Claims:Claims:-
We claim:

1. An adjustable walker (100) for maintaining balance and stability of a user, said walker comprising:
a pair of front leg (1);
a pair of back leg (1a);
a pair of arch shaped cross member (2) linking each front leg (1) to its adjacent back leg (1a);
a lower support pipe (4) situated at the lower side and parallel with the arch shaped cross member (2) which deliver support to the frame;
a pair of front support pipe (5) extendedly connected in-between the arch shaped cross member (2) on both side and on the lower side along with the front leg (1) to connect left side and right side together; and
a levelling assembly mounted to the said walker assembly (100);
characterised in that;
said levelling assembly comprising a lever shaft (3) connected in-between said front legs (1); a pin (10) mounted on the lower support pipe (4) on both side; a lever (8) movably connected with said lever shaft (3) and a braking means (6) to lock the walker (100) at required level.

2. The adjustable walker as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lower support pipe (4) pivotally mounted in-between of the front leg (1) and back leg (1a) through lateral hinge joints (11) to provide vertical movement.

3. The adjustable walker as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lever shaft (3) connected with the lever (8) through the hinge bolt (9) which allows to rotate the shaft (3) with the movement of said front leg pair (1).

4. The adjustable walker as claimed in claim 1, wherein front support pipe (5) connected with the solid joints (12) which provides lateral stability to walker (100).

5. The adjustable walker as claimed in claim 1, wherein said brake (6) situated on a dominant side of the user hand being actuatable by said user to engage said cable (7) for preventing movement of said front pair of legs (1).

6. The adjustable walker as claimed in claim 1, wherein, said lever (8) further comprising plurality of slots (8a) on the surface, said pin (10) fitted in said slot (8a) and provide durable locking to the walker (100).

7. The adjustable walker as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front leg and back leg (1a) being capable to move in the vertical direction and adjust the level of the walker (100).

8. The adjustable walker as claimed in claim 1, wherein said arch shaped cross member (2) consisting of a grip (13) to handle the walker (100) and the braking means (6) on dominant side of the user hand.

Dated this 08 April, 2021
, Description:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)

1. Title of the invention – AN ADJUSTABLE WALKER

2. Applicant(s)

(a) NAME : RK UNIVERSITY
(b) NATIONALITY: INDIAN
(c) ADDRESS: RK University, Bhavnagar Highway, Kasturbadham Rajkot - 360020, Gujarat, India

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

AN ADJUSTABLE WALKER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to an adjustable walker. Particularly it relates to an adjustable walker having lever mechanism to adjust the walker legs for the uneven surface. It has been used to help the disabled or the old with mobility to increase their independence, and it is of great importance to their life. Also, it is usable to climbing stairs up and down with more flexibility and balanced condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

Activities of daily living (ADLs) involves several physical and functional activities, such as standing, walking, squatting, climbing, bathing, grooming, etc. One needs to be ambulatory independent to carry out all this activities. Ambulation is one of the most common functional requirements which get involved in fulfilling relevant ADLs in all age groups from Paediatric to Geriatric.

Loss of independent ambulation due to various disorders will cause loss of complete or partial mobility. To be living optimally is to keep moving functionally. Losing complete or partial mobility will be a hindrance for functional activities. This affects quality of life and will make dependency on others for ADLs. Autonomy in the area of mobility has always been highly valued, however such ADL may get compromised due to disorder / disability more specifically for the locomotor disability. One specific area to focus is facilitating independent ambulation for the disabled.

Independent ambulation in cases of disability can be achieved with some kind of exoskeleton or assistive mechanism. To achieve independent ambulation, mobility assistive devices / walking aids are used. Assistive devices play a key role to meet the functional requirement in ADLs for disabled.

For several years, researchers have been addressing the needs of persons with disabilities through mobility assistive device. There are different kinds of assistive devices available to meet varied requirements of the user based on degree of disability. Some of the various mobility assistive devices available are canes, crutches, walkers & wheelchairs. Though such assistive devices has its own limitation / benefits in functional fulfilment.

