Perambulating therapeutic support
First Claim
1. An apparatus having utility as a walking aid, comprising:
- a "U"-shaped lower frame assembly including a transversely disposed forward part and a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending parts integral therewith that extend rearwardly therefrom to collectively form a three-sided area within which an individual using said apparatus may walk or stand;
a "U"-shaped upper frame assembly having substantially the same configuration as said lower frame assembly, said upper frame assembly being vertically spaced upwardly of said lower frame assembly, and said upper frame assembly lying in a plane parallel to a plane defined by said lower frame assembly;
a transversely disposed rear stay bar disposed in interconnecting relation to transversely opposed opposite ends of said upper frame assembly to enclose on four sides an individual using said apparatus;
an annular harness adapted to circumscribe an individual'"'"'s waist, said harness being oriented in a plane parallel to the respective planes of said upper and lower frame assemblies;
said harness being positioned below the plane of said upper frame assembly and above the plane of said lower frame assembly;
a diametrically extending support strap interconnecting diametrically opposite parts of said harness;
a plurality of harness support straps extending radially from said harness to the transversely extending forward part of said upper frame assembly and said rear stay bar, said harness support straps having a preselected length to position said harness substantially centrally of said upper frame assembly;
said apparatus being rotatably supported by a plurality of caster wheels;
means for braking said caster wheels when downward pressure is applied thereto;
said upper frame assembly being vertically adjustable with respect to said lower frame assembly so that said apparatus accommodates individuals of differing heights;
height adjustment means for adjusting the height of said upper frame assembly with respect to said lower frame assembly;
width adjustment means operative to widen said apparatus to accommodate individuals of differing widths; and
means for folding said apparatus.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A prosthetic-type device which that restores independent ambulatory ability to individuals who have experienced diminished mobility includes a "U"-shaped member that supports a flexible harness, similar to that employed by mountain climbers. This harness encloses the waist, with additional support for the occupant provided by a crotch strap, and maintains body position of the occupant at an appropriate height, adjustable via a button-operated pin locking system incorporated into a rear vertical support member, allowing the occupant'"'"'s legs to reach the floor. The U-shaped support member is curved, and attaches to a height adjustment housing via the pin locking system, and subsequently into a base, on which are fixed a plurality of swivel mounted casters, each with a weight-activated braking mechanism.
51 Citations
15 Claims
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1. An apparatus having utility as a walking aid, comprising:
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a "U"-shaped lower frame assembly including a transversely disposed forward part and a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending parts integral therewith that extend rearwardly therefrom to collectively form a three-sided area within which an individual using said apparatus may walk or stand; a "U"-shaped upper frame assembly having substantially the same configuration as said lower frame assembly, said upper frame assembly being vertically spaced upwardly of said lower frame assembly, and said upper frame assembly lying in a plane parallel to a plane defined by said lower frame assembly; a transversely disposed rear stay bar disposed in interconnecting relation to transversely opposed opposite ends of said upper frame assembly to enclose on four sides an individual using said apparatus; an annular harness adapted to circumscribe an individual'"'"'s waist, said harness being oriented in a plane parallel to the respective planes of said upper and lower frame assemblies; said harness being positioned below the plane of said upper frame assembly and above the plane of said lower frame assembly; a diametrically extending support strap interconnecting diametrically opposite parts of said harness; a plurality of harness support straps extending radially from said harness to the transversely extending forward part of said upper frame assembly and said rear stay bar, said harness support straps having a preselected length to position said harness substantially centrally of said upper frame assembly; said apparatus being rotatably supported by a plurality of caster wheels; means for braking said caster wheels when downward pressure is applied thereto; said upper frame assembly being vertically adjustable with respect to said lower frame assembly so that said apparatus accommodates individuals of differing heights; height adjustment means for adjusting the height of said upper frame assembly with respect to said lower frame assembly; width adjustment means operative to widen said apparatus to accommodate individuals of differing widths; and means for folding said apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification