Self-help device of ankle foot kit

Abstract

To provide a self-help device of an ankle foot kit for enabling a user to easily treat the device by one hand and for compactly varying a whole body when transported.SOLUTION: A self-help device 1 of an ankle foot kit includes: a first support body 2 for supporting an ankle foot kit 10 from below; and second support bodies 3 for supporting side parts of the ankle foot kit 10. The first support body 2 includes: a kit placement part 2A on which the ankle foot kit 10 is placed; and holding parts 2B on which a foot without mounting the ankle foot kit 10 is placed so as to be held with a floor F. The second support body 3 is rotatably connected with respect to the first support body 2, so as to be in a non-use state by overlapping with the first support body 2 by a rotating motion toward one side, and to be in a use state of a posture extending upward from the first support body 2 by a rotating motion toward the other side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an assistive device that assists a user of a short-leg brace in putting on the short-leg brace by themselves.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for disabled persons whose one side of the body cannot move or whose strength cannot be exerted as desired, walking is difficult because, for example, they may fall without support of their body weight during walking. Therefore, it is common to wear a short-leg brace for assisting walking, such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, on the lower leg below the knee on the immobile side of the body. This short-leg brace includes a brace main body portion having a substantially U-shaped cross section that covers the calf portion from the heel portion of the user, and a foot rest portion that is continuously provided at the lower end of the brace main body portion and whose outer shape corresponds to the contour of the foot. On the front surface of the brace main body portion, a plurality of mounting belts are attached that bridge the front edge portions on both the left and right sides of the brace main body portion so that the user's lower leg to the toe of the foot cannot be detached from the device main body and the foot rest portion, respectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, since the short-leg brace as described above fixes the ankle in the same posture, if worn continuously for a long time, the same part may be continuously compressed and floor displacement may occur. Therefore, the short-leg brace must be periodically removed from the leg. However, it is difficult to make the short-leg prosthesis stand on its own. On the other hand, many users of short-leg prostheses can only move one hand, so it is difficult for them to attach the short-leg prosthesis to their own leg or remove the short-leg prosthesis from their own leg, and there is a problem that they have to ask a nearby person for assistance with wearing each time. To avoid this, it is conceivable to make a sturdy support base (self-help tool) to support the short-leg prosthesis and attach or remove the short-leg prosthesis to / from the user's leg while the short-leg prosthesis is supported. However, the attachment / detachment operation of the short-leg prosthesis is not performed only at a predetermined location but at any location, so there is also a problem that it is very difficult to transport the above-mentioned support base to the attachment / detachment location each time.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a self-help tool for a short-leg prosthesis that can be easily handled by a user with one hand and can be made compact as a whole during transportation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that, during use, the prosthesis can be fixed so as not to move in a self-standing state, and during non-use, it can be made into a compact outer shape and variable. Specifically, targeting a self-help tool for a short-leg prosthesis that assists the user in wearing the short-leg prosthesis by himself / herself, the following solution means have been taken.

[0007] That is, the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the first invention includes a first support body that supports the short lower limb orthosis from below, and a second support body that supports the side of the short lower limb orthosis, wherein the first support body has an orthosis placement part for placing the short lower limb orthosis, and a clamping part for placing the foot on the side where the short lower limb orthosis is not worn and clamping it between the floor, and the second support body is rotatably connected to the first support body, and is configured to be in a non-use state overlapping the first support body by a rotation operation to one side, and in a use state in a posture extending upward from the first support body by a rotation operation to the other side. In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis configured in this way, during use, the entire self-help device is firmly fixed to the floor and the short lower limb orthosis acts to stand stably. Also, when the self-help device is not in use, it acts so that the second support body can be rotated with respect to the first support body and overlapped with the first support body to be made variable to a non-use state.

[0008] The self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the second invention is, in the first invention, characterized in that the second support body includes a side support part that supports at least one of the left and right sides of the short lower limb orthosis, and a rear support part that supports the rear side of the short lower limb orthosis, and either one of the side support part and the rear support part is rotatable with respect to the first support body. In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis configured in this way, when the short lower limb orthosis is placed on the orthosis placement part, it acts so that the short lower limb orthosis is supported from the side at at least two locations.

[0009] The self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the third invention is, in the second invention, characterized in that a pair of the second support bodies are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, one end in the horizontal direction of each rear support part is rotatably connected to the corresponding side support part in the horizontal direction, respectively, and the other end in the horizontal direction of each rear support part is rotatably connected to each other in the horizontal direction. In the self-help device for ankle-foot orthosis configured in this manner, when the side support sections are brought closer to each other, the rear support sections rotate around one end as a fulcrum to approach the respective side support sections, while the other end sections rotate around the fulcrum to approach each other, so that they are folded inside the both side support sections. On the other hand, when the side support sections are moved apart, the rear support sections rotate around one end as a fulcrum to move away from the respective side support sections, while the other end sections rotate away from each other, so that they are extended horizontally and in use.

