Device for assisted walking

A device for assisted walking is disclosed. The device may have a substantially flat top section having a plurality of corners, a plurality of sides, and a first perimeter. The device may have a raised border formed about the first perimeter, the raised border defining a top perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The device may have a plurality of support legs, each support leg of the plurality of support legs having one of a plurality of feet. Each foot of the plurality of feet may be disposed at a distal end of each support leg of the plurality of support legs. Each foot of the plurality of feet may have a rounded bottom portion in contact with a floor, each bottom portion having foot width greater than the leg width, and defining a base perimeter greater than the top perimeter, the rounded bottom portion configured to slide along the floor.

BACKGROUND

1. Technological Field

This disclosure is generally related to devices used for assisted walking. The disclosure relates more specifically to an apparatus for training individuals to walk and support themselves.

Certain products exist to allow parent and caregivers options for teaching individuals under their care to walk. Parents have certain “walker” options for their children. Caregivers and therapists use similar concepts for patients or clients in their charge.

Some products exist that assist a user such as an infant in reaching developmental milestones or an adult undergoing therapy. Few suitable options exist. Such options may include products designed for a supported stander, supported walker, and an unsupported push walker with wheels. However such products may not present the best possible product options for the parent or caregiver.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure provides a device for assisted walking. The device can have a substantially flat top section having a plurality of corners, a plurality of sides, and a first perimeter. The device can also have a raised border formed about the first perimeter. The raised border can define a top perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The device can also have a plurality of support legs, each support leg of the plurality of support legs disposed at each of the plurality of corners. The plurality of support legs can extend in substantially the same direction away from the top section and each of the plurality of corners. The plurality of support legs can each having a leg width. The device can also have plurality of feet. Each foot of the plurality of feet can be disposed at a distal end of each support leg of the plurality of support legs. The distal end can be distal to the top section. Each foot of the plurality of feet can have a rounded bottom portion. Each bottom portion can have a foot width greater than the leg width and collectively can define a base perimeter greater than the top perimeter. The rounded bottom portion can be configured to slide along the floor.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method for training an infant to walk. The method can include gripping a raised border of a walker device. The walker device can include a substantially flat top surface having a plurality of corners and a first perimeter. The walker device can also have the raised border formed about the first perimeter, the raised border having a first width and defining a top perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The walker device can also have a support leg disposed on a bottom side of the top surface extending downward from each of the plurality of corners. The support leg having a leg width. A foot can be disposed at a distal end of the support leg, each foot having a rounded bottom portion in contact with a floor. Each bottom portion can have foot width greater than the leg width and define a base perimeter greater than the top perimeter. The rounded bottom portion can exhibit a low friction relationship with the floor. The method can also include pulling the upper body up toward the edge as the infant stands up. The method can also include leaning on the top surface with hands or arms. The method can also include transferring the bodyweight of the infant to the hands or arms in contact with the top surface. The method can also include pushing the walker device along the floor.

Another aspect of the disclosure provides a device for assisted walking. The device can have a substantially flat top section having four of corners, four sides, and a first perimeter. The device can also have a raised border formed about the first perimeter, the raised border defining a top perimeter greater than the first perimeter. The device can also have four side supports configured to contain and support the top section by a clearance fit, the clearance fit permitting the top section to rattle within the four side supports when impacted by a percussive force. The device can also have four support legs. Each of the four support legs can be disposed at each of the four corners. The four support legs can extend downward from the top section and each of the four corners. The four support legs each can have a leg width. The device can also have four feet, each of the four feet disposed at a distal end of each of the four support legs, the distal end being distal to the top section. Each of the four feet can have a rounded bottom portion in contact with a floor. Each bottom portion can have a foot width greater than the leg width and define a base perimeter greater than the top perimeter. The rounded bottom portion can be configured to slide along the floor.

Other features and advantages of the present invention should be apparent from the following description which illustrates, by way of example, aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various embodiments and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the embodiments. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in simplified form for brevity of description.

