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WO2008036782A2 - Dispositif d'aide à la marche comprenant un matelassage dynamique de protection à activation automatique - Google Patents

Dispositif d'aide à la marche comprenant un matelassage dynamique de protection à activation automatique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008036782A2
WO2008036782A2 PCT/US2007/078959 US2007078959W WO2008036782A2 WO 2008036782 A2 WO2008036782 A2 WO 2008036782A2 US 2007078959 W US2007078959 W US 2007078959W WO 2008036782 A2 WO2008036782 A2 WO 2008036782A2
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Prior art keywords
walker
person
fall
padding
detecting
Prior art date
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Ceased
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PCT/US2007/078959
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English (en)
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WO2008036782A3 (fr
Inventor
Sydney A. Warren
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US12/442,510 priority Critical patent/US20090242006A1/en
Publication of WO2008036782A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008036782A2/fr
Publication of WO2008036782A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008036782A3/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/04—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to non-activity, e.g. of elderly persons
    • G08B21/0438—Sensor means for detecting
    • G08B21/0461—Sensor means for detecting integrated or attached to an item closely associated with the person but not worn by the person, e.g. chair, walking stick, bed sensor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/01—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
    • G08B25/016—Personal emergency signalling and security systems
    • 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
    • A61H2003/043—Wheeled walking aids for patients or disabled persons with a drive mechanism
    • 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
    • A61H2003/046—Wheeled walking aids for patients or disabled persons with braking means
    • 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
    • A61H2201/0173—Means for preventing injuries
    • 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
    • A61H2201/1633—Seat

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains generally to walking aids that improve the mobility of those who otherwise have difficulty safely walking, regardless of whether the difficulty arises due to age or other physical limitation. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a walking aid combined with means to protect the user in the event of a fall, hi one preferred embodiment, the invention is, in combination, a walker, a plurality of strategically located static and dynamic cushioning devices, and a tilt sensor for automatically deploying the dynamic cushioning devices.
  • walking aids To maintain quality of life in spite of physical limitation that interferes with unassisted walking, numerous forms of walking aids have been developed, from walking sticks and canes to walkers. While particularly useful in age-related walking disorders when difficulties first arise, walking sticks and canes provide minimal assistance and are primarily limited in benefit to those situations where an individual requires additional balance or only nominal load support, such as when one leg is slightly weak. When an individual loses significant strength or coordination in one or both of their legs, the minimal assistance provided by a walking stick or cane would no longer be enough to enable mobility. Walkers, on the other hand, provide support and additional balance on both sides of an individual, as well as in front.
  • U.S. patent 5,476,432 to Dickens illustrates another means of protecting the user in case of fainting or collapsing.
  • the walker encircles the user and has a strap between the legs to fully support the user.
  • Engelhart in case of a fall where the walker tips as well, the user is unprotected, and more likely to do damage due to the extra safety measures.
  • the invention is a walker having automatically activated protective cushions which improves the quality of life and longevity of a person in spite of at least one limitation that interferes with unassisted walking.
  • the walker has vertical legs coupled with a plurality of side and front bars to form a walking aid.
  • Dynamic padding is coupled to and supported by the walking aid and further defines a region protected by the dynamic padding.
  • a means is provided for detecting a fall, and a means is provided to deploy the dynamic padding responsive to the fall detecting means, to thereby cushion a person within said protected region against a fall.
  • the invention is a method of improving the quality of life and longevity of a person in spite of at least one limitation that interferes with unassisted walking.
  • a walking aid is provided that is suitable for structurally supporting the person and that has dynamic padding defining a protected region.
  • the dynamic padding is enabled to be deployed during use and disabled when not in use. When a fall of either or both of the person and walking aid is detected, the dynamic padding is deployed.
  • the invention is a walker having two vertical rear legs, two vertical front legs, and a plurality of side and front bars to form a three sided, u-shaped walking aid.
  • Dynamic padding is mounted adjacent to each of the two vertical rear legs and a front bar, thereby defining a protected region.
  • a means is provided for detecting a fall, as is a means for detecting the presence of an individual within the protected region.
  • the dynamic padding is deployed when the means for detecting a fall detects a fall and the means for detecting the presence of an individual within the protected region detects the presence of an individual within the protected region, whereby the dynamic padding cushions the individual in the event of a fall.
  • Exemplary embodiments of the present invention solve inadequacies of the prior art by providing a walker having automatic safety features which protect an individual from harm that might occur from many types of otherwise dangerous falls.