[0010] The self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the fourth invention is characterized in that, in the third invention, the first supports are arranged in a pair horizontally so that the orthosis mounting parts are on the sides closest to each other, the lower ends of each lateral support part are respectively connected to the corresponding first support so as to be rotatable up and down, and the ends of each first support on the orthosis mounting part side are connected to each other so as to be rotatable up and down. In the self-help device for ankle-foot orthosis configured in this manner, when the lateral support parts are brought closer to each other, the orthosis mounting part of each first support rotates around the lower end of each lateral support part as a fulcrum so as to approach the respective lateral support part, while the connecting parts rotate around the fulcrum so as to approach the respective fulcrum, thereby acting to be folded inside the both lateral support parts. On the other hand, when the lateral support parts are moved away from each other, the orthosis mounting part of each first support rotates around the lower end of each lateral support part as a fulcrum so as to move away from the respective lateral support part, while the connecting parts rotate around the fulcrum so as to move away from the respective lateral support part, thereby acting to be extended horizontally in use.

[0011] The self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, the lower ends of the lateral support parts are respectively connected between the orthosis mounting part and the clamping part of the corresponding first support so as to be rotatable up and down. In the self-help device for ankle-leg orthosis configured in this manner, when the self-help device is put into use, the sandwiching portions of the first supports are positioned at positions outside the pair of left and right side support portions.

[0012] The self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the sixth invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, a plurality of through-holes are formed in the first and second supports. In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis configured in this way, it acts so as to reduce the weight of the entire self-help device.

[0013] The self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the seventh invention is characterized in that, in the sixth invention, the through-hole is formed in the sandwiching portion and has a shape imitating the shape of a foot. In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis configured in this way, it acts so as to enhance the design property of the appearance of the self-help device. Also, it acts so that the user can intuitively understand that it is the place to put the foot during use.

[0014] The self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the eighth invention is characterized in that, in the sixth invention, the through-hole is formed in the second support and has a shape imitating the shape of a hand. In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis configured in this way, it acts so as to enhance the design property of the appearance of the self-help device. Also, it acts so that the user can intuitively understand that it is the place to grasp with the hand during use.

[0015] The self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the ninth invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, a belt fixing portion capable of detaching and attaching the hook-and-loop fastener on the wearing belt of the short lower limb orthosis is provided on the second support. In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis configured in this way, it acts so that the wearing belt of the short lower limb orthosis can be fixed to the second support in a state where the short lower limb orthosis is placed on the orthosis placement portion.

[0016] The self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the tenth invention is characterized in that, in the second invention, the rear support portion is rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the first support portion, and the side support portion is a flexible member or a flexible member having one end connected to the rear support portion and the other end connected to the first support portion, and is configured to be folded by the rotation operation of the rear support portion toward the first support portion side, and to be extended by the rotation operation away from the first support portion side. In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis configured as described above, by simply moving the rear support portion up and down with respect to the first support body, it functions to make the self-help device variable between a use state and a non-use state.

[0017] In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the eleventh invention, in the second invention, the rear support portion is rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the first support body, the side support portion is rotatable in the horizontal direction with respect to the rear support portion, and the first support body is formed with a fitting recess for fitting the lower portion of the side support portion in a state where the side support portion extends forward in a plan view with respect to the rear support portion. In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis configured as described above, when the side support portion is rotated so as to overlap the rear support portion and the rear support portion is rotated so as to overlap the first support body, the first support body, the side support portion, and the rear support portion are folded, and the entire self-help device functions to become compact.

[0018] In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis according to the twelfth invention, in the second invention, a pair of the side support portions are provided on the left and right of the short lower limb orthosis, and one end thereof is pivotally supported by the first support body so as to be rotatable up and down. The first support body has a housing portion for housing the both side support portions when the both side support portions are rotated to one side, and an engaging portion with which one end of the rear support portion can be engaged. The rear support portion has the other end pivotally supported by the other ends of the respective side support portions so as to be rotatable up and down, and when rotated to one side, is housed between the both side support portions. When rotated to the other side while the both side support portions are rotated to the other side, one end is engaged with the engaging portion and is configured to be in a posture of standing up together with the both side support portions. In the self-help device for a short lower limb orthosis configured as described above, when the self-help device is in a non-use state, all of the second support body fits inside the first support body.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] In the first invention, when the user wears the short-leg prosthesis, after placing the assistive device so that its first support contacts the floor, the user places the short-leg prosthesis on the prosthesis placement part so that the side is supported by the second support, and then places the leg on the side where the short-leg prosthesis is not worn on the clamping part and clamps the clamping part between the floor and the leg. Then, the entire assistive device is firmly fixed to the floor and the short-leg prosthesis stands stably, so that the user can easily wear the short-leg prosthesis even with one hand. In addition, when the assistive device is not in use, the second support can be rotated relative to the first support and overlapped with the first support to be made variable to a non-use state, so that the entire assistive device can be made compact and easily carried.

