Walking aid device for an individual

Abstract

The invention relates to a walking aid device (1) for an individual, comprising a frame (10), a base (100) movable at least vertically relative to said frame (10) between a first low sitting position and a second high walking position, a device (20) for modifying the vertical elevation position of the movable base designed to move said base at least between its first high position and its second low position, and a support member (200) intended to be in contact with the individual and which is movable relative to said frame (10) between a first low sitting position in which the individual can sit on it and a second high walking position adjustable in height in which the individual is supported at least partially by said support member in a sitting-standing position,characterized in that it further comprises a damping means (300) located between the movable base and the support member and designed to allow an alternating up-and-down movement of the latter, said alternating movement having at least a vertical component and accompanying the movement of the individual when the latter uses the walking aid device. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Walking aid device for an individual Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of technical walking aids such as wheelchairs, particularly for persons with reduced mobility. More specifically, the invention concerns a device that allows an individual (a patient undergoing rehabilitation, for example), by providing support at the buttocks and groin, to move in a standing position to assist them in their movements. Prior art

[0002] In this field, there are wheelchairs that help a person with reduced mobility to stand up and walk. Some of these wheelchairs, known as walking assistance wheelchairs, include in particular a rigid frame that moves on casters, a seat, especially of the saddle type, that moves vertically relative to said frame, and a system for raising and lowering said seat.

[0003] The movable seat is moved relative to the frame between a high walking position and a low sitting position, for example by means of at least one hydraulic cylinder. In the high position, the user rests their buttocks and crotch on the movable seat. This type of wheelchair thus allows an individual to walk comfortably in all directions, particularly during rehabilitation, while allowing their pelvis and buttocks to move within the moving frame of reference of their gait.

[0004] The aim of these wheelchairs is to approximate a natural gait as closely as possible, by minimizing, or even eliminating, any potential resistance to natural movements, particularly those of the pelvis, buttocks, and thighs. These degrees of freedom thus allow for a walking motion completely uncorrelated with the rest of the wheelchair as long as the individual remains within the intended range of motion.

[0005] In certain devices of this type in the prior art, the seat is completely linked in its movement to the chair. It follows the upward and downward movement of a movable base, and a force applied to the seat results either in a direct reaction from the chair and its base, or no reaction if the movable base is intentionally locked in the raised position. This constraint results in several physical phenomena, the most significant of which is discomfort while walking and fatigue with use.

[0006] This system thus presents numerous disadvantages that make its use complicated and unpleasant for the individual. Indeed, when one places oneself in the moving frame of reference of a walker, several elements of the body are not fixed within it.

[0007] Indeed, when an individual spreads their legs, for example, the pelvis descends as the legs move apart and rises again when the individual assumes a perfectly upright position. Excessive support under the pelvis can therefore potentially create pain in the groin area because as soon as one seeks support in a "straight" standing position, this support prevents the pelvis from descending during walking.

[0008] During walking, the legs move forward and backward relative to the individual's center of gravity. Also, compared to the seated position, the pelvis undergoes a slight counterclockwise rotation when standing up. The bones in contact with the seat are different in the seated and standing positions.

[0009] However, both for reasons of comfort, natural walking and in order not to create dependence on the chair, it is not desirable for the latter to be fixed in the mobile frame of reference of the individual to avoid the latter causing the chair to move in an unsuitable way (i.e. the chair winds from right to left as it moves forward with each movement of the individual who pushes it alternately with his legs).

[0010] The aim of this invention is to allow the individual to be supported while walking while allowing the limbs in contact with the seat of the chair to move slightly in a way that is uncorrelated with the rest of the chair, all in optimal comfort. Presentation of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a totally innovative approach and in particular a seat with several degrees of freedom allowing the individual to move safely and easily in a less constrained space.

[0012] To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a walking aid device for an individual, comprising: - a mechanical assembly forming a frame, - a base movable at least vertically relative to said frame between a first low seating position and a second high walking position, - a device for modifying the vertical elevation position of the movable base designed to move said base at least between its first high position and its second low position, and vice versa, said device comprising at least one actuator including an elastically deformable return means, - a support member intended to be in contact with the individual and which is movable relative to said frame between a first low seating position in which the individual can sit on it and a second high walking position adjustable in height in which the individual is supported at least partially by said support organ in a sitting-standing position, characterized in that it further comprises a damping means located between the mobile base and the support organ and designed to allow an alternating up-and-down movement of the latter, said alternating movement having at least a vertical component and accompanying the movement of the individual when the latter uses the walking aid device, and more specifically the up and down movements of the pelvis of said individual.