  • the walker is comfortable, convenient, and safe.
  • a first object of the invention is to provide a walking aid that improves quality of life, longevity and independence.
  • a second object of the invention is to allow an individual to use a walking aid unaccompanied and with reduced risk of sustaining serious injury.
  • Another object of the present invention is to create a walking aid that is both comfortable and convenient to use.
  • a further object of the invention is to present the user with a durable walking aid that works for as many situations as reasonably possible.
  • An additional object of the invention is to allow the incorporation of beneficial propulsion assistance.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to incorporate all of the aforementioned benefits into one walking aid.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment walker designed in accord with the teachings of the invention, having automatically activated protective cushions illustrated in a deployed state, from projected plan view.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment walker of Figure 1 from top plan view.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the preferred embodiment walker of Figure 1 from rear view
  • FIG.4 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment walker designed in accord with the teachings of the invention, having automatically activated protective cushions illustrated in a deployed state, from side plan view
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a further alternative preferred embodiment walker designed in accord with the teachings of the invention, and having automatically activated protective cushions illustrated in a non-deployed state, from rear view
  • FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment walker designed in accord with the teachings of the invention, in combination with a person in a sideways- fall-and-ground-irapact position, illustrating the deployment of additional dynamic cushioning.
  • the present invention provides a walker 100, composed of four vertical legs 102 which are connected to each other via a plurality of sidebars 104, 110 and front bars 106, 108 to form a three sided, u-shaped walking aid.
  • the open side of the u-shaped walker 100 will be referred to as the back or rear, and the opposing side the front.
  • a person walks into the middle of the "u”, entering through the rear. Facing the front, the user grasps any of the side or front bars 104, 106, 108, 110, though most persons would grasp the uppermost bars 104 or 106.
  • walker 100 has several additional features for the convenience, comfort, and safety of the user.
  • static padding 112 wrapped around vertical legs 102, side bars 104, 110, and front bars 106, 108.
  • static padding will be understood to include any type of padding having a first predetermined dimension when no forces are applied thereto, and which is substantially compressible when compressive forces are applied.
  • Static padding 112 allows for a more comfortable grip when using walker 100. Furthermore, static padding 112 decreases the amount of damage inflicted if someone accidentally bumps into or scrapes against walker 100, whether or not during use. Static padding 112 provides improved comfort and may also provide improved grasping and the like. However, in order for static padding 112 to serve as a significant safety feature, it must be quite large.
  • walker 100 has dynamic padding 114 attached to both rear legs 102 and top front bar 106.
  • Dynamic padding 114 is most preferably self-deploying if walker 100 tips over.
  • dynamic padding 114 is shown in a deployed state, while Figure 5 illustrates dynamic padding 114 in the non-deployed or stowed state where it preferably visually resembles static padding 1 12.
  • dynamic padding 1 14 is comprised of air bags, most preferably cushioning the fall in much the same manner as air bags in a motor vehicle, though preferably somewhat more gently.
  • a great deal of padding bulk may be produced nearly instantaneously through rapid generation or release of gas into the bag. With the substantially greater bulk at the time of deployment, the amount of time available to stop the person is greatly increased, thereby substantially decreasing the forces required to break the fall safely and without harm to the person.
  • dynamic padding 1 14 should only be deployed when two conditions are met. The first is that walker 100 is, in fact, falling. The fall may be detected in several ways, including through acceleration detectors or through the use of tilt sensors.
  • front bar 106 contains a tilt sensor 128 for detecting if and when walker 100 tips over.
  • the minimum angle necessary to activate tilt sensor 128 is sufficiently large to ensure that ordinary manipulation, which will result in various angular disturbances, does not falsely activate tilt sensor 128. Otherwise, accidental inflation could actually knock down a person who was not, in fact, falling. Since most preferred dynamic padding 114 may be deployed in a few milliseconds, this angle of tilt can be quite large.
  • Other means for detecting the fall are known both in the prior art and from the documents incorporated herein above, and so are contemplated herein.
  • the second condition that should be met prior to deploying dynamic padding 114 is the presence of an individual within the protected region of walker 100.
  • protected region it will be understood that walker 100 may be designed to form a protective cushion around some limited region. This region may be somewhat smaller or even somewhat larger than walker 100, but may nevertheless be reasonably defined and identified at the time of design of walker 100. In the event that walker 100 were to be accidentally knocked over, it would be undesirable to deploy dynamic padding 114. Consequently, suitable means to detect the presence of an individual within this protected region is desirable.
