ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE FOR AID TO WALKING AND WHICH CAN BE USED FOR THE REHABILITATION OF WALKING, OF THE TYPE COMPRISING MEANS FOR SPACING THE PATIENT'S THIGHS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a walking rehabilitation device, of the type comprising a base (1) equipped with casters spaced along the width and length of said base (1). Typically, according to the invention, it also comprises means for spreading the patient's thighs or legs on either side of said saddle support (7), said means for spreading the thighs or legs are adjustable and lockable in position according to the width of said device and said means for spreading the thighs are capable of following the alternating movement of the patient's lower limbs held by said wedging elements (6) and by said means for spreading the thighs or legs, when the patient is installed on said device. Fig. 4

Description

Title of the invention: ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE FOR AID TO WALKING AND WHICH CAN BE USED FOR GAIT REHABILITATION OF THE TYPE INCLUDING MEANS FOR SPACING THE PATIENT'S THIGHS Prior art

[0001] Document EP 3 598 961 A1 describes an orthopedic device for assisting with walking and which can be used for gait rehabilitation, in particular for patients with multiple disabilities and motor problems.

[0002] This device comprises a base which has casters, a saddle support equipped with a saddle and articulated arms arranged on either side of the saddle support. The end of each of the articulated arms comprises a wedging element for the patient's foot or leg which is mounted adjustable in position according to the width of the base. This wedging element makes it possible to spread the patient's legs on either side of the saddle, thus avoiding friction between the saddle and the patient's thighs.

[0003] However, it turns out that for some patients, it is necessary to spread both the patient's thighs and legs. Indeed, it turns out that for some patients who have low muscle tone, a single point of blockage in the thighs or in the leg creates tension on the patient's knees because the legs are no longer aligned with the thighs.

[0004] Furthermore, the aforementioned document describes a motorized embodiment of the device. In this embodiment, the articulated arms have a motor on each of their joints. These motors must then be controlled to simulate walking and drive the patient's lower limbs. It turns out that since there are too many motors, controlling them for the purpose of simulating walking is complicated. These motors are also fragile and it is difficult to connect them to a power source.

[0005] It also turns out that the device described in the aforementioned document is difficult to steer, either by the patient or by a caregiver who pushes the device.

[0006] In addition, when the device is equipped with a toe-clip sole, the patient has difficulty moving and encounters problems changing direction.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to resolve any of the drawbacks associated with the use of the device of the prior art.

[0008] The present invention relates to a walking rehabilitation device, of the type comprising a base equipped with casters spaced along the width and length of said base, which defines the width and length of said device, a saddle support possibly equipped with a saddle, which surmounts said base and extends substantially vertically, depending on the height of said device, said device comprising two mobile arms forming a pedal assembly, arranged on either side of said saddle support, each arm comprising a first end mounted for rotation on said device around an axis parallel to the width of said base, said device further comprising an element for wedging the patient's foot or leg, said wedging element being adjustable and biocable in position depending on the width of the device.

[0009] Characteristically, according to the invention, the device also comprises means for spreading the patient's thighs or legs on either side of said saddle support, said means for spreading the thighs or legs are adjustable and biocable in position according to the width of said device and said spreading means are capable of following the alternating movement of the patient's lower limbs held by said wedging elements and by said means for spreading the thighs or legs, when the patient is installed on said device.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, the wedging element is mounted on the free end of each of the movable arms forming a pedal assembly.

[0011] The position of the thigh or leg spreading means is not limited according to the invention. They can be mounted on the movable arms forming the pedal assembly or on the saddle support.

[0012] The presence of the means for spreading the patient's thighs or legs makes it possible to correctly position the patient's thighs, legs, knees and feet in an alignment that respects the physiology of the joints. The knees in particular can thus be placed in a position that does not prevent walking and does not cause injury to the joint. The spreading means also make it possible to correct the position of the patient's hips, which determines the position of the patient's lower limbs. The element for wedging the leg or foot and the means for spreading the thighs or leg form means for guiding the leg during the walking movement.