The embodiments described in this disclosure generally relate to devices for assisted walking. Certain assisted walking devices may be used by small children such as infants or toddlers (referred to herein as a “user”) learning to walk and support themselves. Certain embodiments may further be used for larger children or adults undergoing certain physical therapy or occupational therapy regimens.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a device for assisted walking200(referred to hereinafter as the “device200”). An embodiment of the device200has a top section202. The top section202has a plurality of sides203(shown inFIG. 3) and a substantially flat, substantially rectangular top surface208. For example, the device200may have four sides203for a rectangle. The sides203of the top section202may be partially contained and supported within a side support207a-207d(collectively referred to hereinafter as “the side supports207”) of the device200. This aspect is described further in connection withFIG. 3.

In an embodiment, the top section202has a first perimeter204defined by a plurality of raised borders206a-206d(collectively referred to hereinafter as raised borders206) on each side of the top section202. The raised borders206form an upper portion of a corresponding side support207a-207d(collectively referred to hereinafter as “side supports207”). The side supports207can provide structural support to the device200and may be formed to receive the top section202(shown inFIG. 3). As shown, the outer dimensions of the four raised borders206may describe a second perimeter or “top perimeter”213of the device200.

The device200may further comprise a plurality of support legs216a-216d(collectively referred to hereinafter as “support legs216”). Each of the support legs216may be connected to two of the side supports207, as shown. For example, the support leg216amay be connected to the side supports207a,207bat a proximal end231by an interference fit (described below) or by various fasteners, such as bolts, nails, or screws.

Each of the support legs216may extend orthogonally away from the top section202and the side supports207, toward a floor212(shown inFIG. 4), for example. In an embodiment, the top section202may be a rectangular or square shape with each of the support legs216being disposed at the corners of the top section202. The support legs216may each be formed to join with two adjacent side supports207and with the top section202(described below in connection withFIG. 6). As shown inFIG. 1, the device200is substantially square, having four support legs216disposed at each of the four corners of the top section202and the ends of the side supports207. The support leg216dis not shown due to the perspective ofFIG. 1.

The device200may further comprise a plurality of feet210a-210d(collectively, feet210) affixed or otherwise formed to a distal end232of the support legs216. The feet210may be in direct contact with the floor212. The feet210may have a rounded shape and provide a surface that may slide along the floor212when a force is applied to one of the sides of the device200. As noted with the leg216dabove, the foot210dis not shown due to the perspective ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, for example, the device200may resemble a small table that can be pushed by the intended user.

In an embodiment, the top surface208of the device200may be substantially square, each side having an equal top dimension218a-218d(collectively referred to hereinafter as “top dimensions218”). Accordingly, the top perimeter213may also be described by the top dimensions218. In some embodiments, each of the top dimensions218may be equal. In another embodiment, opposing top dimensions (e.g.,218a,218cand218b,218d) may be equal, providing a rectangular top perimeter213.

The device200may also have a base perimeter220(shown in a dashed line). The base perimeter220can be defined by an outer most point of each of the feet210, as shown inFIG. 2, below. The base perimeter220may be proportional to the top perimeter213. Accordingly, the base perimeter220may also be substantially square, having base dimensions222a-222d(collectively referred to hereinafter as “base dimensions222”). In an embodiment, the base dimensions222a-222dmay be equal. In another embodiment, the dimensions222aand222cmay be equal and the base dimensions222band222dmay be equal providing a rectangular base perimeter220corresponding to a rectangular top perimeter213.

In some embodiments, the base dimensions222are generally larger than the top dimensions218. Accordingly, the base perimeter220may be generally larger than the top perimeter213providing a side profile having an overall “trapezoidal” shape (shown inFIG. 4) when viewed from any side. Such a trapezoidal shape may lower the center of gravity of the device200, increasing the stability of device200in use. In an embodiment, such a shape may also be referred to as a pyramidal frustrum as described below.