[0020] In the second invention, when the short-leg prosthesis is placed on the prosthesis placement part, the short-leg prosthesis is supported from the side at at least two locations. Therefore, the self-standing state of the short-leg prosthesis during the wearing operation of the short-leg prosthesis by the user becomes more stable, and the user can more efficiently and easily wear the short-leg prosthesis.

[0021] In the third invention, when the respective side support parts approach each other, each rear support part rotates about one end part as a fulcrum so as to approach each side support part, and rotates so that the other end parts approach each other as a fulcrum and are folded inside the both side support parts. On the other hand, when the respective side support parts are separated from each other, each rear support part rotates about one end part as a fulcrum so as to be separated from each side support part, and rotates so that the other end parts are separated from each other as a fulcrum to be in a use state extended in the horizontal direction. In this way, the second support can be easily made variable between the use state and the non-use state.

[0022] In the fourth invention, when the side supports are brought closer to each other, the mounting portion sides of the respective first supports approach the respective side supports while pivoting about the lower ends of the side supports, and the connecting portions of the side supports approach each other about the pivot point while pivoting, and are folded inside the two side supports. On the other hand, when the side supports are separated from each other, the mounting portion sides of the respective first supports move away from the respective side supports while pivoting about the lower ends of the side supports, and the connecting portions of the side supports move away from each other about the pivot point while pivoting, and assume an extended state in the horizontal direction. In this way, the first support can be easily changed between the use state and the non-use state. Therefore, for example, in a state where the first support and the second support are folded, when the user holds the two rear supports, stands the assistive device on the floor, and applies a downward force, the two clamping portions slide on the floor while the two first supports pivot about the lower ends of the side supports and the connecting portions of the two first supports move away from each other about the pivot point and extend in the horizontal direction, and in conjunction therewith, the two side supports move away from each other. Further, in conjunction with the separating movement of the two side supports, the respective rear supports pivot about one end portion so as to move away from the respective side supports, and the other end portions of the rear supports pivot away from each other about the pivot point and assume an extended state in the horizontal direction. In this way, the assistive device can be easily changed from the non-use state to the use state with one-handed operation. Also, when the assistive device is in the use state, when the user holds the two rear supports and applies a force so that the two rear supports are folded together, the two side supports approach each other in conjunction therewith. Further, in conjunction with the approaching movement of the two side supports, the mounting portion sides of the respective first supports approach the respective side supports while pivoting about the lower ends of the side supports, and the connecting portions of the side supports approach each other about the pivot point while pivoting, and are folded inside the two side supports, and the assistive device becomes in the non-use state. In this way, the assistive device can be easily changed from the use state to the non-use state with one-handed operation.

[0023] In the fifth invention, when the assistive device is in the use state, the clamping portions of the first supports are respectively located at positions outside the pair of left and right side support portions. Therefore, the user can clamp the corresponding clamping portion with the other foot regardless of whether the foot to be worn is on the left or right, and an assistive device with good usability can be obtained.

[0024] In the sixth invention, since the weight of the entire assistive device is reduced, it is possible to facilitate the work when carrying the assistive device in the non-use state or when changing between the use state and the non-use state. In the seventh invention, not only does the design property of the appearance of the assistive device increase, but also the user can intuitively know that it is the place where the foot is placed during use. Therefore, even a user with little usage experience can easily understand one of the operations of the assistive device when wearing the short lower limb orthosis. In the eighth invention, not only does the design property of the appearance of the assistive device increase, but also the user can intuitively know that it is the place to be grasped by hand during use. Therefore, even a user with little usage experience can easily understand one of the operations of the assistive device when changing the assistive device between the use state and the non-use state. In the ninth invention, the wearing belt of the short lower limb orthosis can be fixed to the second support in a state where the short lower limb orthosis is placed on the orthosis placement portion. Therefore, when the user wears the short lower limb orthosis, the wearing belt does not get in the way, and the short lower limb orthosis can be worn smoothly.

[0025] In the tenth invention, since the assistive device can be changed between the use state and the non-use state only by moving the rear support portion up and down with respect to the first support, an assistive device with simple operation can be obtained. In the eleventh invention, when the side support part is rotated so as to overlap the rear support part and the rear support part is rotated so as to overlap the first support body, the first support body, the side support part, and the rear support part are folded, and the whole self-help device becomes compact. Therefore, it can be made into a self-help device that is easy to carry and handle. Further, when the self-help device is in use, since each side support part and the first support body are connected in a fitted state, the self-help device is less likely to fall over and can be made into a user-friendly self-help device. In the twelfth invention, when the self-help device is in a non-use state, all of the second support body fits inside the first support body. Therefore, the overall outer shape of the self-help device in the non-use state becomes compact, and the space occupied when storing the self-help device can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiment for Carrying out the Invention

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature.

