This application claims priority to United Kingdom national application 1701279.0, filed Jan. 25, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present invention relates to walking frames and in particular to a walking frame incorporating a pedal apparatus.
Children with cerebral palsy or complex developmental delay are less mobile than their peers. This lack of mobility can have a negative impact on muscle, bone and social development. The most common solution to these problems is the provision of a walking frame mounted on a plurality of wheels upon which the user can support themselves when walking. However there are a number of disadvantages with such basic frames, in particular relating to the atypical walking patterns the user will affect when using them which requires a lot of energy from the user and which can cause muscle shortening around the hips, knees and ankles, and pull lower limb joints into poor alignment reducing the overall effectiveness of the movement. Furthermore, the difficulties associated with using such a frame may discourage a person from using it often, which can result in diminished bone strength, particularly in non-ambulant children, due to the lack of weight bearing normally achieved when standing or walking. As a result of the above problems it is not uncommon for children, adolescents with cerebral palsy to lose the ability to walk.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a walking frame which requires less energy from the user, which helps the user attain a more conventional walking pattern and which increases the users' enjoyment of walking such that they are more encouraged to pursue it.
Accordingly a first aspect of the present invention provides a walking frame apparatus comprising a frame for supporting a user in a walking position, the frame having at least one ground-engaging portion, a pedal apparatus coupled to the frame, the pedal apparatus comprising, an axle assembly comprising at least one ground-engaging wheel; and first and second pedals coupled to the axle assembly.
Preferably, the pedal apparatus is removably coupled to the frame.
Ideally, the frame has first and second spaced apart sides, the pedal apparatus being located between said first and second sides.
Preferably, each of said first and second sides of the frame has a ground-engaging portion comprising one or more wheels, rollers or slides.
Ideally, at least one ground-engaging wheel is coupled to at least one axle shaft.
Optionally, said first and second pedals are coupled to said at least one axle shaft by at least one linkage.
Ideally, said linkage is configured to translate substantially linear motion into rotational motion, the linkage preferably comprising a crank or pivoting member or any other suitable linkage.
Preferably, each of said pedals comprise a footplate which is shaped and dimensioned to accommodate each of the users feet.
Ideally, each of said footplates are pivotably coupled, preferably at one end, to each of the pedals.
Preferably, said footplates may comprise a strap which is configured to secure the users foot therein.
Ideally, the pedal apparatus is coupled to each of said first and second sides and extends between said first and second sides.
Optionally, said at least one axle shaft is coupled to each of said first and second sides of the frame.
Ideally, said axle assembly has first and second spaced apart axle shafts, both of said first and second pedals being coupled to both of said axle shafts.
Preferably, said first and second wheels are mounted on the, or each, axle shaft.
Ideally, the first and second pedals are located between said first and second wheels.
Ideally, the first and second pedals are coupled to said first and second axle shafts by the linkage, the linkage being configured such that each of the pedals are coupled to the axle shaft acentric or offset to the central axis defined by the ground engaging wheel.
Preferably, said pedals are located upon diametrically opposed sides of a central axis defined by the at least one ground engaging wheel such that when one pedal is at its lowest position the other pedal is at its highest position.
Ideally, the pedals are arranged to follow a rotational pattern defined by the acentric coupling to the axle shaft.
Preferably, the rotational pattern defined by the acentric coupling is an orbital pattern such as a substantially circular pattern.
Ideally, the first and second sides of the frame each comprise a wing portion to which the pedal apparatus is coupled.
Preferably, said frame comprises a transverse member which extends between the first and second sides to which the pedal apparatus is coupled, typically pivotably coupled.
Ideally, said pedal apparatus comprises a single ground-engaging wheel having a single axle shaft.
Preferably, the single ground engaging wheel is located between the first and second sides of the frame with the first and second pedals being located upon either side of the ground engaging wheel.
Ideally, the first and second pedals are each coupled to the axle shaft by respective, the linkages each preferably comprising an elongate member which is pivotably coupled to the axle shaft at one end and the first or second pedal at the opposing end.