[0013] When the spacer means are mounted on the saddle support, they are easier to adjust because they are closer to the thighs or legs.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment of the thigh spreading means, combinable with any of the embodiments, they comprise two branches which extend on either side of the saddle support according to the width of the device and the free end of which can be more or less spaced from said saddle support according to the width of the device and locked in position, said free end of said branches comprising an element for fixing the thigh or the leg, mounted to rotate around an axis parallel to the width of the device.

[0015] The fixing element serves to fix, by clamping, for example, the patient's thigh or leg. It can be directly mounted so as to rotate on the end of the branch. It can also be mounted so as to rotate on the end of the branch by means of an upright which is mounted so as to rotate about an axis parallel to the width of the device. It can, in addition, be mounted so as to rotate or pivot on the end of the upright. It can be a tieback, for example.

[0016] Advantageously, said spacing means are adjustable and biocable in position according to the length and / or height of said device.

[0017] This can be achieved, for example, by mounting one end of the branches, movable on the saddle support according to the length of the device and biocable in position. The spacing means can also comprise a tube slidably mounted in the saddle support and carrying the two branches. The sliding tube makes it possible to easily and simultaneously adjust the position of the two branches of the thigh spacing means according to the length of the device.

[0018] The two branches being movable in rotation around an axis parallel to the width of the device, it is possible to adjust the position of the ends of the branches which carry the thigh fixing element according to the height of the device.

[0019] According to a variant that can be combined with any of the embodiments of the invention, when the fixing element is mounted on the free end of the branch by means of an upright, it is advantageously mounted adjustable in position on the upright that connects it to the branch and its position on said upright is biocable, by means, for example, of locking means. It is thus possible to easily adjust the position of the thigh or leg fixing element without having to modify the position of all the thigh or leg spreading means according to the length of the device.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the spacing means, the thigh or leg fixing element is mounted to rotate around an axis parallel to the width of the device, adjustable in position according to the length of this axis and biocable in position on this axis. This axis is integral with the device and can in particular be mounted on the saddle support. The rotational articulation of the fixing element makes it possible to follow the alternating movement of the patient's lower limbs, without hindering walking and ensuring good support for the thighs or legs.

[0021] The rotation axis can be slidably mounted on said device, in particular near the saddle support or under the latter.

[0022] The thigh or leg fixing element can, in all embodiments, be mounted on a ball joint.

[0023] Advantageously, the means for spreading the thighs or legs are arranged at the rear of the saddle support. They are thus easily accessible.

[0024] According to a particular variant, when the spacing means comprise branches, each of said branches comprises two parts articulated relative to each other along parallel axes, said parts forming a deformable parallelogram, one of said articulated parts comprises a threaded rod passing through a thread provided in said part, said threaded rod makes it possible to deform the parallelogram formed by said parts, thus modifying the spacing of said branch relative to said saddle support, according to the width of said device.

[0025] Such means prove to be easy to finely adjust without action on the patient. They are also robust and allow the position of the hips and lower limbs to be adjusted independently. Indeed, the spacing of each branch can thus be modified independently of the other. It is common for patients to have positioning problems only in one hip. The spacing means thus make it possible to correct the poor position of one hip without modifying that of the other hip.

[0026] The aforementioned threaded rod prevents the branches from tightening towards the saddle support, for example due to the patient's movements. Advantageously, this variant may also include means for locking the branches apart which prevent the branches from moving apart from each other depending on the width of the device. These locking means may comprise a second rod provided with a stop and which passes through the other part, the length of the rod inserted between the two parts being adjustable and the second rod being able to be locked in position on the part. The two parts are thus locked in position relative to each other. By modifying the length of the portion of the rods inserted between the parts, they can be repositioned around their axes and the spacing of the branches can be varied depending on the width of the device.A spring or elastically deformable pad can be placed between the part and the stop of the second rod to act as a shock absorber. This makes the blocking more flexible. Such blocking is sometimes necessary depending on the patient's pathology.