Embodiment

[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a self-help device 1 for a short lower limb orthosis according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This self-help device 1 for a short lower limb orthosis assists a disabled person (user) with paralysis on one side of the body to put on a short lower limb orthosis 10 that supports the basic walking motion by themselves on the leg below the knee on the immobile side. When in use, it includes a pair of first supports 2 placed in a side-by-side state on the floor F, and a pair of second supports 3 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction located above each first support 2. The first support 2 is a plate member formed of a resin material and having a rectangular shape in plan view. On the upper surface of the middle part of the first support 2, a pair of first shaft support parts 2a extending in a ridge shape in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the side-by-side direction of both first supports 2 are provided at a predetermined interval in the extension direction.

[0029] The first support 2 includes a brace placement part 2A located on one side in the longitudinal direction and a clamping part 2B located on the other side in the longitudinal direction, with both first shaft support parts 2a as the boundaries. The two first supports 2 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction such that the brace placement parts 2A approach each other. The short lower limb orthosis 10 can be placed on the brace placement part 2A, while the clamping part 2B is configured to place the foot on the side where the short lower limb orthosis 10 is not worn and clamp it between the floor F when wearing the short lower limb orthosis 10. At the center of the edge on the side of the other first support 2 in one fixture mounting portion 2A, a wide first notch recess 2b is formed. Further, the fixture mounting portion 2A is formed with a honeycomb-like arrangement of a large number of first through holes 2c that penetrate vertically and have a regular hexagonal shape. Each of the first through holes 2c is formed within the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 1 and 6, and for the sake of convenience, detailed description is omitted.

[0030] On the other hand, a plurality of second through holes 2d are formed in the clamping portion 2B, and the collection of these second through holes 2d has a shape imitating a foot shape. One side half region of the first rotating member 4 having a thin rod shape is positioned in the first notch recess 2b of one first support 2, and the first rotating member 4 is rotatably supported so as to be pivotally supported, while the other side half of the first rotating member 4 is positioned in the first notch recess 2b of the other first support 2, and the first rotating member 4 is rotatably supported so as to be pivotally supported. As a result, the ends on the side of the fixture mounting portion 2A of each first support 2 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable up and down.

[0031] The second support 3 includes a resin side support portion 5 having a rectangular plate shape and a resin rear support portion 6 having a rectangular plate shape with an outer shape smaller than that of the side support portion 5. At the middle part of the lower end of the side support portion 5, a first ridge portion 5a extending along the lower end edge is provided, and the first ridge portion 5a is positioned between both first shaft support portions 2a of the first support 2 and is pivotally supported by both first shaft support portions 2a. That is, the lower end of the side support portion 5 is connected to the first support 2 between the fixture mounting portion 2A and the clamping portion 2B so as to be rotatable up and down.

[0032] At positions near the upper side and the center on the side of the other second support body 3 at the rear edge of one side support portion 5, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of second shaft support portions 5b extending vertically in a ridge shape along the rear edge thereof are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the side support portion 5 is formed with a large number of third through holes 5c having a regular hexagonal shape penetrating in the plate thickness direction of the side support portion 5 and arranged in a honeycomb shape. Each of the third through holes 5c is formed within the two-dot chain line in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, but for the sake of convenience, detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0033] At a position near the lower side on the side of the other second support body 3 near the front edge of one side support portion 5, a first belt fixing portion 5d formed of a hook-and-loop fastener extending vertically is provided, and at a position on the opposite side of the other second support body 3 near the front edge of one side support portion 5, a second belt fixing portion 5e formed of a hook-and-loop fastener extending vertically is provided over the position from the upper end to the lower end of the side support portion 5. These first belt fixing portion 5d and second belt fixing portion 5e are detachably attached to the hook-and-loop fastener on the wearing belt 10a of the short lower limb orthosis 10.

[0034] At a middle portion of one end edge in the horizontal direction of the rear support portion 6, a second ridge portion 6a extending along the edge is provided, and the second ridge portion 6a is positioned between the two second shaft support portions 5b of the side support portion 5 and pivotally supported by the two second shaft support portions 5b. That is, one end in the horizontal direction of the rear support portion 6 is pivotally connected to the rear edge of the side support portion 5 in the horizontal direction. Further, a fourth through hole 6d having a shape imitating a hand is formed in the rear support portion 6. Furthermore, a wide second notch recess 6c is formed at a middle portion of the other end edge in the horizontal direction of the rear support portion 6.

[0035] In addition, in the second notch recess 6c of one rear support portion 6, the second rotating member 7 having a thin rod shape is rotatably supported so that one-side half region thereof is positioned, while in the second notch recess 6c of the other rear support portion 6, the second rotating member 7 is rotatably supported so that the other-side half of the second rotating member 7 is positioned. Thus, the horizontal-direction outer ends of the respective rear support portions 6 are connected to each other so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction.

[0036] When the user wears the short-leg orthosis 10, as shown in FIG. 2, when the short-leg orthosis 10 is placed on the orthosis placement portions 2A of both first support bodies 2, both first support bodies 2 support the short-leg orthosis 10 from below, while the side support portions 5 of each second support body 3 support both the left and right sides of the short-leg orthosis 10, and both rear support portions 6 support the rear side of the short-leg orthosis 10. That is, each second support body 3 is configured to support the side of the short-leg orthosis 10.