[0013] This solution, particularly suited to a technical assistance wheelchair for walking (but not only), offers a first degree of freedom represented by a suspension system which allows the support member to go up and down during walking, without activating the actuators which allow the movement of the mobile base of the device relative to the chassis (i.e. the mechanism which allows the device to be put in an upright position).Previously, it was necessary to imagine that as soon as a person took a step, they would either crash against the support, which could cause pain, or they simply couldn't place their leg forward, preventing them from taking a step (if the actuators were high-force or locked), or they would activate the actuators while walking, causing the support to descend (if the actuators were low-force). Thanks to this solution, the support can follow the up-and-down movements of the pelvis during walking, with a holding and suspension force that is independent of the actuators in the device's moving base's lifting / lowering mechanism. When the patient walks, and if the device is properly adjusted, an alternation between "compressed" and "decompressed" positions occurs (without necessarily reaching both upper and lower stops) during walking.

[0014] The invention is implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0015] Advantageously, the support organ consists of a saddle provided with a comfortable seat designed to receive at least partially the buttocks of the individual in the seated and standing position of the latter.

[0016] Preferably, the damping means comprises at least one arm connecting the saddle to the movable base.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the damping means comprises at least one actuator including a deformable return means elastically adapted to force the saddle towards the high position.

[0018] More specifically, the damping means includes at least one cylinder having a rod having a first end articulated on the saddle and a second end articulated on the movable base.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the damping means comprises at least one deformable parallelogram with two arms articulated respectively on the mobile base and on the saddle around four pivots so as to form an articulation system.

[0020] More specifically, the deformable parallelogram joint system comprises: - two first upper arms articulated around two parallel pivots passing respectively through a dorsal reinforcement of the mobile base on one side and the saddle on the other, and - two second lower arms articulated around three pivots passing respectively through the dorsal reinforcement of the mobile base, the saddle and an upper end of the cylinder rod.

[0021] According to a complementary aspect, the damping means further comprises at least one intermediate central base connected to the saddle and on which the arms of each parallelogram are articulated.

[0022] Advantageously, the cylinder rod is surrounded by a compression spring associated with an adjustable calibration means to adjust its maximum permissible load in use.

[0023] According to another particularly interesting aspect, the device comprises a lower yoke articulated relative to the damping means around a transverse pivoting axis allowing said saddle to tilt at least in a first direction relative to the movable base.

[0024] This solution provides a second degree of freedom represented by a pivot in the patient's sagittal plane. The objective is to follow the natural anteversion and retroversion pivots during walking and standing. Pelvic rotation during standing necessitates saddle movement to achieve a comfortable position both sitting and standing, as well as during alternating leg movements. It also provides necessary support under the ischial tuberosities when the saddle tilts forward while standing. When the patient is standing, they can thus easily oscillate on the saddle with pelvic movements. The fact that the saddle can tilt forward also relieves pressure on the front of the groin during walking, thus improving comfort for patients who receive more support at the rear (ischial tuberosities and buttocks).

[0025] In particular, the lower yoke is articulated within a range of approximately 10° in a first direction of pivoting in which the front of the saddle is inclined downwards and about 5° in a second opposite direction in which the front of the saddle is inclined upwards, and preferably between about 7° in the first direction of pivoting and about 2° in the second opposite direction.

[0026] According to another important aspect of the present invention, the saddle comprises a top plate supporting a seat and the device further comprises means for moving said top plate relative to the movable base in an alternating motion in a horizontal plane.

[0027] Preferably, the upper plate pivots relative to a lower plate of the saddle between two extreme positions around a front axis of rotation.

[0028] This solution provides a third degree of freedom represented by a pivot at the front of the individual around which the saddle can oscillate in the horizontal plane. Previously, it was necessary to imagine that as soon as a person took a step, the force applied by the rearward leg tended to push the device backward with a rotational movement in the horizontal plane. The alternating movements of walking then created a device whose wheels, instead of being parallel to the direction of travel when the patient moved forward, followed a kind of sinusoidal path resembling the movements of a snake. Besides the visually bizarre appearance, this posed a problem because the force required to move the leg backward was directly related to the weight of the device and the quality of the wheel / ground contact. It was then much more difficult to move forward and walk simply without having to exert additional, unwanted effort.This also caused pain in the back of the leg. Thus, when the patient moves forward, the backward movement of the supporting leg (fixed leg) in the frame of reference of the moving device causes contact between the back of the leg and the edge of the saddle so that the saddle oscillates around the pivot at the front, which will allow, during walking, only the upper part of it to move.

[0029] More specifically, the upper plate has two arched through slots, each housing a roller attached to the lower plate, the slots sliding alternately around the fixed rollers to guide the rotation in one direction or the other of the upper plate around the front axis of rotation.

[0030] In particular, the upper plate pivots relative to the lower plate around the front axis of rotation at an angle of approximately plus or minus 10° on either side of a neutral position, and preferably of approximately plus or minus 7°, the saddle also comprising stop means limiting the rotation of the upper plate relative to the lower plate and consisting of two screws fixed under the upper plate and respectively equipped with flexible seals adapted to bear against a peripheral edge of the lower plate in the two extreme positions.

[0031] According to a complementary aspect, the device comprises at least two dorsal tension springs, each connecting a dorsal lateral ear of the lower plate to a dorsal central lug of the upper plate, or vice versa, so as to produce an alternating elastic restoring force when pivoting said upper plate around the frontal axis of rotation.

