The present invention relates generally to physical therapy devices, and more particularly relates to walker and assistive devices for perambulatory therapy, and even more particularly, to a weighted walker attachment system using an adjustable weighting kit attachable to such walker and assistive perambulatory devices.
Weights on walkers and assistive devices have commonly been used in rehabilitation and physical therapy for diagnoses and diseases that effect motor planning, coordination, balance, body awareness, and stability. A common assistive walker device used in physical therapy is illustrated in
The purpose of adding weights to the patient's legs (via ankle weights) or placing weights on walkers and assistive devices is to increase proprioceptive feedback to the affected side or sides (this could be right, left, front or center) in order for the brain to have increased awareness and ability to perform functional tasks with improved motor control. In turn, this approach has given the patient the ability to ambulate, transfer, and stand with an increased level of independence. Generally, weights can be adjusted (by either increasing or decreasing the weighted amount) with increased therapy and over the course of time as improvement is shown or needed. Heretofore, weight has been added to walker devices by taking pre-existing ankle weights and loosely adding them to the walker frame, secured, for example, by Velcro straps or tape.
Once a patient has shown benefit from weights on an assistive walker device with improved ability to ambulate and balance, the concern is that such improvement is unlikely to carryover once they return back to the community (e.g., back to their own homes and away from a rehabilitation setting). It is unsafe to suggest a patient use ankle weights without the supervision of a therapist as this poses as a fall risk and increases risk of skin tears. Placing ankle weights on a walker device seems easier; however, the barrier lies with the appearance, and also the patient's own ability, strength and dexterity to place ankle weights on and off of the walker accurately and appropriately. For example, some patients may have difficulty in managing the Velcro straps due to difficulty with fine motor coordination. If the patient is relying on weights on their ankles every time they stand and walk, the risk of falls, skin tears and the load of donning and doffing the weights increases. Additionally, some elderly patients may be hard-of-sight, and may have difficulty accurately placing the weights on a walker, and moreover, may no be able to tell which weight even to use. If the wrong weight is used, or mismatched weights are mounted on different sides of the walker, or the weights are not even properly attached to the walker, then there can be deleterious effects on the therapy and the patient's health.
Accordingly, what is needed is a weighted walker attachment system that is easy to use by therapists and patients alike to adjust the weight of a walker device for therapeutic and rehabilitation purposes. Additionally, there is a need for a weighted walker attachment system that can be easily mounted to and equally easily removed from the walker device. Additionally, there is a need for such a system whereby the weights on the walker can be easily adjusted in accordance with a therapy regime, and further where the different weights that can be used on a walker device can be easily identified so as to eliminate risk of the wrong weights being used. In general, an aim of the present invention is to provide weighted walker attachments that overcome the problems and drawbacks associated with prior art walker devices and weighted-assistance approaches, and therefore significantly improve the utility of walker devices in physical therapy and rehabilitation.
In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a weighted walker attachment system generally comprises one or more weighted walker attachments that can be mounted to standard walker, rollator and other assistive perambulatory devices for use in physical therapy and rehabilitation. Such a standard walker device is illustrated in
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of weighted attachments can be used and positioned in accordance with a specific physical therapy plan, and the weight of each such attachment can be modified as necessary. For example, the walker device can be provided with weighted attachments on any combination of the front and rear legs, side supports, handles and cross members, or in the alternative only use a single attachment anywhere on the walker device. In accordance with some physical therapy plans, only a single attachment set-up may be needed. In other plans, different weighted amounts can be provided on different locations of the walker devices—such as, attachments being provided on both front legs, but with one leg having greater weight than the other leg. As a result, the present invention provides flexibility so that a specific plan for rehabilitation can be crafted for a specific patient's needs.
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, a kit is provided that includes sets of weighted plates that can be easily connected together to increase weight for each attachment, as needed. With such a design, plates can be added or removed to adjust the weight applied to the walker device in accordance with a patient's development and improvement. In this regard, the weighted walker attachment system of the present invention may be used progressively with a patient's therapy regime.
Each weighted walker attachment is built to easily and safely fit the standard walker device, so that existing devices can be retrofitted with a weighted attachment in accordance with the present invention. In general, such attachments include means for easily mounting the attachment to the walker device, such as by clamps, clips, magnets, ties, Velcro, adhesive, snap fit connections, or the like. Such attachment means are adaptable to the shape and form of the walker device, and are easy for patients to assemble and disassemble themselves, as well as allowing such patients to easily add or remove weight, as needed. Indeed, the attachments can be used with a variety of walker and rollator designs, as well as canes, crutches and other assistive devices.