[0037] The short-leg orthosis assisting device 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can be changed to a compact shape when not in use by the user. That is, when the respective side support portions 5 are brought closer to each other, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each rear support portion 6 rotates about one end portion as a fulcrum so as to approach each side support portion 5, and at the same time, rotates about the other end portion as a fulcrum so as to approach each other, and is folded inside the both side support portions 5. Further, when the respective side support portions 5 are brought closer to each other, on each first support body 2, the respective orthosis placement portion 2A sides rotate about the lower end of each side support portion 5 so as to approach each side support portion 5, and at the same time, rotate about the connecting portion of each other as a fulcrum so as to approach each other, and are folded inside the both side support portions 5. In this way, the short-leg orthosis assisting device 1 can be changed to a compact outer shape having a substantially plate shape.

[0038] When a user wears the short-leg brace 10 on the leg below the knee, when the side support portions 5 on each side are separated, each rear support portion 6 rotates with one end portion as a fulcrum so as to be separated from the side support portion 5 on each side, and the other end portions rotate away from each other with the other end portion as a fulcrum and extend horizontally. Further, when the side support portions 5 on each side are separated, the mounting portion 2A sides of the first support bodies 2 on each side rotate with the lower ends of the side support portions 5 as fulcrums so as to be separated from the side support portions 5 on each side, and rotate away from each other with the connecting portions as fulcrums and extend horizontally to enter the use state. In this way, the first support body 2 can be easily changed between the use state and the non-use state.

[0039] That is, in the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the second support body 3 is rotatably connected to the first support body 2, and in the rotation operation to one side, it overlaps the first support body 2 and enters the non-use state, while in the rotation operation to the other side, it is configured to enter the use state in a posture extending upward from the first support body 2.

[0040] Next, a specific usage method by the user of the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail. First, when the user wears the short-leg brace 10, as shown in FIG. 5, the user prepares the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace in which the first support body 2 and the second support body 3 are compactly folded. Then, the user holds both rear support portions 6 with one hand, stands the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace on the floor F, and applies a downward force. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, both clamping portions 2B of the first support body 2 slide on the floor F while the first support bodies 2 rotate with the lower ends of the side support portions 5 as fulcrums, and rotate away from each other with the connecting portions as fulcrums and extend horizontally, and in conjunction with this, the side support portions 5 on both sides are separated. Further, in conjunction with the separation operation of the side support portions 5 on both sides, each rear support portion 6 rotates with one end portion as a fulcrum so as to be separated from the side support portion 5 on each side, and the other end portions rotate away from each other with the other end portion as a fulcrum, and as shown in FIG. 1, it enters the use state extended horizontally. In this way, the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace can be easily changed from the non-use state to the use state by one-handed operation.

[0041] After that, the user installs the short lower limb assist device 1 with both of its first supports 2 in contact with the floor F, then places the short lower limb orthosis 10 on the orthosis placement portion 2A so that the sides are supported by the second support 3, and then places the foot on the side where the short lower limb orthosis 10 is not worn on the clamping portion 2B and clamps the clamping portion 2B between the floor F and the foot. Then, the entire short lower limb assist device 1 is firmly fixed to the floor F and the short lower limb orthosis 10 stands stably on its own, so that the user can easily put on the short lower limb orthosis 10 even with one hand.

[0042] On the other hand, when the user finishes putting on the short lower limb orthosis 10 on himself / herself, the user holds both rear support portions 6 with one hand and applies a force so that the two rear support portions 6 are folded together. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, in conjunction with the folding operation of the two rear support portions 6, the two side support portions 5 approach each other. Further, in conjunction with the approaching operation of the two side support portions 5, the side of each orthosis placement portion 2A in each first support 2 approaches each side support portion 5, and while rotating with the lower end of each side support portion 5 as a fulcrum, the connecting portions of each other approach each other with the connecting portion as a fulcrum and are folded inside the two side support portions 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the short lower limb assist device 1 is in a non-use state in which it is substantially plate-shaped. In this way, the short lower limb assist device 1 can be easily changed from the use state to the non-use state by one-handed operation. Therefore, when the user does not use the short lower limb assist device 1, the entire short lower limb assist device 1 can be made compact and easily carried.

[0043] As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when the user wears the short lower limb orthosis 10, the short lower limb orthosis 10 is supported from the side by the second support 3, so that the self-standing state of the short lower limb orthosis 10 during the wearing operation of the short lower limb orthosis 10 by the user is stable, and the user can efficiently and easily wear the short lower limb orthosis 10. In addition, the first support members 2 are arranged in a pair so that the respective appliance placement portions 2A approach each other, and the lower ends of the respective side support portions 5 are respectively connected to be rotatable vertically between the appliance placement portion 2A and the clamping portion 2B of the corresponding first support member 2. Therefore, when the self-help device 1 for short lower limb appliances is in a use state, the clamping portions 2B of the respective first support members 2 are positioned at the outer positions of the pair of left and right side support portions 5. Accordingly, the user can clamp the corresponding clamping portion 2B with the other foot regardless of whether the leg to be worn is on the left or right, and the self-help device 1 for short lower limb appliances can be made user-friendly. In addition, since a plurality of first through holes 2c, second through holes 2d, third through holes 5c, and fourth through holes 6d are formed in the first support member 2 and the second support member 3, the overall weight of the self-help device 1 for short lower limb appliances is reduced, and it is possible to facilitate the work when transporting the self-help device 1 for short lower limb appliances in a non-use state or when changing between the use state and the non-use state.

