EP4166125A1 - Orthopaedic walking assistance device comprising motorisation means and means for spacing the patient's thighs - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (D) for aiding the ambulation of a patient comprising a frame (1) fitted with wheels (11; 13), a saddle support (7) surmounting the said frame (1), two (91, 93) disposed on either side of said saddle support (7) and belonging to a crankset (90), characterized in that each movable segment (91, 93) is articulated around an axis (91 ", 93") transverse to said frame (1) and slides along parallel longitudinal rails, said ambulation aid device (D) further comprising an element (6) for wedging the patient's foot or leg and means (8) for spreading the patient's thighs arranged on either side of said saddle support (7), said spreading means (8) following the reciprocating movement of the patient's lower limbs held by said wedging elements (6) and by said spacer means (8) when the patient is installed on said device.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to an orthopedic device for aiding ambulation and which can be used for rehabilitation of the type comprising at least one rigid frame, wheels, a crankset and a saddle.

Prior technique

The document EP3598961 describes an orthopedic device for aiding ambulation and which can be used to rehabilitate walking, in particular for patients with multiple disabilities and with motor problems. This device comprises a base which comprises rollers, a saddle support equipped with a saddle and articulated arms arranged on either side of the saddle support. The end of each of the articulated arms comprises an element for wedging the patient's foot or leg which is mounted adjustable in position according to the width of the base. This wedging element makes it possible to separate the patient's legs on either side of the saddle, thus avoiding friction between the saddle and the patient's thighs.

However, it turns out that for some patients, it is necessary to separate both the patient's thighs and legs. Indeed, for people who have low muscle tone, a single blocking point in the thighs or in the leg creates tension on the patient's knees because the legs are no longer aligned with the thighs.

Furthermore, the aforementioned document describes a motorized embodiment of the device. In this embodiment, the articulated arms include a motor on each of their joints. These motors must then be controlled to simulate walking and train the patient's lower limbs. It turns out that the motors being too numerous, their control with a view to simulating walking is complicated. In addition, these motors are fragile and it is difficult to connect them to a source power supply. It also turns out that the device described in the aforementioned document is difficult to direct, either by the patient or by an assistant who pushes the device. Finally, when the device is fitted with a foot-rest sole, the patient finds it difficult to move and encounters problems changing direction.

The document WO2012/049442 describes a walking rehabilitation device which comprises a base equipped with wheels spaced apart along the width and length of the base. This device includes a harness that supports the patient's buttocks. The patient's thighs are inserted into straps that cannot be pulled apart. This device therefore does not make it possible to adjust the spacing of the patient's thighs and it does not comprise a pedal.

The document JP2007014698 describes a device that allows patient ambulation. This device does not include a saddle holder, nor a wedging element for the patient's foot or leg that is adjustable and lockable in position depending on the width of the device. This device also does not include a pedal.

Furthermore, the document US9907721 describes a device which does not include any means for wedging the patient's leg or thighs. This device does not include a pedal either.

Additionally, the document CN107874984 discloses a walking aid device which includes a belt restraining the patient. The patient's legs are held at two uprights of the support, which cannot be moved apart. This device does not include a pedal.

Finally, document KR2018 0123939 describes an ambulation aid device which comprises an exoskeleton mounted on a mobile support comprising rollers. The two uprights on which the lower limbs of the patient are fixed cannot be separated from each other, so as to adjust the spacing of the patient's thighs. This device does not include a pedal.

An object of the present invention is to resolve any of the drawbacks linked to the use of the device of the prior art.

