Walker Type Patents (Class 135/67)
  • Patent number: 10098807
    Abstract: An improved walking cane device adapted to be used by a blind person to aid in walking and navigating upon any walking surface, use information pre-programmed upon a computer module, use information gathered by a receiver member in an elongated shaft, and send information through a speaker member in the elongated shaft and the wireless earpiece to the blind person for aiding in walking and navigating upon any walking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Melba Terrell
  • Patent number: 10045896
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with a support mechanism for an armrest part that includes a gas spring. The support mechanism supports the armrest part in a state of being able to change a posture between an ordinary posture and a forward-tilt posture when the gas spring is locked, and the support mechanism supports the armrest part so as to make the armrest part move with forming an arc from a sitting corresponding position to a standing corresponding position that is located at a forward upper position when the gas spring is unlocked. A gas spring switch part that does not obstruct the locked state of the gas spring when the armrest part is in the ordinary posture and that releases the locked state of the gas spring at a time when the armrest part is in the forward-tilt posture is arranged between the gas spring and the armrest part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: TSUSHIMA IRONWORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Tsushima
  • Patent number: 10016324
    Abstract: An improved walker is disclosed. The walker may include a left frame spaced apart from a right frame and connected by at least one horizontal connecting member. The lower portion of each of the left and right frames includes a foot platform that is rotatably mounted and moveable between a retracted position and an engaged position, in which the foot platform is in contact with and resting on a floor surface. In use, a person may use the walker to assist the person rising from a sitting position to a standing position so that the person can then proceed to use the walker to assist the person in walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Inventor: Jesse Linn Howard
  • Patent number: 10002511
    Abstract: A device to be used with a walker, with one component of the device attached to the walker and another component of the device worn by the user, whereby the device signals the user of the walker to use the walker by providing an alert whenever the user moves more than a predetermined distance from the walker, as determined by the distance between the two components of the device which wirelessly communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Heather G. Condon
  • Patent number: 9987189
    Abstract: A mobility assistance device is provided. The device has an elongate post having an upper end and a lower end with the lower end adapted for contact with the ground and the upper end being secured to a forearm support. The forearm support is generally horizontal and is comprised of a platform and a cuff, wherein the platform and the cuff are engagable with a user's forearm, with the cuff being linearly disposed about a longitudinal axis of the platform to hold the user's forearm so that the arm remains in contact with the platform. An upper arm support extends upwardly from the upper end of the vertical elongate post to engage the upper arm of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Steven Dropsho
  • Patent number: 9974707
    Abstract: A combination walker and cane includes a pair of inverted, U-shaped frame members, each having a horizontal handlebar with a front leg and a rear leg depending therefrom. One of the rear legs is detachable from the remainder of the corresponding frame member to form a walking cane, if desired. Accordingly, a user can operate the walker in a conventional fashion, or detach the rear leg to form a walking cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventors: Dustin T Donahoe, Ashley Donahoe
  • Patent number: 9961973
    Abstract: A walking cane clamp is provided which includes a clip dimensioned and configured to releasably secure the walking cane clamp to a support member, the clip being attached to a cane fastener, the cane fastener including a body portion and a biasing member pivotally attached to the body portion, the body portion defining an opening and a receptacle dimensioned and configured to receive a portion of a cane shaft, the biasing member defining an open position and a closed position of the receptacle, the biasing member being pivotally biased toward the closed position in which a portion of the biasing member covers a portion of the opening sufficient to secure the cane shaft within the receptacle. Also provided is a system for securing a walking cane to a walker or a rollator which includes a walking cane clamp as described herein and a base for receiving the walking cane. Also provided is a walker or rollator which includes a walking cane clamp as described herein and an optional base for receiving a walking cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: MEDICAL DEPOT, INC.
