WO2017032376A1

WO2017032376A1 - Wheeled walking aid

Info

Publication number: WO2017032376A1
Application number: PCT/DK2016/050273
Authority: WO
Inventors: Birgitte Vangsgaard
Original assignee: Birgitte Vangsgaard
Priority date: 2015-08-21
Filing date: 2016-08-12
Publication date: 2017-03-02
Also published as: DK178556B1; DK201500490A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a walking aid (200) comprising in the orientation intended for use for forward walking: a frame (2) having a front end (4) and a rear end (6); a right side (8) and a left side (10); said front end and rear end defining a longitudinal direction (X), and said right side and left side defining a transversal direction (Y); wherein said frame being suspended on 5 a right drive wheel (12) and on a left drive wheel (14); and one or more additional supporting wheels (16,16'); wherein said frame at a right side thereof comprises a right handle (18); said right handle being configured to be movable back and forth in a longitudinal direction (X); wherein said frame at a left side thereof comprises a left handle (20); said left handle being configured to be movable back and forth in a longitudinal direction (X); wherein said walking 10 aid comprises a drive mechanism (22) for transferring a movement of the right handle (18) to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel(12); wherein said walking aid comprises a drive mechanism (22') for transferring a movement of the left handle (20) to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel (14); wherein said frame comprises a free space (24) between said left side and said right side thus allowing a human individual to be 15 accommodated in said free space while walking the walking aid (100) by successively moving said right handle (18) and said left handle (20), respectively, in a back-and forth movement.

Description

WHEELED WALKING AID

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of mobility aids for disabled or motional challenged people. More specifically, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a walking aid and relates in a second aspect to use of such walking aid.

Background of the invention

When people get older they may not be able to sustain the walking ability resulting in less capability for walking long distances or even walking without helping aids at all. The same applies to people who have been subjected to trauma and/or surgery in their legs or hips, or people who suffer from congenital handicaps and/or diseases which affect and reduce the stability of the walking ability.

In order to aid such people in walking crotches have been used for centuries. One or two crotches which support the forearm, and thus help in supporting the legs, are widespread in the field of rehabilitating patients after leg injuries. However, use of crotches require a not insignificant amount of muscular strength from the arms and the torso. Accordingly, crotches are mainly used in an intermediate rehabilitating process for helping people walking until are have fully recovered. Another type of walking aid is known under the popular name "rollator". A rollator is a frame having a handle in an upper part thereof. The frame comprises three or four wheels. By using a rollator for walking a person grips the handle with both hands and pushes the rollator in front of him/her.

Rollators have been around since the late 1970's and provide really good walking aid for especially elderly people.

However, rollators suffer from some drawbacks. One of these drawbacks is that a person walking with a rollator will have to take a firm grip on the handles of the rollator. In doing so, the person will not be able to perform the usual walking movement pattern in which the right arm is moved backwards/forwards as the left leg is moved forward/backward, and in which the left arm is moved backwards/forwards as the right leg is moved forward/backward.

Accordingly, when walking with a rollator the torsoal rolling movement encountered during normal walking is in essence not present. This means that neither the arms nor the

back/truncus participate in the walking patterns. A consequence of this is that the person using a traditional rollator on a daily basis will slowly loose muscle strength in the torso. Hence, a person using a rollator will not be able to uphold a natural pattern of walking movement to an extent which provides for strengthening and stabilization of muscles in back, truncus and arms. A correct and sufficient training of such muscles eases ADL (active daily living). A weakened muscle power in the torso and in the back, truncus and arms will for example make it difficult for a person, without help, to change sleeping position by rolling the body.

From DE 10 2007 015106 Al is known a rollator-type of walking aid. The walking aid comprises a frame suspended on two front wheels and two rear wheels. A left handle is connected to a left lever which is pivotally suspended and connected to the left rear wheel. Likewise, a right handle is connected to a right lever which is pivotally suspended and connected to the right rear wheel. In this way, when the wheels turn, the left and right handle will perform a back-and forth motion. When walking with the walking aid of DE 10 2007 015106 Al the person may perform a movement of his/her body in such a way that the left arm performs a back-and-forth movement which is in synchronicity with the movement of the right leg and in such a way that the right arm performs a back-and- forth movement which is in synchronicity with the movement of the left leg.