In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a walking aid device which comprises a pedal and makes it possible to adjust the spacing of the patient's thighs and feet/legs. Such a device makes it possible to adapt perfectly to the morphology of the patient and to his pathology. Indeed, the presence of the pedal implies precise positioning of the various parts of the patient's lower limbs so as not to cause injury when using the device.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a totally innovative approach.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for assisting the ambulation of a patient comprising a frame equipped with wheels spaced along the width and length of said frame, a saddle support surmounting said frame and extending substantially vertically, said ambulation aid device comprising two mobile segments arranged on either side of said saddle support and belonging to a crankset, characterized in that each mobile segment is articulated around an axis transverse to said frame and slides along parallel longitudinal rails, said ambulation aid device further comprising a wedging element for the patient's foot or leg and means for spreading the patient's thighs arranged on either side on the other of said saddle support, said spacer means following the reciprocating movement of the patient's lower limbs held by said wedging elements and by said spacer means, when the patient is installed on said device.

The presence of the means for separating the patient's thighs or legs enables the patient's thighs, legs, knees and feet to be properly positioned according to an alignment which respects the physiology of the joints. The knees in particular can thus be put in a position which does not prevent walking and which does not cause injury to the joint. The spacing means also make it possible to correct the position of the patient's hips, which determines the position of the lower limbs of the latter. The element for wedging the leg or the foot and the means for separating the thighs or the leg thus form means for guiding the leg during the walking movement.

The invention is implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically effective combination.

According to a variant embodiment, said means for separating the thighs comprise two lower side plates mounted parallel to each other on the seat post, on either side of the latter, said lower side plates supporting respectively slender arms to which are attached supports for the thigh or leg receptacle, said slender arms pivoting in a synchronized manner from front to rear and vice versa around a first upper transverse axis and with the aid of connecting rods pivoting around 'secondary axes to move alternately from a first position to a second position, the rotation of a long arm in one direction causing the rotation of the other opposite arm in the opposite direction, and vice versa.

This solution makes it possible to accompany the movement of the patient's gait by guiding his alternating movements by keeping his thighs in a determined position and by imposing a natural and fluid gait.

Advantageously, each lower side plate is fixed to a double central jaw enclosing the saddle tube and is angularly adjustable individually with respect to said central jaw.

This solution makes it possible to adapt the device to different patient morphologies, and in particular the length of their stride.

More specifically, each lower side plate has arcuate adjustment slots cooperating with screws fixed to the central double jaw.

According to another aspect of the present invention, each lower side plate is traversed in its thickness by a guide groove arcuate inside which slide pairs of rings integral with the slender arms.

This solution allows a fluid and guided movement of the slender arms and the most natural possible gait of the patient.

Preferably, each arcuate guide groove comprises front and rear abutments against which the rings can rest respectively in the first and third positions.

This solution thus makes it possible to limit the movements of the patient.

According to another feature of the present invention, each slender arm comprises a pair of stabilizing and guiding pads bearing constantly against the outer side faces of the corresponding lower side plates.

This solution makes it possible to prevent rehabilitation from being carried out correctly, for example with jolts or untimely lateral movements.

According to a particular embodiment, which can be combined with any one of the embodiments of the invention, said device comprises means for driving the arms forming the crankset, said driving means being adapted to alternately drive said movable arms in a rotational movement combined with a translation. Since the pedal is activated due to an external force, it causes the device of the invention to move and the patient to walk. The drive means can, for example, be drive means in alternating rotation of the ends of the mobile arms. The alternative drive is obtained by means of selected gears known to those skilled in the art.

In particular, the device comprises a single common motorization device for controlling both the reciprocating movement of the pedal assembly and the movement of the rear wheels.

More specifically, the motorization device comprises a central motor driving on the one hand the arms of the crankset by means of a first belt connected to a first geared motor and on the other hand the rear wheels by means of a second belt connected to a second disengageable gearmotor.

According to a variant embodiment, the device comprises a first central motor driving the arms of the crankset and independent motors for driving each rear wheel.

In particular, the device provided with a joystick/manual piloting lever integrated into an arm rest and piloting one and/or the other of the motors.

According to a particular embodiment, each element for wedging the patient's foot comprises a spring-loaded front leg piece to exert an elastic return force on the lower part of the patient's leg, in particular from under his knee.