Preferably, the linkages are configured such that each of the pedals are coupled to the axle shaft acentric to the central axis defined by the ground engaging wheel with the pedals being arranged upon the linkages such that they are located upon diametrically opposed sides of the central axis defined by the at least one ground engaging wheel such that when one pedal, for example, the second pedal is at its lowest position the other pedal is at its highest position
Ideally, the first and second pedals comprise elongate members which are coupled to the axle shaft at one end and at the opposing end have respective footplates provided thereon, towards the front of the apparatus.
Preferably, the first and second pedals comprise a ground engageable section such as a ball caster or roller or wheel or any other suitable apparatus, which is configured to contact and/or displace along the ground.
Ideally, the ground engageable section is located upon the underside of the pedals typically towards the front end of the pedals.
Preferably, the pedals are configured follow the rotational pattern defined by the acentric coupling to the axle shaft such as to establish a reciprocating motion of the pedals.
Ideally, the pedals are arranged such as to define an orbital pattern such as a substantially elliptical rotational pattern.
Preferably, wherein upon application of downward and/or upward force to either pedal in an alternating fashion such that the pedals are alternatively moved; the front end portions of the pedals, and more specifically the ground engageable caster of each pedal is configured to contact the ground in an alternating fashion wherein the pivoting coupling of the pedals to the axle shaft is configured to cause the pedals to rotate about the central axis defined by the ground engaging wheel such as to establish a reciprocating motion of the pedals, wherein the pedals, more specifically the forward end of the pedals upon which the footplates are disposed are operable to rotate in a substantially elliptical movement about the central axis, such that the ground engaging wheel rotates simultaneously with the ground engaging portions of the frame such as to enable movement of the apparatus in-use
Ideally, the pedal apparatus is located at the in-use bottom of the frame.
Preferably, a bracket is removably coupled to the frame, wherein the bracket comprises a coupling assembly configured to couple the user thereon.
Ideally, said bracket and/or the coupling assembly thereon is co-operable with a harness, provided upon the user such as to releasably couple the user upon said frame.
Preferably, said bracket comprises a base portion which is coupled to the frame and a central portion which is coupled, at least in part, to the base portion via a rail arrangement or any other suitable coupling arrangement which is configured to allow the central portion to slide or otherwise displace relative to the base portion such that the central portion may assume a plurality of extended or retracted positions.
Ideally, a steering arrangement is supported on the frame.
Preferably, said steering arrangement is disposed between the first and second sides of the frame.
Ideally, said steering arrangement is located in front of the user in-use.
Preferably, the pedal apparatus further comprises a frame assembly comprising a base portion and a rear portion.
Ideally, the base portion comprises spaced apart first and second members which define a channel therebetween within which the single ground engaging wheel is located.
Preferably, the first and second pedals comprise respective displacement assembly which are configured to engage the spaced apart first and second members respectively, wherein the displacement assembly are configured to allow the pedals to displace in a linear fashion along respective portions of the first and second members.
Ideally, the first and second pedals are movably coupled to the first and second members respectively by the respective displacement assembly.
Preferably the displacement assembly comprise a roller.
Ideally, each of the displacement assembly further comprises a stopper which is operable to engage with the spaced apart first and second members to prevent the pedals from being removed therefrom in-use.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a pedal apparatus for coupling to a frame, the pedal apparatus comprising, an axle assembly comprising at least one ground-engaging wheel; and first and second pedals coupled to the axle assembly.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals are used to denote like parts and in which:
Referring to the drawings, there is shown generally indicated by the reference numeral 1, a walking frame apparatus embodying an aspect of the invention. It should be understood that the term “vertical” is intended to mean the axis which extends perpendicular to the ground surface upon which the walking frame 1 rests in-use. Additionally the term “upward” should be understood as intending to mean the direction which is opposite to the direction of the ground surface upon which the apparatus 1 rests in-use. The walking frame apparatus 1 comprises a frame 3 for supporting a user in an upright position. To this end, the frame 3 has at least one ground-engaging portion 5, the ground engaging portion 5 of the frame 3 is adapted for moving engagement with the ground upon which the apparatus 1 rests in-use. In preferred embodiments therefore, the apparatus 1 is a self-propelled structure which is movable at least in fore and aft directions however in alternative embodiments a secondary user may propel the apparatus 1 and further alternatively a motor or other suitable mechanism may be provided such as to propel the apparatus 1. A pedal apparatus 7 is coupled to the frame 3 with which the user may propel the apparatus 1. The frame 3 is configured to support a user in an upright position (e.g., standing or walking) and to this end the frame is shaped and dimensioned to define a station for receiving and accommodating the user in the upright position. The pedal apparatus 7 is located upon the frame 3 for use by a user in the upright position and to this end the pedal apparatus 7 is typically located upon or adjacent to the bottom of the frame 3.