The left handle and the right handle both point upward and are located at a position corresponding to the lower part of the chest of the walking person. This means that when walking with the walking aid of DE 10 2007 015106 Al, although the person may perform a movement of his/her arms, the movement of the arms does not really mimic the movement of the arms encountered during normal walking in which the arms are arranged in a downward pointing direction along the legs without significant bending of the elbow joint.

JP H05329186 A discloses a walking aid comprising a frame having a right front wheel and a left front wheel and a single rear wheel. A left handle and a right handle are arranged on the frame and allow a user to gain support during walking. The left handle and the right handle are each connected to a pressure sensitive switch which may sense pressure exerted on the left and right handle, respectively. Upon being subjected to pressure, the left handle or the right handle will active the switch which in turn activate a left motor or a right motor, respectively, thereby providing propulsion means for propelling the walking aid. The walking aid of JP H05329186 A does not allow mimicking movement of the body during normal walking. JP 2005 058672 A discloses a bicycle-like transportation means which comprises a drive wheel above which is arranged a seat. One or two handles are pivotally connected to the drive wheel for allowing exerting a force by the drivers hand or hands and thereby making the drive wheel rotate. The transportation means may comprise a rear support wheel. The transportation means of JP 2005 058672 A does not qualify as a walking aid. Accordingly, there persists to be a need for a walking aid which will allow mimicking the movement of the body during normal walking, viz. during walking without any walking helping aids.

It is an object of the resent invention to provide such a walking aid.

Brief description of the invention

This object is fulfilled according to the walking aid of the first aspect as set out in claim 1 and according to the use of the second aspect as set out in claim 22. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims and explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a walking aid comprising in the orientation intended for use for forward walking:

a frame having a front end and a rear end; a right side and a left side; said front end and rear end defining a longitudinal direction, and said right side and left side defining a transversal direction;

wherein said frame being suspended on a right drive wheel and on a left drive wheel; and one or more additional supporting wheels;

wherein said frame at a right side thereof comprises a right handle; said right handle being configured to be movable back and forth in a longitudinal direction;

wherein said frame at a left side thereof comprises a left handle; said left handle being configured to be movable back and forth in a longitudinal direction; wherein said walking aid comprises a drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the right handle to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel;

wherein said walking aid comprises a drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the left handle to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel;

wherein said frame comprises a free space between said left side and said right side thus allowing a human individual to be accommodated in said free space while walking the walking aid by successively moving said right handle and said left handle, respectively, in a back-and forth movement

wherein said walking aid thereby allowing mimicking the movement of the body during normal walking.

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a use of a walking aid according to the first aspect for aiding walking to a person in need thereof.

The present invention in its first and second aspect provides for an improved walking aid which, during use thereof implies that the user's body to a greater extent mimics a normal walking pattern in terms of muscular movement.

Brief description of the figures

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the walking aid of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view illustrating the principle of one embodiment of the drive means of the walking aid of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating the principle of another embodiment of the drive means of the walking aid of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a walking aid comprising in the orientation intended for use for forward walking:

a frame having a front end and a rear end; a right side and a left side; said front end and rear end defining a longitudinal direction, and said right side and left side defining a transversal direction; wherein said frame being suspended on a right drive wheel and on a left drive wheel; and one or more additional supporting wheels;

wherein said frame at a left side thereof comprises a left handle; said left handle being configured to be movable back and forth in a longitudinal direction;

wherein said walking aid comprises a drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the right handle to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel;

wherein said frame comprises a free space between said left side and said right side thus allowing a human individual to be accommodated in said free space while walking the walking aid by successively moving said right handle and said left handle, respectively, in a back-and forth movement;

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention the righ handle and the left handle in any longitudinal position independently being arranged at a height above ground of 55 - 90 cm, such as 60 - 85 cm, or example 65 - 80 cm, such as 70 - 75 cm.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said left handle and/or right handle in any longitudinal position independently is/are being angled so as to have an upward and forward inclination relative to a horizontal plane of 0 - 25°, such as 5 - 20°, for example 10 - 15°.