Brief description of figures

• La [Fig. 1] représente une vue générale en perspective d'une variante de motorisation ;
• La [Fig. 2] représente une autre vue générale en perspective de la figure 1 ;
• La [Fig. 3] représente une vue de détail de la figure 1 ;
• La [Fig. 4] représente une vue générale en perspective d'une autre variante de motorisation ;
• La [Fig. 5] représente une vue de détail en de la figure 4 ;
• La [Fig. 6] représente une vue générale en perspective d'une autre variante de motorisation ;
• La [Fig. 7] représente une vue tridimensionnelle d'un dispositif de maintien des cuisses du patient dans une première position d'utilisation ;
• La [Fig. 8] représente une autre vue tridimensionnelle du dispositif de maintien de la figure 7 ;
• La [Fig. 9] représente une vue tridimensionnelle du dispositif de maintien des figures 7 et 8 mais dans une deuxième position intermédiaire d'utilisation ;
• La [Fig. 10] représente une autre vue tridimensionnelle du dispositif de maintien de la figure 9 ;
• La [Fig. 11] représente une vue tridimensionnelle du dispositif de maintien des figures 7 à 10 dans une troisième position d'utilisation ;
• La [Fig. 12] représente une autre vue tridimensionnelle du dispositif de maintien de la figure 11 ; et
• La [Fig. 13] représente une vue tridimensionnelle de détail d'une partie d'un pédalier du dispositif de la présente invention.

Other advantages, objects and characteristics of the present invention emerge from the description which follows given, for the purpose of explanation and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• There [ Fig. 1 ] shows a general perspective view of an engine variant;
• There [ Fig. 2 ] shows another general perspective view of the figure 1 ;
• There [ Fig. 3 ] represents a detail view of the figure 1 ;
• There [ Fig. 4 ] shows a general perspective view of another engine variant;
• There [ Fig. 5 ] represents a detail view of the figure 4 ;
• There [ Fig. 6 ] shows a general perspective view of another engine variant;
• There [ Fig. 7 ] shows a three-dimensional view of a device for holding the patient's thighs in a first position of use;
• There [ Fig. 8 ] shows another three-dimensional view of the device for holding the figure 7 ;
• There [ Fig. 9 ] represents a three-dimensional view of the device for holding the figure 7 And 8 but in a second intermediate position of use;
• There [ Fig. 10 ] shows another three-dimensional view of the device for holding the figure 9 ;
• There [ Fig. 11 ] represents a three-dimensional view of the device for holding the figures 7 to 10 in a third position of use;
• There [ Fig. 12 ] shows another three-dimensional view of the device for holding the figure 11 ; And
• There [ Fig. 13 ] shows a detail three-dimensional view of part of a pedal assembly of the device of the present invention.

Description of embodiments

THE figures 1 to 3 relate to a first embodiment of a walking aid device D and equipped on the one hand with a motorization member 200 and on the other hand with a device 8 for spreading the thighs of a patient.

This walking aid device D comprises a mechanically welded rigid frame 1, such as a central longitudinal beam, resting on two rear drive wheels 11 and two front directional castors 13 mounted freely pivoting about a vertical axis, the rear wheels 11 being significantly further apart than the front wheels 13. The device D also comprises a saddle post 7 which extends vertically and on which a saddle made for example of plastic material (polymer) can be fixed, and a handlebar 2 for the steer manually, when possible.

For the sake of clarity, the saddle is not shown in the figures. The saddle support 7 comprises a hollow tube 71 which extends horizontally along the length of the device D and of which a sliding part 71' extends downwards. A front tube 73 erected vertically from the horizontal hollow tube 71 is also provided to place an element for retaining and/or maintaining the patient's bust.

