Assisted walking device for human paralysis or weakness

Abstract

Assisted walking devices for use by a person with at least one side paralysis or weakness and for paraplegics are provided with features for user friendly attachment and release of the devices. The assisted walking devices include features for controlled limitation of lateral gait movement that occurs in natural lateral walking gait motion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an assisted walking device for a human experiencing at least one-sided partial paralysis or weakness where the device employs a simple user friendly installation and provides controlled limited lateral gait movement while walking.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Human one sided paralysis (hemiplegia) or weakness (hemiparesis) is typically the result of a stroke, but can also result from other brain, nervous system and spinal cord injuries or diseases. Further one sided weakness can be the result of soft tissue injuries to one-side of the body, for example, from automobile or other types of accidents.

Assisted human ability to stand upright and walk with one sided paralysis or weakness, and also paraplegia or paraparesis, typically involves use of an upper limb, including the hand, axilla and shoulder up to the deltoid region and a lower limb, including the foot, lower leg and thigh up to the hip or gluteal region.

At one end of the spectrum of assisted walking devices, there is a multitude of sophisticated prior art devices for at least one-sided paralysis or weakness that are difficult and time consuming to attach to the user, and may require the removal of clothing to complete their installation, or interfere with medical devices attached to the user's body.

At the other end of the spectrum of assisted walking devices, there is a multitude of crutches that transfer weight from the lower extremities to the upper body and are of limited value for at least one sided paralysis or weakness extending upwards beyond the lower extremity.

It is one object of the present invention to provide an assisted walking device for use by a person with at least one sided paralysis or weakness extending from the upper limb to the lower limb, or at least one side region to a foot or at least one or more one side regions in between, and that employs a simple user friendly installation and provides for a controlled limited lateral gait movement of the user while walking with the assisted walking device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an assisted walking device for use by a paraplegic, which device employs a simple user friendly installation and provides for a controlled limited lateral gait movement of the user while walking with the assisted walking device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the present invention is an assisted walking device for use by a person with at least one sided paralysis or weakness where the device has a simple user friendly installation and a simple release from the user, and where the device provides the user with a controlled lateral gait movement while walking.

In another aspect the present invention is an assisted walking device for use by a paraplegic where the device has a simple user friendly installation and a simple release from the user, and where the device provides the user with a controlled lateral gait movement while walking.

The above and other aspects of the invention are set forth in this specification and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings, as briefly summarized below, are provided for exemplary understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention as further set forth in this specification and the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an assisted walking device of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a detail view of the lower end of the assisted walking device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a detail view of the lower end of an alternative embodiment of the assisted walking device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the assisted walking device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a left side elevational view of the assisted walking device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an assisted walking device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of the lower end of the assisted walking device shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the assisted walking device shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a left side elevational view of the assisted walking device shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the assisted walking device shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A with a person positioned in employment of the device for assisted walking.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C are left side elevation views of employment of the assisted walking device in FIG. 9 with the person walking forward through a gait cycle with the assisted walking device.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are front elevation views corresponding to the side elevation views in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C of employment of the assisted walking device in FIG. 9 with the person walking forward through a gait cycle with the assisted walking device.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of another embodiment of an assisted walking device of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate limited maximum one sided lateral gait angle control provided by the assisted walking device illustrated in FIG. 5 through FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Three-dimensional Cartesian space is established in the drawings for convenience of describing relative locations and movements of the disclosed assisted walking device's components.

There is shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4 one embodiment of an assisted walking device 10 of the present invention.

Vertically oriented support rod 12 is configured for the attachment of the components of the human assisted walking device shown in the figures. In some embodiments of the invention, the vertically oriented support rod may be of a fixed overall vertical height as required for a particular user of the device. In some embodiments of the invention, vertically oriented support rod 12 is a vertical linear length of rectangular extruded aluminum T-slot structural frame configured for use with interlocking fittings for attachment of the components. In other embodiments, the vertically oriented support rod is adjustable in overall vertical height; for example, by being formed from two or more tubular sections that telescope into and out of each other to a lockable variable vertical height as required by a particular user. In some embodiments of the invention, the vertically oriented support rod may include one or more curved sections to accommodate a particular user's body shape or posture.

An upper body retainer 14 is attached at or near to the upper vertical end 12a of vertically oriented support rod 12 and is either fixed in location to the vertically oriented support rod with a suitable upper body retaining fastener or configured for fixing to an adjustable location along the vertical height of the vertically oriented support rod with a fastener tightening element that can be located relative to the interior or exterior of the upper body retaining fastener. In some embodiments of the invention, the attachment of the upper body retainer 14 to vertically oriented support rod 12 allows rotation of the vertically oriented support rod around the attachment in an X-Z plane when the device 10 is in use so that the vertically oriented support rod rotates independent of the attached upper body retainer. Upper body retainer 14 extends at least partially around the girth of a user's chest region to secure the user in the forward (+X) walking direction and rearward (−X) standing direction when walking with the device. In some embodiments of the invention the upper body retainer is formed from an arcuate shaped soft injection molded polymer material with expanding elasticity to comfortably secure a variable range of chest girths where the upper body retainer is positioned when in use.

In some embodiments of the invention optional chest belt 14a, either of adjustable length or fixed length, is configured with a belt fastener 14b, such as a snap-fit buckle so that the upper body retainer remains firmly attached to the user's chest when walking by securing the upper body retainer around the entire girth of the user.

