Locomotion aid

Abstract

The invention relates to a locomotion aid (1) for people with limited mobility, comprising at least one frame (1), frame legs (2) which are connected to the frame (V) at a first end (2) and the second ends (2) of which are equipped with casters (3), a hip lock or a lumbar lock (8) which is connected to the frame (1) via a return mechanism (7) and via a mounting (6), and a seat (9) with an integrated brake triggering mechanism, wherein the seat (9) interacts with the hip lock (8), the return mechanism (7), which is in the form of a spring for example, and the mounting (6) when the seat is actuated by the person such that the brake triggering mechanism (5) can be triggered.

Claims

1. A locomotion aid for people with limited mobility, comprising: a frame having a first end and a second end; frame legs connected to the frame at the first end and at the second end of the frame; ball castors arranged on the frame legs; a hip or lumbar lock connected to the frame via a return mechanism and a mounting; a seat with an integrated brake triggering mechanism, wherein the seat is configured to interact with the hip or lumbar lock and the mounting in such a manner that the brake triggering mechanism is selectively triggered, wherein the hip or lumbar lock comprises: an adapter which triggers a self-adaptive locking mechanism of the hip or lumbar lock; connecting elements between outer walls of the hip or lumbar lock; a non-elastic outer side of the hip or lumbar lock; a manual adjustment mechanism for shortening the non-elastic outer side; and a connecting element between the hip or lumbar lock.

2. The locomotion aid as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame legs are height-adjustable.

3. The locomotion aid as claimed in claim 1, further comprising arm supports and handles, wherein the handles are arranged on the arm supports, and wherein the arm supports are connected to the hip or lumbar lock.

4. The locomotion aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame is conical.

5. The locomotion aid as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a spacer configured for collision protection.

6. The locomotion aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the return mechanism is or includes a spring system.

7. A method of using a locomotion aid as claimed in claim 1, comprising providing the locomotion aid to an individual in need thereof for use as a sports rollator, therapy rollator or dance rollator in setting selected from the group consisting of in private homes, in care homes, in hospitals, in sanatoria, and in sports facilities for senior citizens.

8. A locomotion aid for people with limited mobility, comprising: a frame having a first end and a second end; frame legs connected to the frame at the first end and at the second end of the frame; ball castors arranged on the frame legs; a hip or lumbar lock connected to the frame via a return mechanism and a mounting; a seat with an integrated brake triggering mechanism, wherein the seat is configured to interact with the hip or lumbar lock and the mounting in such a manner that the brake triggering mechanism is selectively triggered, wherein the return mechanism is or includes a spring system.

9. The locomotion aid as claimed in claim 8, wherein the frame legs are height-adjustable.

10. The locomotion aid as claimed in claim 8, further comprising arm supports and handles, wherein the handles are arranged on the arm supports, and wherein the arm supports are connected to the hip or lumbar lock.

11. The locomotion aid as claimed in claim 8 wherein the frame is conical.

12. The locomotion aid as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a spacer configured for collision protection.

13. The locomotion aid as claimed in claim 8 wherein the hip or lumbar lock comprises: an adapter which triggers a self-adaptive locking mechanism of the hip or lumbar lock; connecting elements between outer walls of the hip or lumbar lock; a non-elastic outer side of the hip or lumbar lock; a manual adjustment mechanism for shortening the non-elastic outer side; and a connecting element between the hip or lumbar lock.

14. A method of using a locomotion aid as claimed in claim 8, comprising providing the locomotion aid to an individual in need thereof for use as a sports rollator, therapy rollator or dance rollator in setting selected from the group consisting of in private homes, in care homes, in hospitals, in sanatoria, and in sports facilities for senior citizens.

Description

(1) In the figures:

(2) FIG. 1 shows schematically the design of a locomotion aid (1) for people with limited mobility in an isometric illustration,

(3) FIGS. 2a and 2b show schematically a rollator position with a person standing, 2a and sitting, 2b, in side view,

(4) FIGS. 3a-3g show schematically the locomotion aid from FIG. 1 in a plurality of views,

(5) FIGS. 4a-4d show schematically the frame adaptation of the locomotion aid from FIG. 1 to the height of a person in side view (FIGS. 4a and 4b) and the height adjustment according to FIGS. 4c and 4d,

(6) FIGS. 5a, 5b show schematically the hip lock in the locomotion aid (1),

(7) FIGS. 6a-6d show schematically the guiding back of the hip lock as a person sits down in the locomotion aid (1) according to FIG. 1,

(8) FIG. 7a shows schematically the vertical displacement of the hip lock of the locomotion aid from FIG. 1,

(9) FIG. 7b shows the side view and, in FIG. 7c, a top view of FIG. 7a,

(10) FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of the seat braking system of the locomotion aid from FIG. 1,

(11) FIG. 9 shows schematically the braking action mechanism on the ball castor of the locomotion aid from FIG. 1,

(12) FIG. 10 shows schematically a principle of the optomechanical detection of movement, used in the case of the ball castor of the device (1) from FIG. 1.