[0027] Whatever the embodiment of the thigh or leg spreading means, they may comprise synchronization means which make it possible to prevent the patient's two legs from being aligned; in fact, the patient must always have one leg forward and one leg behind. These synchronization means may, for example, comprise a pulley on which slides and a link which connects the two branches of the thigh or leg spreading means, independently of the structure of the branches of the spreading means. The latter may be as mentioned above or not.

[0028] Advantageously, said base has a U shape whose opening is advantageously placed towards the front of the device, the saddle support being mounted inside the U. Such a base proves to be perfectly stable.

[0029] Advantageously, whatever the embodiment of the device of the invention, it comprises a central beam which extends along the length of said base and said second end of each of said movable arms is mounted to slide along said central beam and pivot along an axis parallel to the width of the device. The presence of the central beam makes it possible to fix the two ends of the movable arms, which makes the pedal assembly more robust and non-deformable.

[0030] According to a particular embodiment, combinable with any of the embodiments of the invention, said device comprises means for driving the arms forming the pedal assembly, said drive means being adapted to alternately drive said movable arms in a rotational movement combined with a translation. The pedal assembly being activated due to an external force, it causes the device of the invention to move and the patient to walk. The drive means may, for example, be means for alternately driving the ends of the movable arms in rotation. The alternate drive is obtained by means of gears chosen and known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] Said drive means may comprise one or two rotary motors and / or at least one wheel connected to said movable arms, capable of coming into contact with the ground and being driven in rotation by the movement of said device on the ground.

[0032] The motor(s) may be electrically connected to a power supply battery mounted on the device of the invention.

[0033] Advantageously, the motor(s) include a safety device which blocks their rotational movement when the patient exerts force on one or both of the mobile arms.

[0034] When the device has two motors, the movement of the pedals will reproduce the movement of walking. With a single motor, this movement is partially reproduced. It is in fact more difficult, by means of gears, to obtain the movement of walking.

[0035] The foot or leg wedging element may be that described in the prior art. The foot clip may be mounted adjustable on a perforated rod at the end of the sole (heel). It may also be mounted according to its width. In this case, it may comprise two plates sliding one inside the other, as explained in more detail in the description of a particular embodiment of the foot clip.

[0036] According to a particular embodiment of the element for wedging the patient's foot or leg, it comprises a footrest which comprises a sole whose lower surface is equipped with at least one rotary attachment element, said attachment element being made of elastically deformable material and mounted to rotate around an axis passing through the plane defined by the sole and forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal dimension of said sole.

[0037] Advantageously, the aforementioned angle is between 5 and 15° with a straight line parallel to the length of the toe clip.

[0038] Advantageously, said element for wedging the patient's foot or leg is mounted on the mobile arm by means of a mounting element comprising damping means capable of damping the vertical movements of said wedging element.

[0039] The damping means may comprise a spring mounted between two stops so as to be able to deform elastically according to the height of said device.

[0040] Advantageously, the device comprises direction guidance means, said guidance means being in particular chosen from a handlebar secured to a wheel capable of touching the ground and arranged at the front of said device, a bidirectional wheel possibly coupled to motorized rear wheels equipping said base and / or coupled to gripping means allowing a carer to push said device, and / or it comprises means for controlling said direction guidance means and / or means for triggering / stopping said means for driving said mobile arms, said control means and said triggering / stopping means being chosen independently of each other from a joystick, sensors arranged on the saddle when said device comprises a saddle, sensors equipping means for holding the patient's torso and means forming a gyroscope positioned so as to be able to be activated by said patient.

[0041] The bidirectional wheel can be a multidirectional wheel. This wheel can be the wheel used to drive the pedals in rotation; it then has two functions: setting the pedals in motion when a carer pushes the device on the ground and guiding the device in the direction of the device, the latter always being set in motion by the carer, the bidirectional wheel effectively allows the carer to change direction.

[0042] The handlebar is suitable for patients who are able to use their arms and hands. The sensors are more suitable for patients who can only swing their torso, back and forth and left and right. In this case, the device may not include a handlebar.