  • a number of automatic or manual means are contemplated herein, though upon review of the present disclosure it will be apparent to those reasonably skilled that many other means may be used.
  • manual switches may be employed that arm or enable the deployment of dynamic padding 114.
  • more automatic means such as grip or pressure sensors may be used that detect a person grasping, touching or holding on to walker 100.
  • grip or pressure sensor it will be understood that there will need to be a memory or delay built in, such that even if a person were to let go of walker 100, the circuitry would recognize for some limited time that the person would still reasonably be in the protected area.
  • Another automated means for detection would incorporate one or more optical, ultrasonic or similar detectors that are capable of detecting an object within the protected area.
  • an array of photo-emitters and photo-detectors would ordinarily be combined, and breakage of one or more of the beams would indicate the presence of an object or person within the protected area.
  • Ultrasonic detectors which precisely measure short distances are also known, for exemplary purposes being employed in the beverage industry to precisely control the filling of soft drinks into cups. Such types of detectors are contemplated herein for detecting the presence of a person within the protected area, and the sensitivity of these detectors is sufficient to enable distinguishing a person within the protected area from a person walking past or adjacent to walker 100.
  • tilt sensor 128 has wires 118 which are used to trigger deployment of activate air bag ignitors 116, in the case ignitors are used.
  • the location of the wires is illustrated in the figures, though separate wiring is not shown. This is because the wires 118 are preferably either enclosed or embedded, though in some cases they may also be surface mounted or restrained. Where ignitors are preferred, it is also preferable to provide for ready and rapid replacement of ignitors 116.
  • other methods of deployment may be used such as valve activation and release of stored highly expandible gas, such as pressure- liquified compounds or pressurized gas.
  • dynamic padding 114 may be designed for manual refolding and storage, may include a vacuum system to retract an air bag back into holder, or may be replaced with a factory-assembled unit.
  • deployed dynamic padding 114 may preferably be returned to the factory for appropriate recycling, which may include repackaging, rebuilding or materials recycling, the extent as required or appropriate, prior to the units being returned for use in walker 100. In such cases, it may be necessary or desirable to store spare dynamic padding units with walker 100.
  • Dynamic padding 1 14 may vary from that shown in the illustrations, both prior to and subsequent to deployment, the arrangement and selection of which will be made by a designer to meet a given set of objectives.
  • dynamic padding 114 adjacent the open end of walker 100 maybe designed to deploy in such a way as to completely enclose the open end, and may even overlap adjacent the open end. In this manner, a person would be protected, even when walker 100 tips over towards the backward side.
  • the air bags may be designed to surround the person in a cushion of air, thereby avoiding the person being pushed from the air bag onto another obstacle, or sliding from the air bag undesirably onto another hazard.
  • opposite it will be understood herein and for the purposes of the present disclosure that the air bags do not have to be located or even open in geometrically opposite directions, but rather that these bags will tend to surround or encompass an individual, rather than leave them exposed or propel them undesirably in any direction.
  • dynamic padding 114 may be provided not only in the interior protected space of the walker, but may also form a protective space by deploying exterior to the framework when desired. Illustrating this are two external side bags 114'. These bags are designed to deploy well beyond upper bars 104, 106, to protect a person from shoulder, hand, arm or head contact with ground and obstacles during a fall.
  • By providing dynamic padding 114' exterior to the walker 100 framework a person may safely grasp and cling to static padding 112 about rails 104 even during a fall, without interference with or possible injury from a deploying air bag. Said another way, a person using walker 100 will be grasping static padding 112 or rails 104.
  • Dynamic padding 114 As has already been aforementioned, is not limited in size or shape or even in deployment, so long as the desired and intended protection is safely achieved. Dynamic padding 114" illustrates this, by showing a much larger air bag than was presented in Figure 1.
  • This larger dynamic padding 114" provides protection to the user' s face and chest from harmful impact in the event of a forward fall. While the shape is illustrated as being relatively thin in each of the figures, it will be recognized that this is to best preserve the volume of protected interior space within walker 100. Where exterior dynamic padding 114" is used, there is no such restriction. Consequently, dynamic padding 114' may not only assume the illustrated shape, but may for exemplary purposes form a shape resembling that of a hemisphere, with the flat side preferably facing the person. With careful design of the geometry of the air bag, the forces and cushioning time described herein above may be optimized to provide the best possible protection for a person.
  • a backwards tilting fall could trigger dynamic padding deployment from the back and sides, but not the front.