Hand grip assembly 16 is attached at position 12b to vertically oriented support rod 12 below upper body retainer 14 and is either securely fixed in a location to the vertically oriented support rod or configured for secured fixing to an adjustable vertical height location to the vertically oriented support rod. Hand grip 16a extends forward (+X direction) of the vertically oriented support rod with inward end attachment to hand grip forward extender 16b. Hand grip forward extender 16b can be configured for the optional adjustable vertical height location or an optional forward (+X direction) and rearward (−X direction) adjustment of hand grip assembly 16 relative to the vertically oriented support rod with a fastener tightening element that can be located on hand grip 16a, hand grip forward extender 16b or vertically oriented support rod 12. Hand grip 16a is shown in the drawings with optional grip compression material 16c provided over hand grip 16a to allow the user to firmly compression grip the hand grip.

Knee support assembly 18 is attached at position 12c to vertically oriented support rod 12 below hand grip assembly 16 and is either fixed securely in location to the vertically oriented support rod, for example, with a suitable knee support fastener or configured for secured fixing to an adjustable vertical height location to the vertically oriented support rod with a fastener tightening element that can be located on knee support 18a, lateral (Y-direction) knee support extender 18b or vertically oriented support rod 12. Lateral knee support extender 18b may be of a fixed lateral (Y) direction length or of a variable fixed lateral direction length provided, for example, by forming the lateral knee support from two or more interconnected tubular knee support extender sections that telescope into and out of each other to a fixed lockable variable lateral position as required by the body shape of a particular user of the assisted walking device. Knee support assembly 18 assists in avoiding buckling of the user's knee joint while walking and is preferably positioned with the vertical top (at reference height 18a′) of knee support 18a directly below the user's patella. Knee support 18a extends partially around the girth of the user's leg below the patella of the paralyzed or weakened leg when installed to secure the user's leg in the forward walking (X-direction) and lateral gait movement direction (Y) while walking and allows the user to easily remove the secured leg from the assisted walking device 10 in the rearward direction (−X) when separating from the assisted walking device. In some embodiments of the invention, knee support 18a is formed from an arcuate shaped soft molded polymer material with expanding elasticity to comfortably secure a variable range of leg girths below the patella when the user engages the knee support to secure the user's leg in the forward walking (X-direction) and lateral gait movement direction (Y) while walking and allows the user to easily remove the secured leg from the assisted walking device 10 in the rearward direction (−X) when separating from the assisted walking device.

Lower vertical end 12e of vertically oriented support rod 12 is pivotally (in the Y lateral direction) attached to lower horizontally oriented support structure 20 at rod lower pivot joint 12e′ located along the length (in the Y direction) of lower horizontally oriented support structure 20 at approximately mid-length location 20b and configured to allow rotation of the vertically oriented support rod in a Y-Z plane when the user is walking with the device so that the user can experience normal lateral gait motion during a gait cycle. Rod lower pivot joint 12e′ is either fixed at location 20b of the lower horizontally oriented support structure 20 or configured for fixing to an adjustable location along the length of the lower horizontally oriented support structure with a rod lower end fastener tightening element provided in combination with rod lower pivot joint 12e′.

As shown in the figures, attached respectively at opposing lateral (Y-direction) ends 20a and 20d of the lower horizontal horizontally oriented support structure are foot support 22 and horizontal leveler 26.

In some embodiments of the invention, foot support 22 for the paralyzed or weakened user's leg is configured as a foot stirrup with stirrup base 22a and stirrup outside and inside side walls 22b and 22c, respectively, with an open stirrup top for easy positioning of the user's leg in the stirrup and release from the stirrup. The base and side walls of the foot stirrup form a foot seating volume in which the user's foot is positioned while the device is being employed. The inside side wall 22c of the foot support is pivotally attached to inner end 20a of the lower horizontally oriented support structure 20 by pivot joint 22′ as best seen in FIG. 3. Pivot joint 22′ is configured to allow rotation of foot support 22, with the user's foot positioned in it during use, about longitudinal axis A₂₀ of lower horizontally oriented support structure 20 in an X-Z plane independent of the horizontally oriented support structure 20 as shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3. The base and side walls of the foot support are configured so that the foot seating volume comfortably seats the user's foot in cross sectional alignment with longitudinal axis A₂₀ when the user is walking in device 10 so that the user experiences a normal gait cycle movement of the foot when walking with the assistance of the device.

In other embodiments of the invention, foot support 22 is footwear, for example, athletic shoe 23 shown in alternative detail embodiment FIG. 2B of device 10. The foot support, for example the stirrup or footwear, can be manufactured by computer integrated design and manufacturing methods known in the art and can be provided with a complimentary fastening element that joins to a complimentary fastening element at inner end 20a of the horizontally oriented support structure 20 to form pivot joint 22′ at inner end 20a to provide the user's foot movement as disclosed when the foot support, for example a foot stirrup or footwear, is being used.

Vertically oriented support rod lower pivot joint 12e′ allows vertically oriented support rod 12 to rotate in a Y-Z plane when the user's paralyzed or weakened side is positioned in upper body retainer 14, knee support assembly 18 and foot support 22 with lateral direction gait movement that would naturally occur in a normal human gait walking cycle if assisted walking device 10 was not being used. However if this lateral direction gait movement is overextended, the user would be susceptible to falling laterally (Y-direction) without the ability to recover to upright position due to the at least one sided paralysis or weakness. To aid in avoiding lateral falling while allowing a controlled angle of gait rotation in lateral (−Y direction) assisted walking device 10 includes an active lateral gait force limit assembly. In some embodiments of the invention, the active lateral gait force limit assembly is a mechanical damper, for example a dashpot, or a pneumatic or hydraulic damper, as known in the art, in combination with a lateral motion limit device. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, pneumatic or hydraulic damper 32 is shown with monotube or twin tube gas or hydraulic cylinder 32a with damper rod 32b extending externally from the cylinder through lateral motion limit device 34 as best seen in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment of the invention, lateral motion limit device 34 comprises externally screw threaded pipe 34a joined at the end of the cylinder from which damper rod 32b extends and threaded lateral motion limit nut 34b that is adjustably screwed onto externally screw threaded pipe 34a. The final adjusted fixed position of nut 34b along the screw thread determines the maximum permissible lateral gait angle on the paralyzed or weakened side of the user. In the embodiment of the invention for assisted walking device 10 as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the cylinder end opposite the end of the externally extended cylinder rod 32b is pivotally (in the Y lateral direction) attached to lower horizontally oriented support structure 20 by damper pivot joint 32′ located along the length of lower horizontally oriented support structure 20 at location 20c, which is laterally outward of the rod lower end pivot joint 12e′. The externally extended end of damper rod 32b is pivotally (in the Y direction) attached to vertically oriented support rod 12 by damper pivot joint 32″ located along the length of the vertically oriented support rod 12 at location 12d below location 12c at which knee support assembly 18 is located.

When vertically oriented support rod 12 is at vertical (oriented parallel with the Z-axis), as shown for example in FIG. 1, damper 32 is configured so that cylinder rod 32b is at fully extended (external) stroke. When a user walks with assisted walking device 10, during gait cycle lateral (Y) motion to the right side of vertical (the side of paralysis or weakness in this example), externally extended damper rod 32b is forced into cylinder 32a to a maximum lateral gait angle when the external end of damper rod 32b makes contact with threaded lateral motion limit nut 34b. Consequently the user's lateral (−Y direction) gait motion is limited to the maximum lateral angle, for example angle A_LG from vertical as shown in FIG. 11B, which is established by the final adjusted position of the threaded lateral motion limit nut 34b on the externally screw threaded pipe, and externally extended damper rod 32b will return the vertically oriented support rod 12 to vertical orientation as the user returns to zero degrees lateral gait angle when the vertically oriented support rod 12 is at vertical orientation.

Horizontal leveler 26 is attached to outer end 20d of lower horizontally oriented support structure 20 and is either fixed in vertical (Z direction) distance from the bottom of the lower horizontal support structure to ground level G, or configured for secured fixing to an adjustable vertical distance with a leveler fastener tightening element that can be located above or below the lower horizontal support structure, such as adjustable threaded rod 26′ attached to leveler 26 and nut 26″ attached to the horizontally oriented support structure. In some embodiments of the invention, horizontal leveler 26 is bell-shaped and maintains the lower horizontally oriented support structure horizontally oriented as the user moves through a gait cycle. In some embodiments of the invention, horizontal leveler 26 is formed from a soft high elasticity polymer that is a passive lateral (Y) direction damper that functions in conjunction with the active lateral gait force damper to limit lateral gait motion.

There is shown in FIG. 5 through FIG. 8 another embodiment of an assisted walking device 11 of the present invention. Assisted walking device 11 is similar in part with assisted walking device 10 as described herein.

Vertically oriented support rod 12 is configured for the attachment of the components of the human assisted walking device shown in the figures. In some embodiments of the invention, the vertically oriented support rod may be of a fixed overall vertical height as required for a particular user of the device. In some embodiments of the invention, vertically oriented support rod 12 is a vertical linear length of rectangular extruded aluminum T-slot structural frame configured for use with interlocking fittings for attachment of the components. In other embodiments, the vertically oriented support rod is adjustable in overall vertical height; for example, by being formed from two or more tubular sections that telescope into and out of each other to a lockable variable vertical height as required by a particular user. In some embodiments of the invention the vertically oriented support rod may include one or more curved sections to accommodate a particular user's body shape or posture.

An upper body retainer 14 is attached at or near to the upper vertical end 12a of vertical support rod 12 and is either fixed in location to the vertically oriented support rod with a suitable upper body retainer fastener or configured for fixing to an adjustable location along the vertical height of the vertically oriented support rod with a fastener tightening element that can be located relative to the interior or exterior of the upper body retainer. In some embodiments of the invention, the attachment of the upper body retainer 14 to vertically oriented support rod 12 allows rotation of the vertically oriented support rod around the attachment in an X-Z plane when the device 10 is in use so that the vertically oriented support rod rotates independent of the attached upper body retainer. Upper body retainer 14 extends partially around the girth of a user's chest region to secure the user in the forward (+X) walking direction and rearward (−X) standing direction when walking with the device. In some embodiments of the invention the upper body retainer is formed from an arcuate shaped soft injection molded polymer material with expanding elasticity to comfortably secure a variable range of chest girths where the upper body retainer is positioned when in use.

In some embodiments of the invention optional chest belt 14a, either adjustable length or fixed length, is configured with a belt fastener 14b, such as a snap-fit buckle so that the upper body retainer remains firmly attached to the user's chest when walking by securing the upper body retainer around the entire girth of the user.

Hand grip assembly 16 is attached at position 12b to vertically oriented support rod 12 below upper body retainer 14 and is either securely fixed in a location to the vertically oriented support rod or configured for secured fixing to an adjustable vertical height location to the vertically oriented support rod. Hand grip 16a extends forward (+X direction) of the vertically oriented support rod with inward end attachment to hand grip forward extender 16b. Hand grip forward extender 16b can be configured for the optional adjustable vertical height location or an optional forward (+X direction) and rearward (−X direction) adjustment of hand grip assembly 16 relative to the vertically oriented support rod with a fastener tightening element that can be located on hand grip 16a, hand grip forward extender 16b or vertically oriented support rod 12. Hand grip 16a is shown in the drawings with optional grip compression material 16c provided over hand grip 16a to allow the user to firmly compression grip the hand grip.