[0043] The present invention, its characteristics and the various advantages that it provides will appear better on reading the description which follows and which refers to three particular embodiments, presented as illustrative and non-limiting examples and which refers to the appended drawings in which:

[0044] - [Fig. 1] represents a three-dimensional profile view of a first mode of special achievement;

[0045] - [Fig.2] represents a particular embodiment of the spacing means the patient's thighs;

[0046] - [Fig.3] represents a partial three-dimensional view from below of the mode of realization shown in [Fig.l];

[0047] - [Fig.4] represents a partial three-dimensional view of a second mode of realization, the motors being replaced by a bidirectional wheel;

[0048] - [Fig.5] partially represents a third embodiment which comprises means of supporting the patient's torso; and

[0049] - [Fig.6] represents a third embodiment of the spacing means of the patient's thighs or legs.

[0050] With reference to [Fig.l], a particular embodiment of the device of the invention will now be described. In this embodiment, the device comprises a base 1 which has a general U-shape, the opening of the U being towards the front of the device, the front being defined according to the direction of movement of the device. The base 1 comprises two rear wheels 11 and two front casters 13, which are mounted freely pivoting around a vertical axis. The device comprises a central beam 3 secured to the base 1 and which extends between the two branches of the U formed by the base 1. Two rotary motors 5 are mounted on either side of the central beam 3 and connected to an electrical power supply battery 51, mounted on top of the central beam 3. This battery 51 is optionally removable and can be recharged without the presence of the device of the invention.The device also comprises a saddle support 7, which extends vertically and on which a saddle made of polymeric material can be fixed. For the sake of clarity, the saddle is not shown in [Fig.l]. The saddle support 7 comprises a hollow tube 71 (arranged at the end of a substantially vertical tube not visible in [Fig.l]) which extends horizontally along the length of the device and an articulated vertical tube 73 on which a backrest or means for attaching the patient's torso can be mounted. The saddle can be fixed on the tube 71.

[0051] With reference to [Fig.l], the device also comprises two movable arms each mounted on one side of the central beam 3. Each arm comprises a first segment 91, one end of which is mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis extending along the width of the device (i.e. the width of the base 1). On the second end 912 of each of the first segments 91 is mounted the first end of a second segment 93. The first end of the second segment 93 is mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis which extends along the width of the device. The second end 932 of the second segment 93 is mounted to rotate about a horizontal axis which extends along the width of the device, on a part 933, which is slidably mounted on a horizontal rail 34 fitted to the front of the central beam 3. The two segments 91 and 93 form a connecting rod and constitute a pedal assembly; the rotary motors 5 drive each of the first segments 91 in rotation.Every first . segment 91 drives the second end of the second segment 93 in translation. Each second segment 93 comprises a connecting piece 4, substantially vertical, which will be described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 3]. The end of the connecting piece 4 not mounted on the second segment 93 comprises a toe clip 6 which extends along the length and width of the device. This toe clip 6 is mounted adjustable in position according to the width of the device. Its position can be modified and then fixed according to the width of the device. The toe clip 6 will be described in more detail with reference to [Fig. 3].

[0052] The footrest 6 can also be mounted adjustable in position as described in the prior art document.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the central beam 3 comprises two portions mounted to slide one inside the other and whose relative position can be fixed by nut-bolt systems. It is thus possible to vary the length of the central beam 3 according to the morphology of the patient. Similarly, the first segment 91 comprises a series of perforations at its first end. These perforations make it possible to vary the length of the portion of the first segment 91 which extends between the point of rotation and the second segment 93. It is thus possible to vary the amplitude of the translational movement of the end of the second segment 93, this movement corresponding to the patient's stride. Similarly, the saddle support 7 is mounted adjustable in height and / or in inclination relative to the base 1, as indicated in the prior art document.The connecting piece 4 also includes a series of perforations which make it possible to vary the distance between the toe clip 6 and the second segment 93. The toe clip 6 is mounted to be able to rotate on the end of the connecting piece 4. Its angular position is variable and can be fixed; it therefore also includes angular locking means (not shown) which make it possible to lock its angular position relative to the connecting piece 4.