The ambulation aid device D is also equipped with a pedal system 90 comprising in particular two parallel longitudinal segments 91 and 93 whose front ends 91' and 93' have slideways mounted to slide linearly along parallel longitudinal rails 10 belonging to the central beam 1 and whose rear ends are articulated on axes 91 "and 93" connected to side cranks 204 belonging to a motorization member 200 described in more detail later.

Furthermore, the crankset 90 comprises right and left pedal rods 4 each sliding linearly along a corresponding segment 91 or 93 simultaneously with the combined sliding movement (along the rails 10) and rotation (around the axes rear 91" and 93") of the latter thanks to the 200 motorization system.

Each pedal rod 4 carries a lateral footrest 6, preferably adjustable in width and height (relative to the ground). The toe-clip 6 is preferably rotatably mounted on the lower end of the corresponding pedal rod 4 (right or left). The angular position of the footrest is also preferably variable and can be fixed in a chosen position. Angular locking means (not shown) which make it possible to lock its angular position relative to the pedal rod 4 can therefore be provided.

In all the embodiments, the footrest 6 comprises means for fixing the patient's foot which are not shown in the aforementioned figures, for the sake of clarity and simplification. A spring-type shock absorption system can also be incorporated into the pedals between the segments and the toe clips 6, as shown in the figure 13 .

In the first mode of design, the motorization member 200 comprises a single central motor 201 secured to a rear part of the device D and supplied with current by an electric battery 51 mounted at the rear and above the central beam 1. This battery 51 is optionally removable and can be recharged without the presence of the device of the invention.

The central motor 201 is connected on the one hand to the crankset 90, and in particular to the segments 91 and 93 using a first toothed belt 202 engaged with a first geared motor 203 integral with the crank 204 and, on the other part to the drive axle 205 of the rear wheels 11 with the aid of a second toothed belt 206 engaged with a second geared motor 207. A braking system 208 by lack of current is also provided on the drive axle 205 to secure the device D on slopes.

The central motor 201 thus makes it possible to drive the lateral cranks 204 in rotation, which cause the segments 91 and 93 to pivot around the axes 91" and 93" while causing them to slide along the rails 10 of the central beam 1, which activates the sliding of the pedal rods 4 along the segments 91 and 93 in a regular and repetitive linear alternating movement. The central motor 201 also makes it possible to drive the rear wheels 11 in rotation around the axle 205 in order to move the ambulation aid device D forwards/backwards.

In this first mode, the ratio between the speed of movement and the speed of the crankset is therefore fixed. The motorization member 200, that is to say the central motor 201, therefore makes it possible both to rotate the crankset for rehabilitation and to aid in walking, but also to move the device D forward. traction transmission to the rear wheels 11 can be disengaged and allow rehabilitation when stationary, with the device D stationary and the crankset 91/93 rotating. This motorization architecture is more particularly suited to patients who can use their arms to accelerate and steer the vehicle using the handlebars 2.

THE figure 4 And 5 relate to a second embodiment of the member 200 for motorizing the walking aid device D.

In this second mode, the motorization member 200 comprises a first central motor 211 secured to a rear part of the device D and connected only to the segments 91 and 93 of the crankset 90 using a first toothed belt 212 engaged with a first geared motor 213 secured to a crank 214, and two secondary motors 221 and 222 each connected to a corresponding rear wheel 11. A braking system by lack of current is also integrated in each secondary motor 221 and 222 in order to secure the vehicle D on slopes. This configuration provides the same functionalities as the first embodiment but in addition makes it possible to decouple the forward speed of the vehicle (secondary motors) and the speed of the crankset (main motor). This engine architecture is more suitable particularly for patients who can use their arms to accelerate and steer the vehicle using the handlebars 2.

There figure 6 relates for its part to a third embodiment of the member 200 for motorizing the walking aid device D.