The device200further has a height dimension224. The height dimension224as well as the top dimensions218and the base dimensions222may be adjusted for the height of the intended user.

As a non-limiting example, the device200may have top dimensions218of approximately 12 inches square as compared to an exemplary base dimension222of 14 inches square, creating the profile with the trapezoidal shape. The larger dimensions of the base perimeter220may be achieved by enlarging the feet210at the distal end232of each support leg216. This may be accomplished by varying the size of the feet210. The overall trapezoidal shape may serve to increase the stability of the device200in all planes with the surface area of the base of the device200being larger than that of the top section202. In another embodiment, the trapezoidal profile is also possible by angling the support legs216away from the center of the device200.

In some embodiments, the size of the device200may be reduced for smaller users, in the case of an infant or toddler. However, when the device200is implemented by larger children or adults, modification of the dimensions or top section, the top perimeter213, the base perimeter220, and the height dimension224may be required.

In an embodiment, the device200may be scaled up for larger infants or even for use with adults. For example, the device200may have dimensions as large as 30 inches by 30 inches or larger, providing various physical therapy or occupational therapy options for larger children and adults. Accordingly, the height dimension224of the device200and of the support legs216may also be scaled up accordingly.

In some embodiments, a generally uniform construction of the device200is contemplated. Such a uniform construction may provide uniform stability from one side of the device200to another side. Furthermore, a substantially square form also maximizes the amount of usable surface area on the top surface208. This may allow the user to transport certain objects (e.g., toys) in use.

In some other embodiments, non-square or non-rectangular dimensions may be possible or desired for different implementations. Other such polygonal shapes (e.g., triangular, rectangular, etc.) may require addition of an equal number of support legs216and feet210. In other embodiments, equal distribution of the support legs216(e.g., four support legs216) may be required with the use of a round top surface208(e.g., circular, oval, oblong).

FIG. 2is a top plan view of the device ofFIG. 1. As described above, the top section202may be a substantially square (e.g., 12 inches square, or 14 inches square, or other dimensions as required) structure having the raised borders206.

In some embodiments, the top surface208may be constructed or formed of a thin, yet durable, and lightweight wood or plastic (e.g., polymer or fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)) material. The material and construction should be able to support the partial body weight of a user via the user's upper extremities (e.g., hands or arms).

In an embodiment employing a thin wood or plastic/polymer material, the top surface208may also be used to produce a motivating auditory stimulus, such as a noise or rattle when impacted by a percussive force imposed by the user, a parent, or caregiver supervising the user. This aural stimulation may be achieved by tapping a finger or object on the top surface208to produce a drum-like sound or a rattle. As described in below in connection withFIG. 3, the top section202is not firmly held in place allowing it to move slightly when impacted, causing the rattle or vibration. The auditory stimulation of the intended user (e.g. an infant) may provide motivation to the infant and/or increased awareness and alertness.

FIG. 2further shows the base perimeter220, or footprint, in comparison to the top perimeter213. As shown, the base perimeter220may be defined by an outer edge238of the feet210. The base perimeter220(shown in dashed lines) may have a larger dimension than the top perimeter, providing the trapezoidal profile.

The support legs216are shown disposed at the four corners of the top section202. The feet210may be oriented outward, away from a center240(indicated by a crosshair) of the top section202. Orienting the feet210away from the center240increases the amount of unobstructed area under the device200while increasing the stability. Such an arrangement provides space under the device200(described in more detail inFIG. 4) for the user's legs during transitions from sitting on the floor to standing or walking while pushing the device200across the floor212. This arrangement also provides increased stability and fewer tipping points. For example, if the user places increased force on a corner it will be less likely to tip because the support leg216is directly beneath the applied force.

FIG. 3is a sectional view of the device ofFIG. 1. The side supports207may be formed with a groove302formed along the length of the side supports207. In some embodiments, the groove302sized to receive an edge303of the top section202in a clearance fit. The groove302may have a groove height304and a groove depth306. The groove height304slightly larger than a top section width308. The difference in dimensions may allow the top section202a small amount of movement within the groove302. Accordingly, when impacted by a percussive force, the top section202is allowed to vibrate within the side supports207and create a rattling noise or vibration.

