Device for assisting movement

Abstract

A device for assisting locomotion, the device comprising a belt (11) to be worn on the torso of a user (12) and at least one strap (13) to be worn around the leg of the user (12) above the knee. The device (10) comprises connection means (14, 114, 214) for connecting the belt (11) with the at least one strap (13), which connection means in turn comprise: at least one spring (15) adapted to pass from a state of relaxation or from a first state of tension to a second state of tension during the walking or other movement of the user; means (16) for pre-tensioning the spring (15).

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a device for assisting movement.

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of mobility aids, which are designed to help people with reduced mobility walk by reducing fatigue and load on joints.

[0003] People whose walking ability declines typically include older adults and those with neurodegenerative diseases or other injury-related problems. They may have experienced a reduction in muscle mass, inevitably slowing their walking speed. Furthermore, stability decreases with age, leading to an increased risk of falls.

[0004] Robotic assistive devices are known to improve walking and reduce the risk of falls. These devices are powered by electromechanical actuators that apply torque to assist the joints of the user wearing the device. Such devices typically combine wearable sensors with mechanisms to detect different stages of human walking in order to apply the appropriate electromechanical assistance.

[0005] Such devices are not without their drawbacks, such as the presence of rigid structures, electronic devices, and batteries, which make their use quite impractical.

[0006] These shortcomings have been addressed by the device described in WO2019245633 under the Moveo Srl name.

[0007] According to the document, the device includes a strap worn around the torso and a support belt or a pair of belts, each belt worn around the legs and associated with the strap via a corresponding elastic element (i.e., an elastically deformable element) adapted to work extendedly during walking or other bodily movements. The elastic element stores and releases mechanical energy at each stride to provide additional torque beyond the natural torque generated by movement. This use of energy helps users of any mobility level (particularly those with reduced mobility) increase hip joint strength.

[0008] Depending on the user's needs, these straps can be worn simultaneously or individually in different locations, such as around the thighs or knees and / or the lower part of the legs.

[0009] The elastic element has a wide, flat shape to minimize obstruction. In use, the elastic element preferably extends along the front portion of the leg, or alternatively along the rear portion. A connecting element at the upper end of the elastic element (when in use) connects it to an adjustable-length belt via a ratchet or buckle. Adjusting the belt length preloads the elastic element. Another connecting element attaches the upper end of the belt to a strap and translates along the strap to adjust the position of the elastic element along the leg.

[0010] The device has been appreciated by users, and as a result of feedback, its purpose has been improved.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for assisting action that improves upon known technologies in one or more of the foregoing aspects.

[0012] Within this scope, the objective of the present invention is to provide a device for assisting mobility that ensures the proper release of energy during walking, while being easily adjustable to suit the user's needs.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device that is comfortable for the user to move around in.

[0014] Another objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art in a manner that can replace any existing solution.

[0015] Another objective of this invention is to provide a highly reliable, easy-to-implement, and low-cost device.

[0016] This objective, and these and other objectives, which will become more apparent below, are achieved by a device for assisting movement, comprising a harness worn on the user's torso and at least one band worn around the user's legs above the knees, characterized in that the device includes a connecting means for connecting the harness to the at least one band, the connecting means further comprising:

[0017] - At least one spring adapted to transition from a relaxed state or from a first tensioned state to a second tensioned state during the user's walking or other movements.

[0018] - A device for pre-tensioning the spring.

[0019] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the device according to the invention, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] - Figure 1This is a front view of the device according to the invention worn by the user;

[0021] - Figure 2 This is a rear view of the device according to the invention worn by the user;

[0022] - Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the device according to the present invention;

[0023] - Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the strap;

[0024] - Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the belt and connecting device;

[0025] - Figure 6 These are enlarged details of the device according to the present invention;

[0026] - Figure 7 This is a view of a portion of the device according to the invention, wherein the spring is in a relaxed state;

[0027] - Figure 8 Is with Figure 7 A view of the same part of the device, with the spring in a tensioned state;

[0028] - Figure 9 This is a view of a variant of the connecting device;

[0029] - Figure 10 This is a view of another variation of the connecting device.