    Inventor: Garreth Kaplan
  • Patent number: 9913773
    Abstract: A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a harness or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand and walk or work for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Core Mobility Solutions
    Inventor: Robert J. Karlovich
  • Patent number: 9895283
    Abstract: The mobility assistance walker is a wheeled structure. The selected person uses the mobility assistance walker for support while walking. The selected person rolls the mobility assistance walker along a horizontal surface in a manner that allows the selected person to walk with the support of the mobility assistance walker. The mobility assistance walker comprises an enclosable space and a chair. The chair is a structure upon which the selected person may sit. The chair is contained within the enclosable space. The mobility assistance walker comprises a plurality of side structures, a plurality of rear trusses, a gate, and a chair. The plurality of rear trusses, the gate, and the chair attach to the plurality of side structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Eugene Gimblet
  • Patent number: 9895281
    Abstract: A mobility chair configured to assist a patient that has a weight bearing restriction on a lower limb traverse a staircase. The mobility chair includes a frame having a pair of front leg members and a pair of rear leg member wherein the frame has an opening on the front end thereof providing patient access to a seat member assembly. A pair of upper horizontal support members and a pair of lower horizontal support members extend intermediate the pair of front leg members and a pair of rear leg members. The seat member assembly is slidably coupled to the pair of lower horizontal support members. A first biasing member and second biasing member are operably coupled to the seat member assembly and provide movement intermediate a first position and a second position wherein in the first position the seat member assembly is proximate the opening of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventors: Joshua Sigsworth, Matthew Gingras
  • Patent number: 9861549
    Abstract: A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a harness or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand or walk for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Core Mobility Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Karlovich
  • Patent number: 9833377
    Abstract: Embodiments of a walker are shown, the walker including two patient-load bearing support tubes each having a padded underarm support for seating in the armpit of a patient, an adjustable-height load bearing tube and a rubber tip. Connected to each of the patient-load bearing tubes are two L-shaped legs with a wheel disposed at the end of the leg and a grip disposed on the leg for a patient to grip when the walker is in use. A main tube is connected between the two legs and defines the width of the walker. The height of the patient-load bearing tubes may be adjusted from an extended position in which the padded underarm support is seated in the armpit of the patient to a retracted position in which the padded underarm support does not interfere with the patient's use of the walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Ole F. Smed
  • Patent number: 9808394
    Abstract: A foldable walker device includes a front frame and a rear frame. The front frame and the rear frame are pivotally connected with each other and can be relatively folded and unfolded. A seat board bridged between the front frame and the rear frame. At least one link, a front end of the link is pivotally connected with the seat board, a rear end of the link is pivotally disposed on the rear frame. When folding the walker device, the rear end of the seat board is lifted, whereby the link pivotally connected with the seat board drives the rear frame to move forward and get closer to the front frame. Under such circumstance, the walker device is folded into a minimum volume so as to minimize the room occupied by the walker device. This facilitates the storage and transfer of the walker device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ST. YORK ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin Shan Jiang
  • Patent number: 9795825
    Abstract: Patient aid devices and an associated method of supporting an upper extremity are described and include a mobile upper extremity support for the patient. A support assembly supports a first side of an upper body of the user for movement along a first rail. The support assembly also allows motion of a second side of an upper body relative to the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Cynthia Louise Johnson
  • Patent number: 9775767
    Abstract: This invention pertains to advanced medical walker that provides tremendous safety to the users of the medical walker. The novelty introduced here is the addition of the foldable seat pads and safety legs to the medical walker to protect the user from falling down in an uncontrollable situation or fatigue condition, wherein falling down and its resulting traumatic injuries is a serious concern for the users who are in the low-energy state, or are without the accompany of a caring attendance. This invention addresses this concern. There is a wide variety of operation for this invention; this walker can be used in any private or public place such as private homes, hospitals, nursing homes, medical care centers, and alike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Space Technology Research LLC
    Inventor: Shahzadeh Khaligh
  • Patent number: 9770382
    Abstract: Wireless sensor network motes and radar & sensor-based systems receive sensed data, compare it to a predetermined standard and generate a signal to deploy a corresponding response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Christ G. Ellis
  • Patent number: 9763849
    Abstract: A collapsible rolling walker that readily collapses for storage and/or transportation and that readily deploys for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Paterson, Tong Jin Kim, Kegan McDaniel, Luke Westra
  • Patent number: 9744066