In another aspect of the present invention, a weighted walker attachment kit may be provided that includes sets of interchangeable attachments at varying weights, so that the kit and system of the present invention can be used progressively with a patient's therapy regime. That is, weighted attachments can range, for example, from 1-5 pounds, each weight being coded to indicate its weight in distinction with other weights so as to facilitate use of the proper weight(s). For example, each attachment can be coded by color. Additional visual and tactile distinguishing marks—e.g., numbers, words, shapes, raised features, Braille, and the like—may also be used so that hard-of-sight patients can determine which weights to use for therapeutic purposes.
In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a kit is provided with four attachments at each of five different weight levels that can be retrofitted to a walker device—for example, by attachment to the walker's legs. Such attachments simply slide over the end of the walker structure (often replacing existing parts of the walker device) and can be adjusted in accordance with standard use of the walker device. Each different weight level may be color coded to assist use of the proper weight. As noted, each weighted walker attachment is built to fit the standard walker so that such devices can be retrofitted with a weighted attachment. Unlike, prior art methods, where loose ankle or wrist weights and wrapped around parts of the walker, such attachments essentially form part of the walker device structure itself and therefore do not inhibit or interfere with intended use of the walker once properly mounted.
Further variations to a weighted attachment system in accordance with the present invention may include weighed ball attachments to place on portions of the walker device (such as the end of the legs); hinged weighted clamps to snap-fit on the walker frame; fully color coded replacement legs; a weighted bar across the front of the walker or horizontally between legs; weighted sleeves to slide up and over the walker legs; or an entire weighted walker device.
Weighted walker attachments in accordance with the present invention address the drawbacks and solve the problems associated with prior art approaches, which generally involve using loose weights wrapped around portions of the walker and affixed thereto by Velcro. Moreover, the system of the present invention allows for consistent and appropriate distribution of weight in order to ensure neural feedback and proprioception to increase independence of the patient. The weighted attachments of the present invention can be graded for progression through rehab or fit for long-term use to compensate for movement disorders that are progressive in nature (i.e., Parkinson's).
The present invention allows for further adaptation to a commonly used assistive device (walker). The attachments described and shown herein are easy to mount and retrofit to existing walker devices. Indeed, they are generally attached to and/or even replace preexisting parts, and are designed to be mounted in the same way as the parts they are replacing, without altering the functional design and operation of the walker devices. In this regard, the weighted walker attachments are also easy to remove and replace, and adjust the applied weight—for example, to downgrade or upgrade the weight levels, as desired or deemed necessary. This allows for more patients to continue to use an assistive walker device who would otherwise not be ambulatory. The weighted walker attachment system in accordance with the present invention also increases the consistency and ease of implementing proprioceptive and neural feedback interventions in both the therapy setting and at home. The variety of weights (e.g., 1-5 lbs.) and the ability to grade and individualize the intervention thereof is crucial in each patient's success.
Moreover, the weighted walker attachment system and kit of the present invention allows for flexibility in application so that if a patient needs more weight on one side of the walker than the other, then this can be done without affecting the use and structure of the walker device itself.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the detailed description of embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
A weighted walker attachment system in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in
Referring to
Referring to
In the embodiment illustrated, the clamps 110 comprise first and second clamp portions 114a and 114b that are fitted together to collectively define a central opening 116 in which the frame member of the walker device 10 is situated. As illustrated, the damps 110 are adaptable to rounded, oval, or even rectilinear frame members, and by tightening each of the screws 112, the first and second clamp portions 114a and 114b are securely held together and the attachment 100 can be tightly held in place during use. As so designed, the attachment 100 can also be used on other assistive devices, such a various walker and rollator designs, canes and crutches. Alternate designs of the clamps, including a one-piece C-clamp design, can be used without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention. Moreover, alternative attachment means can be used to mount the attachment 100 to the walker device 10 without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention, including but not limited to clips, magnets, ties, Velcro, adhesive, snap fit connections, or the like.
An exemplary base plate 102 is illustrated in
As noted, the weighted plates 104 can all have the same size, shape and weight, such as illustrated in
In alternate embodiments of a weighted walker attachment system and kit in accordance with the present invention, other shapes and designs can be used to add weight to the walker device 10, such as weighted leg extensions, described in more detail below, or separate balls and bars that can be mounted to the walker device.
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of weighted attachments 100 can be used and positioned in accordance with a specific physical therapy plan, and the weight of each such attachment 100 can be modified as necessary. For example, the walker device 10 can be provided with an attachment 100 on each of the front legs, a side support, and a cross member, as illustrated in
In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention as discussed above, a weighted attachment kit is provided that includes sets of base plates 102 and weighted plates 104 that can be easily connected together to increase weight for each attachment 100, as needed. With such a design, plates 104 can be added and removed to adjust the weight applied to the walker device 10 in accordance with a patient's development and improvement. In this regard, the weighted walker attachment system 100 of the present invention may be used progressively with a patient's therapy regime.