However, walker is one of the common assistive devices routinely practiced by people with lower limb disorders / disabilities. Among the assistive devices, walkers assume an important role, due to the large number of potential users, considering its simplicity and ambulatory potential.

Walkers are structured to provide increased base of support to person with impaired balance, lower limb disability / disorder. It is designed in such a way that it can improve pathological gait by providing greater balance due to larger base of support and reduces the load on lower limbs of the individual with disability. Walkers are prescribed to improve patient’s mobility and help them maintain balance.

These devices improve confidence by increasing sense of safety, which can raise a patient’s level of activity and independence. Thereby, improving patient’s quality of life. Also, it supports the individual’s use of own available ambulatory capacity and thus helps to delay / avoid the use of wheelchairs for ambulation.

Line of gravity passes through body’s center of mass. To maintain static balance body’s center of mass should be maintained over base of support. Due to lower limb disability body’s center of mass gets shifted from its original position and also, the base of support is reduced. These causes increased chance of loss of balance leading to falls. Use of a walker will increase the base of support hence increases the balance. Walkers are prescribed to improve patients’ mobility and help them maintain balance.

High level of stability and mobility is provided by traditional standard walker. There are physiological benefits of limiting osteoporosis, reducing effects of deconditioning and improving peripheral circulation compared to use of wheelchair. However there are some limitations of traditional standard walker. This aspect is clear when considering stair-climbing. While modern architecture and new government policies continue to make community as accessible as possible to disabled, steps cannot be completely eliminated completely.

There are many types of walkers, considering their constitutive materials, accessories, sizes and structural configurations.

US20030226584A1 discloses a foldable walker having a paddle shaped lever arranged to interact with locking pins by lateral movement in either direction. In a particular embodiment, the walker has at least two locking positions wherein the walker can hyper-extend, spreading out and locking to a more fully opened configuration, allowing the walker to be pulled closer to the patient making it easier for the patient to lift himself or herself up to a standing position.

US9119757B2 discloses a self-levelling walker to assist persons who have insufficient strength or movement in their legs when standing and walking on uneven surfaces, and for traversing ramps and stairs. The inventive self-levelling walker includes a frame assembly with a levelling assembly for adapting the relative length of the four legs of the walker to accommodate a substantially constant level of the walker so that the user may maintain an erect standing posture at all times, without the need to lean forward or back to accommodate uneven surfaces.

CN103432725A discloses a climbing walker which comprises a telescopic sleeve, a treadling part, a control rod and a boot sole, wherein the lower end of the telescopic sleeve is connected with the boot sole, and the upper end of the telescopic sleeve is connected with the treadling part and puttees; the telescopic sleeve consists of two or more than two sleeves; a locking mechanism is arranged between every two adjacent sleeve; the control rod comprises the telescopic sleeve and a control claw; the control claw is connected with one end of the telescopic sleeve and is integrally V-shaped; when the control rod is used, one end of the control claw is supported on the ground, and the other end of the control claw is holden in hands of a user so as to form a three-point support manner together with two foothold points of the climbing walker.

The problems associated with some of these devices become too complex to use. When designing a walker, it is needed to take into account not only the user's disabilities in locomotion but also the fact that many of these users have additional deficiencies at cognitive and sensory levels. For instance, children and elderly people usually present slower behaviour and are not familiar with mechatronic devices.

Also, the walkers need to be used during the daily routines of the user, such as, go to the bathroom, stairs climbing up and down, etc. Therefore, they have to be completely accepted by the user in their daily life. So, it is desperately needed to develop an adjustable walker which can be used by children with disability to climb staircase up and down.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:

The principle object of the present invention is to overcome all the mentioned and existed drawbacks of the prior arts by providing an adjustable walker.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable walker for stair climbing up and down with automatic adjusting level of the walker.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable walker for the disable people which adjustable without use of any electricity or hydraulic mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable walker having mechanical lever assembly for adjust the level of the walker as per the height of the stairs or surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable walker having high locking stability.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an arm rest having arch shape for better hold while climbing up and down through stairs.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a four-legged walker aid apparatus for traveling on either level ground, inclined ground, or in negotiating stairs.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable walker which eliminates the requirement of electrical component and working on the bases of unique mechanical lever. Therefore, it is cost effective and having non-complex mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

In view that the prior art walkers are not perfect for use, it is tried by the inventor to develop an improved adjustable walker to provide ease to the disabled person or elder people to walk on uneven surface or climb up and down on stairs.