    Abstract: A trunk supporting exoskeleton comprises: a supporting trunk; thigh links configured to move in unison with a person's thighs; and first and second torque generators located on both left and right halves of the person substantially close to the person's hip. The torque generators couple the supporting trunk to the thigh links, and generate torque between the thigh links and the supporting trunk. When the person bends forward such that a predetermined portion of the supporting trunk passes beyond a predetermined angle from vertical, a torque generator(s) imposes a resisting torque between the supporting trunk and the thigh link(s), causing the supporting trunk to impose a force against the person's trunk, and the thigh link(s) to impose a force onto the person's thigh. When the predetermined portion does not pass beyond the predetermined angle, the torque generators impose no resisting torques between said supporting trunk and respective thigh links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Erich Hacker, Lee-Huang Chen, Wayne Tung, Nathan Poon, Theerapat Yangyuenthanasan
  • Patent number: 9700479
    Abstract: A foldable walker includes a front frame having left and right pin holes, two side frame units pivotably connected to the front frame, and two locking units. Each locking unit is disposed between the front frame and the respective side frame unit, and includes a lock releasing lever and a locking pin. The lock releasing lever has a pulling fulcrum portion, an operating portion opposite to the pulling fulcrum portion, and a pressing fulcrum portion disposed therebetween. An upwardly pulling action or a downwardly pressing action onto the operating portion permits rotation of the respective side frame unit between folded and unfolded positions. The locking pin is disposed between the pulling and pressing fulcrum portions to be inserted into the respective pin hole to lock the side frame units to the unfolded position, and is moved by the upwardly pulling action or the downwardly pressing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: CARE & CARE HEALTH PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Max Tsai
  • Patent number: 9662252
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stand assist apparatus that can be positioned over an armless seat or toilet to assist the user in standing up and/or being seated. The stand assist apparatus includes a first and second frame, each frame having a front leg and a back leg, a support bar interconnecting the front leg and the back leg and a handle portion disposed directly above the front leg, an upper adjustable member and a lower adjustable member for adjusting the distance between the first and second frames, means for pivoting the upper and lower adjustable members about the first and second frames, and means for locking the upper and lower adjustable members between the first and second frames. The stand assist apparatus is foldable by releasing the means for locking and allowing the frames to fold together vertically as the adjustable members simultaneously pivot therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Donald Pearson
  • Patent number: 9655806
    Abstract: A multiple use ambulatory device for use in the mobilization and transport of patients that are unable to move without the aid of a medical device where the device and configured to be either a standard walker without a seat, a walker that has a seat located to the rear of the walking patient, or a wheelchair for use in transporting a patient unable to stand without assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Leslie R Naucke
  • Patent number: 9649243
    Abstract: The present invention provides a body lift-assist walker device for gait training is provided by the invention. The patient wears a pressurized body suit over all or a portion of his lower body, and the suit is attached to the walker device. A positive pressure or vacuum condition is applied to the interior of the suit, so that the differential pressure condition across the suit offloads a portion of the patient's body weight to the ground through the supportive walker device to make it easier for him to walk or run. The walker device also includes a lift-assisted body weight support device operated by a constant force mechanism like a pneumatic air cylinder that can lift the patient from a sitting position to a standing position with minimal physical effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Lite Run, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Johnson, John A. Hauck, Odd Osland, Mark T. Johnson, Peter M. Bobgan
  • Patent number: 9610210
    Abstract: A walker for assisting persons with varying degrees of physical ability is provided with an adjustable strap. A user opens a portion of the walker and enters the walker, and then the user closes the portion of the walker to enclose himself or herself in the walker. The user is positioned over an adjustable strap, and the adjustable strap is in an extended position. The adjustable strap may then be retracted such that a seat disposed on the adjustable strap rises and contacts the user to bear at least a portion of the user's weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: John Swiniarski
  • Patent number: 9597251
    Abstract: A walker to assist a person rising from a seated position, the walker comprising: two or more front legs each having a proximal end, a center and a distal end, the distal end being adapted to contact the ground, one or more cross members secured to and joining the front legs to one another, a handle engaged to the proximal end of each front leg, a joint mechanism engaged to each the front leg, and a rear leg having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being engaged to each joint mechanism allowing the rear legs to pivot relative to the front legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Edison Nation Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Howard J. Liles, Stephen Sprigle, Kenneth Curtis Paulus, Thomas Randy Kirk, II
  • Patent number: 9561146
    Abstract: Universal stand assistance devices, kits therefor, and methods related thereto are disclosed herein. The universal stand assistance devices may include an anchor having a first arm and a second arm. A length of each of the first and second arms may be adjustable. The universal stand assistance devices may further include first and second legs. The height of each of the first and second legs may be adjustable. The universal stand assistance devices may further include handles adjustable in height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Stander Inc.