Each weighted walker attachment 100 is built to easily and safely fit the standard walker device 10 made by major companies such as Invacare and Drive, so that existing assistive perambulatory devices can be easily retrofitted with weighted attachments 100 in accordance with the present invention without inhibiting intended use of the walker device. In general, such attachments 100 include means for easily mounting the attachment to the walker device, such as by damps, clips, magnets, ties, Velcro, adhesive, snap fit connections, or the like.
An alternate design for a weighted walker attachment system, generally designated as reference numeral 200, is illustrated in
Red-1lb
Orange-2lb
Green-3lb
Blue-4lb
Black-5lb
As noted, each weighted walker attachment 200 is built to fit the standard walker device 10 so that such devices 10 can be easily retrofitted with a weighted attachment 200. Unlike, prior art methods, where loose ankle or wrist weights and wrapped around parts of the walker device 10, such attachments 200 essentially form part of the walker device structure itself and therefore do not inhibit or interfere with intended use of the walker device 10 once properly mounted. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the customer or therapist has the option to purchase an entire kit of attachments 200—generally comprising four or five attachments 200 at multiple varying weight levels—or individually, based on the needs of the individual patient.
Referring to
In the illustrated embodiment of the attachments 200, the weight is generally provided in the cylindrical tubular extension of the attachment 200 itself. Alternative or additional weighting approaches can be used without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention. For example, the top and/or bottom sleeves or caps 204 and 206 on the attachment 200 can be used to provide, or increase, the weight of the attachment 200. Other designs could include attaching additional components to increase the weight, such as magnetic sleeves or plates. In yet another embodiment, means could be provided to allow for the patient or a therapist to adjust the weight without removing the attachment 200 from the walker device 10—for example, a tubular extension that can be filled with water, sand, or the like.
As noted, a kit of weighted attachments 200 can be supplied with extensions having different weights that are distinguishable by visual and/or tactile markers. For example, individual attachments 200 can be distinguished by a color code, indicated, for example, on the top sleeve 204 of each attachment 200. Alternative means can be used for color-coding without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention. For example, the entire attachment 200 can be colored, or a stripe or unique aesthetic pattern can be provided on the side or other portion of the attachment 200, or the bottom sleeve or cap portion 206, or any combination of these means. As additionally noted above, other distinguishing marks can be used in combination with the color-coding (or even instead if such color-coding). For example, as shown, a number or shape system can likewise be used to indicate different weight levels. Moreover, the numbers or shapes can be tactile and raised, so that a person who is hard-of-sight can feel the number, shape or some other distinguishing tactile feature to assist in identifying the proper attachment 200 to use. Additional visual and tactile distinguishing marks could include numbers, letters, words, shapes, raised features, Braille, and the like.
Further variations to a weighted walker attachment design, instead of the attachments 100 and 200 illustrated may include weighted ball attachments to place on the end of the walker legs; hinged weighted clamps to snap onto the legs of walker device; an entirely weighted walker device; a weighted bar across the front of walker or horizontally between legs; and/or weighted sleeves to slide up and over walker legs.
Based on research and knowledge of the existing prior art, nothing exists of the nature for the weighted attachment system present herein. The only option for therapists and patients at this point has been to add pre-existing weights designed for different uses and purposes to walkers, ankles, wrists, or wear weighted vests. There is also the U-walker, which is created specifically for Parkinson's disease and is in rollator form. Rollators are less stable than traditional walkers and do not have the ability to adapt to different leg settings. The traditional U-walker is not weighted, therefore, not designed to increase proprioceptive feedback. Accordingly, the present invention allows for easy adaption to commonly used assistive device with an adjustable weighted attachment system that is easy to mount and retrofit to existing walker devices. Indeed, the weighted walker attachment system of the present invention generally attaches to or even replaces preexisting parts of existing walker devices without altering the functional design of such devices. Moreover, the weighted walker attachment system is easy to remove and replace, and a patient can likewise easily adjust the amount of weight added. As a result, patients may use a weighted walker device where they would otherwise not be ambulatory, which increases the consistency and ease of implementing proprioceptive and neural feedback interventions in both the therapy setting and at home.
Additional goals for the present invention include increasing a patient's independence with walking, transfers and general activities of daily living's within the patient's environment; decrease the risk of falling; improving the patient's quality of life when using an assistive perambulatory device, as well as decreasing the risk of isolation related to immobility and underlying disease; improving the patient's coordination and motor planning when walking and transferring; increasing the patient's midline awareness and postural control when standing; and decreasing ataxia during gait when applicable.
The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. The embodiments described were chosen to best illustrate the principles of the invention and practical applications thereof to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/729,100, filed Sep. 10, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/848,677, filed May 16, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62729100 | Sep 2018 | US | |
62848677 | May 2019 | US |