  • a fall corresponding to a landing on a side of the walker might even only trigger a single dynamic pad to be activated. This would be appropriate where the padding could be shaped to be expected to reliably surround or hold the person without the person being bounced therefrom or sliding off of the padding.
  • dynamic padding 114 may in certain instances be controlled in other ways beyond those already discussed.
  • control circuitry is contemplated which could deploy dynamic padding 114 in the event that a person released both hands from walker 100 without first de-activating the deployment circuitry.
  • the conditions for activation might include optical or tilt detection of the person within the protected area, such that a fainting or otherwise collapsing person could also be protected through the deployment of dynamic padding 114.
  • additional dynamic padding 1 14 might also desirably be provided adjacent the ground, such that a person simply dropping generally straight down could also be cushioned.
  • the flexibility of geometry, placement and control of dynamic padding 114 permits walker 100 to be designed for and tailored to a wide variety of needs through simple replacement of a few specific components, while still preserving the vast majority of structure of walker 100.
  • Walker 100 can also incorporate several existing options which increase convenience, including the option of having a folding or removable seat, providing users with the option of taking breaks anytime, anywhere, whether to rest, or to socialize with friends. The user can sit and socialize when seeing an acquaintance, reducing the chances of fatigue and/or collapsing. Additionally, items including, but not limited to, water bottle holders and baskets can be attached to the front of walker 100, enabling the user to carry additional items while both hands are grasping walker 100. Furthermore, while having rubber ends 124 on legs 102 is beneficial because they prevent any unintentional slipping of walker 100 while in use, those with less strength or coordination may find the alternative embodiment walker 200 shown in figure 4 beneficial.
  • the front two legs 102 of walker 200 have wheels 126 at the bottom terminations, increasing the maneuverability of walker 200.
  • wheels 126 When wheels 126 are used, brakes can be added to allow the user to roll the walker forward between steps, without walker 200 slipping away from them when they are not intending to move.
  • FIG. 5 An additional method of improving maneuverability is also contemplated in figure 5, consisting of small joysticks 150 on both arms 104.
  • joysticks 150 will control bi-directional motorized wheels 126 which will operate separately for further ease, especially when turning corners.
  • controls may also be provided to remotely move and guide walker 200, such that a person could bring the walker to them rather than having to move to the walker.
  • a dashboard 140 covered in a soft foam. Dashboard 140 would preferably still have air bag capacity, with an air bag port 144 being located on the dashboard 140.
  • Dashboard 140 would also have several additional options, including, but not limited thereto, various communications devices such as cellular telephones, emergency call buttons, locators, and the like; displays, and, where appropriate, sensors for human medical parameters; audio-video devices; storage pockets and holders; and other accessories.
  • various communications devices such as cellular telephones, emergency call buttons, locators, and the like
  • displays, and, where appropriate, sensors for human medical parameters such as cellular telephones, emergency call buttons, locators, and the like
  • sensors for human medical parameters such as cellular telephones, emergency call buttons, locators, and the like
  • audio-video devices such as audio-video devices
  • storage pockets and holders such as weight is less important.
  • a drive motor is provided in combination with the wheels, the drive motor will provide the necessary motive power to support even heavier objects, without unduly burdening the user.
  • communications devices will be interpreted broadly, and in their simplest form could include such devices as bells and audible horns. Such devices would be fully adequate for signaling an emergency or need for assistance in a typical hospital or nursing home setting. However, walkers are used in many other places, and help may not always be within audible range. Consequently, it is desirable to additionally or alternatively incorporate more modern el ectronic technology. Most preferably, a cellular telecommunications system will be provided.
  • Modern cellular telecommunications systems may be used not only for placing and receiving telephone calls, but also for obtaining emergency assistance such as through the On-Star and like systems, for position and location detection for both wanderers and theft prevention such as provided with On-Star and Lojack systems, and also for remote medical monitoring.
  • emergency assistance such as through the On-Star and like systems
  • position and location detection for both wanderers and theft prevention
  • remote medical monitoring walkers are inherently for the purpose of enhancing mobility, which in turn enhances both health and well-being.
  • excessive exertion or irregular medical parameters which could lead to harm can be used to trigger communications with a health provider or facility.
  • these human medical parameters will also be displayed directly upon dashboard 140 through a diagnostics panel.
  • These human medical parameters may be any parameters that may be monitored, and include for exemplary purposes such parameters as heart rate and blood pressure, A myriad of other parameters may be monitored today, and it is contemplated herein that these parameters may be displayed and also may be communicated through suitable communications device to a remote location.