[0032] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper plate slides at least laterally relative to a lower plate of the saddle between two extreme positions on either side of a central position.

[0033] Preferably, the upper plate and the lower plate are respectively provided for this purpose with at least two parallel guide grooves receiving rollers sliding respectively inside the latter.

[0034] In particular, the upper plate is traversed in its thickness by a frontal slot and two aligned and symmetrical dorsal slots, while the lower plate has three rollers cooperating respectively with said traversing slots.

[0035] More specifically, the maximum lateral distance range of the upper plate relative to the lower plate between the two extreme positions is approximately 10 centimeters, and preferably between approximately 6 and 8 centimeters, each roller having a flexible stop joint against the ends of the corresponding guide groove.

[0036] According to a particularly interesting aspect of the present invention, the saddle is provided with two independent right and left seat portions, each seat portion comprising an ergonomic comfort foam supporting each buttock of an individual and a seat support of similar shape, the seat supports being movably linked to the upper plate and being able to move laterally away from / towards each other.

[0037] Preferably, the upper plate and each of the two seat supports are respectively equipped with sets of fixed rods and through slots, cooperating with each other in pairs and arranged respectively in a front and back position, a rod of one of a considered support and of the upper plate penetrating into a corresponding slot of the other of the upper plate and of the considered support, so that the lateral separation / approach of the two seat supports causes the sliding of a slot relative to an associated rod.

[0038] More specifically, the rods and associated slots are each three in number per seat support, namely a first front rod integral with the upper plate cooperating by penetration into a first straight front slot belonging to a corresponding seat support, a second median rod integral with a seat support and cooperating by penetration into a second straight median slot of the upper plate, and a third dorsal rod integral with said seat support and cooperating by penetration into a third dorsal slot of the upper plate, the alternating movement of a seat support relative to the top plate accompanied by the relative linear sliding of the rods in the associated slots according to a lateral displacement and incidentally from front to back.

[0039] In particular, the lateral spacing range of the seat supports relative to each other is between approximately 0 centimeters, in which case said seat supports are in lateral contact with each other, and approximately 10 centimeters for maximum relative spacing, preferably between approximately 6 and 8 centimeters, each seat support being movable independently of the other support and over a distance equivalent to a maximum of half of said maximum relative spacing.

[0040] According to an additional aspect, the saddle further comprises mechanical means for locking each seat support in a determined position relative to the upper plate, said locking means comprising at least one removable indexing finger cooperating with a series of holes provided opposite each other in the thickness of the upper plate, each hole corresponding to a predetermined spacing of a seat support relative to the upper plate. Brief description of the figures

[0041] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for explanatory purposes only and not as a limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0042] [Fig. 1] [Fig. 1] is a general perspective view of a technical walking assistance chair according to the present invention,

[0043] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a detailed perspective view of [Fig.1] representing a movable base and a saddle-type support element comprising damping means,

[0044] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded perspective view of [Fig.2],

[0045] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a side view of the saddle comprising means damping in a first extreme position and a calibration device in a first state,

[0046] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a view similar to [Fig.4] in which the damping means are in a second median position,

[0047] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view similar to [Fig.5] in which the calibration device is in a second state,

[0048] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.5] in which the calibration device is in a third state,

[0049] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a view similar to [Fig.5] in which the damping means are in a third extreme position,

[0050] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a view similar to [Fig.5] in which the saddle is in a first inclined position along a transverse axis,

[0051] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a view similar to [Fig. 9] in which the saddle is in a second tilted position along the transverse axis,

[0052] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a top view of the saddle with seat cushions and their respective supports in a first rotational position about a vertical axis,

[0053] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a view similar to [Fig. 11] in which the seat cushions and their respective supports have notably been removed,

[0054] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a view similar to [Fig. 11] in which the seat cushions and their respective supports are in a second rotation position,

[0055] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a view similar to [Fig. 13] in which the seat cushions and their respective supports have notably been removed,

[0056] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a top view of the saddle in which the seat cushions and their respective supports are in a first lateral spread position,

[0057] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a view similar to [Fig. 15] in which the seat cushions have been removed,

[0058] [Fig. 17] [Fig. 17] is a view similar to [Fig. 16] in which the seat cushion supports have been removed,

[0059] [Fig. 18] [Fig. 18] is a view similar to [Fig. 15] in which the seat cushions and their respective supports are in a second lateral separation position,

[0060] [Fig. 19] [Fig. 19] is a view similar to [Fig. 18] in which the seat cushions have been removed,

[0061] [Fig.20] [Fig.20] is a view similar to [Fig. 18] in which the seat cushion supports have been removed,

[0062] [Fig.21] [Fig.21] is a top view illustrating an alternative embodiment of Figures 12 and 13 show the saddle in a centered position.

