Patent ID: 8573612
Filing Date: 2013-11-05
Classification: A61H

Abstract:
1. An assistive ambulatory device comprising: a four sided walker further comprising a plurality of hinging devices mounted on each leg of said walker wherein said walker can be continuously changed from a rectangular shape to a parallelogram shape with a left side of the walker in a forward position or from a rectangular shape to a parallelogram shape with a right side in a forward position wherein said walker maintains a parallelogram shape when in use and further wherein said plurality of said hinged legs exert a variable friction of movement of said hinges so as to provide a therapeutic natural gait of a patient's movement further wherein using said four sided ambulatory device by having a patient positioned in a middle area of said device to allow for an upright trunk, minimizing abnormal lower extremities kinematics and weight bearing on arms; further wherein said ambulatory device having hinged corners with adjustable friction permitting a change of shape of said ambulatory device from a rectangular shape to a parallelogram shape having a left side forward and/or a parallelogram shape having a right side forward allowing said patient's reciprocal arm swing when unlocked; further wherein using four wheels permitting a continuous stepping motion that does not disrupt patient's normal gait kinematics; further wherein having an adjustable height allows said ambulatory device to have an optimal height for placement of patient hands to minimize weight bearing on arms; and further wherein said adjustable friction of said hinges assists a patient in reacquiring a proper natural gait.