[0054] With reference to [Fig. 2], a particular embodiment of the means for spreading the thighs or legs of the patient 8 will now be described. According to this embodiment, the spreading means 8 comprise a horizontal tube 81 capable of being slid into the hollow tube 71 of the saddle support 7. The tube 81 is fixed in position in the tube 71 by nut-bolt systems, for example. The tube 81 is extended at one of its ends by a tube 82 which is vertical in [Fig. 2]. The end of the vertical tube 82 is provided with an axis of rotation 83, parallel to the width of the device. This axis of rotation 83 is horizontal and perpendicular to the tube 81. Branches 85 are mounted to be able to rotate around the axis 83. Bolts 86 and washers make it possible to fix the position of the branches 85 on the axis 83. Each branch 85 is formed of two parts 851, the two ends of which are mounted to be able to move around horizontal axes on the [Fig.2], and parallel to tube 81, respectively XI, X2, . X3 and X4. The two parts 851 can thus be more or less spaced from the center line D of the spacing means 8. The spacing of the branches 85 is adjusted via a wheel 855 which equips the end of a threaded rod 856. The free end of the threaded rod 856 comes into abutment on a portion of the external part. By turning the wheel 855, the length of the threaded rod portion 856 which separates the two parts is modified; the branch 85 is thus deformed, which has the effect of moving its end carrying the thigh or leg fixing element 94 away from the center line D. The more the threaded rod 856 is pushed in between the two parts 851, the more the branch 85 is moved outwards. An extension segment 852 extends the branch 85 and is mounted to rotate around a horizontal axis 84 parallel to the axis of rotation 83. The extension segment 852 can also be locked in rotation by tightening a nut.The free end of the extension segment 852 is equipped with a leg or thigh clamping fixing element 94 (or clamping ring or also called thigh fixing element). This fixing element 94 comprises a ball joint 940 which allows the clamping element to be oriented in a rotation of almost 360°.

[0055] According to a variant not shown, the fixing / tightening element 94 and its ball joint 940 are slidably mounted on the extension segment 852 and are biocable in position according to the length of the latter. This makes it possible to adapt the position of the tightening element 94 according to the morphology of the patient, his thighs being more or less distant from the rear of the saddle support 7.

[0056] In [Fig.2], the locking means extend vertically but when the tube 81 is inserted into the tube 71, the branches 85 are rotated around the axis 83 to bring them into a substantially horizontal plane, parallel to the base 1. It is thus possible to insert the patient's thighs into the clamping elements.

[0057] With reference to [Fig. 3], a particular embodiment of the patient's foot wedging element and the connecting piece 4 will now be described. In [Fig. 3], the second segment 93 comprises longitudinal slots 936 through which the connecting piece 4 is mounted. The position of the connecting piece 4 is therefore adjustable along the second segment 93. The position of the connecting piece 4 can be locked, for example, with nut-bolt systems which tighten the connecting piece 4 on the second segment 93 or using a bolt-nut system passing through the slots 936 and on which the piece 4 comes into abutment so as to prevent its translation in the slots 936. The piece 4 comprises a plate 41, one end of which carries the footrest 6 and the other end is fixed to the second segment 93 as previously explained. The plate 41 has a stop 410 which extends horizontally, depending on the thickness of the plate.The plate 41 is fixed to the second segment 93 by means of a fixing part 412 which forms with the part 4 a space allowing the . sliding of the connecting piece 4 on the second segment 93, from bottom to top, according to the width of the second segment 93. A spring 42 is arranged between the thickness of the fixing piece 412 and the stop 410. The spring 42 has one end resting on the stop 410 and the other resting on the thickness of the fixing piece 412. This spring 42 allows the piece 4 to move according to its longitudinal dimension (i.e. vertically) relative to the second segment 93. The passage formed by the plate 41 and the fixing piece 412 is wider than the width of the second segment 93 and therefore allows this vertical movement. The spring 42 therefore allows the connecting piece 4 to absorb shocks and uneven ground when the toe clip 6 moves.