[0063] [Fig.22] [Fig.22] is a view similar to [Fig.21] in which the seat cushions and their respective supports have been removed,

[0064] [Fig.23] [Fig.23] is a top view illustrating a variant embodiment of [Fig.21] in which the saddle is in a second lateral offset position,

[0065] [Fig.24] [Fig.24] is a view similar to [Fig.23] in which the seat cushions and their respective supports have been removed,

[0066] [Fig.25] [Fig.25] is a view of an alternative embodiment of the damping means of [Fig.2], and

[0067] [Fig.26] [Fig.26] is a view of another variant embodiment of the damping means of [Fig.2]. Description of the implementation methods

[0068] Firstly, the present description is given by way of non-limiting, each feature of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other feature of any other embodiment described and / or represented.

[0069] It is also noted from the outset that the figures are not necessarily to scale, without this affecting their understanding.

[0070] Finally, identical, similar or technically equivalent parts present in different figures bear the same numerical references so as to facilitate the transition from one figure to another.

[0071] Fig. 1 is a general schematic perspective view representing a walking aid device 1 according to the present invention, and more specifically a technical walking assistance chair usable for example by an individual such as a person with reduced mobility, a patient in rehabilitation, or an elderly person, allowing the individual to sit down and get up to walk as normally as possible using said chair.

[0072] To this end, the walking aid chair 1 mainly comprises: - a mechanical assembly of metal parts (especially tubular) forming a chassis 10 mounted on casters 3, - a base 100 movable at least vertically relative to said frame 10 between a first low seating position and a second high walking position, - a support member 200 supported by the base and movable relative to said frame between a first low seating position in which the individual can sit on it and a second high walking position adjustable in height in which the individual is supported at least partially by said support member in a sitting-standing position, said support member 200 in this case taking the form of a saddle provided with a comfortable seat, and - a device 20 for modifying the vertical elevation position of the mobile base 100, designed to move said base at least between a first low seating position and a second high walking position, and vice versa, this device comprising at least one actuator including an elastically deformable return means, and - a damping means 300 located between the mobile base 100 and the support member 200 and designed to allow an alternating up-and-down movement of the latter, said alternating movement having at least a vertical component and accompanying the movement of the individual when the latter uses the walking aid device 1, and more specifically the up-and-down movements of the pelvis of said individual.

[0073] The walking aid chair 1 extends along a front-to-back longitudinal direction XX. The front of the chair 1 corresponds to the torso of an individual (not shown) and the back of the chair 1 corresponds to the back of said individual when seated in said chair 1.

[0074] The walking aid chair 1 also extends in a left-right transverse direction YY. The left and right directions correspond respectively to the left and right of the individual when the latter is normally seated in the chair 1.

[0075] Finally, the walking aid chair 1 also extends in a direction of height ZZ. The up and down directions correspond respectively to those of the individual when he is sitting normally in the chair 1 and looking above him or towards the ground.

[0076] The object of the present invention relates mainly to the support member 200 (saddle) and its relationship with the mobile base 100 and does not relate to the relationship between said mobile base 100 and the chassis 10. It is just specified that the device 20 for modifying the vertical elevation position of the mobile base 100 comprises a linear actuator materialized in the present case by two lateral pairs of bars each carrying an armrest (right left) and taking the form of parallelograms deformable by sliding forward and backward and vice versa.

[0077] Figs. 2 and 3 are respectively three-quarter front perspective and exploded view representations of the movable base 100 and the saddle 200 of the chair 1 of Fig. 1.

[0078] The movable base 100 typically comprises a central dorsal reinforcement 110 in the form of two rigid parallel metal (e.g., steel) legs 111 joined together at a distance by means of a first dorsal connecting piece 112 and a second central connecting piece 113. The first dorsal connecting piece 112 is connected to a circumferential reinforcement 120 forming a kind of belt extending around and away from the saddle over approximately 180° and supporting a backrest 130. The second central connecting piece 113 is connected to a transverse horn-shaped reinforcement 140 whose arms curve upwards to attach laterally to the circumferential reinforcement 120. Finally, the movable base 100 is connected to a damping means 300, described in more detail later, on which the saddle is mounted. 200.

[0079] The 200 saddle, for its part, comprises, from bottom to top: - a clevis 210, on the one hand pivotally linked by means of damping 300 and on the other hand fixed (using several screws for example) to a lower plate 220, it being understood that the clevis 210 and the lower plate 220 may form a single piece if necessary, - an upper plate 230 that is movable in rotation or translation in a horizontal plane XY relative to the lower plate 220, - two symmetrical seat supports 260 along the longitudinal axis XX, - two seats 270 of the ergonomic comfort foam type linked respectively to the seat supports 260, for example by prominent rods protruding perpendicularly to the seat supports 260.