[0044] In addition, the second through hole 2d is formed in the clamping portion 2B of the first support member 2 and has a shape imitating the shape of a foot. Therefore, not only does the design property of the appearance of the self-help device 1 for short lower limb appliances increase, but also the user can intuitively understand that it is the place where the foot is placed during use. Accordingly, even a user with little usage experience can easily understand one of the operations of the self-help device 1 for short lower limb appliances when wearing the short lower limb appliance 10. In addition, the fourth through hole 6d is formed in the rear support portion 6 and has a shape imitating the shape of a hand. Therefore, not only does the design property of the appearance of the self-help device 1 for short lower limb appliances increase, but also the user can intuitively understand that it is the place where the hand grasps during use. Accordingly, even a user with little usage experience can easily understand one of the operations of the self-help device 1 for short lower limb appliances when changing the self-help device 1 for short lower limb appliances between the use state and the non-use state.

[0045] Furthermore, the second support 3 is provided with a first belt fixing part 5d and a second belt fixing part 5e that can be attached to and detached from the hook-and-loop fastener on the wearing belt 10a of the short-leg brace 10. Therefore, with the short-leg brace 10 placed on the brace mounting part 2A, the wearing belt 10a of the short-leg brace 10 can be fixed to the second support 3. Thus, when the user wears the short-leg brace 10, the wearing belt 10a does not get in the way, and the short-leg brace 10 can be worn smoothly.

[0046] Note that the short-leg brace assist device 1 of Example 1 of the present invention has a pair of first supports 2 and second supports 3 respectively, but it is not necessarily required to have a pair, and each may be one piece.

Example

[0047] FIG. 7 shows the short-leg brace assist device 1 of Example 2 of the present invention. In this Example 2, there is one first support 2 and one second support 3 respectively, and the structure of the side support part 5 is different from that of Example 1. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in Example 1, and only the different parts will be described. The first support 2 of Example 2 is a single plate formed of a resin material having a rectangular shape in plan view. Approximately half of one side in the longitudinal direction constitutes the brace mounting part 2A, while approximately half of the other side constitutes the sandwiching part 2B. The second support 3 of Example 2 includes a pair of flexible members 20 (side support parts) formed in a belt shape of a resin material and a rear support part 6 formed in a rectangular plate shape of a resin material.

[0048] The lower end of the rear support part 6 is pivotally supported on the rear edge part on the brace mounting part 2A side of the first support 2, and the rear support part 6 is rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the first support 2. The flexible members 20 are disposed at intervals on both sides in the width direction of the rear support portion 6, one end is connected to a position near the upper end of the rear support portion 6, and the other end is connected to a position near the front edge portion in the equipment mounting portion 2A of the first support body 2. And each flexible member 20 is configured to be folded into a non-use state by the pivoting operation of the rear support portion 6 toward the first support body 2, while being extended into a use state by the pivoting operation toward the side away from the first support body 2.

[0049] And when the user wears the short-leg brace 10, after placing the short-leg brace assisting tool 1 folded so that the first support body 2 and the second support body 3 overlap with the first support body 2 in contact with the floor F, the user rotates the second support body 3 so as to be separated from the first support body 2. Then, in conjunction with this, both flexible members 20 are extended into a use state, so the user places the short-leg brace 10 on the equipment mounting portion 2A so as to be between both flexible members 20, and supports the sides of the short-leg brace 10 with both flexible members 20 and the rear support portion 6, whereby the short-leg brace 10 can be made to stand independently in a stable state, and the short-leg brace 10 can be easily worn. On the other hand, when the user finishes wearing the short-leg brace 10 on himself / herself, the user rotates the rear support portion 6 toward the first support body 2. Then, the second support body 3 is folded so as to overlap the first support body 2, and in conjunction with this, each flexible member 20 is folded inside the first support body 2 and the second support body 3. Thus, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, since the short-leg brace assisting tool 1 can be changed between a use state and a non-use state only by vertically moving the rear support portion 6 with respect to the first support body 2, the short-leg brace assisting tool 1 can be made to have a simple operation. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the flexible member 20 is applied as the side support portion, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a flexible member may be applied as the side support portion.