Knee support assembly 18 is attached at position 12c to vertically oriented support rod 12 below hand grip assembly 16 and is either securely fixed in a location to the vertically oriented support rod, for example, with a suitable knee fastener or configured for secured fixing to an adjustable vertical height location to the vertically oriented support rod with a fastener tightening element that can be located on knee support 18a, lateral (Y direction) knee support extender 18b or vertically oriented support rod 12. Lateral knee support extender 18b may be of a fixed lateral (Y) direction length or of a variable fixed lateral direction length provided, for example, by forming the lateral knee extender from two or more interconnected tubular knee extender sections that telescope into and out of each other to a fixed lockable variable lateral position as required by the body shape of a particular user of the assisted walking device. Knee support assembly 18 assists in avoiding buckling of the user's knee joint while walking and is preferably positioned with the vertical top of knee support 18a directly below the user's patella. Knee support 18a extends partially around the girth of the user's leg below the patella of the paralyzed or weakened leg when installed to secure the user's leg in the forward walking (X direction) and lateral gait movement (Y direction) while walking and allowing the user to easily remove the secured leg from the assisted walking device 11 in rearward direction (−X) when separating from the assisted walking device. In some embodiments of the invention, knee support 18a is formed from an arcuate shaped soft molded polymer material with expanding elasticity to comfortably secure a variable range of leg girths below the patella when the user engages the knee support.

As shown in FIG. 5 through FIG. 8, attached respectively at opposing lateral (Y-direction) inner end 50a and outer end 50d of lower horizontally oriented support structure 50 are foot support 22 and horizontal leveler assembly 56. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, lower horizontally oriented support structure 50 comprises an open interior rectangular bar forming a “U” shaped cross section in an X-Z plane with bottom base 50′ shown in detail FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B. “U” shaped lower horizontally oriented support structure 50 is formed from a suitable material such as an aluminum alloy.

In some embodiments of the invention, foot support 22 for the paralyzed or weakened user's leg is configured as a foot stirrup with stirrup base 22a and stirrup outside and inside side walls 22b and 22c, respectively, with an open stirrup top for easy positioning of the user's leg in the stirrup and release from the stirrup. The base and side walls of the foot stirrup form a foot seating volume in which the user's foot is positioned while the device is being employed. The inside side wall of the foot support is pivotally attached to inner end 50a of the lower horizontally oriented support structure 50 by pivot joint 52′ as best seen in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Pivot joint 52′ is configured to allow rotation of foot support 22, with the user's foot positioned in it during use, about longitudinal axis A₅₀ of lower horizontally oriented support structure 50 in an X-Z plane independent of the horizontally oriented support structure 50 as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The base and side walls of the foot support are configured so that the foot seating volume comfortably seats the user's foot in cross sectional alignment with longitudinal axis A₅₀ when the user is walking in device 11 so that the user experiences a normal gait cycle movement of the foot when walking with the assistance of the device.

In other embodiments of the invention, foot support 22 is footwear, for example, athletic footwear as illustrated in FIG. 2B for the assisted walking device 10 that is also applicable to assisted walking device 11. The foot support, for example the stirrup or footwear, can be manufactured by computer integrated design and manufacturing methods known in the art and can be provided with a complimentary fastening element that joins to a complimentary fastening element at inner end 50a of the horizontally oriented support structure 50 to form pivot joint 52′ at inner end 50a to provide the user's foot movement as disclosed when foot support, for example a foot stirrup or footwear, is being used.

Lower vertical end 12e of vertically oriented support rod 12 is attached between lateral gait movement spring assembly 60 that, in this example of the invention, comprises mono-leaf spring 62 and lateral gait movement limit device 64 as best seen in detail FIG. 6 that form an active lateral gait force damper to limit lateral gait motion in assisted walking device 11.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, mono-leaf spring 62 comprises a flat rectangular elastic material with spring interior open slot 62a. The spring elastic material may be, for example, a fiberglass composition that bends in the Y lateral direction without deformation when the user applies a lateral gait force and returns to vertical orientation, for example in FIG. 5, when the lateral gait force is removed. The lower end of the vertically oriented mono-leaf spring 62 is fixedly located at location 50b along the longitudinal (Y-direction) length of lower horizontally oriented support structure 50 by being securely fitted between spring lower end holding blocks 52a and 52b that are fixedly attached to the interior of “U” shaped lower horizontally oriented support structure 50.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, lateral gait movement limit device 64 comprises vertically oriented open interior 64c rectangular rigid bar 64a and adjustable fitting 64b that interconnects rigid bar 64a to mono-leaf spring 62 between which rigid bar 64a and mono-leaf spring 62 the lower end 12e of the vertically oriented support rod 12 is fixed. As shown in detail FIG. 13A, the surface of lower end 64a′ of rectangular rigid bar 64a is horizontally offset by distance Z1 from the inner bottom 50′ at location 50c of “U” shaped lower horizontally oriented support structure when vertically oriented support rod 12 is as shown in FIG. 5. As best seen in FIG. 6 lower end 12e of vertically oriented support rod 12 is fixedly located between mono-leaf spring 62 and rigid bar 64a with spring standoff inner and outer fittings 63a and 63b located on opposing sides of the opening in mono-leaf spring 62. In the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings adjustable fitting 64b comprises a headed bolt that passes through opening 64c in rectangular rigid bar 64a, a lower end hole (not seen in the drawings) in the lower end 12e of vertically oriented support rod 12, hole (not seen in the drawings) in standoff inner fitting 63a, opening 62a in mono-leaf spring 62 and hole (not seen in the drawings) in standoff outer fitting 63b. Fastener 64b secures the interconnection between rectangular rigid bar 64a and mono-leaf spring 62 so that when a user is walking with assisted walking device 11 lateral gait movement (in −Y direction) is restricted to an adjustable angle based on where fastener 64b is secured along the height of the open slots in rigid bar 64a and mono-leaf spring 62. In the example of the invention shown in the drawings, the interconnected rigid bar 64a, vertically oriented support rod 12, standoff inner and outer fittings 63a and 63b and mono-leaf spring 62 will bend in the lateral direction from vertical V to lateral angle D as shown in detail FIG. 13B from vertical until the lower rectangular rigid bar end 64c makes contact with the inner bottom 50c′ of “U” shaped horizontally oriented support bar 50 as illustrated in detail FIG. 12B.

