Patent ID: 7954502
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: A61F,A61H

Abstract:
1. A mobility assistance apparatus comprising: a walking aid; a resilient device connected to a lower portion of the walking aid for ground engagement, the device including a resilient foot, a resilient ankle and a resilient substantially vertically oriented shank having a dynamic response characteristic to forces associated with ambulating using the apparatus as a walking aid which generates propulsive force to aid mobility; wherein the device includes at least one coiled spring which is situated posteriorly on the shank above the ankle, said shank and the at least one coiled spring being wider in width than thick front to back, the coiled spring having a radially inner, free end and a radially outer end supported at an upper portion of the shank for movement therewith, and at least one flexible, elongated member connected to the radially inner, free end of the coiled spring and extending over the coiled spring to a lower posterior portion of the device for resiliently expanding the coiled spring in the midstance phase of gait to store energy with force loading of the apparatus during use and to release stored energy during force unloading to generate propulsive force to aid mobility.