(13) FIG. 11 shows schematically the design of a locomotion aid (1) for people with limited mobility, in an isometric illustration.

(14) The locomotion aid (1) here comprises at least one frame (1), height-adjustable frame legs (2) which are connected at one end (2) to the frame (1) and, at the second end (2), ball castors (3) are arranged, a self-adaptive hip lock or lumbar lock (8) which is connected to the frame (1) via a return mechanism (7) and a mounting (6) of the hip lock, a seat (9) with an integrated brake triggering mechanism, wherein, upon actuation by the person, the seat (9) interacts with the hip lock (8), the spring system (7) and the mounting (6) in such a manner that the brake triggering mechanism is released.

(15) The return mechanism with what is referred to as a look function is responsible here for changing the hip lock from standing to sitting. The hip lock is guided back automatically during rising into a standing position. In addition, arm supports (4) with handles (5) are provided. The mounting (6) serves for receiving the devices relevant to the hip lock, i.e. for the hip lock (8) and the return mechanism (7).

(16) FIGS. 2a and 2b show schematically a rollator position with a person (P) standing, 2a, and sitting, 2b, according to FIG. 1, in side view.

(17) Automatic Frame Adaptation:

(18) Adaptation to the height is indispensable in order to guarantee correct, secure and effective use of the device. However, the height adjustment previously in known locomotion aids has been highly complicated and generally has to be carried out by at least one further person.

(19) The requirement for automatic adaptation of the frame to the height of the user is therefore intended to take place via an adjustment system which adjusts all four frame legs (2) in an infinitely variable manner in each lifting position by means of a blocking gas-filled spring. This is possible both elastically, i.e. resiliently, and also rigidly. It can also take place via a mechanical locking mechanism, such as, for example, locking by means of locking bolts in holes provided for this purpose at corresponding distances or by means of infinitely variable adjustment by tube turnbuckles which fix the rollator legs (2) at a desired height.

(20) FIGS. 3a-3f show various views of the locomotion aid 1.

(21) The schematic illustration of the sitting position which runs in a horizontal plane in the arrow direction (Pf.sub.1) and (Pf.sub.2) is illustrated in FIG. 3g, with it being clarified that the seat (9) can be displaced in the horizontal plane in order to increase or to reduce the distance of the seat (9) from the user (P). Adaptation to the height takes place via adjustment of the frame.

(22) FIGS. 4a and 4b show schematically the adaptation of the frame of the locomotion aid from FIG. 1 to the height of a person (P) by means of the height-adjustable legs (2) in side view, wherein the height adjustment according to FIG. 4c can take place at a first height (H.sub.1) and with a first radius (R.sub.1) and at a second height (H.sub.2) with a second radius (R.sub.2) according to FIG. 4d.

(23) During the height adjustment via the four lateral tube profiles, not only does the height change, but also at the same time an adaptation of the supporting surface and of the movement space takes place, as illustrated in FIGS. 4c and 4d.

(24) The arrangement and oblique position of the legs of the locomotion aid are configured here in such a manner that tilting of the locomotion aid and therefore falling of the user cannot occur even if the center of gravity of the locomotion aid or the collator extends at a certain height beyond the supporting surface.

(25) FIGS. 5a and 5b schematically illustrate the hip lock in the locomotion aid (1).

(26) The hip lock (8) of the locomotion aid (1) comprises at least the following components here: adaptation means (10), in order to trigger the self-adaptive locking mechanism of the hip lock (8), connecting elements (11) between the outer walls of the hip lock (8), a non-elastic outer side (12) of the hip lock (8), a manual adjustment mechanism (13) for shortening the non-elastic outer side (12), a connecting element (14) between the hip lock (8) and the spring system (7) with a look function, wherein B indicates a region in which the user or a person (P) is standing, as illustrated in FIG. 5a.