Horizontal leveler bar assembly 56 is attached to outer end 50d of lower horizontally oriented support structure 50 and, in this example, comprises forward (+X direction) horizontal leveler 56a and rearward (−X direction) horizontal leveler 56b attached to the opposing forward and rearward ends of horizontal leveler bar 54 and are either fixed in vertical (Z) distance from the bottom of the lower horizontally oriented support structure to ground level G or configured for fixing to an adjustable vertical distance with a fastener tightening elements that can be located above or below horizontal leveler bar 54. In some embodiments of the invention, horizontal levelers 56a and 56b are bell-shaped and maintain the lower horizontally oriented support structure 50 in horizontal orientation as the user moves through a gait walking cycle. In some embodiments of the invention, horizontal levelers 56a and 56b are formed from a soft high elasticity polymer that is a passive lateral (Y) direction damper that functions in conjunction with the active lateral gait force damper to limit lateral gait motion.

FIG. 9 illustrates one example of user 90 employing the use of an assisted walking device 10 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 without external support from an external device or individual.

FIG. 10A through FIG. 10C illustrate horizontal rise and fall through the angle A₁₆ as the user's paralyzed or weakened one side (right side in this example) is brought forward by device 10 during a partial gait walking cycle.

FIG. 11A through FIG. 11C illustrate lateral gait angle A_LG motion as the user's paralyzed or weakened one side is brought forward by device 10 during a partial gait walking cycle.

In FIG. 10A and FIG. 11A the user's weight is primarily over the left (non-paralyzed or non-weakened leg in this example) and the right (paralyzed or weakened leg) is not weight loaded with the user's left hand engaging hand grip 16a to move device 10 in the forward direction with the right leg positioned in device 10.

In FIG. 10B and FIG. 11B device 10 with the right leg pivot forward around upper body retainer 14 pivot connection to vertically oriented support rod 12. The left leg pushes forward and laterally to shift the user's weight over the right leg. Device 10 pivots laterally and forward around the horizontally oriented support structure 20 while the active lateral gait force limit assembly operates to control and limit the lateral gait movement. Knee support 18a prevents the user's knee joint from collapsing and maintains the user in an upright position through the gait cycle as the user's weight proceeds primarily over the right leg. Without the left leg weight loaded, the user can swing the left leg forward while the active lateral gait force limit assembly is forcing the vertically oriented support rod 12 to vertical while the user's weight shifts back to the left leg as shown in transition from FIG. 10B and FIG. 11B to FIG. 10C and FIG. 11C when a repeat forward gait cycle can be performed as shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 11A to FIG. 10B and FIG. 11B and described herein.

The above examples of the invention describe assisted walking devices for a right side paralysis or weakness. Assisted walking devices for a left side paralysis or weakness of the present invention are mirror images devices of those disclosed for right side paralysis or weakness.

In some embodiments of the invention, a right side 10a and a left side 10b assisted walking device of the present invention can be combined to form an assisted walking device of the present invention for use by a paraplegic as shown, for example, in FIG. 12. The paraplegic human assisted walking device 15 in FIG. 12 comprises a combination of a right body side 10a and a left body 10b side paralysis or weakness of a user for an employment by the paraplegic user during walking independent from an external support. The right body side 10a and left body side 10b comprises a combination of right body side and left body side assisted walking devices 10 in FIG. 12. An alternative embodiment of the paraplegic assisted walking device in FIG. 12 comprises a combination of right body side and left body side assisted walking devices 11.

In FIG. 12 the right body side assisted walking device comprises a right body side vertically oriented support rod, with an upper right body side retainer attached at or near to an upper vertical end of the right body side vertically oriented support rod, with the upper right body side retainer configured to secure the user in a forward walking direction and a rearward standing position. In some embodiments of the invention the upper right body side retainer may be combined with the upper left body side retainer to form a unitary upper body retainer for both the right and left body side assisted walking devices. A right body side hand grip assembly is attached to the right body side vertically oriented support rod at a vertical height below the upper right body side retainer and configured for a user right body side upper limb employment on the right body side. In some embodiments of the invention the right body side hand grip assembly may be combined with the left body side hand grip assembly to form a unitary hand grip assembly for both the right and left body side assisted walking devices. A right knee support assembly is attached to the right body side vertically oriented support rod and configured for a user's right body side lower limb engagement below a right patella region on the right body side. The right knee support assembly has a forward walking direction right knee support structure and an open rearward right knee support structure configured for a release of the user from the right knee support assembly. A lower vertical end of the right body side vertically oriented support rod has a right body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment to a right body side horizontally oriented support structure having an inner right body side horizontally oriented support structure end and an outer right body side horizontally oriented support structure end. The right body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment to the right body side horizontally oriented support structure is disposed between the inner right body side horizontally oriented support structure end and the outer right body side horizontally oriented support structure end and configured for a right body side lateral gait plane rotation in a right body side lateral gait plane perpendicular to the forward walking direction. An active right body side lateral gait force limit assembly is configured to limit a right body side lateral gait motion angle of rotation of the right body side vertically oriented support rod at the right body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment and to return the right body side vertically oriented support rod to a vertical orientation. A right foot support is configured for a user's right foot engagement on the right body side. The foot support is pivotally attached to the inner horizontally oriented support structure end for a rotation of the foot support in a plane parallel to the forward walking direction independent of a movement of the right body side horizontally oriented support rod. At least one right body side horizontal leveler is connected to the outer right body side horizontally oriented support structure end, with the at least one right body side horizontal leveler configured to maintain the horizontally oriented support structure in a horizontal plane during the employment of the human paraplegic assisted walking device.