These embodiments ensure a walking pattern which to an optimized extent mimics a normal walking pattern.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said walking aid comprises one or more instrument displays, such as a displays for displaying distance of movement, estimated energy consumption by the user, and/or speed of movement, accumulated distance or energy consumption, time, a satellite navigation system, such as a GPS system.

Such instrument displays allow for keeping track of the training and exercise performed.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said apparatus comprises height adjustment means for adjustment of the height of the left and right handle, respectively.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said walking aid comprises two supporting wheels. Two supporting wheels will provide for great stability of the walking aid and furthermore avoid that the walking aid tilts when not being held.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said right drive wheel and said left drive wheel are positioned behind any supporting wheel(s); or said right drive wheels and left drive wheels are positioned in front of any supporting wheel(s).

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said right drive wheel and/or the left drive wheel is/are coupled to a brake for releasably braking the walking aid.

Braking the wheels will allow the user to use the walking aid as a support to lean on in case of fatigue or for other reasons.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said right handle and/or said left handle, independently, being configured to be moved back and forth in a linear movement or in a curved movement, such as a in a partial circular movement.

Such types of movement of the handles will mimic a normal walking pattern.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said drive mechanism comprises a freewheeling mechanism allowing the right drive wheel to turn without the right handle is following that movement; and/or allowing the left drive wheel to turn without the left handle is following that movement.

A freewheeling mechanism allows the walking aid to be moved by pushing it without the handles are moving. This may be convenient in certain situations.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said drive mechanism comprises a differential coupled to said right drive wheel and said left drive wheel; and additionally coupled to said right handle and/or said left handle.

A differential will allow easier making turns with the walking aid.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said drive mechanism comprises a synchronizing unit configured to assure that the right handle and the left handle, respectively, are located at opposite positions.

Making sure that that that the right handle and the left handle, respectively, are located at opposite positions enhances the possibility for the individual to mimic a normal walking pattern.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said right drive wheel and said left drive wheel is having a diameter of 200 - 250 mm; and/or wherein said right drive wheel and said left drive wheel is having a width of 35 - 50 mm.

Such dimensions have proven suitable for walking on most types of grounds or floors.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said supporting wheels are pivotally mounted on said frame. Mounting the supporting wheels pivotally allows for easy turning of the walking aid during walking.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said drive mechanism comprises a gearing allowing adjustment of the degree of rotation of the drive wheels in response to a movement of the handles.

Such gearing allows adjusting the walking aid to the muscle strength of the individual using it.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the right handle to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel comprises an endless right side primary chain in a right side of the walking aid, wherein said endless right side primary chain being suspended on a right side front sprocket and on a right side rear sprocket; and wherein one of said right side front sprocket or said right side rear sprocket is connected to a right side drive sprocket; wherein a right side secondary drive chain is suspended on said right side drive sprocket and on a right wheel sprocket mounted on said right drive wheel; wherein said right handle is connected to said endless right side primary chain; and wherein

-said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the left handle to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel comprises an endless left side primary chain in a left side of the walking aid; said endless left side primary chain being suspended on a left side front sprocket and on a left side rear sprocket; and wherein one of said left side front sprocket or said left side rear sprocket is connected to a left side drive sprocket; wherein a left side secondary drive chain is suspended on said left side drive sprocket and on a left wheel sprocket mounted on said left drive wheel; wherein said left handle is connected to said endless left side primary chain.

In one embodiment the right handle in this embodiment is configured to be moveable in a right slit in a right side of the walking aid; and wherein said left handle is configured to be moveable in a left slit in a left side of the walking aid.