In this third mode, the motorization member 200 comprises a first central motor 231 connected only to the segments 91 and 93 of the crankset using a first toothed belt 232 engaged with a first geared motor 233 secured to a crank 214 , and two secondary motors 241 and 242 connected to each of the rear wheels. An armrest 245 is mounted on the seatpost 7 and comprises a joystick 247 for controlling the secondary motors 241 and 242. The central motor 231 can operate alone in order to allow rehabilitation without moving, while remaining seated on the vehicle D. A brake system by lack of current is also integrated in each secondary motor 241 and 242 in order to secure the vehicle on slopes. This motorization architecture is suitable for patients who cannot use their arms to accelerate and steer the vehicle, which is therefore controlled using the joystick 247. Vehicle D rotates thanks to the difference in speeds between the motorized right rear wheels and left 11.

THE figures 7 to 12 show in more detail the means 8 for separating the patient's thighs illustrated on the figures 1 to 6 , which are illustrated in three different typical operating positions.

More specifically, the figure 7 And 8 show the spacer means 8 in a first position in which the patient's right thigh is placed forward, and the left thigh is placed, on the opposite side, behind, according to the direction of movement of the orthopedic device for aiding the wandering.

THE figure 9 And 10 show the spacing means 8 in a second intermediate position, called median, in which the right and left thighs are placed substantially opposite each other after their respective movements.

Finally, the figure 11 And 12 show the spacer means 8 in a third position in which the right thigh is placed behind while the left thigh is placed, opposite, forward, still according to the direction of movement of the orthopedic ambulation aid device.

The following description relates more specifically to these three different positions.

On the figure 7 And 8 , the spacer means 8 firstly comprise a first pair of right 101a and left 101b metal lower side plates fixed to the saddle support rod 7 (not shown), symmetrically and on either side thereof . These lower side plates 101a and 101b are typically thick metal sheets, for example stainless steel measuring several millimeters thick, and each have a generally arcuate shape (angular sector portion).

These first lower side plates 101a and 101b are for example identical and are fixed parallel to each other on a central vertical double jaw 102 clamped around the seat tube 7. The lower side plates 101a and 101b are moreover adjustable from front to back with respect to the central double jaw 102 (and therefore also with respect to the seatpost 7) thanks to fastening means 103 such as screws. Each lower side plate 101a and 101b is thus fixed in four different zones 104 (top front, bottom front, top rear, bottom rear) on the central jaw 102 by means of two pairs of screws 103. Each fixing zone 104 is present in the present case in the form of a slot in the form of a household arc through the thickness of each lower side plate and receiving a screw 103, which in particular makes it possible to adapt the spacer means 8 to the morphology of the patient by tilting/pivoting the lower side plates 101a and 101b back and forth relative to the seat post 7 before tightening the pairs of screws 103. Preferably the lower right side plate 101a and the lower left side plate 101b are arranged at the same level.

Each of the lower side plates 101a and 101b respectively carries an elongated arm 105a and 105b in the form of a perforated rigid metal strip (for example in stainless steel several millimeters thick) on which is fixed a support 106a/106b for a U-shaped receptacle 94a intended to receive the thigh (right or left depending on the plate/ruler) of the patient. As for the lower side plates 101a and 101b, the long right 105a and left 105b arms are arranged parallel to each other on either side of the seat post 7.

The slender right arm 105a has a right connecting tab 112a with a corresponding lower side plate 101a. More specifically, the lower right side plate 101a is provided with a right-hand through groove 107a in the form of an arc inside which slide a pair 113a of front and rear guide rings, these rings being moreover each screwed on a corresponding connecting tab 112a.

Similarly, the slender left arm 105b has a left connecting tab 112b with a corresponding lower side plate 101b. More specifically, the lower left side plate 101b is provided with a left-hand through groove 107b in the form of an arc inside which slide a pair 113b of front and rear guide rings, these rings being moreover each screwed on a corresponding connecting tab 112b.

The lower right-hand side plate 101a is also provided with a pair 108a of front and rear stops (depending on the direction of movement of the orthopedic walking aid device) against which the front and rear rings 113a bear respectively when of their sliding inside the right-hand arcuate groove 107a between the first and third extreme positions.