[0030] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the device according to the invention (generally indicated by reference numeral 10) includes a strap 11 worn on the torso of a user 12 and at least one strap 13 worn around the legs of the user 12, the at least one strap 13 being above the knee and not affecting the knee. Specifically, the device 10 typically has two straps 13 and uses two straps 13, each strap 13 being worn around a corresponding leg. The device 10 includes a connecting device 14 for connecting the strap 11 to the corresponding strap 13; each strap 13 requires one device 14. The connecting device 14 further includes:

[0031] - At least one spring 15, which is adapted to transition from a relaxed state or from a first tensioned state to a second tensioned state during the user's walking or other movements.

[0032] - Device 16 for pre-tensioning spring 15.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the strap 11 and the belt 13 are provided with suitable closing devices, such as those for the strap 11. Fastener 17 and snap-acting buckles 18, and for belt 13 The fastener system 19 allows the width of the strap 13 to be adjusted according to the size of the user's torso and legs.

[0034] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The innermost sides of straps 11 and 13 are shown, as well as device 14, which are designed to come into contact with the user's body. The fastener system 19 creates an overlap of layers on the outermost side rather than the innermost side to make the belt more comfortable to use.

[0035] like Figures 7 to 10 As can be seen from this, Figures 7 to 10 At least one portion of three different styles of connecting devices 14, 114, and 214 is shown, wherein the spring 15 is helical. A single spring 15 of suitable length may be present, or a series of consecutive springs may be present to achieve the desired length. In particular, Figure 7 and Figure 8 A portion of the connection connected to the belt 13 is also shown.

[0036] Spring 15 is preferably, but not exclusively, helical. In fact, spring 15 can have a different geometry than helical.

[0037] All styles of this device are designed to fit along the user's legs, such as... Figure 1 As shown, for example, locate along the quadriceps muscle.

[0038] Additionally, device 10 includes an insert 20 inside the band 13, the insert 20 having a hole 21 that opens outwards from the band 13 in an upward-pointing portion when worn, and the hole 21 receiving a spring 15. Device 10 also includes a screw plug 22 with a through-hole, the screw plug 22 being screwed onto the insert 20 at the hole 21. In an alternative configuration not shown, the insert may be inside a strap, the insert having a hole that opens outwards from the strap in a downward-pointing portion when worn. Essentially, this device, along with the other elements described below, can be mounted in a position opposite to that shown.

[0039] In all variations, the connecting devices 14, 114, 214 include a non-extendable cable 23 that passes through the insert 20, the plug 22, and the spring 15, and is connected to the spring 15 at one end and to the pre-tensioning device 16 at the other end.

[0040] Spring 15 can move relative to belt 13 in a compressed state and an extended state within insert 20.

[0041] Specifically, the device 10 includes a block 24 located at the end of the cable 23, inside the insert 20, which, together with the plug 22, defines a receiving space for the spring 15 in a relaxed state. The cable 23 extends inside the spring 15.

[0042] The device 16 for pretensioning includes a ratchet element, which is indicated by 25, 125 and 225 in different variations.

[0043] In a first variation of the connecting device 14, the ratchet element 25 includes a buckle having conventional means for opening and releasing, and the ratchet element 25 is coupled to the toothed rack 26 (in... Figure 3 (As indicated in the text), the toothed strip 26 extends down the leg from the strap 11 when the device 10 is worn.

[0044] The buckle is connected to the connecting element 27, and the cable 23 is connected to the connecting element 27 at the end opposite to the end connected to the spring 15.

[0045] Similarly, in the first variant, the section of cable 23 included between insert 20 and connecting element 27 is covered by sheath 28, which protects the user 12 from direct contact with cable 23.