[0080] The vertical damping means 300 generally has the form of an arm locally connecting the saddle 200 to the movable base 100 and comprising for this purpose: - an intermediate central base 310 articulated on the clevis 210 around a transverse axis 215 (i.e. parallel to the direction YY) in order to be able to pivot the saddle 200 so as to raise or lower the front of the latter by a few degrees, typically in an angular range between approximately 10° in a first direction of pivoting in which the front of the saddle is inclined downwards ([Fig.9]) and approximately 5° in a second opposite direction in which the front of the saddle is inclined upwards ([Fig.10]), and preferably between approximately 7° in the first direction of pivoting and approximately 2° in the second opposite direction, - a cylinder 320 having ends 321 and 322 which are articulated respectively on the one hand at the level of a pivot 114 of the dorsal reinforcement 110 and on the other hand to a lateral articulation system 340 (described in more detail later), said cylinder 320 forming an actuator comprising a deformable return means elastically adapted to force the saddle towards the high position and comprising more precisely: . * a main rod 323 surrounded by a compression spring 324 placed under tension between a first upper support washer 325 and a second lower support washer 326, * an adjustable calibration device 327 for adjusting its maximum permissible load in use, in the form of a rotating knob exerting a pressure force on the second lower support washer 326, and * a tare scale 328 arranged at the level of the wheel 327.

[0081] The lateral articulation system 340 comprises two parallel deformable parallelograms, each including a straight upper lateral leg 341 and a lower lateral leg 342 in the overall shape of an "L". The upper lateral leg 341 of each parallelogram 340 is articulated on the one hand to the dorsal reinforcement 110 about a first upper transverse axis 343 and on the other hand to the central base 310 about a second upper transverse axis 344, while the lower lateral leg 342 is articulated to the dorsal reinforcement 110 about a first median transverse axis 345, to the central base 310 about a second median transverse axis 346, and to the end 321 of the cylinder rod 323 about a third lower transverse axis 347, these five axes 343 to 347 being parallel to each other and extending along the transverse direction YY.

[0082] The vertical travel of the saddle 200 on its damping means 300 between the extreme low position illustrated by Figure 4 and the extreme high position illustrated by [Fig.8] is from a few millimeters to a few centimeters, for example between about 1 and 10 centimeters, and preferably between about 1 and 5 centimeters depending on the length of the cylinder rod 323 and the compression spring 324, and the amplitude of movement of the deformable parallelograms 340.

[0083] Thus, [Fig.4] illustrates the saddle 200 in an extremely low position with a median setting (position 1) of the cylinder rod 232 using the knob 327, [Fig.5] illustrates the saddle 200 in an intermediate raised position (mid-stroke) with a median setting (position 1) of the cylinder rod 232, [Fig.6] illustrates the saddle 200 in the intermediate raised position (50%) with a minimum setting (position 0) of the cylinder rod 323, [Fig.7] illustrates the saddle 200 in the intermediate raised position (50%) with a maximum setting (position 2) of the cylinder rod 323, and [Fig.8] illustrates the saddle 200 in the maximum raised position (100%) with a median setting (position 1) of the cylinder rod 323.

[0084] Figures 11 to 14 illustrate the horizontal pivoting between the lower plate 220 and the upper plate 230 along the plane defined by the directions XX and YY. This pivoting is made possible by a front axis 240 extending perpendicularly to said plates (i.e., substantially along the height direction ZZ) and connecting them. As can be seen in Figures 12 and 14, the upper plate 230 also has two through-arched slots 231, each housing a roller 221 fixed to the lower plate 220. The slots 231 slide alternately around and along the fixed rollers 221 to guide the rotation of the upper plate 230 in one direction or the other around the front axis of rotation 240.

[0085] The angular range of rotation between the upper and lower plates is approximately plus or minus 10° on either side of a "centered" neutral position, and preferably approximately plus or minus 7°.

[0086] In the present case, the upper plate 230 supporting the seat supports 260 and the foams 270 is pivoted in one direction (counterclockwise when looking at the saddle from above illustrated by the arrow R) by about 7° in figures 11 and 12 and by about 2° (in the same direction) in figures 13 and 14. The lower plate 220 remains fixed to the clevis 210, which is itself linked to the central base 310 by the axis 215.

[0087] The saddle 200 also has stop means limiting this rotation in the two extreme pivoting positions. To this end, as can be seen on [Fig.5], these limiting means include on the one hand two screws fixed 232 under the upper plate and equipped respectively with flexible seals 233 adapted to bear against a peripheral edge of the lower plate 220 in the two extreme positions (oscillations from right to left and vice versa around the front axis 240).

[0088] Finally, the saddle 200 includes at least two dorsal tension springs 250, each stretched between a dorsal lateral ear 224 of the lower plate 220 and a dorsal central lug 234 of the upper plate 230 so as to produce an alternating elastic restoring force during the pivoting (back and forth) of said upper plate 230 around the frontal axis of rotation 240. An inverted structure is also conceivable (dorsal lateral ears provided on the upper plate 230 and dorsal central lug provided on the lower plate 220).