Embodiment

[0050] Figure 8 shows the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In this Embodiment 3, since a partial structure of the first support 2 and a partial structure of the second support 3 are different from those of Embodiment 2, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in Embodiment 2, and only the different parts will be described below. The first support 2 of Embodiment 3 is a single plate formed of a resin material having a rectangular shape in plan view. A region extending from one end in the longitudinal direction to the middle part constitutes the brace mounting part 2A, while a region on the other side in the longitudinal direction constitutes the clamping part 2B. At a position near one end in the longitudinal direction of the first support 2 and at a position between the brace mounting part 2A and the clamping part 2B, a pair of fitting recesses 2e extending linearly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first support 2 are formed respectively.

[0051] The rear support part 6 of Embodiment 3 has a rectangular frame shape formed by bending a tubular frame, and its lower end is pivotally supported on the rear edge of the brace mounting part 2A of the first support 2 so as to be rotatable. That is, the rear support part 6 is rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the first support 2. The side support part 5 of Embodiment 3 has a wide substantially ladder shape assembled with a tubular frame. A flexible third belt fixing part 5f made of a hook-and-loop fastener extending vertically is wound around the front edge of one side support part 5. And the rear edges of each side support part 5 are pivotally supported on the left and right edges of the rear support part 6 so as to be rotatable. That is, each side support part 5 is rotatable in the horizontal direction with respect to the rear support part 6.

[0052] Each fitting recess 2e of the first support 2 enables the lower part of each side support part 5 to be fitted in a state where each side support part 5 extends forward in plan view with respect to the rear support part 6. Note that the procedure for a user to wear the short-leg brace 10 using the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace according to Embodiment 3 is the same as that in Embodiment 2, so detailed description will be omitted.

[0053] As described above, according to Example 3 of the present invention, when the side support portion 5 is rotated so as to overlap the rear support portion 6, and the rear support portion 6 is rotated so as to overlap the first support body 2, the first support body 2, the side support portion 5, and the rear support portion 6 are folded, and the entire self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace becomes compact. Therefore, the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace can be made easy to carry and handle. Further, when the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace is in use, since each side support portion 5 and the first support body 2 are connected in a fitted state, the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace is less likely to fall over, and the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace can be made easy to use.

Example

[0054] Figs. 9 to 11 show the self-help device 1 for a short-leg brace according to Example 4 of the present invention. In this Example 4, since a part of the structure of the first support body 2 and a part of the structure of the second support body 3 are different from those in Example 3, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in Example 3, and only the different parts will be described. In the brace placement portion 2A of the first support body 2 in Example 4, a housing portion 2f having a rectangular shape in plan view that penetrates in the plate thickness direction of the first support body 2 is formed, and the rear inner peripheral edge portion of the housing portion 2f constitutes the engaging portion 2g of the present invention. Further, in the clamping portion 2B of the first support body 2, a plurality of second through holes 2d are formed in the same manner as the clamping portion 2B of Example 1, and the collection of these second through holes 2d has a shape imitating the shape of a foot.

[0055] The second support body 3 in Example 4 has a rectangular plate shape, and its outer shape corresponds to the shape of the housing portion 2f. The first support body 2 includes a portal-shaped portion 8 extending along three continuous inner peripheral edge portions of the housing portion 2f, and a rectangular plate-shaped rear support portion 6 located inside the portal-shaped portion 8. A star-shaped fifth through hole 6e is formed at the center of the rear support portion 6. The portal-shaped portion 8 extends in a strip shape with a predetermined interval, and includes a pair of side support portions 5 that extend in a strip shape with one end pivotally supported by the first support body 2 respectively, and a strip-shaped bridging portion 9 that bridges the other end portions of both side support portions 5. The portal-shaped portion 8 is rotatable up and down with respect to the first support body 2, and when rotated in one direction, it can be accommodated in the accommodation portion 2f.

[0056] One end of the rear support portion 6 is engageable with the engaging portion 2g of the first support body 2, while the other end is pivotally supported by the other end of each side support portion 5 so as to be rotatable up and down. As shown in FIG. 9, when the rear support portion 6 is rotated in one direction, it is accommodated between the portal-shaped portion 8 (both side support portions 5). On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the portal-shaped portion 8 (both side support portions 5) is rotated in the other direction and then rotated in the other direction, one end engages with the engaging portion 2g and is configured to stand up together with the portal-shaped portion 8 (both side support portions 5). When the short lower limb orthosis 10 is placed on the orthosis placement portion 2A between the standing side support portions 5, the side support portions 5 are positioned on the left and right of the short lower limb orthosis 10 and support the short lower limb orthosis 10. Note that the procedure for the user to wear the short lower limb orthosis 10 using the self-help device 1 for short lower limb orthoses according to Example 4 is the same as that in Example 3, so detailed description is omitted.

[0057] As described above, according to Example 4 of the present invention, when the self-help device 1 for short lower limb orthoses is in a non-use state, as shown in FIG. 9, all of the second support body 3 is accommodated inside the first support body 2. Therefore, the overall outer shape of the self-help device 1 for short lower limb orthoses in the non-use state becomes compact, and the space occupied when storing the self-help device 1 for short lower limb orthoses can be reduced.

[0058] In Examples 1 to 4 of the present invention, the first support body 2 and the second support body 3 are formed of a resin material, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, they may be formed of a metal material.