The present invention is all about an adjustable walker. Particularly it relates to an adjustable walker having lever mechanism to adjust the walker legs for the uneven surface. It has been used to help the disabled or the old with mobility to increase their independence, and it is of great importance to their life. Also, it is usable to climbing stairs with more flexibility and balanced condition.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide An adjustable walker for maintaining balance and stability of a user, said walker comprising a pair of front leg; a pair of back leg; a pair of arch shaped cross member linking each front leg to its adjacent back leg; a lower support pipe situated at the lower side and parallel with the arch shaped cross member which deliver support to the frame; a pair of front support pipe extendedly connected in-between the arch shaped cross member on both side and on the lower side along with the front leg to connect left side and right side together; and a levelling assembly mounted to the said walker assembly; characterised in that said levelling assembly comprising a lever shaft connected in-between said front legs; a pin mounted on the lower support pipe on both side; a lever movably connected with said lever shaft and a braking means to lock the required level of the walker.

Another aspect of the present invention is that when a user approaches stairs that descend, the walker should be positioned with the front legs suspended over the first actual step with the rear legs resting on the landing. The lever assembly are engaged, the front legs, by gravity will drop to the first step with the rear legs remaining in place. The adjustable walker attachment is designed to accommodate most available walkers.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide an adjustable walker which can be adjustable according to the height of the stairs and the arch shaped cross member of the walker provided for the better hold to the walker while climbing up and down the stairs. Therefore the adjustable walker eliminated the situation of leaning the walker vertically while climbing up and down stairs.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a brake assembly situated on a dominant side of the user hand being actuatable by said user to engage said cable for preventing motion of said front pair of legs.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide an adjustable walker having mechanical Lever to adjust the walker for climbing staircase up and down. The walker has been tested with normal individual as well as people with locomotor disability for its functional usage including rate of satisfaction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary constructions of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or a structure referenced by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method step or structure shown by that same numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.
FIG. 1 represent the side view of the walker of the present invention.
FIG.2 represent the detailed embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 3 represent the operational embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

The present invention overcomes the aforesaid drawbacks of conventional mechanism. The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will now be described in greater detail. Also, the following description includes various specific details and is to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that: without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure and its various embodiments there may be any number of changes and modifications described herein.

It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred, systems are now described.

The present invention providing a novel approach to improving the use of walkers, by offering a walker that can level its four legs. The initial height of the walker can first be customized for the individual user, then the relative lengths of each leg can be adjusted for uneven surfaces and stairs through the lever mechanism.

The main embodiment of the present invention is to provide an adjustable walker and more particularly it relates to an adjustable walker having lever mechanism to adjust the walker legs for the uneven surface. It has been used to help the disabled or the old with mobility to increase their independence, and it is of great importance to their life. Also, it is usable to climbing stairs with more flexibility and balanced condition.

As per detail embodiments of the present invention, an adjustable walker (100) for maintaining balance and stability of a user, said walker comprising a pair of front leg (1); a pair of back leg (1a); a pair of arch shaped cross member (2) linking each front leg to its adjacent back leg (1a); a lower support pipe (4) situated at the lower side and parallel with the arch shaped cross member (2) which deliver support to the frame; a pair of front support pipe (5) extendedly connected in-between the arch shaped cross member (2) on both side and on the lower side along with the front leg (1) to connect left side and right side together; and a levelling assembly mounted to the said walker assembly (100); characterised in that said levelling assembly comprising a lever shaft (3) connected in-between said front legs (1); a pin (10) mounted on the lower support pipe (4) on both side; a lever (8) movably connected with said lever shaft (3) and a braking means (6) to lock the walker (100) at required level.