In another embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the right handle to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel comprises a right pivoting element, pivotally suspended around a horizontal axis which is parallel to a transverse direction of the walking aid; said right pivoting element comprises a right connecting arm; wherein a right connecting rod at a first end thereof being pivotally suspended on said right connecting arm and wherein said right connecting rod at a second end thereof being pivotally and eccentrically connected to said right drive wheel; and wherein -said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the left handle to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel comprises a left pivoting element, pivotally suspended around a horizontal axis which is parallel to a transverse direction of the walking aid; said left pivoting element comprises a left connecting arm; wherein a left connecting rod at a first end thereof being pivotally suspended on said left connecting arm and wherein said left connecting rod at a second end thereof being pivotally and eccentrically connected to said left drive wheel.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the right handle to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel comprises a right pivoting element, pivotally suspended around a horizontal axis which is parallel to a transverse direction of the walking aid; said right pivoting element comprises a right connecting arm; wherein a right push-pull cable at a first end thereof being pivotally suspended on said right connecting arm and wherein said right push-pull cable at a second end thereof being pivotally and eccentrically connected to said right drive wheel; and wherein -said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the left handle to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel comprises a left pivoting element, pivotally suspended around a horizontal axis which is parallel to a transverse direction of the walking aid; said left pivoting element comprises a left connecting arm; wherein a left push-pull cable at a first end thereof being pivotally suspended on said left connecting arm and wherein said left push-pull cable at a second end thereof being pivotally and eccentrically connected to said left drive wheel.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the right handle to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel comprises a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic conduit connecting said hydraulic pump with said hydraulic motor , wherein said hydraulic motor is configured to drive said right drive wheel, wherein the right handle is connected to said hydraulic pump in such a way that a movement of said right handle engages said hydraulic pump, and wherein an engagement of said hydraulic pump is configured to result in a movement of said right drive wheel; and wherein

-said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the left handle to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel comprises a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic conduit connecting said hydraulic pump with said hydraulic motor , wherein said hydraulic motor is configured to drive said left drive wheel, wherein the left handle is connected to said hydraulic pump in such a way that a movement of said left handle engages said hydraulic pump, and wherein an engagement of said hydraulic pump is configured to result in a movement of said left drive wheel.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the right handle to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel comprises an electric generator and an electric motor and an electric cable electrically connecting said electric generator with said electric motor, wherein said electric motor is configured to drive said right drive wheel, wherein the right handle is connected to said electric generator in such a way that a movement of said right handle engages said electric generator, and wherein an engagement of said electric generator is configured to result in a movement of said right drive wheel; and wherein -said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the left handle to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel comprises an electric generator and an electric motor and an electric cable electrically connecting said electric generator with said electric motor, wherein said electric motor is configured to drive said left drive wheel, wherein the left handle is connected to said electric generator in such a way that a movement of said left handle engages said electric generator, and wherein an engagement of said electric generator is configured to result in a movement of said left drive wheel.

Generally and in respect of all embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the walking aid may also be used for backward walking.

Depending on the specific drive mechanisms employed, such backward walking may be performed with the walking aid as is; or alternatively such backward walking may be performed by means of a transmission incorporated into the drive mechanism and allowing shifting direction from forward walking to backward walking and vice versa.

The present invention relates in a second aspect to the use of walking aid according to the first aspect for aiding walking to a person in need thereof.

In one embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention said use is a non-therapeutic use.

Referring now to the drawings in order to illustrate the present invention and specific embodiments thereof, fig. 1 shows a walking aid 200 according to the present invention. The walking aid 200 comprising in the orientation intended for use for forward walking: a frame 2 having a front end 4 and a rear end 6; a right side 8 and a left side 10; said front end and rear end defining a longitudinal direction X, and said right side and left side defining a transversal direction Y.

The frame being suspended on a right drive wheel 12 and on a left drive wheel 14 and one or two additional supporting wheels 16, 16'.

The frame 2 at a right side thereof comprises a right handle 18, wherein said right handle being configured to be movable back and forth in a longitudinal direction X. This movement of the right handle takes place by providing the right frame element 2' with a slit 54 in which the right handle 18 may be moved back and forth in a longitudinal direction X.

Likewise, the frame 2 at a left side thereof comprises a left handle 20, wherein said left handle being configured to be movable back and forth in a longitudinal direction X. This movement of the left handle takes place by providing the left frame element 2' with a slit 54' in which the left handle 20 may be moved back and forth in a longitudinal direction X.

The walking aid furthermore comprises a drive mechanism 22 for transferring a movement of the right handle 18 to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel 12. Additionally, the walking aid comprises a drive mechanism 22' for transferring a movement of the left handle 20 to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel 14.

