A flexible foot assist device

Abstract

A flexible power assisting device for feet comprises a first flexible bandage, a second flexible bandage and a flexible connecting band. The first flexible bandage is arranged to form a first sleeve hole for being sleeved on a calf part, and a first adjusting member is arranged on the first flexible bandage to adjust the size of the first sleeve hole. The second flexible bandage is arranged to form a second sleeve hole for being sleeved on a human palm part. The flexible connecting band is connected between the first flexible bandage and the second flexible bandage and is provided with a second adjusting member. The tension of the flexible connecting band is adjusted through the second adjusting member, and then the traction tension of the first flexible bandage on the second flexible bandage is adjusted. The mechanical linkage between the calf and the forefoot is realized through the adjustable bandage structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of walking assistance devices, and in particular to a flexible assistive device for the feet. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, lower limb assistive devices are mainly divided into two categories: rigid exoskeletons and flexible assistive systems. Rigid exoskeletons typically use metal frames and motorized joints, which can provide strong power output, but have inherent drawbacks such as heavy weight, limited freedom of movement, and poor wearability. On the other hand, emerging flexible assistive technologies improve wearing comfort by replacing rigid structures with elastic straps (such as TPU webbing).

[0003] For example, existing flexible passive exoskeletons resembling leggings employ a stretchable elastic system. This system consists of a leggings-like lining, a waistband assembly, and force-transmitting bands, forming an elastic force transmission path extending from the waist to the ankle. Passive assistance is achieved through the elasticity of the textile material and the deformation of muscles under pressure. While this design improves wearing comfort, these elastic bands (such as TPU webbing) generally focus on assisting the thigh and ankle joints, failing to effectively transmit force to the forefoot area. The insufficient lifting assistance to the forefoot makes it difficult to meet the gait support needs of patients with poor ankle stability or weak thigh muscles. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing flexible resistance devices in providing insufficient support for lifting the forefoot, and to propose a flexible assist device for the foot that achieves mechanical linkage between the lower leg and the forefoot through an adjustable strap structure.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A flexible foot support device includes a first flexible strap, a second flexible strap, and a flexible connecting strap. The first flexible strap forms a first loop around the lower leg and is provided with a first adjusting member to adjust the size of the first loop. The second flexible strap forms a second loop around the foot and is provided with a second adjusting member to adjust the tension of the flexible connecting strap, thereby adjusting the traction tension of the first flexible strap on the second flexible strap.

[0007] It also includes a flexible limiting band; the two ends of the flexible limiting band are respectively connected to the top and bottom of the second sleeve hole and form a receiving space, the receiving space being located on the side of the second sleeve hole opposite to the first sleeve hole to accommodate the toe part.

[0008] The flexible limiting band and the flexible connecting band are integrally formed, and the flexible limiting band is an extension of the flexible connecting band; or the flexible limiting band and the flexible connecting band are separate structures.

[0009] The first flexible strap and the flexible connecting strap are connected by sewing.

[0010] The second flexible strap and the flexible connecting strap are connected by sewing.

[0011] The first adjusting member is provided with a fixed end and an adjusting end; one end of the first flexible strap is fixedly connected to the fixed end, and the free end of the first flexible strap passes through the adjusting end and then folds back to form a slidable and adjustable closed-loop structure to adjust the size of the first sleeve hole.

[0012] The free end of the first flexible strap has a hook surface layer on its back side, and the side of the first flexible strap opposite to the hook surface layer has a textured surface layer. The position of the free end of the first flexible strap is locked by the hook surface layer adhering to the textured surface layer after adjustment.

[0013] The second adjusting member is provided with a fixed end and an adjusting end; the flexible connecting strip is divided into a first section and a second section, one end of the first section is connected to the first flexible strap, and the other end is fixedly connected to the fixed end; one end of the second end is connected to the second flexible strap, and the other end is a free end that passes through the adjusting end and then folds back in the opposite direction to form a slidable and adjustable closed-loop structure.

[0014] The back of the second free end is provided with a hook surface layer, and the side of the second segment opposite to the hook surface layer is provided with a textured surface layer. The position of the second free end after adjustment is locked by the hook surface layer being bonded to the textured surface layer.

[0015] The first flexible strap is a strip-shaped component made of elastic webbing, elastic wire, elastic rubber or plastic material; the second flexible strap is a strip-shaped component made of elastic webbing, elastic wire, elastic rubber or plastic material; the flexible connecting strip is a strip-shaped component made of elastic webbing, elastic wire, elastic rubber or plastic material.

[0016] As can be seen from the above description of this utility model, compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. In this utility model, an adjustable first loop is formed by a first flexible strap around the calf, a second flexible strap around the forefoot to form a second loop, and an adjustable tension flexible connecting strap connecting the two to form a three-point linkage structure, which can effectively transmit traction force to the forefoot area and achieve lifting assistance for the forefoot.