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, pair of front leg (1) jointed with the adjacent back leg (1a) with the supports on the top side and on the lower side. On the top side arch shaped cross member (2) provide the linkage to the front leg (1) and back leg (1a). Said arch shaped cross member (2) pivotally connected to the both leg (1, 1a) through the lateral hinge joints (11) which provides the vertical movement of the legs (1, 1a). On the lower side of the legs (1, 1a) lower support pipe (4) provide the support to the frame of the walker (100). Said lower support pipe (4) also pivotally connected with the legs (1, 1a) through the lateral hinge joints (11) for providing the smooth vertical movement.

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, said arch shaped cross member (2) having support provided on the front side with the front support pipe (5). The front support pipe (5) connected between the arch shaped cross member (2) with the solid joints (12) which provide the lateral stability to the walker (100) assembly.

As per the detailed embodiment of the present invention, said pair of front leg (1) having support located at the lower side for lateral stability of the walker (100). The said pair of the front leg (1) extendedly connected to the each other through the front support pipe (5). Said front support pipe horizontally jointed with each front leg (1) with the solid joints (12) and provide stiffness and stability to the walker (100).

As per detailed embodiment of the present invention, said walker (100) having a levelling assembly which comprising the lever (8), lever shaft (3), pin (10) providing the feature of adjustable walker. Said lever (8) having plurality of slots (8a) which help to lock the walker at the required level. The lever shaft (3) rotatable and extendedly joints with the lever (8).

As per detail embodiment of the present invention, said lever (8) connected with the lever shaft (3) through the hinge bolt (9). The other part of the lever (8) fitted in the pin (10) through the slots (8a) provided on the surface of the lever (8). The pin (10) located on the lower support pipe (4) for lock the walker (100) in the desired level. Said lever (8) help to adjust the height of the walker (100) in such a way that the walker (100) is not in the tilted position on the stairs. The feature provide the ease to the user to climb up the stairs and for climb down the stairs. The lever (8) capable to adjust according to the height of the lever (8).

As per one embodiment of the present invention, said levelling assembly further controlled with the help of the breaking means (6) provided on the top side on the arch shaped cross member (2). The lever (8) can be actuated through the breaking means (6) which provided on the dominant side of the use hand. The breaking means (6) help to lock and unlock the levelling assembly with the pressing the breaking means (6). The actuation of the lever (8) through the cable (7) mechanically connected with the breaking means (6). In the present invention it is the advantage that there is only one breaking means (6) provided which can be located on the dominant side of the user hand.

As per one embodiment of the present invention, said walker assembly (100) having hand grip (13) to hold the walker (100) efficiently. The walker (100) can be capable to adjust in focus of the levelling assembly. The lever (8) of the walker assembly help to level the walker. The lever (8) adjust through the slots (8a) provided on the surface it while climbing up and down on the stairs. The lever (8) of the proposed invention is the mechanical lever which eliminates the need of the electricity, hydraulics or pneumatic cylinders. The mechanical lever of the proposed invention is the advantageous for the person having locomotors or other disabilities. The walker (100) of the proposed invention can be useful for the flat surface as well as for the uneven surface.

As per one embodiment of the present invention, the user can actuate the lever (8) through the breaking means (6) while climb up or down the stairs. Once the breaking means (6) pressed and the front leg (1) and the back leg (1a) adjust with the height of the stairs automatically without pushing any rod or lever. The exact opposite situation can be observed while the user go down through the stairs. With this unique adjustment mechanism the user can climb up and down the stairs without the tilt to the walker (100).

As per another embodiment of the present invention, said lower support pipe (4) pivotally mounted on the front leg (1) and back leg (1a) through lateral hinge joints (11) to provide vertical movement.

As per one embodiment of the present invention, said lever shaft connected with the lever (8) through the hinge bolt (9) which allows to rotate the shaft (3) with the movement of said front leg pair (1).

As per one embodiment of the present invention, said brake (6) situated on a dominant side of the user hand being actuatable by said user to engage said cable (7) for preventing movement of said front pair of legs (1).