[0089] According to an alternative embodiment illustrated by figures 21 to 24, the displacement in the XY plane of the upper plate 230 relative to the lower plate 220 between two extreme positions on either side of a central position is carried out by linear sliding and no longer by pivoting about the front axis 240.

[0090] For this purpose, the upper plate 230 and the lower plate 220 are respectively provided with at least two parallel dorsal linear guide grooves (slots) 235 receiving two rollers 225 fixed to the lower plate 220 and sliding inside said grooves 235, and a frontal groove (slot) 236 centered and parallel to the dorsal grooves 235 and receiving a roller 226 fixed to the lower plate 220.

[0091] The maximum lateral spacing range of the upper plate 230 relative to the lower plate 220 between the two extreme positions (grooves in lateral abutment against the rollers) is approximately 10 centimeters, and preferably between approximately 6 and 8 centimeters, each roller 225 and 226 having a flexible seal serving as a flexible stop against the edges of the corresponding guide groove 235 or 236.

[0092] As previously stated, the saddle 200 is also provided with two independent seat supports 260, right and left, supporting respectively ergonomic comfort foams 270 on which the buttocks of the individual rest at least partially, and possibly part of the individual's crotch.

[0093] Finally, the seat supports 260 are movably linked to the upper plate 230 and can thus move linearly away from / towards each other along a plane defined by the directions XX and YY on either side of a central position, this sliding movement having at least one lateral component along the direction YY.

[0094] To this end, as shown in Figures 15 to 20, which illustrate two distinct positions (first extreme position, narrowed in Figures 15 to 17, and second extreme position, laterally spread out in Figures 18 to 20), the upper plate 230 and each of the two seat supports 260 are respectively equipped with sets of fixed rods 238 and through slots 262 cooperating with each other in pairs and arranged respectively in front and back positions.

[0095] More specifically, each seat support 260 has a median rod 238b and a dorsal rod 238c penetrating respectively into a corresponding median slot 262b and a corresponding dorsal slot 262c while said upper plate 232 has two front rods 238a penetrating respectively into a front slot 262a of each seat support 260, which forms 3 pairs of slots / rods in total (or a trio of rod / slot guide assemblies per seat support 260).

[0096] Thus, each seat support 260 can move laterally, independently of the other, from an extreme central position by sliding along the upper plate 230 and sliding the slots 262a, 262b and 262c along the rods 238a, 238b 238c.

[0097] It should be noted in this regard that all the slots are slightly inclined backwards (towards the back) so that the lateral sliding of a seat support 260 in a direction YY is accompanied by a recoil of the latter in a direction XX relative to the upper plate 230, which remains fixed. Of course, the two seat supports 260 can be separated by the same distance or asymmetrically.

[0098] The range of spacing of the seat supports 260 relative to each other, materialized by the graduated mark 345, is between approximately 0 centimeters, in which case said seat supports 260 are in lateral contact with each other, and approximately 10 centimeters for the maximum relative spacing, preferably between approximately 6 and 8 centimeters, each seat support 260 being in fact movable by half of this spacing.

[0099] The saddle 200 further includes mechanical locking means 280 in a determined position of each seat support 260 relative to the upper plate 230. For this purpose, said locking means 280 include at least one removable indexing finger 282 passing through an orifice 284 of each seat support 260 and cooperating with a series of housings 286 provided opposite each other in the thickness of the upper plate 230, each housing 286 then corresponding to a predetermined spacing of a seat support 260 relative to the upper plate 230.

[0100] It can thus be imagined that the housings 284 are spaced regularly from each other so as to create a lateral spacing of about 1 cm at each "notch", so that the five housings 284 shown allow a total spacing of 10 cm as indicated previously.

[0101] It is also possible, for various reasons, to choose to separate one seat support 260 by a different number of centimeters from the other seat support 260 to create an asymmetry. The central numerical reference mark 345 allows the respective spacing of each seat support 260 to be checked, which notably allows positioning the 270 comfort foam seats in the best possible way in order to adapt them to the morphology of the individual using the walking aid chair 1 according to the invention.

[0102] Figure 25 is a variant embodiment of the preceding figures with regard to the vertical damping means 300. In this embodiment, the cylinder rod + spring pair is replaced by a simple torsion spring 350, of the "clothespin" type, attached between the central base 310 and the dorsal reinforcement 110. The operation of this torsion spring is similar to the compression spring described previously in that it tends to push the saddle upwards and "dampen" the weight of the individual when the latter rests at least partially their buttocks on the comfort foams 270.

[0103] Similarly, another alternative is shown in [Fig.26] in which the damping means 300 is a leaf bending spring 360 hooked between the central base 310 and the dorsal reinforcement 110.

[0104] It must be clearly understood that the detailed description of the object of the Invention, given solely by way of illustration, does not in any way constitute a limitation, technical equivalents also being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0105] Thus, the compression spring 324 and the cylinder rod 323 can be replaced by a gas piston, or any other type of linear actuator, or even by a block of elastomeric material (or equivalent) elastically deformable under pressure, the advantage of the spring being that it can be easily pre-stressed to different forces.