The frame 3 typically comprises at least first and second spaced apart sides 17, 19 which are preferably coupled by at least one cross member 18 which extends transversely between the first and second sides 17, 19. The first and second sides 17, 19 typically extend substantially parallel relative to one another whilst the cross member 18 extends perpendicular there between. The sides 17, 19 and the cross member 18 may comprise a plurality of sections which are coupleable together; for example these sections may be pivotably coupled together such as to allow the frame 3 of the walking frame apparatus 1 to be foldable/collapsible in-use. In a preferred embodiment the first and second sides 17, 19 and cross member 18 may be made from a single piece and/or otherwise rigidly fixed together. An elongate channel is typically defined between the first and second sides 17, 19 of the frame 3, the channel being shaped and dimensioned to accommodate at least one user. In a preferred embodiment, a respective front and rear channel are defined in front of and behind, respectively, the cross member 18, each channel being shaped and dimensioned to accommodate a respective user. The cross member 18, or at least part of it, is positioned for connection to a respective user in the, or each, adjacent channel. Advantageously, the or each elongate channel is open-ended to allow for easy entry and exit for the user. Alternatively, an end member (not shown) may extend between the first and second sides 17, 19 at one end only, such as to define an open-ended substantially square or rectangular base. With reference in particular to
Each of the first and second sides 17, 19 of the frame 3 has a ground engaging portion 5, which may comprise one or more wheels or rollers or slides or any other suitable displaceable ground engaging member. The first and second sides 17, 19 of the frame 3 typically comprise a plurality of legs 21. Preferably each of the first and second sides 17, 19 comprise a pair of legs 21 which extend from opposite ends of the cross member 18 in a bidirectional arrangement such that one of the legs 21 extends in a forward direction and the other in a rearward direction. Forward direction is to be understood as the direction in which the user faces, moves, when coupled to the walking support apparatus 1 in-use with the rearward direction being the opposite direction. The legs 21 are typically substantially arcuate or bow-shaped however they may alternatively comprise any other suitable shape. Preferably the legs 21 extending in the forward direction are longer than those that extend in the rear direction. The ground engaging portions 5 of the first and second sides 17, 19 are typically provided upon the distal ends of the legs 21, see for example
The pedal apparatus 7 is typically removably coupled to the frame 3. In the first embodiment, as shown in
The pedal apparatus 7 comprises an axle assembly 9 which comprises at least one ground engaging wheel 8 and first and second pedals 13, 15 which are coupled to the axle assembly 9. The pedal apparatus 7 is configured to translate acentric motion of the pedals 13, 15 into rotational movement of the at least one ground engaging wheel 8. The pedals 13, 15 are capable of driving or of being driven by the at least one ground engaging wheel 8. The ground engaging portion 5 of the frame 3 is at the substantially same level as the wheel(s) of the pedal apparatus 7 so that they can engage the ground simultaneously. The axle assembly 9 extends transverse to the forward and rear direction of the apparatus 1 in-use such that the rotational movement of the at least one ground engaging wheel 8 causes displacement of the apparatus 1 in the forward or rear directions in-use. The at least one ground engaging wheel 8 is coupled to at least one axle shaft 25. The ground engaging wheel 8 typically comprises a wheel, as shown in
The first and second pedals 13, 15 are coupled to the at least one axle shaft 25 by at least one linkage 27. The at least one linkage 27 is configured to translate linear motion into rotational motion and to this end the linkage may comprise a crank or member or any other suitable linkage. In the first embodiment the linkage 27, typically comprises a crank, comprising first and second elongate portions 28 which are joined by an angled portion 29, the angled portion 29 typically extends substantially perpendicular to both the first and second elongate portions 28. Typically the first and second pedals 13, 15 are removably coupled upon the linkage 27 and to this end the pedals 13, 15 may incorporate a coupling assembly (not shown) or alternatively the pedals 13, 15 