As per one embodiment of the present invention, said lever shaft (3) can rotate with the actuation of the lever (8) and provide the movement to the lever (8). The lever (8) fitted in the slot (8a) after the leg (1, 1a) adjusted on the certain required height. Once, the height of the leg (1, 1a) achieved the lever lock itself through the fitting of pin (10) in the respective slot (8a). The user can climb up the stair with the same position. If the user climb down through the stairs, the user again capable to adjust the height of the leg (1, 1a) through the breaking means (6) and lock the position and climb down through the stairs with the same position with the well balanced condition.

As per the further embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable walker can be modify by adding the feature of the adjustable leg and so the user can have the benefit that the walker can be adjustable according to the height of the user.

The present invention can be more efficiently explained with the help of drawings. Referring to figures 1 and 2 of the present invention, the view of the walker has shown. The walker assembly (100) having two pair of legs i.e. pair of front leg (1) and pair of back leg (1a). Each front leg mechanically connected to its adjacent back leg (1a) through the arch shaped cross member (2). The arch shaped cross member (2) also having breaking means (6) on the dominant side of the user hand. The breaking means (6) control the lever (8) through the cable (7). The lever (8) having the slots (8a) on the surface. Said lever (8) pivotally connected to the lever shaft (3) through the hinge bolt (9) which help to adjust the level of the walker.

Continuously referring to Fig. 1 and 2, to provide the necessary support to the walker assembly (100) the lower support pipe (4) connected between the front leg (1) and back leg (1a). The lower support pipe (4) pivotally connected through the lateral hinge joint (11) to facilitate the vertical movement to the walker (100). The front side of the walker also having supporting embodiment which is front support pipe (5) located in-between the arch shaped cross member (2) and at the lower side between the front legs (1). The front support pipe (5) being connected through the solid joints (12) parallel to the horizontal plan for the lateral stability. To provide the equal balance all the legs (1, 1a) having rubber ferrule (14) at the bottom.

Referring to figure 3 of the present invention, it shows the operational embodiment of the present invention. It is clearly shows that the walker (100) of the present invention can able to adjust automatically with respect of the surface. With the help of unique mechanical lever the user can easily climb up the stairs and get down from the stairs without tilt the walker. Each pair of leg (1,1a) able to adjust according to its height of the stairs. Also, the balance of the walker (100) assembly increased due to the non-tilt the walker (100). It is clearly shows that the lever (8) lock through the slots provided on the surface of it. As shown the user can actuate the lever (8) with the breaking means (6) provided on the dominant side of the user hand.

In affording the above, the present invention provides for the following beneficial advances relating to:
(1) Provision of a unique lever that allows the walker, and therefore the user thereof, to remain in a substantially erect or upright standing position, essentially eliminating any leaning forwards or backwards from the vertical position during the course of traversal of uneven or sloping surface areas;
(2) Provision of single control actuation for engagement of the levelling mechanism.
(3) The adjustable walker which use for climbing staircase up and down provided with one hand lever mechanism.
(4) Due to the mechanical operation and eliminates the need of the electrical or hydraulics components make it cost effective and provide non-complex mechanism.
(5) Arm rest has Arch for better hold while climbing up and down.

The above therefore prevents falls that can occur from leaning to accommodate slopes or stairs, and increases independence and quality of life overall. To this end, the present invention overcomes the aforementioned and other disadvantages inherent in the prior art.

Without further description, it is believed that one of ordinary skill in the art can, using the preceding description and the illustrative examples, make and utilize the present invention and practice the claimed methods. It should be understood that the foregoing discussion and examples merely present a detailed description of certain preferred embodiments. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalents can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS:

Walker (100)
Front leg (1)
Back leg (1a)
Arch shaped cross member (2)
Lever shaft (3)
Lower support pipe (4)
Front support pipe (5)
Braking means (6)
Cable (7)
Lever (8)
Slots (8a)
Hinge bolt (9)
Pin (10)
Lateral hinge joints (11)
Solid joints (12)
Grip (13)
Rubber ferrule (14)