[0018] 2. In the present utility model, a flexible limiting strap is further provided, and a three-point positioning structure is formed on both sides of the foot sole of the second sleeve hole through the flexible limiting strap and the second sleeve hole, which can effectively prevent the second sleeve hole formed by the second flexible binding strap from shifting toward the heel, so that the second sleeve hole is maintained within the preset position range of the forefoot.

[0019] 3. In the present utility model, the first adjusting member is used to change the size of the first sleeve hole, and the second adjusting member is used to change the tension degree of the flexible connecting member. Such a design of adjustable sleeve hole structure and connecting band tension can not only adapt to the differences in limb sizes of different users, but also adjust the lifting assisting strength for the forefoot.

[0020] 4. In the present utility model, the first flexible binding strap, the second flexible binding strap and the flexible connecting strap are strip-shaped members made of elastic webbing, elastic wire materials, elastic rubber or plastic materials, and have good tensile performance and deformation recovery capability. By virtue of the inherent flexibility and elastic properties of the materials, these strip-shaped members reduce the sense of restraint during wearing while maintaining the adjustment function, and improve the comfort of long-time wearing. Description of Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is the structure of the present utility model Figure 1 (D-shaped buckle);

[0022] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the front view;

[0023] Figure 3 is the structure of the present utility model Figure 2 ;

[0024] Figure 4 is Figure 3 the front view;

[0025] Figure 5 is the structure of the present utility model Figure 3 (rectangular buckle);

[0026] Figure 6 is Figure 5 the front view;

[0027] Figure 7 is a use state diagram of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 8 is Figure 7 the side view;

[0029] wherein:

[0030] 10. First flexible strap; 11. First sleeve hole; 20. Second flexible strap; 21. Second sleeve hole; 30. Flexible connecting strap; 31. First section; 32. Second section; 33. Flexible limiting strap; 34. Accommodation space; 40a. First adjusting member; 40b. Second adjusting member; 41. Fixed end; 42. Adjusting end; 50. Hook surface layer; 60. Textured surface layer. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below through specific embodiments.

[0032] See Figures 1 to 8 A flexible foot support device includes a first flexible strap 10, a second flexible strap 20, and a flexible connecting strap 30. The first flexible strap 10 forms a first sleeve hole 11, which is used to fit onto the lower leg. A first adjusting member 40a is also provided on the first flexible strap 10 to adjust the size of the first sleeve hole 11. The second flexible strap 20 forms a second sleeve hole 21, which is used to fit onto the ball of the foot, for example, the forefoot. The flexible connecting strap 30 connects the first flexible strap 10 and the second flexible strap 20 and is provided with a second adjusting member 40b. The tension of the flexible connecting strap 30 is adjusted by the second adjusting member 40b, thereby adjusting the traction tension of the first flexible strap 10 on the second flexible strap 20.

[0033] This invention utilizes a three-point linkage structure: a first flexible strap 10 encircling the calf to form an adjustable first loop 11; a second flexible strap 20 encircling the forefoot to form a second loop 21; and an adjustable tension flexible connecting strap 30 connecting the two. This structure effectively transmits traction force to the forefoot area. The adjustable loop structure and the tension design of the connecting strap can accommodate the differences in limb size among different users and adjust the lifting assistance intensity to the forefoot.

[0034] Furthermore, it also includes a flexible limiting band 33, with its two ends connected to the top and bottom of the second sleeve hole 21 respectively, forming a receiving space 34. The receiving space 34 is located on the side of the second sleeve hole 21 opposite to the first sleeve hole 11, that is, away from the lower leg. The flexible limiting band 33 can be located near the middle of this side of the second sleeve hole 21. When the second sleeve hole 21 is fitted onto the forefoot, the flexible limiting band 33 is fitted over the corresponding toe area, and the receiving space 34 is used to accommodate the corresponding toe area. The flexible limiting band 33 and the two sides of the forefoot of the second sleeve hole 21 form a three-point positioning structure, which can effectively prevent the second sleeve hole 21 formed by the second flexible strap 20 from shifting towards the heel, keeping the second sleeve hole 21 within the preset position range of the forefoot. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 3-5 .

[0035] In practical applications, the second loop 21 formed by the second flexible strap 20 can be directly fitted onto the outer side of the forefoot area when wearing shoes (or the outer side of the forefoot area when wearing socks), at which point the flexible restraint strap 33 naturally extends to the outer side of the toe. This second flexible strap 20 is made of elastic material and can adapt to the different foot sizes of different users through its own deformation: it stretches moderately when used for wider feet and naturally retracts when used for narrower feet, ensuring a good fit to the foot while avoiding pressure.