may comprise two or more separable parts which may be coupled together, typically whilst the separable parts are positioned, at least in part, upon the linkage 27. Preferably, the pedals 13, 15 are shaped and dimensioned to incorporate an aperture through which the linkage 27 may extend and rotate. The linkage 27 is configured such that each of the pedals 13, 15 are coupled to the axle shaft 25 acentric or offset to the central axis defined by the ground engaging wheel 8 more particularly to the axle shaft 125 which extends through the wheel 8, with the pedals 13, 15 being arranged upon the linkage 27 such that they are located upon diametrically opposed sides of the central axis defined by the at least one ground engaging wheel 8 such that when one pedal 15 is at its lowest point the other pedal 13 is at its highest. To this end the pedals 13, 15 are coupled upon the linkage 27 such that when the angled portion 29 of the linkage 27 is rotated such that it extends perpendicular to the ground, one of the pedals 13 is located substantially above the other 15 with the pedals 13, 15 being substantially aligned on the same vertical plane. Additionally where the angled portion 29 of the linkage 27 is rotated such that it extends parallel to the ground, one of the pedals 13 is located further forward than the other and both pedals 13, 15 are aligned on the same horizontal plane. When the wheel(s) 8 rotates, the pedals 13, 15 follow the rotational pattern defined by the acentric or offset coupling to the axle shaft 25 whilst remaining at opposing sides of the central axis. Preferably the rotational pattern defined by the acentric coupling to the axle shaft 25 is an orbital pattern. Preferably the rotational pattern defined by the acentric coupling to the axle shaft 25 is substantially circular.
In the first embodiment shown in
In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the axle assembly 9 may comprise a single ground engaging wheel 8 which is typically located between the first and second sides 17, 19 of the frame 3 with the first and second pedals 13, 15 being located upon either side of the ground engaging wheel 8. In this embodiment the first and second pedals 13, 15 may be coupled to the first and second sides 17, 19 by an additional linkage 27 or an orbital coupling or any other suitable coupling arrangement.
The first and second pedals 13, 15 may be shaped and dimensioned such as to accommodate the users' feet. The pedals 13, 15 may additionally comprise one or more straps 33 or other securing assembly which are operable to secure the users foot within the pedal 13, 15. Advantageously the straps 33 may hold the users feet securely in place and may enable users, particularly children, who lack experience of normal hip and knee extension to achieve optimum movement. The straps 33 may be opened to prevent pulling the pedal 13, 15 up by using hip and knee flexion (bending). This allows more able users to utilise active hip and knee extension in a pushing down action involving movement towards a standing and stepping action. However in alternative embodiments the pedals 13, 15 may incorporate a latch or other coupling formation (not shown) which may be configured to couple the users shoe or other footwear to the pedals 13, 15. In a preferred embodiment a footplate 30 is coupled upon each of the pedals 13, 15. The footplate 30 is shaped and dimensioned such as to accommodate the users' foot, additionally the footplate 30 may comprise one or more straps 33 or other securing assembly which are operable to secure the users foot upon the footplate 30. The footplate 30 as shown in
In the second embodiment, shown in
The pedal apparatus 107 comprises a support structure 152 which is configured to support at least a single ground engaging wheel 108. The support structure 152 is typically substantially Y shaped, having a body section 153 and two leg sections 154 which are shaped and dimensioned such as to receive the axle assembly 109, including the ground engaging wheel 108 therebetween. The support structure 152 is typically pivotably coupled to the transverse member 150 at one end and the axle assembly 109 at the opposing end. The single ground engaging wheel 108 is located between the first and second sides 117,119 of the frame 103 with the first and second pedals 113, 115 being located upon either side of the ground engaging wheel 108. The first and second pedals 113, 115 are each coupled to the axle shaft 125 by respective linkages 127. The linkages 127 each comprise an elongate member which is pivotably coupled to the axle shaft 125 at one end and the first or second pedal 113, 115 at the opposing end.