Similarly, the lower left side plate 101b is provided with a pair 108b of front and rear stops (depending on the direction of movement of the orthopedic walking aid device) against which the front and rear rings 113b bear respectively when they slide inside the left arcuate groove 107b between the first and third extreme positions.

Furthermore, the slender right arm 105a is articulated around a first upper transverse axis 120a passing through the hollow tube 71 and is connected to a lower front part 71' of the said hollow tube 71 of the seat post 7 using a system of front connecting rods which are articulated respectively around transverse axes parallel to each other and to the upper transverse axis 120a.

More specifically, a first large straight connecting rod 115a extends between a first straight pivot pin 117a connected to the long right arm 105a and a second right pivot pin 118a, while a second small straight connecting rod 116a extends between the second right-hand pivot pin 118a and a third right-hand pivot pin 119a, which is linked to the lower front part 71' of the hollow tube 71. The second right-hand pivot pin 118a is said to be "free". because it is connected to no other part than the two connecting rods 115a and 116a.

Similarly, the slender left arm 105b is articulated around a first upper transverse axis 120b passing through the hollow tube 71 and is connected to a lower front part 71' of the said hollow tube 71 of the seatpost 7 using of a system of front connecting rods which are articulated respectively around transverse axes parallel to each other and to the upper transverse axis 120b.

More specifically, a first large left connecting rod 115b, this time in the shape of an "L", extends between a first left pivot axis 117b linked to the slender left arm 105b and a second left pivot axis 118b , while a second small rectilinear connecting rod on the left 116b extends between the second left pivot axis 118b and a third left pivot axis 119b connected to the lower front part 71' of the hollow tube 7. The second axis of left pivot 118b is said to be "free" because it is not connected to any part other than the two connecting rods 115b and 116b.

The two third pivot axes on the right 119a and on the left 119b are collinear.

Finally, pairs of guide and stabilizing pads on the right 130a and on the left 130b in the shape of a half sphere/ball are respectively linked to a lower part of each of the elongated arms on the right 105a and on the left 105b, below the legs right 112a and left 112b link. These right guide pads 130a and on the left 130b respectively bear permanently against an external lateral face (also called running surface) of each of the right 101a and left 101b lower side plates throughout the alternating forward and backward movement of said slender right arms 105a and left 105b with respect to said plates, in order to accompany the movement explained in more detail below.

• le bras longiligne de gauche 105b a pivoté vers l'avant autour du premier axe transversal supérieur de gauche 120b de manière à faire avancer le support de gauche 106b du réceptacle 94b, entrainant l'avancée de la cuisse gauche du patient et le glissement vers l'avant des bagues de gauche 113b dans la gorge arquée de gauche 107b de la platine latérale inférieure de gauche 101b, et
• de manière simultanée, le bras longiligne de droite 105a a pivoté vers l'arrière autour du premier axe transversal supérieur de droite 120a de manière à faire reculer le support de droite 106a du réceptacle 94a, entrainant le recul de la cuisse droite du patient et le glissement vers l'arrière des bagues de droite 113a dans la gorge arquée de droite 107a de la platine latérale inférieure de droite 101a.

Thus, the figure 9 And 10 illustrate the second middle intermediate position presented above and in which:

• the slender left arm 105b has pivoted forward around the first upper left transverse axis 120b so as to advance the left support 106b of the receptacle 94b, causing the patient's left thigh to advance and slide towards the front of the left rings 113b in the left arcuate groove 107b of the left lower side plate 101b, and
• simultaneously, the slender right arm 105a has pivoted rearward around the first upper right transverse axis 120a so as to cause the right support 106a to move back from the receptacle 94a, causing the patient's right thigh to move back and the rearward sliding of the right rings 113a in the right arcuate groove 107a of the lower right side plate 101a.