[0036] Furthermore, the flexible connecting strip 30 and the flexible limiting strip 33 can adopt two structural forms. One is an integrated molding design, where the flexible limiting strip 33 is a natural extension of the flexible connecting strip 30, forming a seamless overall structure, with its connection transition area fixed to the second flexible strap 20. The other is a split structure, where the flexible connecting strip 30 and the flexible limiting strip 33 are independent components connected to the second flexible strap 20 respectively, which can be selected according to the actual application scenario and manufacturing process requirements.

[0037] In the connection structure design, the first flexible strap 10 and the flexible connecting strap 30 are connected by sewing, with a cross-stitching process used during sewing to enhance the connection strength; the second flexible strap 20 is also fixed to the flexible connecting strap 30 by sewing, also using a cross-stitching process. This sewing connection scheme, through reasonable stitching design and process control, ensures reliable connection between components while maintaining the flexibility and durability of the overall structure.

[0038] The first adjusting member 40a is provided with a fixed end 41 and an adjusting end 42. One end of the first flexible strap 10 is fixedly connected to the fixed end 41, and the free end of the first flexible strap 10 passes through the adjusting end 42 and then folds back to form a slidable and adjustable closed-loop structure to adjust the size of the first sleeve hole 11. The first adjusting member 40a can adopt a buckle, a clasp, a D-ring, an O-ring, or similar adjusting structure. In practical applications, as needed, a Velcro structure can also be used to fix the free end, especially buckles, D-rings, and O-rings, to ensure that it does not slide. See [reference needed]. Figure 5 , Figure 6 Specifically, a hook surface layer 50 is provided on the back of the free end of the first flexible strap 10, and a rough surface layer 60 is provided on the side of the first flexible strap 10 opposite to the hook surface layer 50. The position of the free end of the first flexible strap 10 after adjustment is locked by the hook surface layer 50 being bonded to the rough surface layer 60.

[0039] The second adjusting member 40b is provided with a fixed end 41 and an adjusting end 42; the flexible connecting strip 30 is divided into a first section 31 and a second section 32. One end of the first section 31 is connected to the first flexible strap 10, and the other end is fixedly connected to the fixed end 41; one end of the second section 30 is connected to the second flexible strap 20, and the other end is a free end that passes through the adjusting end 42 and then folds back to form a sliding, adjustable closed-loop structure to adjust the tension. The second adjusting member 40b can adopt a D-ring or similar adjusting structure. In practical applications, as needed, a Velcro structure can be used to fix the free end, especially a D-ring, D-ring, and O-ring, to ensure that it does not slip. See [reference needed]. Figure 5 , Figure 6 Specifically, a hook surface layer 50 is provided on the back of the free end of the second segment 32, and a rough surface layer 60 is provided on the side of the second segment 32 opposite to the hook surface layer 50. The position of the free end of the second flexible strap 20 after adjustment is locked by the hook surface layer 50 being bonded to the rough surface layer 60.

[0040] The adjustable functions of the first hole 11 and the flexible connecting strap 30 are achieved through the cooperation of the flexible strap and the adjusting component. The flexible strap, with its free end passing through the adjusting end 42 and then folding back to form a closed loop, allows the strap to slide on the adjusting component to change the size of the first hole 11 or the tension of the flexible connecting strap 30. This adapts to the different limb sizes of various users and adjusts the lifting assistance intensity for the forefoot, making it easy to operate.

[0041] The first flexible strap 10 is a strip-shaped component made of elastic webbing, elastic wire, elastic rubber, or plastic material; the second flexible strap 20 is a strip-shaped component made of elastic webbing, elastic wire, elastic rubber, or plastic material. The flexible connecting strap 30 is a strip-shaped component made of elastic webbing, elastic wire, elastic rubber, or plastic material. All these components possess good tensile properties and deformation recovery capabilities.

[0042] In practical applications, to prevent the first flexible strap 10 from shifting, at least one fixing lug or guide ring can be provided on the lower leg of the matching trousers. This lug is formed by fixing the two ends of a thin strip of fabric to the lower leg of the trousers, allowing the first flexible strap 10 to pass through and be positioned. This structural design can effectively maintain the stable position of the strap on the lower leg without affecting its adjustment function.

[0043] When wearing, the first flexible strap 10 is wrapped around the lower leg (near the knee) to form the first hole 11, which is then placed on the lower leg and passed through the fixing ear or guide ring. The free end of the strap is slidably adjusted by the first adjusting member 40a so that the first hole 11 fits the size of the lower leg. The hook surface 50 on the back of the free end is then bonded to the rough surface 60 on the front of the strap to complete the locking.