The linkages 127 are configured such that each of the pedals 113, 115 are coupled to the axle shaft 125 acentric to the central axis defined by the ground engaging wheel 108 with the pedals 113, 115 being arranged upon the linkages 127 such that they are located upon diametrically opposed sides of the central axis defined by the at least one ground engaging wheel 108 such that when one pedal, for example, the second pedal 115 is at its lowest position the other pedal 113 is at its highest position with both pedals being on the same vertical axis, and/or, where the second pedal 115 is at its furthest forward position, the first pedal 113 is located at its furthest rearward position with both pedals being on the same horizontal axis. When the wheel(s) 108 rotates, the pedals 113, 115 follow the rotational pattern defined by the acentric coupling to the axle shaft 125 whilst remaining at opposing sides of the central axis. Preferably the rotational pattern defined by the acentric or offset coupling to the axle shaft 125 is an orbital pattern, in particular a substantially elliptical pattern.
As shown in
Preferably, the user is coupled to the frame 3, 103 of the walking frame apparatus 1, 101. To this end, a bracket 35, 135 may be removably coupled to the frame 3, 103 the bracket 35, 135 comprising a coupling assembly (not shown) configured to couple the user thereon. The bracket 35, 135 and/or the coupling assembly thereof may be co-operable with a harness 37, 137 such as to releasably couple the user upon the frame 3, 103. The bracket 35, 135 is typically coupled to the cross member 18, 118 of the frame 3, 103, ideally centrally upon the cross member 18, 118. The bracket 35, 135 typically extends, at least in part, into the front channel defined by the first and second sides 17, 117, 19, 119 and the cross member 18, 118 such that the user may be coupled within the front channel. The bracket 35, 135, as shown in
In-use, in the first embodiment the user may be coupled to the frame 3 of the apparatus 1, typically by a co-operable engagement between the coupling assembly provided on the bracket 35 and the harness 37 worn by the user as shown in
In-use, in the second embodiment the user may be coupled to the frame 103 of the apparatus 101, typically by a co-operable engagement between the coupling assembly provided on the bracket 135 and the harness 137 worn by the user as shown in
Alternatively a secondary user, may position themselves in-use within the rear channel defined by the frame 3, 103 and then may push or pull the walking frame apparatus 1, 101 such that the ground engaging wheels 8, 108 of the pedal apparatus 7, 107 rotate, and thus reciprocally cause the pedals 13, 113, 15, 115 to move in the rotational pattern. Accordingly the pedals 13, 113, 15, 115 would then force the user's feet to move in the same pattern concurrently in-use. Further alternatively a motor such as an electric motor or other suitable mechanism coupled upon the apparatus 1, 101 may be configured to cause rotational movement of the ground engaging wheel 8, 108 such that the pedals 13, 113, 15, 115 and consequently the users' feet are displaced in the rotational pattern in-use. Advantageously, the walking frame apparatus 1, 101 prevents atypical walking patterns whilst also fixing the users feet, hips and knees in a good alignment such that muscle activity achieved using the apparatus 1, 101 may reduce the risk of muscle shortening by guiding the user to actively flex and extend their hips and knees. Furthermore the increased distance achieved using the apparatus 1, 101, may improve bone strength with reduced risk of lower limb fracture and associated debility and discomfort.