In fig. 1 the drive mechanism 20 comprises an electrical generator coupled to the right handle and the drive mechanism 20' comprises an electrical generator coupled to the left handle. In fig. 1 most of the drive mechanism 20,20' is concealed within the frame elements 2' and the box in front of the walking aid as shown. The generators is each electrically connected to an electric motor 88,88' by a cable 90,90' (in fig. 1 electric motor 88 is hidden behind the right drive wheel 12).

In use, the user positions himself/herself in the free space 24 between the right side 8 and the left side 10 of the walking aid 200. The user subsequently takes a firm grip on the right and left handle by his/hers right and left hand, respectively. Thereafter the user consecutively moves the right handle 18 and the left handle 20 back and forth. This movement of the handle will generate electric power by virtue of the drive mechanism 22,22' comprising an electric generator and the generated power will force the wheels to rotate by means of the electric motor 88,88' coupled to each of the drive wheels respectively.

In fig. 1 is seen that the walking aid 200 comprises an instrument display 26 for providing information to the user relating to e.g. distance of movement, estimated energy consumption by the user, and/or speed of movement, accumulated distance or energy consumption, time, satellite navigation system, such as a GPS system.

In fig. 1 is illustrated an embodiment comprising drive means in the form of an electric generator and an electric motor. Also drive means in the form of hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor is contemplated in an alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

However, also purely mechanical drive means may be used in the drive mechanism 22,22' for converting a back-and-forth motion of the handles 18,20 to a rotational movement of the drive wheels 12, 14. This is explained more detailed below.

In fig. 2 is shown such another embodiment of the drive mechanism 22,22' for converting a back-and-forth motion of the handles 18,20 to a rotational movement of the drive wheels 12,14 in which the drive mechanism 22,22' is purely mechanical.

In a walking aid making use of the drive mechanism 22,22' illustrated in fig. 2, the drive mechanism 22,22' itself for transferring a movement of the right and left handle 18,20 to a rotational movement of the right drive wheel 12 and the left drive wheel 14 are identical. Therefore, reference is now only made to the right hand side of such a walking aid, which comprises the drive mechanism 22.

The drive mechanism 22 for transferring a movement of the right handle 18 to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel 12 comprises an endless right side primary chain 30 positioned in a right side of the walking aid. The endless right side primary chain 30 is suspended on a right side front sprocket 32 and on a right side rear sprocket 34. The right side front sprocket 32 is connected to a right side drive sprocket 36 so that the right side front sprocket 32 is axially aligned with the right side drive sprocket 36.

A right side secondary drive chain 38 is suspended on said right side drive sprocket 36 and on a right wheel sprocket 40 being mounted on said right drive wheel 12 and axially aligned therewith.

Furthermore, the right handle 18 is connected to the endless right side primary chain 30.

The right handle 18 appears in front of a slit 54 made in a right side panel of the walking aid.

As mentioned above, an arrangement of the drive mechanism 22 of the right side is present as drive mechanism 22' in a left side of the walking aid. Thereby the right side and the left side of the walking aid comprise similar drive mechanisms.

Accordingly, the left side drive mechanism 22' comprises the elements left side primary chain 42, left side front sprocket 44, left side rear sprocket 46, left side drive sprocket 48, left side secondary drive chain 50, left wheel sprocket 52 and slit for handle 54'.

The drive mechanism 22,22' preferably comprises a free-wheeling mechanism allowing the right drive wheel 12 to turn without the right handle 18 is following that movement; and/or allowing the left drive wheel 14 to turn without the left handle 20 is following that movement. Such a free-wheeling mechanism will also allow moving the right handle 18 and the left handle 20 backwards without forcing the wheels 12, 14 to rotate in a backward direction.

In use, the user positions himself/herself in the free space 24 between the right side 8 and the left side 10 of the walking aid 200. The user subsequently takes a firm grip on the right and left handle by his/hers right and left hand, respectively. Thereafter the user consecutively moves the right handle 18 and the left handle 20 back and forth in the slit 54. This will force the right side front sprocket 32 and the left side front sprocket 32' to rotate. By virtue of the right side drive sprocket 36,36' and the secondary drive chain 38, this will force the right wheel 12 and the left wheel 14 to rotate.

Instead of having the secondary drive chain 38,38' coupled to the front sprocket 32,32', the secondary drive chain 38,38'may be coupled to the rear sprocket 34,34'.