[0044] The second flexible strap 20 is wrapped around the second hole 21 formed on the outside of the forefoot and fitted onto the forefoot area of ​​the footwear. See Figure 7 and Figure 8 The shoe is not shown in the figure. The second flexible strap 20 adapts to the size of the foot through its own elastic deformation. At this time, the flexible limiting strap 33 naturally extends to the outside of the toe and covers the toe area. The three-point positioning structure formed by the strap and the second sleeve hole 21 prevents the second sleeve hole 21 from shifting towards the heel.

[0045] To adjust the traction tension: pull the second adjusting member 40b of the flexible connecting strap 30 to tension the flexible connecting strap 30 to the desired degree. After adjusting the tension by sliding the free end of the flexible connecting strap 30, it is then bonded and fixed to the hook surface layer 50 and the fleece surface layer 60. The flexible connecting strap 30 transmits the traction force generated by the first flexible strap 10 to the forefoot area, forming a lifting assist.

[0046] If the first loop 11 needs adjustment, loosen the Velcro fastener, slide the free end of the first flexible strap 10, adjust the loop size via the adjustment mechanism, and then re-fasten and lock it in place. The entire process utilizes a three-point linkage structure (lower leg, forefoot, and connecting strap tension) to provide lifting assistance to the forefoot, with each adjustment function adapting to different limb sizes and assistance intensity requirements.

[0047] The terms "first" and "second" used in this utility model are merely for ease of description and to distinguish different components with the same name, and do not indicate a sequential or primary / secondary relationship.

[0048] In the description of this utility model, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right", "front" and "back" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0049] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0050] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the design concept of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any non-substantial modifications made to this utility model using this concept shall be considered as an infringement of the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A flexible power-assisted device for the foot, characterised in that, It includes a first flexible strap, a second flexible strap, and a flexible connecting strap; the first flexible strap is wrapped around to form a first loop for fitting onto the lower leg, and the first flexible strap is also provided with a first adjusting member to adjust the size of the first loop; the second flexible strap is wrapped around to form a second loop for fitting onto the foot; the flexible connecting strap connects the first flexible strap and the second flexible strap and is provided with a second adjusting member, the tension of the flexible connecting strap is adjusted by the second adjusting member, thereby adjusting the traction tension of the first flexible strap on the second flexible strap.

2. A flexible foot support as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that: It also includes a flexible limiting band; the two ends of the flexible limiting band are respectively connected to the top and bottom of the second sleeve hole and form a receiving space, the receiving space being located on the side of the second sleeve hole opposite to the first sleeve hole to accommodate the toe part.

3. A flexible foot support as claimed in claim 2, wherein: The flexible limiting band and the flexible connecting band are integrally formed, and the flexible limiting band is an extension of the flexible connecting band; or the flexible limiting band and the flexible connecting band are separate structures.

4. A flexible foot assist device as in claim 1, wherein: The first flexible strap and the flexible connecting strap are connected by sewing.

5. A flexible foot assist device as in claim 1, wherein: The second flexible strap and the flexible connecting strap are connected by sewing.

6. A flexible foot assist device as in claim 1, wherein: The first adjusting member is provided with a fixed end and an adjusting end; one end of the first flexible strap is fixedly connected to the fixed end, and the free end of the first flexible strap passes through the adjusting end and then folds back to form a slidable and adjustable closed-loop structure to adjust the size of the first sleeve hole.

7. A flexible foot support as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that: The free end of the first flexible strap has a hook surface layer on its back side, and the side of the first flexible strap opposite to the hook surface layer has a textured surface layer. The position of the free end of the first flexible strap is locked by the hook surface layer adhering to the textured surface layer after adjustment.

8. A flexible foot assist device as in claim 1, wherein: The second adjusting member is provided with a fixed end and an adjusting end; the flexible connecting strip is divided into a first section and a second section. One end of the first section is connected to the first flexible strap, and the other end is fixedly connected to the fixed end; one end of the second section is connected to the second flexible strap, and the other end is a free end that passes through the adjusting end and then folds back in the opposite direction to form a slidable and adjustable closed-loop structure.

9. A flexible foot support as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that: The back of the second free end is provided with a hook surface layer, and the side of the second segment opposite to the hook surface layer is provided with a textured surface layer. The position of the second free end after adjustment is locked by the hook surface layer being bonded to the textured surface layer.

10. A flexible foot assist device as in claim 1, wherein: The first flexible strap is a strip-shaped component made of elastic webbing, elastic wire, elastic rubber or plastic material; the second flexible strap is a strip-shaped component made of elastic webbing, elastic wire, elastic rubber or plastic material; the flexible connecting strip is a strip-shaped component made of elastic webbing, elastic wire, elastic rubber or plastic material.

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