In an alternative embodiment the walking frame apparatus 1, 101 preferably comprises a steering arrangement 170 configured to provide an assembly of steering the apparatus 1 to the user as shown in
An alternative embodiment of the pedal apparatus 207 is shown in
The axle assembly 209 comprising a single ground engaging wheel 208 is preferably coupled to the base portion 281 and/or rear portion 282. The first and second pedals 213, 215 are located upon either side of the ground engaging wheel 208. The first and second pedals 213, 215 are each coupled to the axle shaft 225 by respective linkages 227. The linkages 227 each comprise an elongate member which is pivotably coupled to the axle shaft 225 at one end and the first or second pedal 213, 215 at the opposing end.
The linkages 227 are configured such that each of the pedals 213, 215 are coupled to the axle shaft 225 acentric to the central axis defined by the ground engaging wheel 208 with the pedals 213, 215 being arranged upon the linkages 227. The offset or acentric pivoting coupling of the pedals 213, 215 to the axle shaft 225 is configured to cause the pedals 213, 215 to rotate about the central axis defined by the ground engaging wheel 208 such as to establish a reciprocating motion of the pedals 213, 215. To this end when the wheel 208 rotates, the pedals 213, 215 follow the rotational pattern defined by the acentric coupling to the axle shaft 225 whilst remaining at opposing sides of the central axis. It should be noted that the pedals 213, 215 extend in the forward direction which extends perpendicular to the central axis defined by the axle shaft 225. Preferably the rotational pattern defined by the acentric or offset coupling to the axle shaft 225 is an orbital pattern, in particular a substantially elliptical pattern.
In this embodiment of the pedal apparatus 207, the pedals 213, 215 are arranged to movably engage with the base portion 281 by respective displacement assembly 290. Preferably the pedals are movably coupled to the base portion 281, ideally at a forward end of the pedals 213, 215. Typically the first pedal 213 is coupled to one of the spaced apart members 283 with the second pedal 215 being coupled to the other one of the spaced apart members 283. To this end the pedals 213, 215 are ideally coupled to the base portion 281 by the respective displacement assembly 290. The displacement assembly 290 may comprise a roller or ball the like. The displacement assembly 290 is configured to allow the pedals 213, 215 to displace, in a linear—forward, backward fashion, along the at least a portion of the base portion 281 such as to affect reciprocal rotational displacement of the axle shaft 225, ground engaging wheel 208. The displacement assembly 290 is typically arranged such as to displace along the upward face of the spaced apart members 283, 284.
Advantageously this means that the surface against which the pedals 213, 215 displace is constant, and the user will not have to consider uneven ground surfaces or different materials of ground surface upon which the apparatus may traverse in-use. The displacement assembly 270 may each further comprise a stopper 273 which is configured to prevent the pedals 213, 215 from being lifted upwards and away from the base portion 281 in-use. Advantageously this prevents the pedals 213, 215 from being lifted away from the base portion 281 such that the user can't move their feet or legs into undesired positions. To this end the stopper 273 may comprise a portion which is coupled to or integrally formed with the displacement assembly 290 is shaped to engage the underside of the base portion 281, typically the respective undersides of the first and second spaced apart members 283, 284. The undersides of the first and second spaced apart members 283, 284 being the side which faces towards the ground surface in-use, with the upper face being that which faces in the opposing direction. Alternatively the stopper 273 may comprise any suitable latch or catch arrangement which is operable to prevent removal of the pedals 213, 215 from the base portion 281. The extent to which the pedals may 213, 215 displace along the base portion 281 is determined by the length of the linkages 227 coupling the pedals 213, 215 to the axle shaft 225. The pedals 213, 215 preferably comprise the footplates 230 which can be seen in
The steering arrangement 270 preferably comprises a caster which displaces upon the ground surface upon which the apparatus rests-use at one end and a handle arrangement at the opposing end. The ground engaging wheel 208 of the pedal assembly is preferably larger than the caster of the steering arrangement 270. It is preferred that the frame assembly 280 and/or the steering arrangement 270 comprise a plurality of collapsible parts such that the pedal apparatus 207 may be collapsible/foldable in-use however alternatively the frame assembly 280 and/or the steering arrangement 270 may comprise non collapsible or foldable parts.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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1701279.0 | Jan 2017 | GB | national |