[0106] It is also possible to replace the damping means in the middle position (cylinder rod + spring or its variants) with two actuators in order in particular to improve the balance of the damping system and to better distribute / increase the force created, or for more precision in preload settings.

[0107] The angle of the damping means 300 is chosen both to maximize the effort provided by the system and to minimize interference with walking. If the spring were inclined more directly, it could provide more effort but would interfere with walking. The angle ratios and the ratio between spring compression and saddle descent can also be modified.

[0108] The articulation system 340 could comprise a single deformable parallelogram, for example central or asymmetrical with a single arm on the left and a single arm on the right, but this would require redesigning the compression spring and placing it elsewhere. Such a system with a single deformable parallelogram could also accommodate a leaf bending spring or a torsion spring.

[0109] The different types of springs described can also be replaced or supplemented by a block of elastically deformable elastomer in compression.

[0110] The front axis of rotation 240 between the upper plate 230 and the lower plate 220 of the saddle 200 could be placed closer to the "center" of the saddle, for example substantially above the damping means 300. As a result, the relative movements would be different but the lower plate of the saddle could thus be much "shorter".

[0111] The tension back springs 250 for the elastic return in rotation of the upper plate 230 relative to the lower plate 220 could be replaced by a single torsion spring or by small pistons.

[0112] The angular range of rotation of the upper plate 230 relative to the lower plate 220 could also be limited by intermediate stops, and / or be asymmetrical.

[0113] The yoke 210 and the lower plate 220 of the saddle 200 could form a single molded or machined part. Similarly, the central base 310 could be integral with the yoke 210 or the lower plate 220.

[0114] It could be imagined that each seat support 260 is individually tiltable forward and backward (along an axis parallel to the direction YY, for example in a mid-position under said seat support) relative to the upper plate 230, and not the entire saddle (axis 215), by a few degrees on either side of a neutral position (for example, horizontal, but not necessarily). Similarly, it could be imagined that each seat support 260 is individually tiltable along an axis parallel to the direction XX to slightly orient the comfort foams 270 outwards or inwards.

[0115] The axis 215 of inclination of the saddle 200 could be advanced or rearward in the direction XX while remaining close to the center of gravity of the individual.

[0116] It would be possible not to have two half saddles that can be separated, but a comfortable one-piece saddle that is suitable for all populations.

[0117] Finally, the invention is also adapted to a gantry or a walker equipped with a support organ similar to a saddle.

Claims

Demands

1. A walking aid device (1) for an individual, comprising: - a mechanical assembly forming a frame (10), - a movable base (100) at least vertically relative to said frame (10) between a first low sitting position and a second high walking position, - a device (20) for modifying the vertical elevation position of the movable base (100) designed to move said base at least between its first high position and its second low position, and vice versa, said device comprising at least one actuator including an elastically deformable return means,- a support member (200) intended to be in contact with the individual and which is movable relative to said frame (10) between a first low seating position in which the individual can sit on it and a second high walking position adjustable in height in which the individual is supported at least partially by said support member (200) in a sitting-standing position, characterized in that it further comprises a damping means (300) located between the movable base (100) and the support member (200) and designed to allow an alternating up-and-down movement of the latter, said alternating movement having at least a vertical component and accompanying the movement of the individual when the latter uses the walking aid device (1), and more specifically the up-and-down movements of said individual's pelvis.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support member (200) consists of a saddle provided with a comfort seat (270) designed to receive at least partially the buttocks of the individual in the seated and standing position of the latter.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the damping means (300) comprises at least one arm locally connecting the saddle (200) to the movable base (100).

4. Device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the damping means (300) comprises at least one actuator including an elastically deformable return means (324; 350; 360) adapted to force the saddle (200) towards the high position.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the damping means (300) comprises at least one cylinder (320) having a rod (323) having a first end (321) articulated on the saddle (200) and a second end (322) articulated on the movable base (100). Device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the damping means (300) comprises at least one deformable parallelogram with two arms (341; 342) articulated respectively on the movable base (100) and on the saddle (200) about four pivots so as to form an articulation system (340). Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the deformable parallelogram articulation system (340) comprises: - two first upper arms (341) articulated around two parallel pivots (343, 344) passing respectively through a dorsal reinforcement (110) of the mobile base (100) on the one hand and the saddle (200) on the other hand, and - two second lower arms (342) articulated around three pivots ((345, 346, 347) passing respectively through the dorsal reinforcement (110) of the mobile base (100), the saddle (200) and an upper end (321) of the rod (323) of the cylinder (320). Device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the damping means (300) further comprises at least one intermediate central base (310) connected to the saddle (200) and on which the arms (341; 342) of each parallelogram are articulated. Device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the rod (232) of the cylinder (320) is surrounded by a compression spring (324) associated with an adjustable calibration means (327) for adjusting its maximum permissible load in use. Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the saddle (200) comprises a lower yoke (210) articulated relative to the damping means (300) about a transverse pivot axis (215) allowing said saddle (200) to tilt at least in a first direction relative to the movable base (100). Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the lower yoke (210) is articulated within a range between about 10° in a first direction of pivoting in which the front of the saddle (200) is inclined downwards and about 5° in a second opposite direction in which the front of the saddle (200) is inclined upwards, and preferably between about 7° in the first direction of pivoting and about 2° in the second opposite direction.