[0046] like Figure 8 As shown, the translation of the buckle along the toothed bar 26 in the direction of the strap 11 allows for a shortening of the connection with the strap 13, so that the device 10 can be adapted to the user and / or to the pre-tensioned spring 15. In this case, the cable 23 is pulled along with the block 24 in a translational manner, and the block 24 abuts against the plug 22 to compress the spring 15.

[0047] exist Figure 9 In the second configuration shown, the ratchet element 125 includes a wheel adapted to determine the winding of the cable 23 one turn at a time by rotating it, which in this case is also for adjusting the length of the connector 10 according to the user and / or according to pre-tensioning requirements.

[0048] The lower portion of the device 114 for engaging with belt 13 (from the plug downward relative to the use position and relative to the position shown) is the same as the previous design.

[0049] In this case, there is also a sheath 27 for the cable 23, and there is also a flat rear element 29, which makes the contact with the legs more comfortable.

[0050] Near the wheel, there are also channel-like elements 130 and another element 131 with a groove, the functions of which will become clear below.

[0051] The third type of connecting device 214 differs from the first type mainly in that the last two elements (numbered 230 and 231 here) are positioned higher than the ratchet element 225 (i.e., the wheel).

[0052] The device 10 advantageously includes adjustment devices 32, 132, 232 for adjusting the position of the connecting devices 14, 114, 214 along the legs of the user 12, for example, positioning the connecting devices along the quadriceps muscle.

[0053] Specifically, these adjustment devices 32, 132, 232 include a guide 33 on the strap 11 (such as...). Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown), the connecting devices 14, 114, 214 are adapted to slide on the guide 33 via the channel-like elements 30, 130, 230.

[0054] The adjusting devices 32, 132, 232 also include a length-adjustable tape 34, which is connected to the strap 11 via a buckle 35 and connected at one end to the connecting devices 14, 114, 214.

[0055] In the first configuration of device 14, part of the adjusting device 32 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, guide 33, channel-like element 31 and strip 34 are shown.

[0056] For the second and third styles, the channel elements 130, 230 and elements 131 and 231 have different shapes, but are connected to the strap 11 in the same way as in the first style.

[0057] Cable 23 is connected to adjustment device 32 and ratchet elements 25, 125 and 225 so that cable 23 is integrated with strap 11.

[0058] In other possible arrangements not shown, the connecting device may include a threaded insert and an externally threaded tubular element that houses a spring inserted into the insert. The tubular element is screwed to a plug at one end and to the threaded insert at the opposite end. The tubular element and the threaded insert are inserted and screwed into the insert in the aforementioned preceding arrangement, and these inserts are indicated by 20. The threaded insert is preferably made of brass and has through holes for the spring and cable. Alternatively, the threaded insert may be made of other materials, such as another metal or plastic.

[0059] This structural modification protects components (such as springs and cables) from wear and tear during equipment use, which are subject to friction and contact.

[0060] The use of the device 10 according to the invention is clear from the foregoing description and explanation, and in particular, it is apparent that, in addition to being less cumbersome than other conventional devices during use, the device 10 is also easy to adjust. Furthermore, it is apparent that the easily adjustable device can be worn together with the apparatus between the torso and the portion of the leg above the knee, such that the spring inside the band stores energy during the user's movement (such as during strides in walking). The spring can be compressed and returned to a relaxed or pre-tensioned state, thereby releasing the stored energy to aid in the flexion and extension of the leg.

[0061] In practice, it has been found that the present invention fully achieves the intended purpose and objectives by providing a device that can be comfortably worn and adjusted even during user activities, without being particularly cumbersome even under clothing, and at the same time ensures the proper release of energy during walking according to the user's requirements.

[0062] This invention is thus conceived to accommodate many modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, all details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0063] In practice, the materials used (assuming they are compatible with the specific application) and the dimensions and shapes that vary depending on the requirements and the current state of technology can be any material, size, and shape.

[0064] This application claims priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102020000026362, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] Where a technical feature mentioned in any claim is followed by a reference mark, such reference marks have been included solely for the purpose of increasing the comprehensibility of the claim, and therefore, such reference marks do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example through these reference marks.