  • Dashboard 140 may additionally include additional devices such as audio- video devices including but not limited to mp3, DVD and television players, and may also be provided with compartments, drawers, holders or the like for any suitable accessories, including but not limited to any of the aforementioned devices and also such things as personal items, beverage containers, towels, or any other of a myriad of accessories too numerous to list herein.
  • the various electronic devices may be independent from each other or may be under common control of a microprocessor, computer or similar device.
  • walker 100, 200 may preferably be configured to fold up, making storage and transportation much more convenient. In order to fold up, the sides of walker 100 pivot inward using folding hinges 120, best visible in Figure 1 and which connect front bars 106, 108 to vertical legs 102.
  • walker 100 With the sides of walker 100 rotated, walker 100 lays flat and can fit easily in a closet, behind a couch, in a trunk, or any other convenient and appropriate location.
  • the height of legs 102 of walker 100, 200 may also preferably be adjustable.
  • a height adjustment knob 122 which, when loosened, allow for the adjustment of legs 102. Such adjustment is desirable for accommodating individuals of diverse height and posture. When the height of legs 102 is deemed appropriate, height adjustment knobs 122 can be tightened, preventing the vertical movement of legs 102. Using the height adjustment feature of walker 100, 200, the walker can also fit even more easily into small spaces.
  • a dynamic active suspension preferably implemented into a walker such as walker 200 illustrated in Figure 5, though not limited thereto and certainly applicable to walker 100, a microprocessor and other electronics may be provided to serve a multitude of beneficial purposes, some of which have already been described herein above.
  • a microprocessor may further be used to translate output from tilt sensor 128, which may comprise one or an array of sensors, into control of a dynamic active suspension that controls both the height of the walker and the height of individual legs such that the walker will land softly, while adjusting individual leg heights where necessary or appropriate to stabilize the user to reduce the chance of a fall.
  • this height adjustment may be implemented under microprocessor control.
  • this same pressure source may be used through valve control to control pneumatic cylinders provided within legs 102, which in turn individually control the height of one or more of legs 102.
  • This pressure regulation can readily be provided through microprocessor control to set a desired height for each leg at any given instance.
  • walker 100, 200 may then be set to a first "static" height, which would be the target height for ordinary use, similar to the leg height which would be selected through the use of height adjustment knobs 122.
  • first "static" height which would be the target height for ordinary use, similar to the leg height which would be selected through the use of height adjustment knobs 122.
  • the leg may be permitted to extend a small distance before pneumatic pressure is sufficiently reduced to prevent further extension.
  • load is reapplied, there is also a small distance of retraction available to cushion both walker 100, 200 and a user.
  • the cushioning described so far could be implemented very simply and solely using ordinary mechanical springs or other similar devices, which are contemplated herein.
  • tilt sensor 128, whether an individual sensor or array would detect the tilt to one side. If the person were falling to the left, then pressure in the left legs 102 could be increased to maintain length or even extend these left legs. In contrast, the pressure on the right legs 102 could be decreased, again to maintain length or even decrease the length of these right legs. So, during ordinary balanced walking, legs 102 would simply extend and retract similar to the effect produced by a simple spring. However, in the event excessive tilt in any direction is detected, legs 102 can be controlled through microprocessor control to reduce the chance of either walker 100, 200 or the user falling over.
  • leg length detection While it is conceivable to use leg length detection as a form of tilt detection, this is not desirable, and tilt and leg length detection should be separately detected. This is because of the nature of use of a walker. More particularly, a person will often times lift the walker completely off of the ground. If at this moment, the person were to lose balance and fall, leg length detection might not adequately anticipate the fall. However, a true tilt detector would be useful to recognize the fall.
  • walker 100, 200 may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including metals, metal alloys, resins and plastics, ceramics or cementitious materials, or other suitable materials or even combinations or composites.
  • the specific materials used may vary, though special benefits are attainable if several important factors are taken into consideration.
  • the walker 100, 200 should be sufficiently light to enable even a relatively frail user to move it. For lighter materials, this is of less consequence, but the difficulty holding and adjusting walker 100, 200 increases greatly with denser, heavier materials.
  • walker 100, 200 should also be sufficiently strong to safely support a larger and heavier person, even when such a person stumbles and places great force directly onto walker 100, 200. It is at these moments that walker 100, 200 is performing the intended function of providing safe transport.