    Inventor: F. Troy Miller
  • Patent number: 9498402
    Abstract: A personal mobility device includes a frame including first, second, third, and fourth frame members. The first and second frame members are connected, such as by a pivot joint. The third and fourth frame members are connected to collapse in the same plane as the first and second frame members. The first and third, and second and fourth, frame members are also connected via hinges. This allows the device to fold (“collapse”) and unfold (“expand”) substantially simultaneously in two substantially orthogonal planes. A tension wire assembly is provided that biases the frame into a collapsed configuration; a locking mechanism is provided that holds the frame in an expanded configuration. Alternatively, tendons can bias the frame into an expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventors: Colin Touhey, Henry Ebbott-Burg, Patricia Kavanagh
  • Patent number: 9492343
    Abstract: Wireless sensor network motes and radar & sensor-based systems receive sensed data, compare it to a predetermined standard and generate a signal to deploy a corresponding response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Christ G. Ellis
  • Patent number: 9474376
    Abstract: A portable, swivel chair has a seat back and a seat bottom hingably joined and collapsible about the hinge, a swivel system positioned between the seat bottom and a seat bearing plate, and a mounting frame for the bearing plate that includes a pair of adjustable length seat legs. The swivel chair also includes a removable storage container positioned between the seat legs and accessible when a user is seated on the swivel seat. The adjustable length legs allow a user to choose a comfortable sitting height and to establish a level seating surface even on uneven or unlevel ground. A pair of backpack straps allow a user to transport the swivel seat in the manner of a backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Everitt Drew
  • Patent number: 9439825
    Abstract: A walker stabilizing platform including a movement restrictor assembly for assisting a user of a walker in transitioning from a sitting position to a standing position wherein the movement restrictor assembly automatically moves from a position of engagement with the walker to a position of disengagement with the walker, and further includes means for allowing the user of the walker to move the movement restrictor assembly from the disengaged position to the engaged position without assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventors: Arnold Darryl Bard, Robert Alan Bard
  • Patent number: 9422023
    Abstract: The present bicycle enables a user to selectively ride or walk the bicycle by providing a clearance or enclosure between the front portion of the bicycle and the rear portion of the bicycle. The enclosure is created by bending two top tubes laterally outward and away from each other, and bending two down tubes laterally outward and away from each other, so that the user can stand or walk within the enclosure, with his body between the two top tubes and between the two down tubes. The space provided by the enclosure is sufficient to permit pedaling while seated and permit walking while standing, without excessive bumping into the bicycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Steven Aloysius Espenschied
  • Patent number: 9420888
    Abstract: A graverse chair is presented. The chair includes a stationary base and a pedestal in mechanical communication with the stationary base. The chair includes a movable base section in mechanical communication with the stationary base. The movable base section comprises a descending contact base in mechanical communication with a fixed base by way of at least one resistance guide. The chair additionally includes at least one load transfer device in mechanical communication with the movable base, which is capable of rotating when the movable base is compressed. The chair includes at least one pad rod in communication with the load transfer device, the pad rod moving in at least one direction when the load transfer device rotates, and at least one torso pad in mechanical communication with the pad rod, wherein the torso pad is capable of providing support for a user when a user sits in the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Evans, Troy Morgan
  • Patent number: 9408443
    Abstract: A crutch for assisting a user to walk includes a leg platform configured to support a portion of a leg of the user, and a ground contact having a weight supporting medial contact region that is disposed higher than a weight supporting lateral contact region. An optional strap on the leg platform can be used to maintain the leg in a forward position. An optional thigh saddle can be used to help prevent lateral movement of the user's upper thigh with respect to the crutch. An optional front facing handle can assist new users in learning to use the crutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: iWALKFree, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradly Hunter
  • Patent number: 9387145
    Abstract: A care support apparatus includes a lateral pair of leg links held by a main body. The leg links include first links provided with first wheels at respective one ends of the first links, and second links provided with second wheels at respective one ends of the second links and rotatably coupled to the first links. The second links are rotated to allow the first wheels to approach or leave the second wheels, respectively, to change the height of a main body from a ground surface to support a care receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiromichi Ohta, Manabu Kanaya
  • Patent number: 9351898
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lift to assist in standing and/or walking for persons who have insufficient strength or movement in their legs. The inventive lift walker includes a frame assembly having a lower an upper and lower portion that wheels are provided beneath the lower frame so as to enable the lift to be propelled and maneuvered. A bracing assembly is provided at the upper portion and comprises a supporting platform which is adapted to fit under the forearms of a person, and optional handles for gripping by the user's left and right hands. An elevator assembly is provided which includes lift and stabilization tracks for raising and lowering the supporting assembly in a coordinated, purely vertical fashion, and further includes gas lift means for effectuating the same via use of a remotely switched activation mechanism. There are also anti-tip means for maintaining the stability of the device when contacting uneven ground surface during movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignees: The United States of America, as Represnted by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Ronald J. Triolo, Thomas C. Bulea
  • Patent number: 9314395
    Abstract: A wrap around walking aid is configured to assist a human user in walking. The wrap around walking aid comprising has a first rear lower frame and a first front lower frame mechanically coupled to a first upper frame. A back rest is connected to the first rear lower frame. A second rear lower frame and a second front lower frame are mechanically coupled to a second upper frame. The second rear lower frame is further mechanically coupled to the back rest. At least one first fixed front wheel is mechanically coupled to both front lower frames. At least one first castor rear wheel is mechanically coupled to both rear lower frames. The wheels enable a turn radius while the human user is walking forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Jack Paul VanAusdall
  • Patent number: 9289345
    Abstract: A walking assist device is capable of operating at an appropriate cycle in view of the motion cycle of a human being to be assisted while at the same time reducing the number of control parameters to be adjusted or set. A second phase oscillator, based on which the phase of the periodic operation of each actuator is controlled, is calculated on the basis of the difference between a first phase oscillator, which indicates a phase of the periodic motion of each thigh relative to the upper body of a human being, and the second phase oscillator, and an intrinsic angular velocity. A current intrinsic angular velocity is set by correcting a previous intrinsic angular velocity by an amount based on a previous difference between the first phase oscillator and the second phase oscillator such that the previous difference approaches a desired difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ken Yasuhara
  • Patent number: 9254236
    Abstract: A system including a mobility-assistance apparatus and a bag. The apparatus includes one or more shafts. The shaft defines a lumen, has an open end in communication with the lumen, and defines a longitudinally-extending slot in communication with the lumen. An end cap is releasably engagable with the open end to enclose the lumen of the shaft. The bag includes a body and one or more attachment members coupled to the bag via flange portion(s). The attachment member is configured for receipt within the lumen of the shaft with the flange portion extending through the slot of the shaft. The attachment member is insertable into and removable from the lumen of the shaft when the end cap is disengaged from the open end of the shaft, and is retained within the lumen of the shaft when the end cap is engaged with the open end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Drive Medical Design & Manufacturing
    Inventors: Clay Nicholson, Harvey Diamond
  • Patent number: 9247819
    Abstract: A tube fixing device has an outer tube, an inner tube, two fixing pins, and a fixing stick. The outer tube has an aligning hole formed through the outer tube. The inner tube is rotatably inserted into the outer tube and has two tapered fixing recesses formed in the inner tube and selectively aligned with the aligning hole. The fixing pins are combined with the inner tube and abut the outer tube at different locations according to the rotation of the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The fixing stick is retractably combined with the outer tube and has a stick tube and a tapered insertion stick inserted in one of the fixing recesses. The insertion end, the fixing pins and the inner tube selectively form a three-point contact status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Chien-Ming Lu