Industrial Applicability

[0059] The present invention is suitable for an assistive device that assists a user of a short-leg orthosis in wearing the short-leg orthosis by themselves during the wearing operation.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0060] 1... Assistive device for short-leg orthosis 2... First support body 2A... Orthosis placement part 2B... Clamping part 2a... First shaft support part 2b... First notch recess 2c... First through hole 2d... Second through hole 2e... Fitting recess 2f... Accommodation part 2g... Engaging part 3... Second support body 4... First rotating member 5... Lateral support part 5a... First ridge part 5b... Second shaft support part 5c... Third through hole 5d... First belt fixing part 5e... Second belt fixing part 5f... Third belt fixing part 6... Rear support part 6a... Second ridge part 6c... Second notch recess 6d... Fourth through hole 6e... Fifth through hole 7... Second rotating member 8... Gate-shaped part 9... Bridging part 10... Short-leg orthosis 10a... Wearing belt 20... Flexible member (lateral support part) F... Floor

Claims

1. An assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis that assists the user in putting on the short lower limb orthosis by oneself, comprising a first support body that supports the short lower limb orthosis from below, and a second support body that supports the side of the short lower limb orthosis, wherein the first support body has an orthosis placement portion for placing the short lower limb orthosis thereon, and a clamping portion for placing the foot on the side where the short lower limb orthosis is not worn and clamping it between the floor, the second support body is rotatably connected to the first support body, and is configured to overlap the first support body in a rotation operation to one side and be in a non-use state, while being in a use state in a posture extending upward from the first support body in a rotation operation to the other side. An assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis characterized by this.

2. In the assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis according to Claim 1, the second support body includes a side support portion that supports at least one of the left and right sides of the short lower limb orthosis, and a rear support portion that supports the rear side of the short lower limb orthosis, wherein either one of the side support portion and the rear support portion is rotatable with respect to the first support body. An assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis characterized by this.

3. In the assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis according to Claim 2, the second support bodies are arranged in a pair in the horizontal direction, one end in the horizontal direction of each rear support portion is rotatably connected to the corresponding side support portion in the horizontal direction, while the other end in the horizontal direction of each rear support portion is rotatably connected to each other in the horizontal direction. An assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis characterized by this.

4. In the assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis according to Claim 3, the first support bodies are arranged in a pair in the horizontal direction such that the orthosis placement portions approach each other, the lower ends of each side support portion are rotatably connected to the corresponding first support bodies in the vertical direction respectively, and the ends of each first support body on the side of the orthosis placement portion are rotatably connected to each other in the vertical direction. An assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis characterized by this.

5. In the assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis according to Claim 4, the lower ends of each side support portion are rotatably connected to the corresponding first support bodies between the orthosis placement portion and the clamping portion in the vertical direction respectively. An assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis characterized by this.

6. In the assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis according to Claim 1, a plurality of through holes are formed in the first and second support bodies. An assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis characterized by this.

7. In the assistive device for a short lower limb orthosis according to Claim 6, The short-leg prosthesis aid is characterized in that the through hole is formed in the clamping portion and has a shape imitating a foot shape.

8. In the short-leg prosthesis aid according to claim 6, The short-leg prosthesis aid is characterized in that the through hole is formed in the second support and has a shape imitating a hand shape.

9. In the short-leg prosthesis aid according to claim 1, The short-leg prosthesis aid is characterized in that a belt fixing portion for detaching and attaching the hook-and-loop fastener on the wearing belt of the short-leg prosthesis is provided on the second support.

10. In the short-leg prosthesis aid according to claim 2, The rear support portion is rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the first support, The side support portion is a flexible member or a flexible member having one end connected to the rear support portion and the other end connected to the first support, and is configured to be folded by the rotation operation of the rear support portion toward the first support, and to be extended by the rotation operation away from the first support. The short-leg prosthesis aid is characterized by this.

11. In the short-leg prosthesis aid according to claim 2, The rear support portion is rotatable in the vertical direction with respect to the first support, The side support portion is rotatable in the horizontal direction with respect to the rear support portion, The short-leg prosthesis aid is characterized in that a fitting recess for fitting the lower portion of the side support portion is formed in the first support in a state where the side support portion extends forward in a plan view with respect to the rear support portion.

12. In the short-leg prosthesis aid according to claim 2, A pair of side support portions are provided on the left and right of the short-leg prosthesis, and one end is pivotally supported by the first support so as to be rotatable up and down, The first support has a housing portion for housing the both side support portions when the both side support portions are rotated to one side, and an engaging portion with which one end of the rear support portion can be engaged, The other end of the rear support portion is pivotally supported by the other ends of the respective side support portions so as to be rotatable up and down, and when rotated to one side, it is housed between the both side support portions, while when rotated to the other side with the both side support portions rotated to the other side, one end is engaged with the engaging portion and is configured to be in a standing posture together with the both side support portions. The short-leg prosthesis aid is characterized by this.

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