These two opposite and simultaneous movements of the slender arms 105a and 105b (one pivoting forwards causing the other to pivot backwards) are accompanied by the sliding of the pads 130a and 130b on the respective external side faces of the plates right 101a and left 101b.

During these synchronized movements, the right connecting rods 115a/116a and the left connecting rods 115b/116b have also pivoted with respect to their respective axes on the right 117a/118a/119a and on the left 117b/118b/119b in order to end up in the second position.

It is this set of front connecting rods, guide pads and rings cooperating with the through guide slots which allows the movement of the slender arms 105a and 105b, and therefore of the thighs of the patient, to be fluid, natural, stable, guided, and with a minimum of friction.

In this second middle intermediate position, the slender arms 105a and 105b, and therefore the patient's thighs, find themselves substantially face to face on either side of the seatpost 7.

• le bras longiligne de gauche 105b a continué de pivoter vers l'avant autour du premier axe transversal supérieur de gauche 120b de manière à faire avancer le support de gauche 106b du réceptacle 94b, entrainant l'avancée de la cuisse gauche du patient et le glissement vers l'avant des galets de gauche 113b dans la gorge arquée de gauche 107b de la platine latérale inférieure de gauche 101b jusqu'à ce que le galet avant de gauche 113b viennent en appui contre la butée avant de gauche 108b, et
• de manière simultanée, le bras longiligne de droite 105a a continué de pivoter vers l'arrière autour du premier axe transversal supérieur de droite 120a de manière à faire reculer le support de droite 106a du réceptacle 94a, entrainant le recul de la cuisse droite du patient et le glissement vers l'arrière des galets de droite 113a dans la gorge arquée de droite 107a de la platine latérale inférieure de de droite 101a jusqu'à ce que le galet arrière de droite 114a viennent en appui contre la butée arrière de droite 109a.

Finally, the figure 11 And 12 illustrate the third position of this mobile assembly in which:

• the slender left arm 105b continued to pivot forward around the first upper left transverse axis 120b so as to advance the left support 106b of the receptacle 94b, causing the advancement of the patient's left thigh and sliding forwards of the left rollers 113b in the left arcuate groove 107b of the left lower side plate 101b until the left front roller 113b comes to rest against the left front stop 108b, and
• simultaneously, the right slender arm 105a continued to pivot rearward around the first upper right transverse axis 120a so as to cause the right support 106a to move back from the receptacle 94a, causing the patient's right thigh to move back and the rearward sliding of the right rollers 113a in the right arcuate groove 107a of the lower right side plate 101a until the right rear roller 114a bears against the right rear stop 109a.

During these synchronized movements, the right connecting rods 115a/116a and the left connecting rods 115b/116b also continued to pivot relative to their respective right 117a/118a/119a and left 117b/118b/119b axes in order to end up in third place.

It is this set of anterior rods, guide pads and rings cooperating with through slots which allows the movement of the patient's slender arms and thighs to be fluid, natural, stable, guided and with a minimum of friction.

Thus, throughout the movement of the patient using the ambulation aid device D according to the invention, an alternating movement long right arm/right thigh - long left arm/left thigh takes place, the thrust of a slender arm/of a driving thigh the recoil of the other slender arm/the other thigh, and vice versa. With this kinematics, it is even possible to retreat and not to advance, the retreat of one thigh leading to the advance of the opposite thigh, and vice versa.

The pedals and the means for separating the patient's thighs of the ambulation aid device D produce the movements of walking independently of the position in space of the patient's hip and knee joints, so that the operation is not influenced by the height of said patient.

In addition, adjustment at the level of the connecting rods makes it possible to lengthen and/or raise the patient's stride.

Finally, the pedal also operates without motorization, by pushing the ambulation aid device D via an assistant.