In FIG. 12 the left body side assisted walking device comprises a left body side vertically oriented support rod, with an upper left body side retainer attached at or near to an upper vertical end of the left body side vertically oriented support rod, with the upper left body side retainer configured to secure the user in a forward walking direction and a rearward standing position. As mentioned above in some embodiments of the invention the upper left body side retainer may be combined with the upper right body side retainer to form a unitary upper body retainer for both the right and left body side assisted walking devices. A left body side hand grip assembly is attached to the left body side vertically oriented support rod at a vertical height below the upper left body side retainer and configured for a user left body side upper limb employment on the left body side. As mentioned above in some embodiments of the invention the left body side hand grip assembly may be combined with the right body side hand grip assembly to form a unitary hand grip assembly for both the right and left body side assisted walking devices. A left knee support assembly is attached to the left body side vertically oriented support rod and configured for a user's left body side lower limb engagement below a left patella region on the left body side. The left knee support assembly has a forward walking direction left knee support structure and an open rearward left knee support structure configured for a release of the user from the left knee support assembly. A lower vertical end of the left body side vertically oriented support rod has a left body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment to a left body side horizontally oriented support structure having an inner left body side horizontally oriented support structure end and an outer left body side horizontally oriented support structure end The left body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment to the left body side horizontally oriented support structure is disposed between the inner left body side horizontally oriented support structure end and the outer left body side horizontally oriented support structure end and configured for a left body side lateral gait plane rotation in a left body side lateral gait plane perpendicular to the forward walking direction. An active left body side lateral gait force limit assembly is configured to limit a left body side lateral gait motion angle of rotation of the left body side vertically oriented support rod at the left body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment and to return the left body side vertically oriented support rod to a vertical orientation. A left foot support is configured for a user's left foot engagement on the left body side. The foot support is pivotally attached to the inner horizontally oriented support structure end for a rotation of the foot support in a plane parallel to the forward walking direction independent of a movement of the left body side horizontally oriented support rod. At least one left body side horizontal leveler is connected to the outer left body side horizontally oriented support structure end, with the at least one left body side horizontal leveler configured to maintain the horizontally oriented support structure in a horizontal plane during the employment of the human paraplegic assisted walking device.

A selective combination of disclosed additional features for assisted walking device 10 or assisted walking device 11 may be combined when they are used as the right body side and the left body side assisted walking devices that form a paraplegic assisted walking device as shown, for example, in FIG. 12 for the combination of a mirror image pair of assisted walking devices 10.

In some embodiments of the invention, one or more of the components forming the assisted walking device can be formed as a unitary structure fabricated from a carbon fiber reinforced polymer.

Reference throughout this specification to “one example or embodiment,” “an example or embodiment,” “one or more examples or embodiments,” or “different example or embodiments,” for example, means that a particular feature may be included in the practice of the invention. In the description various features are sometimes grouped together in a single example, embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of various inventive aspects.

The present invention has been described in terms of preferred examples and embodiments. Equivalents, alternatives and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may make modifications thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A human assisted walking device for at least one side paralysis or weakness of a user for an employment by the user during walking independent from an external support, the human assisted walking device comprising: a vertically oriented support rod;an upper body retainer attached at or near to an upper vertical end of the vertically oriented support rod, the upper body retainer configured to secure the user in a forward walking direction and a rearward standing position;a hand grip assembly attached to the vertically oriented support rod at a vertical height below the upper body retainer configured for a user upper limb employment on the at least one side paralysis or weakness;a knee support assembly attached to the vertically oriented support rod and configured for a user lower limb engagement below a patella region on the at least one side paralysis or weakness, the knee support assembly having a forward walking direction knee support structure and an open rearward knee support structure configured for a release of the user from the knee support assembly;a lower vertical end of the vertically oriented support rod having a vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment to a horizontally oriented support structure having an inner horizontally oriented support structure end and an outer horizontally oriented support structure end, the vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment to the horizontally oriented support structure disposed between the inner horizontally oriented support structure end and the outer horizontally oriented support structure end and configured for a lateral gait plane rotation in a lateral gait plane perpendicular to the forward walking direction;an active lateral gait force limit assembly configured to limit a lateral gait motion angle of rotation of the vertically oriented support rod at the vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment and to return the vertically oriented support rod to a vertical orientation;a foot support configured for a user foot engagement on the at least one side paralysis or weakness, the foot support pivotally attached to the inner horizontally oriented support structure end for a rotation of the foot support in a plane parallel to the forward walking direction independent of a movement of the horizontally oriented support rod; andat least one horizontal leveler connected to the outer horizontally oriented support structure end, the at least one horizontal leveler configured to maintain the horizontally oriented support structure in a horizontal plane during the employment of the human assisted walking device.

2. A human assisted walking device of claim 1 wherein the vertically oriented support rod comprises a rectangular extruded aluminum T-slot structural frame.

3. A human assisted walking device of claim 1 wherein the vertically oriented support rod comprises at least two support rod sections adjustable interconnected to adjust the overall vertical height of the vertically oriented support rod.

4. A human assisted walking device of claim 1 wherein the vertically oriented support rod comprises at least one curved section configured to the user.