12. Device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the saddle (200) comprises an upper plate (230) supporting a seat (270) and the device (1) further comprises means for moving said upper plate (230) relative to the movable base (100) in an alternating motion in a horizontal plane (XY).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the upper plate (230) pivots relative to a lower plate (220) of the saddle (200) between two extreme positions around a front axis of rotation (240).

14. Device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the upper plate (230) has two arched through slots (231) each housing a roller (221) fixed to the lower plate (220), the slots (231) sliding alternately around the fixed rollers (221) to guide the rotation in one direction or the other of the upper plate (230) around the front axis of rotation (240).

15. Device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the upper plate (230) pivots relative to the lower plate (220) around the front axis of rotation (240) at an angle of approximately plus or minus 10° on either side of a neutral position, and preferably of approximately plus or minus 7°, the saddle (200) further comprising stop means limiting the rotation of the upper plate (230) relative to the lower plate (220) and consisting of two screws (232) fixed under the upper plate (230) and respectively equipped with flexible seals (233) adapted to bear against a peripheral edge of the lower plate (220) in the two extreme positions.

16. Device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises at least two dorsal tension springs (250) each connecting a dorsal lateral lug (224) of the lower plate (220) to a dorsal central lug (234) of the upper plate (230), or vice versa, so as to produce an alternating restoring force elastic during the pivoting of said upper plate (230) around the front axis of rotation (240).

17. Device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the upper plate (230) slides at least laterally relative to a lower plate (220) of the saddle (200) between two extreme positions on either side of a central position.

18. Device (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the upper plate (230) and the lower plate (220) are respectively provided for this purpose with at least two parallel guide grooves (235; 236) receiving rollers (225; 226) sliding respectively inside the latter.

19. Device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the upper plate (230) is traversed in its thickness by a front slot (236) and two aligned and symmetrical back slots (235), while the lower plate (220) has three rollers (225, 226) cooperating respectively with said through slots (235, 236).

20. Device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that the maximum lateral separation range of the upper plate (230) relative to the lower plate (220) between the two extreme positions is about 10 centimeters, and preferably between about 6 and 8 centimeters, each roller (225; 226) having a flexible stop seal against the ends of the corresponding guide groove (235; 236).

21. Device according to any one of claims 12 to 20, characterized in that the saddle (200) is provided with two independent right and left seat portions, each seat portion (260) comprising an ergonomic comfort foam (270) each supporting a buttock of an individual and a seat support (260) of similar shape, the seat supports (260) being movably connected to the upper plate (230) and being able to move laterally away from / toward each other.

22. Device (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that the upper plate (230) and each of the two seat supports (260) are respectively equipped with sets (238; 262) of fixed rods (238a; 238b; 238c) and through slots (262a; 262b; 262c) cooperating with each other in pairs and arranged respectively in a frontal and dorsal position, one rod belonging to one of a support (260) considered and the upper plate (230) penetrating into a slot corresponding belonging to the other among the upper plate (230) and the support (260) considered, so that the lateral separation / approach of the two seat supports (260) causes the sliding of a slot (262) relative to an associated rod (238).

23. Device (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that the rods (238) and the associated slots (262) are each three in number per seat support (260), namely a first front rod (238a) integral with the upper plate (230) cooperating by penetration into a first straight front slot (262a) belonging to a corresponding seat support (260), a second middle rod (238b) integral with a seat support (260) and cooperating by penetration into a second straight middle slot (262b) of the upper plate (230), and a third back rod (238c) integral with said seat support (260) and cooperating by penetration into a third back slot (262c) of the upper plate (230),the alternating movement of a seat support (260) relative to the upper plate (230) accompanied by the relative linear sliding of the rods (238) in the associated slots (262) according to a lateral displacement and incidentally from front to back.

24. Device (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that the lateral spacing range of the seat supports (260) relative to each other is between about 0 centimeters, in which case said seat supports (260) are in lateral contact with each other, and about 10 centimeters for a maximum relative spacing, preferably between about 6 and 8 centimeters, each seat support (260) being movable independently relative to the other support and over a distance equivalent at most to half of said maximum relative spacing.

25. Device (1) according to any one of claims 23 to 24, characterized in that the saddle (200) further comprises mechanical means (280) for locking each seat support (260) in a determined position relative to the upper plate (230), said locking means (280) comprising at least one removable indexing finger (282) cooperating with a series of holes (286) arranged opposite each other in the thickness of the upper plate (230), each hole (286) corresponding to a predetermined spacing of a seat support (260) relative to the upper plate (230).

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