There figure 13 illustrates in detail a part of the crankset 90 and in particular the pedal rods 4 and the associated toe clips 6. Each toe clip 6 is each equipped with a support leg 16 provided with an internal torsion spring (not shown) which can pivot about a transverse axis 18 connected to the footrest 6 so as to form an elastic return member exerting a force on the lower part of the patient's leg, from under his knee. The role of this leg piece 16 is thus to straighten the patient's leg when its position is substantially perpendicular to the ground.

It should be understood that the detailed description of the subject of the invention, given solely by way of illustration, does not in any way constitute a limitation, the technical equivalents also being included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims (12)

Device (D) for aiding the ambulation of a patient comprising a frame (1) equipped with wheels (11; 13) spaced along the width and length of said frame, a saddle support (7) in the form of a rod surmounting said frame (1) and extending substantially vertically, said ambulation aid device (D) comprising two movable segments (91, 93) arranged on either side of said saddle support (7) and belonging to a pedal (90), each mobile segment (91, 93) being articulated around an axis (91", 93") transverse to said frame (1) and sliding along parallel longitudinal rails (10), said aid device ambulation (D) further comprising an element (6) for wedging the patient's foot or leg and means (8) for separating the patient's thighs arranged on either side of said saddle support (7 ), said spacer means (8) following the reciprocating movement of the patient's lower limbs held by said wedging elements (6) and by said spacer means (8) when the patient is installed on said device, characterized in that that said means for separating the thighs (8) comprise two lower side plates (101a, 101b) mounted parallel to each other on the seatpost (7), on either side of the latter , said lower side plates (101a, 101b) respectively supporting elongated arms (105a, 105b) to which are attached supports (106a, 106b) for thigh or leg receptacles (94a, 94b), said elongated arms (105a, 105b) pivoting in a synchronized manner from front to rear and vice versa around a first upper transverse axis (120a, 120b) and with the aid of connecting rods (115a, 115b, 116a, 116b) pivoting around secondary axes (117a , 117b, 118a, 118b, 119a, 119b) to pass alternately from a first position to a second position, the rotation of a slender arm (105a; 105b) in a direction causing the rotation of the other opposite arm (105b; 105a) in the opposite direction, and vice versa. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that each lower lateral plate (101a, 101b) is fixed to a double central jaw (102) enclosing the saddle post (7) and is individually angularly adjustable with respect to said central jaw. (102). Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that each lower lateral plate (101a; 101b) comprises arcuate adjustment slots (104) cooperating with screws (103) fixed to the double central jaw (102). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each lower lateral plate (101a, 101b) is traversed in its thickness by an arcuate guide groove (107a, 107b) inside which slide pairs of rings (113a, 113b) integral with the slender arms (105a, 105b). Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that each arcuate guide groove (107a; 107b) comprises front and rear stops (108a; 1089b) against which the rings (113a; 113b) can bear respectively in the first and second positions. . Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each longilinear arm (105a, 105b) comprises a pair of stabilizing and guiding pads (130a, 130b) bearing constantly against the external lateral faces of the lateral plates corresponding bottoms (101a, 101b. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for driving said segments (93; 91) forming the crankset, said driving means being adapted to alternately drive said mobile segments (93; 91 ) in a rotational movement combined with a translation. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a single and common motorization device (201) for controlling both the reciprocating movement of the pedal (91, 93) and the movement of the rear wheels (11). Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the motorization device comprises a central motor (201) driving on the one hand the segments (91, 93) of the crankset via a first belt (202) connected to a first gear motor (203) and on the other hand the rear wheels (11) via a second belt (206) connected to a second disengageable gear motor (207). Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a first central motor (211) driving the segments of the pedal assembly and independent motors (221, 222) for driving each rear wheel (11). Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that it is provided with a joystick/manual piloting lever (247) integrated into an arm rest (245) and piloting one and/or the other of the motors. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each element (6) for wedging the patient's foot comprises a spring-loaded front leg piece (16) for exerting an elastic return force on the lower part of the patient's leg , especially from below his knee.

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