user.
The frame 12 is further provided with a plurality of moving members, in the form of wheels 20, to allow for easy movement of the apparatus 10. The apparatus specifically includes four wheels 20, which are each located on one of the legs 18, toward the lower corners of the apparatus 10. The frame 12 further includes two grip members 22, such as handles, one on each side of the frame, so that the user 14 is able to hold onto the grip members 22 while standing or walking with the aid of the apparatus 10.
The attachment means 16 is connected to the upper end of the frame 12 and is in the form of a belt, for being fastened around the waist of the user 14. The attachment means 16 helps to maintain the user 14 in an upright position. The arrangement is such that the user 14 is positioned between the spaced apart legs 18 with the attachment means 16 being attached around his waist. The height of the attachment means 16 is therefore adjustable, so that the apparatus 10 could be used with different users having different lengths.
The frame 12 of the apparatus 10 could further consist of a plurality of separate parts, which are connectable to one another to form the apparatus. The arrangement is thus such that the apparatus could be disassembled when not being used. This will also ease transport and storage of the apparatus 10.
It is foreseen that the walking aid apparatus aids users who are recuperating from leg or back injuries or who merely requires help in walking or standing in an upright position. Persons having problems with walking or with mild balance problems could further use the apparatus. Furthermore, by using the apparatus according to the present invention, the user's posture would be maintained better that the posture of a user of a conventional walker, since the user is kept upright by the attachment means.
Even further, a user having very little strength in his arms could also use the walking aid apparatus since his hands and arms are not required to move the apparatus, as in conventional walkers.
It will be appreciated that variations in detail are possible with a walking aid apparatus according to the invention without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A walking aid apparatus comprising a frame for proving support to a user and for at least partially surrounding the user; and attachment means for being attached to the user to provided support to said user while he is walking or standing to maintain an upright posture.
2. A walking aid apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the frame includes a plurality of support members.
3. A walking aid apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the support members includes opposite and spaced legs, so that the user is able to move in-between the legs.
4. A walking aid apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame further includes grip members so that the user is able to hold onto the grip members.
5. A walking aid apparatus according to claim 4 wherein two grip members are provided, one on each side of the frame, to allow the user to hold onto both grip members.
6. A walking aid apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment means is selected from the group consisting of a belt, strap, girdle and the like, for being fastened around the waist of the user.
7. A walking aid apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame is provided with a plurality of moving members, to allow for easy movement of the apparatus.
8. A walking aid apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the moving members are wheels.
9. A walking aid apparatus according to claim 8 which includes four wheels, each located on a lower and opposite end of each support member.
10. A walking aid apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the attachment means is connected to an upper end of the frame.
11. A walking aid apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the arrangement is such that the user is positioned between the spaced apart support members, and is attached around the waist to the attachment means.
12. A walking aid apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the frame is height adjustable, so that the attachment means is adjusted to be connected to the waist of users who have different lengths.
13. A walking aid apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame consists of a plurality of separate parts, which are connectable to one another to form the apparatus, the arrangement being such that the apparatus may be disassembled.
14. A walking aid apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
PCT/IB2009/052424 2008-06-08 2009-06-08 Walking aid apparatus Ceased WO2009150605A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2011/00162A ZA201100162B (en) 2008-06-08 2011-01-06 Walking aid apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2008/03981 2008-06-08
ZA200803981 2008-06-08

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009150605A1 true WO2009150605A1 (en) 2009-12-17

Family

ID=40863697

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2009/052424 Ceased WO2009150605A1 (en) 2008-06-08 2009-06-08 Walking aid apparatus

Country Status (2)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009150605A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA201100162B (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5112044A (en) * 1990-10-22 1992-05-12 Dubats Barbara A Perambulating therapeutic support
US5526893A (en) * 1994-01-27 1996-06-18 H. Eugene Mack Physical therapy apparatus
US20020185137A1 (en) * 2001-06-08 2002-12-12 Dubats David Edward Ambulator and gait harness system
US20040063550A1 (en) * 2002-07-19 2004-04-01 Harris Robert D. Mobile body suspension exercise device
US6832770B1 (en) * 2002-11-20 2004-12-21 Christine Wright-Ott Child ambulation aid with enhanced maneuverability
US20050183759A1 (en) * 2003-09-02 2005-08-25 Wolfe Mary L. Walker with harness for an elderly, handicapped or convalescent person
WO2007056508A2 (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-18 The Research Foundation Of State University Of Newyork Height and width adjustable saddle sling seat walker with controllable directional tracking and optional arm supports
WO2008007904A1 (en) * 2006-07-12 2008-01-17 Hong Jae Park Apparatus for assistanting training and walking

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5112044A (en) * 1990-10-22 1992-05-12 Dubats Barbara A Perambulating therapeutic support
US5526893A (en) * 1994-01-27 1996-06-18 H. Eugene Mack Physical therapy apparatus
US20020185137A1 (en) * 2001-06-08 2002-12-12 Dubats David Edward Ambulator and gait harness system
US20040063550A1 (en) * 2002-07-19 2004-04-01 Harris Robert D. Mobile body suspension exercise device
US6832770B1 (en) * 2002-11-20 2004-12-21 Christine Wright-Ott Child ambulation aid with enhanced maneuverability
US20050183759A1 (en) * 2003-09-02 2005-08-25 Wolfe Mary L. Walker with harness for an elderly, handicapped or convalescent person
WO2007056508A2 (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-18 The Research Foundation Of State University Of Newyork Height and width adjustable saddle sling seat walker with controllable directional tracking and optional arm supports
WO2008007904A1 (en) * 2006-07-12 2008-01-17 Hong Jae Park Apparatus for assistanting training and walking

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ZA201100162B (en) 2012-04-25

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