In an embodiment, the top section202is contained and supported within the groove302near the raised borders206. The raised borders206may have a lip310. The lip310may rise a lip height312away from the top section202. The lip310surrounds the top surface208top section202at the raised borders206. In some embodiments, the raised border206and lip310provide a place for the intended user to grip or grasp and control the device200in use. The raised borders206may further have a rounded top surface314, and a border width320adding an element of comfort and safety of the device200. The border width320may vary based on the size of the intended user and the degree to which the top section202is to be contained and supported within the groove302.

In some embodiments, the raised border206may serve at least three primary functions. First, the lip310and rounded top surface314may provide a user with an area that can be grasped or manipulated by the fingers at the raised border206. This may serve as added support to the intended user and the ability to stabilize their position, but also the ability to grip a type of handle and control the device200.

Second, the lip310may provide a sense of confinement to the intended user. In some embodiments where the user is an infant or small child user may use his or her hands or forearms on the top surface208for support. The lip310may then prevent the hands or forearms from sliding off the raised borders206.

In some other embodiments, the user's arms and hands are restricted to an area that is approximately the width of the user's body, depending on the construction and dimensions of the device200in use. This position of the upper extremities of the user allows for increased force production from the muscles to support and control of the user's trunk and pelvis.

FIG. 4is a side plan view of the device ofFIG. 1. As shown, the support legs216aand216dare formed or otherwise connected to the raised border206B as shown. As noted above, the support legs216may be connected to the side supports207through the use of fasteners such as screws or bolts or by an interference fit (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 4, the support legs216aand216d, and the side support207, and the floor212describe an open space generally designated400. In an embodiment in which the support legs216are formed or otherwise attached to the ends402of the side supports207, a maximum possible open space400is provided under the device200. The open space400advantageously provides space to for the intended user to move his or her legs under the device200in use. This may allow a natural movement from a seated position next to the device200to a kneeling or a standing position over the device200. The open space400also allows the intended user to take uninhibited steps forward (see alsoFIG. 8andFIG. 11).

FIG. 4further shows the base dimension222bdefined by the outer edges238of the feet210. As noted above, the base dimension222bis larger than the top dimension218b, providing a trapezoidal profile. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the top perimeter213may be slightly smaller than the base perimeter220. In an embodiment having four sides (as shown inFIG. 1-FIG. 4) the device200may further have a square pyramidal frustum shape, with the top perimeter213and the base perimeter220being separated in parallel planes by the support legs216, with the top perimeter213having smaller dimensions than the base perimeter220. In other words, a square pyramidal frustum may also be defined as a pyramid having a square base with the top removed or chopped off. Removing the top of a square pyramid results in a prismatoid shape having four equal trapezoidal sides with a square top smaller than the square base.

FIG. 5is a sectional view of the device ofFIG. 1. The cross section of the foot210dis taken from detail A ofFIG. 4. The foot210dmay have a foot body510. The foot body510joins the supporting leg216at the distal end232. The foot body510may be joined to the distal end232of the support leg216dusing certain fasteners as described below.

The support leg may have a leg width502. In an embodiment, for example, the support legs216may be approximately one inch. In some embodiments, the leg width502may be a diameter or one side of a substantially square support leg216. In some other embodiments, the support legs216may be formed with a smaller or larger leg width502for different applications and different sized users. For example, in an embodiment of the device200for use with an adult user then the leg width502may increase above one inch (e.g., two inches to four inches or more) or even be constructed of aluminum or other metal or alloy construction to accommodate the increased loading on the top section202.