  • walker 100, 200 remain in place while a user is taking a step. Consequently, as was already mentioned, legs 102 can have either rubber ends 124 or wheels 126 with brakes. In this way, the walker 100, 200 will remain in place, decreasing the risk of falling.
  • drive control may be provided through the sensing of forces forward or backward instead of or in addition to joystick 150.
  • Such drive control has previously been provided in appliances, such as in Kirby vacuum cleaners, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • suitable logic may be provided in combination with the sensing of a person within the protected area such that a person falling in some direction would not be permitted to accidentally engage either wheels 126 or joystick 150 in a continuing drive in that same direction.
  • walker 100, 200 will also be weather resistant and sufficiently durable to withstand the particular climate for the intended application, including any temperature extremes and resistance to rust in the case of precipitation.
  • static padding 112 alternative wraps or manufacture from a suitable poor thermal conductor may be highly desirable to avoid undesirable exposure of a person to temperature extremes. For example, where walker
  • 100, 200 is fabricated from aluminum or alloys thereof for weight and strength, in some climates walker 100, 200 may be extremely cold or hot, and the aluminum or alloy will readily provide thermal conduction, which in turn could undesirably harm a person.
  • thermal conductivity can be lowered sufficiently to avoid undesirable harm.
  • many polymer materials or composites may also provide adequate strength and much lower thermal conductivity.

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  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'aide à la marche (100, 200) configuré avec un matelassage statique (112) et des coussins gonflables (114) pour protéger l'utilisateur en cas de chute. Les coussins gonflables (114) ne sont généralement pas déployés. Cependant, le dispositif d'aide à la marche comporte un capteur d'inclinaison qui, lorsqu'une chute est détectée, déclenche des actionneurs de coussins gonflables (116). Dans un mode de réalisation, le capteur d'inclinaison (128) peut comprendre un ou des réseaux de capteurs, et peut également être couplé via un microprocesseur à une suspension active dynamique (102) qui commande à la fois la hauteur du dispositif d'aide à la marche et la hauteur des jambes individuelles de sorte que le dispositif d'aide à la marche va atterrir en douceur, tout en ajustant les hauteurs des jambes individuelles le cas échéant ou de manière appropriée pour stabiliser l'utilisateur afin de réduire le risque d'une chute. Outre d'assurer une protection plus étendue pour l'utilisateur, le dispositif d'aide à la marche comprend plusieurs options qui peuvent accroître le confort et le bien-être qu'il offre. De telles options peuvent comprendre des charnières de verrouillage (120), permettant le repli du dispositif d'aide à la marche ; un caoutchouc (124) sur l'extrémité des jambes à leur point de contact avec le sol ; des roues (126) sur les jambes ; des freins pour les roues ; des jambes réglables en hauteur (102, 122) ; un porte-bouteille d'eau ; un panier ; un siège amovible ou repliable ; un tableau de bord (140) comportant divers dispositifs de communications tels que téléphones cellulaires, boutons d'appel d'urgence, localisateurs, et analogues ; et des dispositifs audiovisuels.
PCT/US2007/078959 2006-09-21 2007-09-19 Dispositif d'aide à la marche comprenant un matelassage dynamique de protection à activation automatique Ceased WO2008036782A2 (fr)

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US12/442,510 US20090242006A1 (en) 2006-09-21 2007-09-19 Walker Having Automatically Activated Protective Dynamic Padding

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US11/534,210 2006-09-21

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WO2015063765A1 (fr) * 2013-10-29 2015-05-07 Milbat - Giving Quality To Life Dispositif d'assistance pour déambulateur
US10733866B2 (en) 2013-10-29 2020-08-04 The Sheba Fund For Health Services And Research Walker-assist device
FR3044456A1 (fr) * 2015-11-27 2017-06-02 Made In Nov'in Dispositif d’aide au deplacement comportant un module d’alerte
CN106263331A (zh) * 2016-10-04 2017-01-04 吴昱希 一种多功能拐杖
CN109350465A (zh) * 2018-11-21 2019-02-19 台州黄岩羽山综合门诊部 一种老人用代步助行器
CN109350465B (zh) * 2018-11-21 2020-10-20 泉州市中知信息科技有限公司 一种老人用代步助行器
US11998505B2 (en) 2020-08-10 2024-06-04 Avery Jordan ALPERIN Anti-tipping apparatus for walkers

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WO2008036782A3 (fr) 2008-11-27
US20090242006A1 (en) 2009-10-01

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