Another embodiment of a purely mechanical drive mechanism is illustrated in fig. 3.

Fig. 3 shows drive mechanism 22, 22' of a walking aid 200 according to the first aspect of the present invention. The drive mechanism 22,22'for transferring a movement of the right handle 18 and the left handle 20 to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel 12 and the left drive wheel 14 comprises in respect of the mechanism driving the right drive wheel 12: a right pivoting element 56, which is pivotally suspended around a horizontal axis 58 which is parallel to a transverse direction Y of the walking aid.

The right pivoting element comprises a right connecting arm 60; wherein a right connecting rod 62 at a first end thereof 64 being pivotally suspended on said right connecting arm 60. The right connecting rod 62 at a second end 66 thereof being pivotally and eccentrically connected to the right drive wheel 12.

Similar, the drive mechanism 22'for transferring a movement of the left handle 20 to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel 14 comprises the elements: a left pivoting element 68 pivotally suspended around a horizontally axis 70 which is parallel to a transverse direction of the walking aid. ; The left pivoting element comprises a left connecting arm 72.

A left connecting rod 74 at a first end 76 thereof is being pivotally suspended on said left connecting arm 72. The left connecting rod 74 at a second end 78 thereof being pivotally and eccentrically connected to said left drive wheel 14.

Again, a back-and-forth movement of the handles 18,20 will translate into a rotational movement of the drive wheels 12,14.

As an alternative to the connecting rods 62, 74 a push-pull cable may be used which will be more flexible.

No matter how the drive mechanism 20,22 for driving the drive wheels is designed it will be preferable to include height adjustment means for adjustment of the height of the left and right handle, respectively. Such height adjustment means may simply be provided by allowing the frame element which carries the drive wheels 12, 14 to be pivotally mounted on the rest of the frame. In case of the embodiment in which the drive mechanism comprises a chain drive, it may be needed to include a chain tensioner which will provide for the proper chain tension irrespective of the position of the frame element which carries the drive wheels 12, 14.

List of reference numerals

2 Frame

4 Front end of frame

6 Rear end of frame

8 Right side of frame

10 Left side of frame

12 Right drive wheel

14 Left drive wheel

16,16' Supporting wheels

18 Right handle

20 Left handle

22,22' Drive mechanism

24 Free space between left side and right side of frame

26 Instrument display

30 Right side primary chain

32 Right side front sprocket

34 Right side rear sprocket

36 Right side drive sprocket

38 Right side secondary drive chain

40 Right wheel sprocket

42 Left side primary chain

44 Left side front sprocket

46 Left side rear sprocket 48 Left side drive sprocket

50 Left side secondary drive chain

52 Left wheel sprocket

54,54' Slit for handle

56 Right pivoting element

58,70 Horizontal axis

60 Right connecting arm

62 Right connecting rod or right push-pull cable

64 First end of right connecting rod or right push-pull cable 66 Second end of right connecting rod or right push-pull cable

68 Left pivoting element

72 Left connecting arm

74 Left connecting rod or left push-pull cable

76 First end of left connecting rod or left push-pull cable 78 Second end of left connecting rod or left push-pull cable

80,80' Hydraulic pump

82,82' Hydraulic motor

84,84' Hydraulic conduit

86,86' Electric generator

88,88' Electric motor

90,90' Electric cable

200 Walking aid

X Longitudinal direction of frame Y Transversal direction of frame

Claims

1. A walking aid (200) comprising in the orientation intended for use for forward walking: a frame (2) having a front end (4) and a rear end (6); a right side (8) and a left side (10); said front end and rear end defining a longitudinal direction (X), and said right side and left side defining a transversal direction (Y);

wherein said frame being suspended on a right drive wheel (12) and on a left drive wheel (14); and one or more additional supporting wheels (16, 16');

wherein said frame at a right side thereof comprises a right handle (18); said right handle being configured to be movable back and forth in a longitudinal direction (X);

wherein said frame at a left side thereof comprises a left handle (20); said left handle being configured to be movable back and forth in a longitudinal direction (X);

wherein said walking aid comprises a drive mechanism (22) for transferring a movement of the right handle (18) to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel(12);

wherein said walking aid comprises a drive mechanism (22') for transferring a movement of the left handle (20) to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel (14);

wherein said frame comprises a free space (24) between said left side and said right side thus allowing a human individual to be accommodated in said free space while walking the walking aid (100) by successively moving said right handle (18) and said left handle (20), respectively, in a back-and forth movement;

said walking aid thereby allowing mimicking the movement of the body during normal walking.