  • Patent number: 9233047
    Abstract: A walker/cane assembly, multi-legged cane, and single-pointed cane may share common parts that may be easily connected and detached to allow a user to convert a walker/cane assembly to a multi-legged cane and/or a single-pointed cane. Accordingly, a user may use a single assembly that may be quickly and easily modified to meet the user's needs, such as his/her current balance or energy level. One or more folding mechanisms may be employed to allow the walker/cane assembly, or the frame forming a portion of the walker/cane assembly, to be easily collapsed and folded. This may allow a user to store the walker/cane assembly, or the frame portion of the assembly, in a smaller amount of space than the expanded walker/cane assembly or the frame portion of the assembly may otherwise occupy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: RANjAM
    Inventors: James Dale Jordan, Shyh Min Chen
  • Patent number: 9226867
    Abstract: An external structural brace apparatus and method for supporting a user on a surface and for the user to ambulate along the surface to relieve shoulder, armpit, hand, foot, and wrist loads, the apparatus includes first and second support beams that each have a telescoping cantilever beam that contacts the surface. The first and second support beams have a primary pivotal couple at one end to one another with a mechanism to create opposite symmetrical movement of the beams. An attachment element supports the user at their torso has a secondary pivotal connection to the first and second beams and third and fourth user handles that are pivotally attached to the first and second beams are for grasping by the user to extend and retract the telescoping cantilever beams to and from the surface at reduced and increased extension and retraction rates for user ease of ambulating along the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: John Threlfall
  • Patent number: 9211000
    Abstract: A walker attachable tray preferably includes a tray base, a mounting bracket and a pair of support rings. The tray base includes a raised peripheral rim. The mounting bracket includes a base member, at least one mounting flange and a cross bar hook. The mounting bracket is attached to a bottom of the tray base. A pin opening is formed in each end of the base member. The at least one mounting flange preferably extends from an edge of the base member and upward. The cross bar hook preferably extends from an opposing edge of the base member and downward. Each support ring includes a ring portion, a retention pin and a set screw. The ring portion includes an inner diameter. The retention pin extends upward from the ring portion. The pair of support rings are retained on a pair of handles of a four wheel walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel B. Storkel, Dean J. Storkel, Craig A. Zaune
  • Patent number: 9180066
    Abstract: A walking aid supporting the weight of the body of an aided person. The walking aid being programmable and specialized according to each of the left and right bearings. The walking aid comprises a support structure mounted on wheels and includes a bottom element and a top element for supporting the person. The top element being rendered mobile relative to the bottom element along a vertical axis by a sliding system actuated by an actuator system. The aid comprises a system of gravitational-force sensors, which performs the weighing of the top element, and a system for measuring the position of the lower limbs of the person. The actuator system is controlled by the system of gravitational-force sensors, and is further controlled by a system for programming and managing support based on the measurement of the position of the lower limbs of the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: SAFE STEP AND WALK MOVEMENT
    Inventors: Philippe Izard, Herve Escourrou
  • Patent number: 9173687
    Abstract: Systems and methods for manipulating a spinal construct are provided herein. In general, the system includes first and second sleeves extending from vertebrae and a fulcrum that can be releasably coupled to the sleeves. In certain aspects, the fulcrum can receive a portion of the sleeves therein and can allow the sleeves to pivot about the fulcrum in response to an applied force. The fulcrum can releasably couple to the sleeves in a variety of ways, and a position of the fulcrum relative to the sleeves can vary depending on whether there is an applied distracting, compressing, and/or derotating force. In some embodiments, user can manipulate the first and second sleeves relative to the fulcrum, using one hand, to distract, compress, and/or derotate the vertebrae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Louise Fowler, Thomas J. Runco
  • Patent number: 9107503