In an embodiment, the foot body510may have a foot width504. The foot width504may be larger than the leg width502, thus foot body510and the feet210as a whole may have larger dimensions than the support legs216. As described inFIG. 2, the feet210may be positioned and oriented outward, away from the center240of the device200. Accordingly, a majority of the additional width, or the difference between the foot width504and the leg width502may extends outward from the distal end232of the support legs216. As a non-limiting example, the foot body510may be one to two inches larger than the dimensions of a support leg216, providing additional contact area with the floor212. Accordingly, the base perimeter220may be 14 inches square (e.g., 56 inches) where the top perimeter213may be 12 inches square (e.g., 48 inches). By placing the additional foot width504toward the outside of the distal end232of the supporting leg216, the open space400(FIG. 4) is maximized. Furthermore, the feet210do not become a possible obstruction or trip hazard to the intended user's as he or she walks.

The foot body510may be secured to the distal end232of the support leg216by a fastener248inserted through a stopper250. The stopper250is formed with an aperture262(FIG. 6) sized to receive the fastener248. The stopper250may provide a mounting surface254for the foot body510preventing the foot210from being removed from the distal end232. In an embodiment, the fastener248may be formed with external threads (not shown) and used to secure the stopper250to the distal end232of the supporting leg216. The supporting leg216may be formed with complementary internal threads to accommodate the external threads of the fastener248(e.g., a bolt or screw).

In some embodiments, the foot210has an internal compressible structure referred to as an internal cushion252to absorb vertical forces exerted on the top surface208. The internal cushion252may be inserted and fit within the foot body510prior to installation and serve as a cushion or other compressible structure for absorbing shock from compressive forces acting on the top section202. For example, such compressive forces may result from a user100leaning on the top of the device200. The internal cushion252may be compressed by the user's bodyweight in use. The internal cushion252then serves to absorb such forces and allow the foot body510to move vertically a distance as the internal cushion252compresses along a vertical axis of the supporting leg in a direction represented by the arrow253.

The foot body510may be formed of a polymer or hard plastic (e.g., nylon, polycarbonate) exhibiting a low friction when in contact with a hard floor, surface, and most carpets. As a non-limiting example, such a feature may allow the device200in use to slide easily from a hard floor (e.g., tile, linoleum, wood, concrete, or floors with similar characteristics) onto a soft floor such as carpet while simultaneously providing a stable platform. The term “low friction” in this sense is intended to indicate that a child user100may apply pressure to the top of the device200to easily slide the device200over various surfaces. For example, the coefficient of friction exhibited by the feet210on a hard floor may be between 0.1-0.3. Similarly, the coefficient of friction between the foot body and a carpeted floor may be in a range of 0.1-0.4. However, while the intent is to provide low friction, the feet210of device200are also intended to provide increased stability.

FIG. 6is an exploded view of an embodiment of the supporting leg and foot of the device ofFIG. 1. In an embodiment, the foot body510may have an upper portion602and a lower portion604that encapsulate the other components of the foot210.

The upper portion602may be formed having an aperture606sized to closely accept the distal end232of the supporting leg216in a clearance fit. The clearance fit allows the distal end232to move freely within the aperture606of the upper portion602. The upper portion602and lower portion604may each be formed with a complementary peripheral latch608a,608bthat secures or “snaps” the upper portion602to the lower portion604when installed. In an embodiment the upper portion602and lower portion604may be formed as a single component.

The upper portion602may be captured or secured in place by the stopper250and the fastener248, the stopper250having larger dimensions than the aperture606of the upper portion256. Once the lower portion604is secured to the upper portion602, the foot body510may only travel a short distance as the internal cushion252is compressed. The internal cushion252may be formed of a spring255, synthetic or elastomeric polymer foam, or other suitable compressible or elastic material. In an embodiment, the spring255may also add additional weight to the foot210.