[0058] With reference to [Fig.3], the footrest 6 will now be described. The footrest 6 comprises a sole and is mounted at the end of the connecting piece 4 according to its width. The sole is defined as being the surface on which the patient places his foot. The length of the footrest 6 is defined according to the length of the device. The footrest 6 comprises two hollow plates 61 and 63 which slide one inside the other and are biocable in position, by a screw nut system, for example. These two plates 61 and 63 make it possible to modify the width of the footrest 6 which makes it possible to position the patient's foot in alignment with his leg and thigh. The lower face of the sole of the footrest 6 comprises two rollers 66 made of elastically deformable material. The rollers 66 are pivotally mounted around an axis substantially parallel to the length of the footrest.Their axis of rotation preferably forms an angle of between 5 and 15° with a straight line parallel to the length of the toe clip 6. The elastically deformable material allows good grip of the sole of the toe clip 6 on the ground. The rollers 66 being pivotable, they allow the toe clip 6 to roll on the ground according to its width. The inclination of their axis of rotation allows the toe clips 6 to easily roll on the ground during changes of direction of the device of the invention.

[0059] According to a variant not shown, combinable with any of the embodiments of the device of the invention, the footrest 6 comprises a sole-forming plate which is fixed along one of its edges to the footrest 6 by a hinge which is parallel to the width of the footrest 6. The sole-forming plate is articulated and can therefore be lifted and locked above the footrest 6, its edge being integral with the hinge. A footrest 6 comprising an articulated sole-forming plate makes it possible to properly fix the patient's foot when the latter cannot be positioned at a 90° angle with the leg.

[0060] In all embodiments, the foot clip 6 comprises means for fixing the patient's foot which are not shown in the aforementioned figures, for the sake of clarity and simplification.

[0061] With reference to [Fig. 4], a second embodiment will now be described. The elements in common with the first embodiment are referenced identically. In [Fig. 4], the saddle support 7 has not been fully shown. In this second embodiment, the movable arm comprises only one segment 91, one end 912 of which is slidably and pivotally mounted on the central beam 3 as described with reference to the first embodiment. The other end of the first segment 91 is rotatably mounted on a wheel 500. The wheels 500 are therefore arranged on either side of the central beam 3. The second end of the segment 91 is rotatably mounted on the wheel 500 around an axis parallel to the width of the device. The wheels 500 are bidirectional. They comprise rollers 501 which are able to roll along the width of the device, the wheel 500 rolling along the length of the device.This embodiment comprises rear casters (not shown) which are motorized and actuated by control means allowing the patient to modify the direction of movement of the device of the invention, one caster moving forward while the other moves backward. This embodiment may also comprise, in addition to the motorized rear casters or as a replacement, gripping means allowing a caregiver to push the device of the invention. The wheels 500 also make it possible to set the segments 91 in motion, which simulate the movement of walking.

[0062] With reference to [Fig. 5], an embodiment which comprises means for holding the patient's torso will now be described. The device is not entirely reproduced in [Fig. 4]. The elements in common with the other embodiments are referenced identically. The saddle support 7 is equipped with a saddle 710 made of rigid plastic. The saddle 710 which extends vertically, above the saddle support 7 at the level of the patient's chest and back. The saddle also comprises two lateral flanks 711 provided with closing means which cooperate with the portion coming into contact with the patient's chest. The saddle support 7 is pivotally mounted on the end of a substantially vertical tube forming part of the base 1; its angular position can be locked, once adjusted. The support 1 comprises gripping handles 120 allowing a carer to push the device of the invention.At the rear of the saddle 710, there is a pulley 715, mounted under the tube 81. A cord passes over the pulley and connects the two thigh tightening elements 9. The two thigh tightening elements 94 are therefore connected by the cord, which helps the patient when walking. Indeed, when the patient moves one lower limb forward, the other lower limb will be pulled backward by the cord and the pulley, which provides valuable assistance. The thigh or leg spreading means comprise branches 87 which slide in the saddle support 7, depending on the width of the device, on each side of the saddle support 7 and depending on its length. The brackets or . branches 87 can be locked in position for example, by means of a threaded screw system which clamps them against a horizontal wall of the saddle support 7. The free end of each bracket 87 carries the thigh clamping ring 94, which is mounted on the bracket 87 by means of a perforated upright 871 which allows the height adjustment of the ring 94. The ring 94 is mounted on the upright 871 by means of a screw and a nut. The perforated upright 871 is also rotatably mounted on the bracket 87, around an axis parallel to the width of the device, so as to be able to follow the movement of the patient's lower limbs.