5. A human assisted walking device of claim 1 wherein the upper body retainer comprises an arcuate shaped soft injection molded polymer mater having an expanding elasticity configured for a variable range of chest girths of the user.

6. A human assisted walking device of claim 5, the upper body retainer including a chest belt configured with a belt fastener to secure the upper body retainer around an entire girth of the user.

7. A human assisted walking device of claim 1 wherein the upper body retainer is configured for an adjustable vertical height securement to the vertically oriented support rod.

8. A human assisted walking device of claim 1 wherein the active lateral gait force limit assembly comprises a mechanical damper or dashpot disposed in the lateral gait plane and connected between the vertically oriented support rod and the horizontally oriented support structure between the vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment and the outer horizontally oriented support structure end.

9. A human assisted walking device of claim 1 wherein the active lateral gait force limit assembly comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic damper and a lateral gait motion limit device.

10. A human assisted walking device of claim 1 wherein the active lateral gait force limit assembly comprises: a gas or hydraulic cylinder having an external damper rod extending from a second cylinder end to an extended damper rod end, a first cylinder end opposing the second cylinder end pivotally attached to the horizontally oriented support structure between the vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment and the outer horizontally oriented support structure end and the extended damper rod end pivotally attached to the vertically oriented support structure to damper the lateral gait plane rotation;an externally screw threaded pipe section disposed around the external damper rod and connected to the second cylinder end; anda thread lateral gait motion limit nut adjustably positioned on the externally screw threaded pipe section at a maximum lateral gait angle position configured to block further retraction of the external damper rod into the gas or hydraulic cylinder and thereby block further lateral gait plane rotation.

11. A human assisted walking device of claim 1 wherein the upper body retainer is configured for an adjustable vertical height securement to the vertically oriented support rod.

12. A human assisted walking device of claim 11 wherein each of the right body side and the left body side active lateral gait force limit assemblies comprises a pneumatic or hydraulic damper and a right body side or a left body side lateral gait motion limit device.

13. A human assisted walking device of claim 11 wherein each of the right body side and the left body side active lateral gait force limit assembly comprises: a gas or hydraulic cylinder having an external damper rod extending from a second cylinder end to an extended damper rod end, a first cylinder end opposing the second cylinder end pivotally attached respectively to the right body side or the left body side horizontally oriented support structure respectively between the right body side or the left body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment and the right body side or the left body side outer horizontally oriented support structure end and the extended damper rod end pivotally attached respectively to the right body side or the left body side vertically oriented support structure to damper the lateral gait plane rotation;an externally screw threaded pipe section disposed around the external damper rod and connected to the second cylinder end; anda thread lateral gait motion limit nut adjustably positioned on the externally screw threaded pipe section at a maximum lateral gait angle position configured to block further retraction of the external damper rod into the gas or hydraulic cylinder and thereby block further lateral gait plane rotation.

14. A human assisted walking device of claim 11 wherein the right body side hand grip assembly and the left body side handgrip assembly comprises a unitary right and left side handgrip assembly.

15. A human assisted walking device for at least one side paralysis or weakness of a user for an employment by the user during walking independent from an external support, the human assisted walking device comprising: a vertically oriented support rod;an upper body retainer attached at or near to an upper vertical end of the vertically oriented support rod, the upper body retainer configured to secure the user in a forward walking direction and a rearward standing position;a hand grip assembly attached to the vertically oriented support rod at a vertical height below the upper body retainer configured for a user upper limb employment on the at least one side paralysis or weakness;a knee support assembly attached to the vertically oriented support rod and configured for a user lower limb engagement below a patella region on the at least one side paralysis or weakness, the knee support assembly having a forward walking direction knee support structure and an open rearward knee support structure configured for a release of the user from the knee support assembly;a lower vertical end of the vertically oriented support rod attached between a lateral gait movement spring assembly, the lateral gait movement spring assembly having a spring attachment to a horizontally oriented support structure, the horizontally oriented support structure having an inner horizontally oriented support structure end and an outer horizontally oriented support structure end, the spring attachment to the horizontally oriented support structure disposed between the inner horizontally oriented support structure end and the outer horizontally oriented support structure end and configured for a lateral gait plane rotation in a lateral gait plane perpendicular to the forward walking direction;an active lateral gait force limit assembly configured to limit a lateral gait motion angle of rotation of the vertically oriented support rod at the spring attachment and to return the vertically oriented support rod to a vertical orientation;a foot support configured for a user foot engagement on the at least one side paralysis or weakness, the foot support pivotally attached to the inner horizontally oriented support structure end for a rotation of the foot support in a plane parallel to the forward walking direction independent of a movement of the horizontally oriented support rod; andat least two horizontal levelers connected to the outer horizontally oriented support structure end, each of the at least two horizontal levelers configured to maintain the horizontally oriented support structure in a horizontal plane during the employment of the human assisted walking device.

16. A human assisted walking device of claim 15 wherein the lateral gait movement spring assembly comprises: a mono-leaf spring fixedly attached a first end to the horizontally oriented support structure;a lateral gait movement limit device; anda locking assembly for adjustably fixing the relative positions of the mono-leaf spring and the lateral gait movement limit device to the lower vertical end of the vertically oriented support rod attached between the mono-leaf spring and the lateral gait movement limit device.

17. A human assisted walking device of claim 16 wherein the mono-leaf spring comprises a rectangular fiberglass sheet composition having an interior spring positioning adjustment position opening, the lateral gait movement limit device comprising a rectangular rigid bar having an interior rigid bar adjustment position opening, and a threaded bolt passing through the interior rigid bar position opening, a hole in the lower vertical end of the vertically oriented support rod and the interior spring positioning adjustment position opening.