2. A walking aid (200) according to claim 1, wherein the right handle (18) and the left handle (20) in any longitudinal position independently being arranged at a height above ground of 55 - 90 cm, such as 60 - 85 cm, or example 65 - 80 cm, such as 70 - 75 cm.

3. A walking aid (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said left handle (18) and/or right handle (20) in any longitudinal position independently is/are being angled so as to have an upward and forward inclination relative to a horizontal plane of 0 - 25°, such as 5 - 20°, for example 10 - 15°.

4. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims comprising one or more instrument displays (26), such as a displays for displaying distance of movement, estimated energy consumption by the user, and/or speed of movement, accumulated distance or energy consumption, time, satellite navigation system, such as a GPS system.

5. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims comprising height adjustment means for adjustment of the height of the left and right handle, respectively.

6. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims comprising two supporting wheels (16, 16').

7. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said right drive wheel (12) and said left drive wheel (14) are positioned behind any supporting wheel(s) (16,16'); or wherein said right drive wheel (12) and left drive wheels (14) are positioned in front of any supporting wheel(s) (16, 16').

8. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the right drive wheel (12) and/or the left drive wheel (14) is/are coupled to a brake for releasably breaking the walking aid.

9. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said right handle (18) and/or said left handle (20), independently, being configured to be moved back and forth in a linear movement or in a curved movement, such as a in a partial circular movement.

10. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said drive mechanism (22,22') comprises a freewheeling mechanism allowing the right drive wheel (12) to turn without the right handle (18) is following that movement; and/or allowing the left drive wheel (14) to turn without the left handle (20) is following that movement.

11. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said drive mechanism (22,22') comprises a differential coupled to said right drive wheel (12) and said left drive wheel (14); and additionally coupled to said right handle (18) and/or said left handle (20).

12. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said drive mechanism comprises a synchronizing unit configured to assure that the right handle (18) and the left handle (20), respectively, are located at opposite positions.

13. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said right drive wheel (12) and said left drive wheel (14) is having a diameter of 200 - 250 mm; and/or wherein said right drive wheel (12) and said left drive wheel (14) is having a width of 35 - 50 mm.

14. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said supporting wheels (16, 16') are pivotally mounted on said frame (2).

15. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said drive mechanism comprises a gearing allowing adjustment of the degree of rotation of the drive wheels (12, 14) in response to a movement of the handles (18,20).

16. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:

-said drive mechanism (22) for transferring a movement of the right handle (18) to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel (12) comprises an endless right side primary chain (30) in a right side of the walking aid, wherein said endless right side primary chain (30) being suspended on a right side front sprocket (32) and on a right side rear sprocket (34); and wherein one of said right side front sprocket (32) or said right side rear sprocket (34) is connected to a right side drive sprocket (36); wherein a right side secondary drive chain (38) is suspended on said right side drive sprocket (36) and on a right wheel sprocket (40) mounted on said right drive wheel (12); wherein said right handle (18) is connected to said endless right side primary chain (30); and wherein

-said drive mechanism (22') for transferring a movement of the left handle (20) to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel (14) comprises an endless left side primary chain (42) in a left side of the walking aid; said endless left side primary chain (42) being suspended on a left side front sprocket (44) and on a left side rear sprocket (46); and wherein one of said left side front sprocket (44) or said left side rear sprocket (46) is connected to a left side drive sprocket (48); wherein a left side secondary drive chain (50) is suspended on said left side drive sprocket (48) and on a left wheel sprocket (52) mounted on said left drive wheel (14); wherein said left handle (20) is connected to said endless left side primary chain (42).

17. A walking aid (200) according to claim 16, wherein said right handle (18) is configured to be moveable in a right slit (54) in a right side of the walking aid; and wherein said left handle (20) is configured to be moveable in a left slit (54') in a left side of the walking aid.

18. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:

-said drive mechanism (22) for transferring a movement of the right handle (18) to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel (12) comprises a right pivoting element (56), pivotally suspended around a horizontal axis (58) which is parallel to a transverse direction (Y) of the walking aid; said right pivoting element comprises a right connecting arm (60); wherein a right connecting rod (62) at a first end thereof (64) being pivotally suspended on said right connecting arm (60) and wherein said right connecting rod (62) at a second end (66) thereof being pivotally and eccentrically connected to said right drive wheel (12); and wherein

-said drive mechanism (22') for transferring a movement of the left handle (20) to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel (14) comprises a left pivoting element (68), pivotally suspended around a horizontally axis (70) which is parallel to a transverse direction of the walking aid; said left pivoting element comprises a left connecting arm (72); wherein a left connecting rod (74) at a first end (76) thereof being pivotally suspended on said left connecting arm (72) and wherein said left connecting rod (74) at a second end (78) thereof being pivotally and eccentrically connected to said left drive wheel (14).

19. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:

-said drive mechanism (22) for transferring a movement of the right handle (18) to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel (12) comprises a right pivoting element (56), pivotally suspended around a horizontal axis (58) which is parallel to a transverse direction (Y) of the walking aid; said right pivoting element comprises a right connecting arm (60); wherein a right push-pull cable (62) at a first end thereof (64) being pivotally suspended on said right connecting arm (60) and wherein said right push-pull cable (62) at a second end (66) thereof being pivotally and eccentrically connected to said right drive wheel (12); and wherein

-said drive mechanism (22') for transferring a movement of the left handle (20) to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel (14) comprises a left pivoting element (68), pivotally suspended around a horizontally axis (70) which is parallel to a transverse direction of the walking aid; said left pivoting element comprises a left connecting arm (72); wherein a left push-pull cable (74) at a first end (76) thereof being pivotally suspended on said left connecting arm (72) and wherein said left push-pull cable (74) at a second end (78) thereof being pivotally and eccentrically connected to said left drive wheel (14).

20. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:

-said drive mechanism (22) for transferring a movement of the right handle (18) to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel (12) comprises a hydraulic pump (80) and a hydraulic motor (82) and a hydraulic conduit (84) connecting said hydraulic pump with said hydraulic motor , wherein said hydraulic motor is configured to drive said right drive wheel (12), wherein the right handle (18) is connected to said hydraulic pump (80) in such a way that a movement of said right handle (18) engages said hydraulic pump, and wherein an engagement of said hydraulic pump is configured to result in a movement of said right drive wheel (12); and wherein

-said drive mechanism for transferring a movement of the left handle to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel comprises a hydraulic pump (80') and a hydraulic motor (82') and a hydraulic conduit (84') connecting said hydraulic pump with said hydraulic motor , wherein said hydraulic motor is configured to drive said left drive wheel (14), wherein the left handle (20) is connected to said hydraulic pump (80') in such a way that a movement of said left handle (20) engages said hydraulic pump, and wherein an engagement of said hydraulic pump is configured to result in a movement of said left drive wheel (14).

21. A walking aid (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein:

-said drive mechanism (22) for transferring a movement of the right handle (18) to a rotational movement of said right drive wheel (12) comprises an electric generator (86) and an electric motor (88) and an electric cable (90) electrically connecting said electric generator with said electric motor, wherein said electric motor is configured to drive said right drive wheel (12), wherein the right handle (18) is connected to said electric generator in such a way that a movement of said right handle (18) engages said electric generator, and wherein an engagement of said electric generator is configured to result in a movement of said right drive wheel; and wherein

-said drive mechanism (22') for transferring a movement of the left handle (20) to a rotational movement of said left drive wheel (14) comprises an electric generator (86') and an electric motor (88') and an electric cable (90') electrically connecting said electric generator with said electric motor, wherein said electric motor is configured to drive said left drive wheel (14), wherein the left handle (20) is connected to said electric generator in such a way that a movement of said left handle (20) engages said electric generator, and wherein an engagement of said electric generator is configured to result in a movement of said left drive wheel (14).

22. Use of a walking aid (200) according to any of the claims 1 - 21 for aiding walking to a person in need thereof.

23. Use according to claim 22, wherein said use is a non-therapeutic use.