[0063] With reference to [Fig.6], a third embodiment of the thigh or leg spreading means will now be described. The elements in common with the other embodiments are referenced identically. This embodiment comprises a pierced tube 80 which is crossed by the vertical tube which supports the horizontal tube 71 of the saddle support 7. Locking means not shown, allow, by tightening, for example, to lock the pierced tube 80 in position on the vertical tube of the saddle support 7; the position of the tube 80 is therefore adjustable according to the height of the device of the invention and biocable. The pierced tube 80 is integral with two rails 880 and 882 which extend on each side of the tube 80, parallel to the length of the device of the invention. A fixing plate 871 is slidably mounted on the first horizontal rail 880 and biocable in position on this rail.An identical fixing plate 871 is slidably and biocably mounted in position on the second rail 882. The thigh or leg fixing element 94 is mounted on the fixing plate 871 by means of a Y axis which extends along the width of the device. The thigh or leg fixing element 94 is mounted on the end of the Y axis by means of a ball joint. Screws and nuts (not shown) allow the fixing plate 871 to be held in position on the rail 880 or 882, once the adjustment has been made. The fixing element 94 is also adjustable in position according to the width of the device; it can in fact slide on the aforementioned Y axis, which is a threaded axis which allows the position of the fixing element 94 to be modified according to the length of the axis. A nut then allows the fixing element 94 to be locked in position on the Y axis, allowing the latter to be adjusted according to the width of the device.The pierced tube 80 therefore allows the adjustment of the spacing means according to the height of the device; the rails 880 and 882 allow their adjustment according to the length of the device and the Y axis and the nuts allow the adjustment according to the width of the device. The ball joint on which the fixing element 94 is mounted allows the latter to follow the movements of the patient's legs, which are moved by the mobile arms forming a pedal assembly or by the patient himself.

[0064] In a variant not shown of any of the aforementioned embodiments, the device comprises a handlebar which actuates a front wheel. This device allows patients who can use their arm to steer the device of the invention.

[0065] When the device comprises means for setting in motion the mobile arms forming a pedal assembly (motor or rear wheel), it also comprises means for triggering / stopping these setting in motion means. These triggering / stopping means may be, for example, a joystick, a button or a lever. These control means may also comprise a touch sensor arranged on the saddle, at the level of the patient's thorax and / or a touch sensor arranged at the level of the patient's back. The patient can, thus, by leaning forwards or backwards, trigger or stop the setting in motion means.

[0066] When the device comprises means for changing the direction of its movement, the device comprises means for controlling these means. These control means may comprise, for example, touch sensors placed on the lateral sides 711 of the saddle 710. These sensors are coupled to motorized rear casters which, due to their reverse rotation (one moving forward, the other moving backward), will modify the trajectory / direction of movement of the device. Such a device allows a patient unable to use his hands / arms to move with the device of the invention with the possibility of changing direction.

[0067] An example of use of the device of the invention will now be described.

[0068] The various elements of the device are first adjusted. The length of the central beam 3, the height of the saddle, its inclination, the distance separating the footrests 6 from the movable arm, the position of the thigh fixing ring 9 are adjusted. The patient is then placed on the saddle and his torso is held with the torso holding means which may be part of the saddle. The patient's thighs are fixed in the rings 94 and the feet on the footrests 6. When the thigh spreading means are as shown in [Fig.2], it is possible to finely adjust the thigh spacing simply by operating the wheels 855. If the device has one or more wheels 500, a caregiver can, by pushing the device, drive the movable arms and thus simulate walking. The wheel 500 is bidirectional, the caregiver can change the direction of movement of the device of the invention.