In an embodiment, the stopper250may be formed from a metallic material, such as steel, aluminum, or an appropriate alloy. The stopper250is formed with a stopper width610slightly larger than the leg width502(FIG. 5) of the distal end232of the supporting leg216. The stopper250thus forms the mounting surface254(FIG. 5) around an outer perimeter (not shown) of the distal end232. The mounting surface254may serve as an attachment point for the foot body510when installed. The stopper250may be increased in sized and correspondingly implemented as a weight. The additional weight in the feet210further lower the center of gravity of the device200, decreasing a tipping moment.

In some embodiments, the lower portion604of the foot210may be formed with a hard, round-shaped base that comes in contact with the floor212. In some embodiments, the lower portion604is formed having a hard, rounded surface enabling the device200to slide easily across various surfaces as the pushes the device200across the floor.

In an embodiment, when the user exerts a vertical or compressive force (e.g., pushes down) on the device200or otherwise places his or her weight on the top section202the force will transmit through the support legs216down into the internal cushion252. The distal end232of the supporting leg216extending into the foot210is allowed to move within the foot body510as the compressible foam material of the internal cushion252is compressed. This construction provides a type of shock absorber and stabilizing mechanism and may keep the device200from moving while the user (e.g., an infant) in transitioning their weight from a sitting to a kneeling to a standing posture. The additional weight of the stopper250and the internal cushion252positioned in the bottom of the device200further increase the overall stability of the device200and prevents the device200from tipping over.

In an embodiment, the compressible nature of the internal cushion252further provides a sense of compression and increased proprioception stimulation to the user's202muscles and joints, in turn providing additional motor learning.

In another embodiment, in use a user may slide the device200across a hard floor212(e.g., hardwood, tile, or linoleum) or a carpeted floor212. The “low friction” nature of the foot body510as described herein, can provide a predictable and relatively constant coefficient of friction whether the device is being used on a hard floor212or a carpeted floor212. Additionally, the internal cushion252can further allow the feet210to move slightly allowing device200to glide over imperfections in the floor212, such as a transition between a hard floor and a carpeted floor, bumps in tile grouting, or similar obstacles.

In some embodiments, the proximal end231of the support leg216may be formed to join with the side supports207. The proximal end231may be formed with compression fittings620. The compression fittings620may be complementary male and female fittings. The compression fittings620may be formed to join with the side support207in an interference fit. The proximal end231may further be formed to join the side support207through the use of various fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.). The proximal end231may further be formed with a groove that is complementary to the groove302(FIG. 7) and formed to receive the edge303of the top section202.

FIG. 7is an exploded view of another embodiment of the supporting leg and foot of the device ofFIG. 1. As shown, the components of the embodiment shown in this figure are largely similar to those shown inFIG. 6. In some embodiments, additional fasteners702a,702bmay be incorporated in the foot210. The fasteners702a,702bmay further secure the upper portion602to the lower portion604. In an embodiment, the foot body510may have both the peripheral latch608(FIG. 6) and the fasteners702a,702b. This type of construction may allow for flexibility in design, further allowing the removal and/or replacement of the internal cushion252. Due to the shock absorbing nature of the internal cushion252(or the spring255), it may wear over time and require replacement.

As noted above, the support leg216may be formed with a groove702, complementary to the groove302(FIG. 3). The groove702may have similar dimensions to the groove302and function in a similar manner. The edges303of the top surface202may be contained and supported by the grooves702while allowing a small amount of movement, similar to the side supports207.

In some embodiments, the supporting leg216may be formed as a unitary or monolith construction and further incorporate a cushion within the design serving the same shock-absorbing function as described. Such a monolith construction may be injection molded. Further alternative embodiments may incorporate a non-linear profile (not shown) along the length of the supporting leg216allowing for a larger leg width502at the distal end232of the supporting leg216than at a proximal end231of the supporting leg216. This may allow for a heavier, more stable construction concentrating mass of the construction and center of gravity closer to the distal end232of the support leg216and the foot210.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of another embodiment of a device for assisted walking. As shown, a device800may be similar to the device200of the previous figures. The device800may have a top frame802. The top frame802may have similar features as the raised borders206(FIG. 2) but be cast as a single component. Accordingly, the top frame802may be formed through an injection molding process or similar method. The top frame802may have a central aperture803sized to accept a top section804. The top section804may be formed similar to the top section202(FIG. 2). In an embodiment, the top section804may be a clear or translucent material that forms the top of the device800. The top section804may thus be constructed from polycarbonate, acrylic, clear acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or other clear composites with similar characteristics. The top section804may also be constructed of other opaque materials.