    Abstract: A segmented adaptable mobility aid device is disclosed that has length-adjustable front and rear legs, a handle, and a knee support platform coupled to the legs and the handle, the legs being adjustable within a range of lengths suitable to straddle steps for ascending and descending stairways, as well as to function on the level, or on a ramp. The lengths of the legs can be adjusted in tandem via single-hand operability of an adjustment mechanism. The knee support platform provides support for an impaired lower leg of a user, not requiring the leg to contact the stairs, and also not requiring the leg to be held mid-air in a hopping motion. The handle enables one-handed use of the segmented adaptable mobility aid device. In some embodiments, spring loaded pins or a pull bar to activate the pins, enable the single-hand operability of the adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin Roger Kline
  • Publication number: 20150144166
    Abstract: A foot 200 for attachment to a leg 180 of a trolley frame 100 designed to assist a user of reduced mobility move about a floor 120. The foot 200 has a first state in which the foot presents a contact surface 224 having a frictional resistance that facilitates slidable contact between the foot 200 and the floor 120 when attached to the leg 180 and when in use, and a second state in which the foot presents an enhanced contact surface 252 having an increased frictional resistance between the foot and the floor to resist said slidable contact. The foot 200 is transferrable between the first and the second states in dependence on a downwardly directed force 190 being exerted by the user on the foot through the leg of the trolley frame to allow the trolley frame 100 to be slid or to resist sliding depending upon the state of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: John Turner, Stephen Carnelly, Jarred William Harris Evans, Ashley Edward Bryant
  • Publication number: 20150136190
    Abstract: An adjustable walking frame design for walking aid device is provided. The adjustable walking frame has a pair of beam assemblies where the pair of beam assemblies is pivotally mounted to each other. The pivotal mounting provides flexible angle adjustment between the pair of beam assemblies. The height and width of the beam assemblies can be adjusted to meet individual's physical measurements. The adjustable walking frame can be collapsed to occupy minimal space when the adjustable walking frame is stored or transported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: David Thomas
  • Patent number: 9016297
    Abstract: The present invention is a quad-wheeled and quad-legged cane. The cane typically includes one or more wheels, one or more rigid supporting structures, and one or more handles. The wheels of the cane are preferably retractable. The rigid support structures preferably overhang the wheels and generally provides fail-safe braking. The handles may be adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Gregg Salomon
  • Publication number: 20150090308
    Abstract: A walker assembly to assist a person in moving from a seated position to a standing position, including a frame having a base, the base being configured to support the walker assembly on a support surface and including a pair of opposed side members, and at least one stabilizer slidably received in one of the pair of opposed side members so that the at least one stabilizer is movable between a first position in which a distal end of the at least one stabilizer is disposed above the support surface and a second position in which the distal end of the stabilizer contacts the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Remco Bos, Craig Weaver
  • Patent number: 8967642
    Abstract: An apparatus having an upper frame adapted to at least partially encircle a person; a lower frame; a scissor mechanism for coupling the upper frame to the lower frame, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame can be varied by adjusting the scissor mechanism; and a telescoping rod coupled to the scissor mechanism for locking the scissor mechanism, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame is locked by the telescoping rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Entropy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Kourosh Bagheri
  • Patent number: 8944458
    Abstract: A walker having four substantially straight elongate members each having upper and lower ends and a spacer assembly for keeping two elongate members at a parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The other two elongate members are each mounted to a handle member defining two spaced apart U-shaped assemblies. A removable seat assembly adjustably positioned at predetermined heights so that a user can walk while seated to relieve his body from the weight stress. Optionally, a reinforcement base assembly is used to provide greater structural support for the walker. The walker can include arm rests and an adjustable frame to cooperate with users of different dimensions. The walker can also be collapsed for storage or transportation purposes using hingedly mounted elongate members and a pivoting U-shape base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Marcio C. Ferez, Jorge Arturo Delgado