18. A human assisted walking device of claim 17 wherein the horizontally oriented support structure has a “U” shaped cross section with a bottom side, the rectangular rigid bar making contact with the bottom side to limit the lateral gait movement.

19. A human assisted walking device of claim 15 wherein the vertically oriented support rod comprises a rectangular extruded aluminum T-slot structural frame.

20. A human assisted walking device of claim 15 wherein the vertically oriented support rod comprises at least two support rod sections adjustable interconnected to adjust the overall vertical height of the vertically oriented support rod.

21. A human assisted walking device of claim 15 wherein the vertically oriented support rod comprises at least one curved section configured to the user.

22. A human assisted walking device of claim 15 wherein the upper body retainer comprises an arcuate shaped soft injection molded polymer mater having an expanding elasticity configured for a variable range of chest girths of the user.

23. A human assisted walking device of claim 22, the upper body retainer including a chest belt configured with a belt fastener to secure the upper body retainer around an entire girth of the user.

24. A human assisted walking device comprising a combination of a right body side and a left body side paralysis or weakness of a user for an employment by the user during walking independent from an external support, the human assisted walking device comprising: a right body side assisted walking device comprising: a right body side vertically oriented support rod;an upper right body side retainer attached at or near to an upper vertical end of the right body side vertically oriented support rod, the upper right body side retainer configured to secure the user in a forward walking direction and a rearward standing position;a right body side hand grip assembly attached to the right body side vertically oriented support rod at a vertical height below the upper right body side retainer configured for a user right body side upper limb employment on the right body side;a right knee support assembly attached to the right body side vertically oriented support rod and configured for a user right body side lower limb engagement below a right patella region on the right body side, the right knee support assembly having a forward walking direction right knee support structure and an open rearward right knee support structure configured for a release of the user from the right knee support assembly;a lower vertical end of the right body side vertically oriented support rod having a right body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment to a right body side horizontally oriented support structure having an inner right body side horizontally oriented support structure end and an outer right body side horizontally oriented support structure end, the right body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment to the right body side horizontally oriented support structure disposed between the inner right body side horizontally oriented support structure end and the outer right body side horizontally oriented support structure end and configured for a right body side lateral gait plane rotation in a right body side lateral gait plane perpendicular to the forward walking direction;an active right body side lateral gait force limit assembly configured to limit a right body side lateral gait motion angle of rotation of the right body side vertically oriented support rod at the right body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment and to return the right body side vertically oriented support rod to a vertical orientation;a right foot support configured for a user right foot engagement on the right body side, the foot support pivotally attached to the inner horizontally oriented support structure end for a rotation of the foot support in a plane parallel to the forward walking direction independent of a movement of the right body side horizontally oriented support rod; andat least one right body side horizontal leveler connected to the outer right body side horizontally oriented support structure end, the at least one right body side horizontal leveler configured to maintain the horizontally oriented support structure in a horizontal plane during the employment of the human assisted walking device; anda left body side assisted walking device comprising: a left body side vertically oriented support rod;an upper left body side retainer attached at or near to an upper vertical end of the left body side vertically oriented support rod, the upper left body side retainer configured to secure the user in a forward walking direction and a rearward standing position;a left body side hand grip assembly attached to the left body side vertically oriented support rod at a vertical height below the upper left body side retainer configured for a user left body side upper limb employment on the left body side;a left knee support assembly attached to the left body side vertically oriented support rod and configured for a user left body side lower limb engagement below a left patella region on the left body side, the left knee support assembly having a forward walking direction left knee support structure and an open rearward left knee support structure configured for a release of the user from the left knee support assembly;a lower vertical end of the left body side vertically oriented support rod having a left body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment to a left body side horizontally oriented support structure having an inner left body side horizontally oriented support structure end and an outer left body side horizontally oriented support structure end, the left body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment to the left body side horizontally oriented support structure disposed between the inner left body side horizontally oriented support structure end and the outer left body side horizontally oriented support structure end and configured for a left body side lateral gait plane rotation in a left body side lateral gait plane perpendicular to the forward walking direction;an active left body side lateral gait force limit assembly configured to limit a left body side lateral gait motion angle of rotation of the left body side vertically oriented support rod at the left body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment and to return the left body side vertically oriented support rod to a vertical orientation;a left foot support configured for a user left foot engagement on the left body side, the foot support pivotally attached to the inner horizontally oriented support structure end for a rotation of the foot support in a plane parallel to the forward walking direction independent of a movement of the left body side horizontally oriented support rod; andat least one left body side horizontal leveler connected to the outer left body side horizontally oriented support structure end, the at least one left body side horizontal leveler configured to maintain the horizontally oriented support structure in a horizontal plane during the employment of the human assisted walking device.

25. A human assisted walking device of claim 24 wherein the right body side and left body side vertically oriented support rod each comprises at least two support rod sections adjustable interconnected to adjust the overall vertical height of the right body side and left body side vertically oriented support rods.

26. A human assisted walking device of claim 24 wherein the upper right body side and left body side retainers comprise a unitary upper body retainer.

27. A human assisted walking device of claim 26 wherein the unitary upper body retainer comprises an arcuate shaped soft injection molded polymer material having an expanding elasticity configured for a variable range of chest girths of the user.

28. A human assisted walking device of claim 27, the unitary upper body retainer including a chest belt configured with a belt fastener to secure the unitary upper body retainer around an entire girth of the user.

29. A human assisted walking device of claim 27 wherein each of the active right body side and left body side lateral gait force limit assemblies comprises a mechanical damper or dashpot disposed in the lateral gait plane and connected between the right body side or left body side vertically oriented support rod and the right body side or left body side horizontally oriented support structure between the right body side or left body side vertically oriented support rod pivotal attachment and the right body side or left body side outer horizontally oriented support structure end.