In an embodiment, the top section804may be secured in place from underneath, as described below in connection withFIG. 9AandFIG. 9B. In some embodiments, the top section804may have some freedom to move and therefore be configured to provide an auditory stimulus, for example, a thump or a rattle similar toFIG. 2, when impacted with a percussive force.

In some embodiments, the device800may further have a lip806. The lip806may be similar to the lip310(FIG. 3), providing an area to grip or grasp the device800. The lip806may have a lip height similar to the lip height312(FIG. 3) indicated by the arrows807. The device800may also have a top surface808similar to the top surface208(FIG. 1)

The device800may further have support legs816a-816d(collectively referred to hereinafter as “support legs816”). The support legs816may have similar dimensions and serve the same purposes as the support legs216, described above. In some embodiments, the support legs816may be adjustable. As shown, the support legs816may have an upper portion818and a lower portion820. The upper portion818may have a hollow construction and an internal space sized to receive the lower portion820with a clearance fit. The upper portion818may also be formed with a series of adjustment holes822sized to accept a quick release button824. This is described further in connection withFIG. 10.

FIG. 9Ais an exploded view of a top section of the device ofFIG. 8. The device800may have a top portion850. The top portion850may be formed of fewer components that the device200(seeFIG. 1) without sacrificing functionality. The top portion850may comprise the top frame802, the top section804and a gasket805, therebetween. The device may further have one or more brackets830. The brackets830may be in sections as shown (e.g., four sections) and be formed with a plurality of apertures826. The apertures826are size to receive the fasteners832and secure the top section to the top frame802. The top frame802may be formed with multiple holes834sized to accept the fasteners832that secure each of the brackets830in place on the underside of the top frame802. In some embodiments the gasket805is not present. The top frame802may be rectangular or square in shape, similar to the device200.

FIG. 9Bis a sectional view of the device ofFIG. 8. As noted above, the top section804may be secured to the top frame802from underneath with the use of the brackets830and the fasteners832.

The top frame802may be formed with rounded upper surface814. The rounded upper surface814may be similar to the rounded top surface313(FIG. 3) and provide a comfortable area to grasp and control the device800. The upper surface814may rise the lip height807that defines the lip806. The lip806may be and additional distance from the top surface808of the top section804when the gasket805is present. Accordingly, the gasket805may be optional.

The top section804may have a top section width840, similar to the top section width308(FIG. 3). Each of the fasteners832may be inserted through the holes836(FIG. 9A) in the bracket830and screwed or otherwise set into the holes834(FIG. 9A) in the top frame802. Similar to the device200, the top section802may be allowed some degree of movement when secured by the brackets830. The movement may be allowed when a distance842allows a close clearance fit between the bracket830and the top frame802. The brackets830may contain and support the top section804but only be secured to a point at which the distance842is still slightly larger than a combined width838of the gasket805, the top section804, and the bracket830. This may allow the top section804to move slightly and rattle within the bracket830and top frame802when struck by a percussive force.

FIG. 10is an exploded view of the support legs of the device ofFIG. 8. As shown, the support legs816may comprise the upper portion818and the lower portion820. The lower portion may have a spring-loaded quick release buttons824a,824binserted for use in adjusting the height826of the device800. The quick release buttons824a,824bmay be connected by spring piece823that holds the quick release buttons824a,824bin place within a pair of holes825in the lower portion820. Only one of the holes825is visible in this view, however a corresponding hole825may be formed on the opposite side of the lower portion820to receive the quick release button824b. The quick release buttons824a,824bmay be compressed and inserted into the hollow center of the lower portion820with quick release buttons824protruding outward from the holes825and being held in place by the spring piece823.