Claims

1. A device (10) for assisting locomotion, comprising a harness (11) to be worn on the torso of a user (12), at least one band (13) to be worn around the leg of the user (12) above the knee, and connecting means (14, 114, 214) for connecting the harness (11) with the at least one band (13), which in turn comprise: - at least one spring (15) adapted to pass from a relaxed condition or from a first tensioned condition to a second tensioned condition during the walking or other movement of the user, and - means (16) for pre-tensioning the spring (15), the device (10) being characterized in that it comprises an insert (20) and a screw plug (22), the insert (20) being located inside one or both of the harness (11) and the band (13), the insert having a hole (21) which is at least open towards the outside of the harness (11) or of the band (13) and which houses the spring (15), the screw plug (22) having a through hole and being screwed onto the insert (20) at the hole (21); wherein the connecting means (14, 114, 214) comprise a cable (23) which passes through the insert (20) and the screw plug (22) and which is connected at one end to the spring (15) and at the opposite end to the means (16) for pre-tensioning the spring (15).

2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The spring (15) is of the helical type.

3. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The device (10) comprises a block (24) located at the end of the cable (23), which together with the screw plug (22) defines a housing space for the spring (15) in the relaxed condition, the cable (23) extending inside the spring (15).

4. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, The means (16) for pre-tensioning comprise a ratchet element (25, 125, 225).

5. The apparatus (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The means (16) for pre-tensioning comprise a ratchet element (25, 125, 225).

6. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1-2 and 5, characterized by The device comprises adjustment means (32, 132, 232) for adjusting the position of the connecting means (14, 114, 214) along the leg of the user (12), the adjustment means (32, 132, 232) comprising a guide (33) on the harness (11) and the connecting means (14, 114, 214) being adapted to slide on the guide (33) by means of a channel-like element (30, 130, 230).

7. The apparatus (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The device comprises adjustment means (32, 132, 232) for adjusting the position of the connecting means (14, 114, 214) along the leg of the user (12), said adjustment means (32, 132, 232) comprising a guide (33) on the band (11) and said connecting means (14, 114, 214) being adapted to slide on the guide (33) by a channel-like element (30, 130, 230).

8. The apparatus (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The device comprises adjustment means (32, 132, 232) for adjusting the position of the connecting means (14, 114, 214) along the leg of the user (12), said adjustment means (32, 132, 232) comprising a guide (33) on the band (11) and said connecting means (14, 114, 214) being adapted to slide on the guide (33) by a channel-like element (30, 130, 230).

9. The apparatus (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The adjustment means (32, 132, 232) comprise a strap (34) which is adjustable in length and is coupled to the band (11) by a buckle (35) and is connected at one end to the connecting means (14, 114, 214).

10. The apparatus (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The adjustment means (32, 132, 232) comprise a strap (34) which is adjustable in length and is coupled to the band (11) by a buckle (35) and is connected at one end to the connecting means (14, 114, 214).

11. The apparatus (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The ratchet element comprises a buckle.

12. The apparatus (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The ratchet element comprises a buckle.

13. The apparatus (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The ratchet element comprises a wheel.

14. The apparatus (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that The ratchet element comprises a wheel.

15. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1-2, 5, 7-9 and 11-14, characterized by, The connecting means (14, 114, 214) comprise a threaded insert and a tubular element inserted into the insert (20), the tubular element housing the spring (15).

16. The apparatus (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that The connecting means (14, 114, 214) comprise a threaded insert and a tubular element inserted into the insert (20), the tubular element housing the spring (15).

17. The apparatus (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The connecting means (14, 114, 214) comprise a threaded insert and a tubular element inserted into the insert (20), the tubular element housing the spring (15).

18. The apparatus (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The connecting means (14, 114, 214) comprise a threaded insert and a tubular element inserted into the insert (20), the tubular element housing the spring (15).

19. The apparatus (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The connecting means (14, 114, 214) comprise a threaded insert and a tubular element inserted into the insert (20), the tubular element housing the spring (15).

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