[0069] If the device has one or two motors, the patient can himself trigger the operation of the motors by pressing his torso forward so as to press a sensor which will start the motor(s). A sensor towards the rear makes it possible to stop the motor(s).

[0070] If the device includes side sensors, the patient can steer the device of the invention by swinging his torso to the right or left. The motorized rear casters and the 500 wheels allow the change of direction.

Claims

Claims

1. Walking rehabilitation device, of the type comprising a base (1) equipped with casters spaced along the width and length of said base, which defines the width and length of said device, a saddle support (7) possibly equipped with a saddle, which surmounts said base (1) and extends substantially vertically, according to the height of said device, said device comprising two movable arms (91, 93) forming a pedal assembly, arranged on either side of said saddle support (7), each arm (91; 93) comprising a first end mounted for rotation on said device around an axis parallel to the width of said base (1), said device further comprising an element for wedging the patient's foot or leg (6), said wedging element (6) being adjustable and biocable in position according to the width of the device, characterized in that it also comprises means for spreading the thighs or legs (87, 871,9) of the patient on either side of said saddle support (7), in that said spacing means (87, 871, 94) are adjustable and biocable in position according to the width of said device and in that said spacing means are capable of following the alternating movement of the patient's lower limbs held by said wedging elements (6) and by said spacing means (87, 871, 94), when the patient is installed on said device and in that said thigh or leg spacing means comprise two branches (85, 87) which extend on either side of the saddle support (7) according to the width of the device and the free end of which can be more or less spaced from said saddle support (7) according to the width of the device and locked in position, said free end of said branches (85, 87) comprising a thigh or leg fixing element (94), mounted rotating around an axis parallel to the width of the device.,

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said branches (85) comprises two parts (851), articulated relative to each other along parallel axes, said parts (851) forming a deformable parallelogram, one of said articulated parts (851) comprises a threaded rod (856) passing through a thread made in said part, said threaded rod makes it possible to deform the parallelogram formed by said parts (851), thus modifying the spacing of said branch (85) relative to said saddle support, according to the width of said device.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said thigh or leg spreading means (87, 871, 94) are adjustable and biocable in position according to the length and / or height of said device.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a central beam (3) which extends along the length of said base (1) and in that said second end of each of said movable arms (93; 91) is mounted to slide along said central beam (3) and pivot along an axis parallel to the width of the device.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (5; 500) for driving said arms (9) forming the pedal assembly, said drive means (5; 500) being adapted to alternately drive said movable arms (9) in a rotational movement combined with a translation.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said drive means (5; 500) may comprise one or two rotary motors (5) and / or at least one wheel connected (500) to said movable arms (91), capable of coming into contact with the ground and being driven in rotation by the movement of said device on the ground.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a toe clip (6) which comprises a sole whose lower surface is equipped with at least one rotating attachment element (66), said attachment element (66) being made of elastically deformable material and mounted to rotate around an axis passing through the plane defined by the sole and forming a non-zero angle with the longitudinal dimension of said sole.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said element for wedging the patient's foot or leg (6) is mounted on said movable arm (91; 93) by means of a mounting element (4) comprising damping means (42) capable of damping the vertical movements of said wedging element (6).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises guide means (120, 500) towards said device, said guide means being in particular chosen from a handlebar secured to a wheel capable of touching the ground and arranged at the front of said device, a bidirectional wheel possibly coupled to motorized rear wheels equipping said base (1), and / or coupled to gripping means allowing a carer to push said device and / or in that it comprises means for controlling said guide means in the direction and / or means for triggering / stopping said means for driving said movable arms (91), in that said control means and said triggering / stopping means are chosen independently of each other from a joystick, sensors arranged on the saddle when said device comprises a saddle, sensors equipping means for holding the patient's torso and gyroscope-forming means positioned so as to be able to be activated by said patient.

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