The lower portion820may be inserted into the hollow center of the upper portion818to adjust a height826of the support legs816and of the device800. The quick release buttons824a,824bmay be depressed within the lower portion820and moved to select a desired adjustment hole822in the upper portion818. In use, the quick release buttons824a,824bmay pass through the holes825in the lower portion and through the selected adjustment holes822in the upper portion818to adjust the height826(FIG. 8) of the support legs816. In some embodiments, each of the support legs816may be adjusted to the same (e.g., equal) height826in use.

Each of the support legs816may further have a support section844configured to be secured to the top frame802using fasteners (not shown) similar to the fasteners832(FIG. 9AandFIG. 9B).

FIG. 11is a perspective view of a user kneeling with the device ofFIG. 1. A user100is shown using the device200in the developmental process of learning to walk. In an embodiment, the user100may be a toddler or infant learning to walk. Alternatively, the user100may be an adult undergoing physical therapy or occupational therapy related to their walking skills and/or balance. As shown, the user100is kneeling adjacent to a device200. The device200is described in relation to this figure, however the device800may also be used in such a manner. The user100may push the device200while on his or her knees, similar to crawling, or use the device200as support for pushing up to a standing posture.

As shown inFIG. 11, the user100may place his or her hands104on one of a plurality of raised borders206(FIG. 2) of the device200. The elevated characteristics of the raised borders206may provide a variety of grip options as the user100utilizes the device200. The user100may further freely and independently place his or her hands104or arms105anywhere on a top surface208of the device200. The various possible hand104positions available to the user100provide increased options for grip and balance while eliminating many of the safety concerns of a push walker with fixed handles. The freedom of selection of grip and hand placement options also provides a mechanism allowing the user100to steer the device in a desired direction, an advantage not available from a supported walker or push walker with fixed wheels and fixed hand grips. The size and depth (e.g., the lip310, the lip height312, and border width320ofFIG. 3) of the raised borders206may further provide various grip and support options for the user100learning to walk.

The device200may be formed or otherwise constructed such that there is a manageable amount of friction between the feet210and the floor212, regardless of the composition of the floor212. As the user100positions himself or herself beside and/or over the device200, the friction between the feet210and the floor212may allow the user100to slide the device200across the floor212as desired. However, the amount of friction between the feet210and floor212is also sufficient to prevent the device200from sliding out from under the user100as a push walker with wheels might. This may be achieved through use of a hard rounded surface on the bottom of each of the feet210. As noted above, the feet may be constructed of various kinds of plastics, nylon, polycarbonate (PC), ABS+PC, acetal, or other polymers with the desired characteristics.

FIG. 12is a perspective view of a user standing with the device ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, the user's hands102may further be placed on the flat top surface208of the of the device200, or on the raised borders206as shown as the user transitions to a standing position adjacent to the device200. The flat top surface208provides additional options as the user100may use their forearms for stability as needed.

In an embodiment, the user100may use the raised borders206to transfer their weight onto the hands104and arms105to transition into standing position from a seated position (not shown) or a kneeling position as shown inFIG. 11. The hands104and forearms105can freely move around during the process to counterbalance the body as it is changing positions. The device provides a variety of places for the user to place their hands allowing a variety of grip positions providing increased stability based on the strength, range of motion, and coordination of the user100.

In an embodiment, once the user100has established sufficient balance he or she may stand completely as shown, allowing the user100to push the device200horizontally as it slides against the floor212in a direction280. The friction provided by the shape of the feet210, the materials used to construct the feet210, and the resulting coefficient of friction between the feet210and the floor212create a relatively constant amount of friction regardless of the composition of the floor212. The relatively constant amount of friction provide a predictable platform for the user100whether the device is being used on carpet or on a hard floor212. Accordingly, the device200has a low probability of binding up on carpet or sliding out from under the user100.