(27) A corresponding device, for example in the form of the adaptation means (10), which is located on the inner side of the hip lock or is attached directly in the lumbar region of the user is joined here onto a wing-like structure which is placed in a semicircular manner around the body of the person (P) corresponding to the body circumference by means of the action of pressure (D), indicated by the arrows (F.sub.1) and (F.sub.2) and is therefore locked horizontally, as illustrated in FIG. 5b.

(28) Owing to forearm-supported comportment and the lock in the hip and lumbar region, exercises are carried out in an upright body posture and a central position is ensured for unlimited movement with the rollator (1).

(29) FIGS. 6a-6d show schematically the guiding back of the hip lock (8) before sitting down (FIG. 6a, FIG. 6c), during sitting down or when sitting (P) FIGS. 6b and 6d, and also the change in the adjustment of the rollator position in FIGS. 6c and 6d. The rollator (1) comprises the following components: self-adaptive hip lock (8) spring mechanism (7) which can be guided back horizontally mounting for hip lock (6) seat with integrated brake triggering mechanism (9) triggering mechanism with release (5).

(30) The following advantages emerge from this arrangement: vertical movement of the upper body are possible despite fixing; positioning of the user takes place via the sides and the lower back region; the rollator (1) is preferably open toward the front in order to permit easy entry and exit; it has a rigid device, for better transmission of force; mechanism of the hip lock during sitting down.

(31) During stressing while standing according to FIGS. 6a, 6c: if the spring is relaxed according to FIG. 6c; a rearwardly directed movement of the lumbar support is not possible (latched state); the position of the lumbar support according to FIG. 6a only permits movements of the person (P) in the vertical direction;

(32) in order to be able to sit down, the securing or the locking mechanism of the spring on the hip lock has to be released. This can take place via a triggering mechanism (5) on the hand grip according to FIG. 6c.

(33) During stressing while sitting according to FIGS. 6b, 6d: by exertion of pressure of the upper body rearwards in the arrow direction (D), the spring according to FIG. 6b is compressed since the lumbar support is movable in the vertical direction, it is guided downwards during the sitting down and therefore provides a backrest for the back region during sitting a hip lock during the relaxed state according to FIG. 6c and during the tensioned state according to FIG. 6d.

(34) By means of the selected seat braking system, the seat does not provide a complete seat surface and, to this end, is located at a height of approx. 75-80%, with regard to the standing height of the posterior. This results in two substantial advantages over a conventional seat at a corresponding standard seat height, i.e. approx. 50% with respect to the height of the posterior during standing. These are:

(35) In an advantageous manner the user arrives more easily in the load-relieving rest position and also requires less force for standing up than in the case of a standard seat height. This advantage is of high importance in particular for use in the play sector since, during the phases of passive participation in a game, an energy-saving and secure position can be adopted and, during active participation in a game, an upright and play-ready body posture is rapidly available again.

(36) In addition, it has been established that, particularly during therapeutic exercises while sitting, the higher sitting position permits more clearance with the upper extremities. The upper extremities would otherwise be greatly restricted at a normal standard seat height.

(37) Manner of Operation of the Hip Lock:

(38) While carrying out the movements when standing, the posterior or the legs does not or do not touch the seat since the hip lock keeps the user in a corresponding position at a distance from the seat. When sitting down, the securing mechanism (blocking) which, during use whilst standing, prevents the hip lock from springing rearwards is released via a pushbutton on the handle.

(39) FIG. 7a shows schematically the vertical displacement of the hip lock of the locomotion aid from FIG. 1 with at least the following components: hip lock (8) guide element for vertical displacement (8) in the arrow direction (V) spring mechanism (7) which can be guided back horizontally

(40) FIG. 7b shows the side view and, in FIG. 7c, a top view of FIG. 7a is shown.

(41) FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of the seat braking system of the locomotion aid from FIG. 1 with at least the following components:

(42) seat (9) with integrated brake triggering mechanism, illustrated as seat height (Hs) transmission of braking force (F.sub.B) ball castor with brake (3) ball (3).

(43) FIG. 9 illustrates the braking action mechanism on the ball castor.

(44) The braking impulse is achieved by the user (P) sitting down with his/her body weight onto the seat. In the process, a mechanism inside or outside the seat is stressed which compresses and passes on a substance in the form of air or a hydraulic fluid.

(45) The braking action proceeds as follows:

(46) Via brake hoses, the resulting pressure (F) is passed on to the braking rings which are located around the ball castors. The pressure obtains a reduction in the diameter of the individual braking rings and leads to braking of the balls.

(47) Design of the ball castor with brake in the nonbraked state (Z.sub.nb) and in the braked state (Z.sub.b) in top view (D.sub.s) and side view (S.sub.a).

(48) The device including the ball castor with brake has at least the following components: ball castor with brake (3) ball (3) braking ring (3) housing of ball castor (3.sub.g) sealing ring against dirt (3.sub.Sch) ball bearing (3.sub.K)

(49) The locomotion aid (1) therefore has four ball castors which can move in all directions of movement, for example forward, sideways, diagonally, backwards and on circular paths. As a result, all of the previously mentioned problems can be solved with this rollator.

(50) The sphere of use of the novel rollator in the sports, dance and rehabilitation sectors is in sports halls or clinical facilities, wherein the locomotion aid is preferably operable on flat underlying surfaces, such as, for example, parquet or linoleum floors. For people who are not too greatly disabled, the use of the rollator is also possible on underlying surfaces which have joins or pronounced unevennesses, for example on carpet, tiles or lawns.

(51) The principle of an optomechanical detection of movement [www.losbuenos.ch/ct2/Eingabegeraete/DOCS/Posten1-4_01b_V4.doc] is applied and shown schematically in FIG. 10 in the case of the ball castor (3.sub.K) of the device from FIG. 1. The rollator or the castor can also be coupled to a movement tracking system in order to be able to undertake an optomechanical detection of movement.

(52) The optomechanical detection of movement is the detecting of the rollator movements which are converted, for example, via four ball castors (3.sub.K), respective perforated disks (L.sub.sch) and associated light barriers into electric signals. The rolling movement of the ball (3.sub.K) is transmitted via two rollers (Wa) to two segmented disks (L.sub.sch) which are perforated or are provided with slots (Sch) for the passage of light, with the light path (W.sub.L), from the direction of rotation (D.sub.R) and speed of which electrical pulses are generated via incremental transmitters with small light barriers. For example, LEDs (LED) can be used in conjunction with phototransistors (Ph). The relative coordinates of the individual balls are then set into a ratio with respect to one another via an algorithm. The movement of the user with the rollator, and not only the individual ball castor, can therefore be detected.

(53) This permits the illustration of movement profiles in respect of movement accuracy, the distance covered or an entire implementation, with acceleration and speed values being included. The parameters listed by way of example permit a therapeutic evaluation and also evaluation diagnosing performance.

(54) The hip lock and the associated positional lock of the user are intended to take place via a self-adaptive adjustment mechanism. By means of adaptive deformation or adaptation of the hip lock, a uniform distribution of pressure to the hips is provided. Neither the therapist nor the user has to undertake an adjustment here. As a result, not only is the outlay on adjustment reduced, but an erroneous adjustment is also avoided.

(55) In the sphere of use of gymnastics and dance, the locomotion aid according to the invention can have the following features and advantages: simple positional lock in the lumbar region; supporting function for the forearms; rollator legs which are height-adjustable in ten steps; four freely movable castors; parking brake on all four castors.

(56) In order to be able to impart a movement direction impulse to people wanting to use this rollator, a combination of the rollator (1) with a tactile stimulation system via a vibrating belt is possible.

(57) Manner of Action of the Tactile Stimulation System Via Vibrating Belt:

(58) providing at least four, preferably eight vibrating elements which are placed in a circular manner around the user (P) with the aid of a belt; the vibrating elements are intended to be activatable individually in order to transmit direction and movement form, for example a direction or rotation; the information about the activation of the individual elements preferably takes place via radio signals; information is provided via movement detection of a person, for example of a trainer, who is showing the practitioner (P) the intended movements or exercises, or over the course of further therapy via an app which can be operated by the therapist.

(59) The process sequence of the tactile stimulation via a vibrating belt can take place, firstly, by means of a therapist (a) demonstrating the exercise or, as shown in (b), by operation of a device by means of the therapist, and can be configured as follows:

(60) Step 1: Signal Recognition

(61) (a) The movement specification takes place by means of the therapist by showing the exercises. The therapist here wears, for example, an acceleration sensor on his/her body which records and transmits the respective direction of movement. (b) The movement specification takes place by means of the therapist by operating a device, wherein the therapist could use, for example, an application (app) by means of which the therapist can specify the direction of movement for the learner via a touch function.
Step 2: Signal Transmission

(62) The signal transmission can take place both in case (a) and in case (b) via radio, for example by means of WLAN or Bluetooth.

(63) Step 3: Signal Processing

(64) The signal processing can take place in both cases via the vibrating belt by the latter specifying the direction of movement by appropriate activation of the vibrating elements.

(65) The use of the locomotion aid (rollator) can take place as described below: