Abstract:
An up-right walker for supporting a patient with up-right posture. The up-right walker includes a pair of opposing side frames joined at a leading edge by a connecting frame, the pair of opposing side frames and connecting frame forming a support structure with an opening for receiving a user therebetween. A first and second body support structure is coupled to the pair of opposing side frames and connecting frame and forming an angled slope with respect to a floor surface, the first and second body structure arranged to support the user in an upright position.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    Applicant hereby claims priority to patent application having Ser. No. 13/663,719, filed on Oct. 30, 2012 and entitled “UP-RIGHT WALKER FOR SUPPORTING A PATIENT WITH UP-RIGHT POSTURE”, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates in general to walkers for patients having difficulty with self-sustained walking, and more particularly to an up-right walker for supporting a patient with up-right posture. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Infirm or semi-invalid persons often resort to the use of walkers for mobility. Many different walkers have been developed. The most common type of walker that is used includes two spaced and braced U-shaped frame members which constitute the legs of the walker. The two spaced and braced U-shaped frame members are interconnected on one side by at least one bracing, while the other side is left open for the positioning of the user. 
         [0004]    Using the standard walker may produce several negative issues. Most patients locate themselves behind the walker in a forward leaning position while walking. This may create both health and safety issues. One health issue is that the forward leaning position over the walker promotes bad posture and produces stress on the back, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. Further, the forward leaning position also aggravates a variety of arthritis type issues. 
         [0005]    The standard walker may be equipped with skid pads on at least the rear legs. Skid pads may also be implemented on the front legs, or alternatively, wheels may be provided on the front legs to facilitate movement of the patient. If skid pads are used on both the front and rear legs, the walker has to be lifted to enable the patient to move. If the front legs are instead provided with wheels, the patient is required to apply enough pushing force on the walker to overcome the resistance between the rear skid pads and the surface the patient is walking on. The amount of force the patient must apply will vary depending on the type of surfaces that the patient is walking on. 
         [0006]    Another issue is patient safety. The primary balance and stability of the patient is maintained through the arms and hand strength of the patient while leaning over the walker. Any weakness or fatigue in these areas could jeopardize the stability of the patient. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need for an up-right walker for supporting a patient with up-right posture. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    To overcome the limitations described above, and to overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification; embodiments for an up-right walker for supporting a patient with up-right posture are disclosed. 
         [0009]    The above-described problems are solved by providing a support structure that allows a user to provide vertical support thereby eliminating the tendency for a walker to move forward and out from under a user. 
         [0010]    An embodiment includes an up-right walker, wherein the up-right walker includes a first side frame having a back leg frame and a front leg frame, a second side frame having a back leg frame and a front leg frame, wheels coupled to the back leg frame and front leg frame of the first and second side frames, the wheels arranged for contacting a surface for enabling motion, a first support frame disposed at the top of the first side frame and a second forearm support frame disposed at the top of the second side frame and a first support structure coupled to the first support frame and a second support structure coupled to the second forearm support frame, the first and second support structure configured to have an angled slope not parallel to the surface engaged by the wheels. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, a method for providing an up-right walker is disclosed. The method includes providing a first side frame having a back leg frame and a front leg frame, providing a second side frame having a back leg frame and a front leg frame, coupling wheels for contacting a surface for enabling motion to the back leg frame and front leg frame of the first and second side frames, providing a first support frame at the top of the first side frame and a second forearm support frame at the top of the second side frame and coupling a first support structure to the first support frame and a second support structure coupled to the second forearm support frame, wherein the coupling of the first and second support structure comprising configuring the first and second support structure to have an angled slope not parallel to the surface engaged by the wheels. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment, another up-right walker is disclosed. The up-right walker includes a first side frame having a back leg frame and a front leg frame, a second side frame having a back leg frame and a front leg frame, wheels coupled to the back leg frame and front leg frame of the first and second side frames, the wheels arranged for contacting a surface for enabling motion, a first support frame disposed at the top of the first side frame and a second forearm support frame disposed at the top of the second side frame, a first support structure coupled to the first support frame and a second support structure coupled to the second forearm support frame, the first and second support structure configured to have an angled slope not parallel to the surface engaged by the wheels, a first hand grip provided at a distal end of the first support structure and a second hand grip provided at a distal end of the second support structure, couplers disposed on the back leg frame and the front leg frame of the first side frame and on the back leg frame and the front leg frame of the second side frame for adjusting a height of the first and second support structure relative to the surface engaged by the wheels and a first and second pivot mechanism coupling the first and second side frame to a front cross member for collapsing the first and second side frame inwardly to facilitate storage. 
         [0013]    These and various other advantages and features of novelty are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the disclosed embodiments, the advantages, and the objects obtained, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described specific examples of the disclosed embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  illustrates one example of a standard walker; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2   a  illustrates the use of a standard walker as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2   b  illustrates an up-right walker according to an embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 3   a - b  illustrate a side and front view of the up-right walker according to an embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrates a patient using an up-right walker according to an embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an up-right walker according to an embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6   a  illustrates a left knee support fixture for an up-right walker according to an embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6   b  illustrates a right knee support fixture for an up-right walker according to an embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates a left knee support fixture coupled to an up-right walker according to an embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates a left knee support fixture coupled to an up-right walker according to an embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  illustrates a patient using an up-right walker having a left knee support fixture according to an embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10   a  is a top view of a left knee support fixture for an up-right walker according to an embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10   b  is a side view of a knee support fixture for an up-right walker according to an embodiment; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart of a method for providing an up-right walker according to an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Embodiments are directed to providing an up-right walker for supporting a patient with up-right posture. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  illustrates one example of a standard walker. The standard walker  100  has two, opposed, U-shaped side frames  111 ,  112 . Side frames  111  and  112  are conventional items preferably formed of hollow metallic tubes. The branches  113  and  114  of side frame  111  and the branches  115  and  116  of side frame  112  constitute the legs  102  of standard walker  100  and may be conventionally fitted with rubber feet  117 . Alternatively, at least branches  113  and  115  can be provided with wheels  130 . 
         [0031]    The top  118  of side frame interconnects leg branches  113  and  114  thereof and the top  119  of side frame  112  interconnects leg branches  115  and  116  thereof. Branches  114  and  116  are thus opposed to each other and opposed branches  113  and  115 , respectively. Tops  118  and  119  may each telescopically receive a grip sleeve  120  made of a soft, comfortable material so that the user may manipulate walker  110  in a conventional manner. Leg branches  113  and  114  of side frame  111  may be interconnected for structural support by a side brace  121 . Similarly, leg branches  115  and  116  of side frame  112  may be interconnected by a side brace  122 . A front brace or cross-member  125  couples side frames  111 ,  112 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 2   a  illustrates the use of a standard walker  200  as described above with reference to  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 2 , the patient  210  is shown holding the standard walker  200  for support while walking. The patient  210  is positioned behind the walker  200  in a forward leaning position  220  while walking. However, the forward leaning position  220  required by the standard walker  200  may create both health and safety issues. 
         [0033]    One health issue is that the forward leaning position  220  over the walker  200  promotes bad posture and produces stress on the back  230 , shoulders  232 , arms  234 , wrists  236  and hands  238 . Further, the forward leaning position  220  may also aggravate a variety of arthritis type issues. 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 2   a , the standard walker  200  is equipped with skid pads  240  on at least the rear legs  242 . Skid pads may also be implemented on the front legs  244 , or alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 2   a , wheels  246  may be provided on the front legs  244  to facilitate movement of the patient  210 . If skid pads  240  are used on both the front  244  and rear  242  legs, the standard walker  200  has to be lifted to enable the patient  210  to move. This is very cumbersome and requires the patient  210  to provide complete support of the patient&#39;s weight without leaning on the standard walker  200  while the patient  210  lifts the standard walker  200  and moves the standard walker  200  in the direction the patient  210  desires to move. 
         [0035]    To overcome this drawback, the standard walker  200  often includes wheels  246  attached to the front legs  244 . By placing wheels  246  on the front legs  244 , the patient  210  is only required to apply enough pushing force on the standard walker  200  to overcome the resistance between the rear skid pads  240  and the surface  248  the patient is walking on. The amount of force the patient  210  must apply will vary depending on the type of surfaces  248  that the patient is walking on. While the patient  210  may be supported by the standard walker  200  during movement, the forward leaning position  220  over the standard walker  200  promotes bad posture, produces bodily stress and may aggravate a variety of arthritis type issues. 
         [0036]    Another issue associated with the standard walker  200  is patient safety. The primary balance and stability of the patient  210  is maintained through their arms  234  and hand  238  strength while leaning over the standard walker  200 . Any weakness or fatigue in these areas could jeopardize the stability of the patient  210 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2   b  illustrates an up-right walker  250  according to an embodiment. The up-right walker  250  is designed to eliminate the negative features that exist with the standard type walker. In  FIG. 2   b , the up-right walker  250  according to an embodiment includes a side frame  252 . The rear legs  254  and front legs  256  of side frame  252  are used to support the up-right walker  250 . The top  260  of side frame  252  is angled and includes a support structure  262  for supporting the forearms  264  of the patient  210 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 2   b , the body of the patient  210  is positioned closer into the framework of the up-right walker  250 . This enables the patient  210  to be in a natural up right position  270  while walking. The body of the patient  210  becomes easily balanced by the vertical support  272  from the shoulders  232  to the forearms  264 . As the forearms  264  of the patient  210  rest comfortably on the support structure  262 , a substantial portion of the upper body weight of the patient  210  is automatically transferred directly onto the up-right walker  250 . The portion of body weight of the patient  250  transferred directly onto the up-right walker  250  may vary depending on the condition of the patient  210 . Nevertheless, the direct transfer of the body weight of the patient  210  onto the up-right walker  250  reduces pressure and gives relief to the back  230 , hips  280  and legs  282 . The up-right walker  250  eliminates the need for any skid pads on the rear legs  254  to prevent the up-right walker  250  from rolling out from under the patient. Rather, the up-right walker  250  includes wheels  290 ,  292  on all four legs. Having wheels  290 ,  292  on all four legs enables the patient  210  to walk with greater ease and stability. Because the patient  210  is supported in an up-right position  270  with the weight of the patient  210  applied vertically to the up-right walker  250 , the up-right walker  250  does not have a tendency to roll out from under the patient  210 . The ease of use and stability produces a greater desire to engage is walking by patients. For even greater mobility, wheels  290  may be moveably coupled to the frame with a socket  291  to allow the wheels  290  to turn. Alternatively, the wheels  290  may be capable of turning, such as with ball casters. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 3   a - b  illustrate a side and front view of the up-right walker  300  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 3   a  shows a first side frame  302  having a back leg frame  310  and a front leg frame  312 . The back leg frame  310  curves at the top to form a support frame  314 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the support frame  314  of embodiments described herein is not meant to be limited to any particular angle. Rather, the angle of the support frame is chosen for the comfort of the patient. Further, the angle of the support frame  314  may be fixed or adjustable. 
         [0039]    At a front end of the curved portion of the back leg frame  310 , the leg frame  310  is coupled to the front leg frame  312 . The back leg frame  310  and the front leg frame  312  are also coupled by cross members  320 ,  322 . The cross members  320 ,  322  provide added strength to the side frame  302 . Front wheels  330  are coupled to the back leg frame  310  and rear wheels  332  are coupled to the front leg frame  312  to allow ease of movement. Front wheels  330  may be moveably coupled to the frame with a socket  331  to allow the wheels  330  to turn. Alternatively, the wheels  330  may be capable of turning, such as with ball casters. 
         [0040]    A support structure  340  is coupled to the support frame  314 . A hand grip  342  may be provided at a distal end of the support structure  340  or to the support frame  314  to allow the patient to hold on to while walking. In one embodiment, the hand grips  342  may be removable. Couplers  360  may be provided on the back leg frame  310  and the front leg frame  312  to allow the height of the up-right walker to be adjusted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the couplers may be located anywhere along the back leg frame  310  and front leg frame  312  to allow the user to adjust the couplers  360  so the height of the up-right walker  300  to match the patients height requirements. 
         [0041]      FIG. 3   b  shows the front view of the up-right walker  300  according to an embodiment.  FIG. 3   b  shows a first  302  and second  304  side frame. The first  302  and second  304  side frames are coupled to a first and second cross member  340 ,  342  to provide structural support and strength to the up-right walker  300 . The up-right walker  300  may also include a pivot mechanism  350  that may be engaged to allow the first  302  and second  304  side frames to collapse inwardly when the patient wishes to store the up-right walker  300 .  FIG. 3   b  also shows the front wheels  330  that may be moveably coupled to the frame with a socket  331  to allow the wheels  330  to turn. Alternatively, the wheels  330   330  may be capable of turning, such as with ball casters. 
         [0042]    As can be seen in  FIGS. 3   a - b , the patient&#39;s body may be positioned closer into the framework of the up-right walker  300  to enable the patient to be in a natural up right position while walking. The patient balances on the up-right walker by holding on to the hand grips  342  and resting the forearms on the support structure  340  to provide vertical support from the shoulders to the forearms. The support of the patient&#39;s body weight through the vertical position of the arm from the shoulders to the elbow reduces pressure and gives relief to the back, hips and legs. Further, because the patient is supported in an up-right position, the up-right walker  300  eliminates the need for any skid pads on the rear legs to prevent the up-right walker  300  from rolling out from under the patient. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  illustrates a patient using an up-right walker  400  according to an embodiment. In  FIG. 4 , the up-right walker  400  eliminates the negative features that exist with the standard type walker. When using the up-right walker  400 , the patient&#39;s body  410  is positioned closer into the frame work  412 . This enables the patient to be in a natural up-right position while walking. The patient&#39;s body becomes easily balanced by the vertical support  420  from the shoulders  422  to the forearms  424 . As the patient&#39;s forearms  424  rest on the padded support  430 , approximately 20% of their upper body weight is automatically transferred directly on to the pads  430  of the up-right walker  400 . This reduces pressure and gives relief to the back, hips and legs. The design of the up-right walker eliminates the need for any skid pads on the rear legs  451 . The up-right walker is designed with front wheels  440  and rear wheel  442  which enables the patient to walk with greater ease and stability. This should also produce a greater desire for walking. Front wheels  440  may be moveably coupled to the frame with a socket  441  to allow the wheels  440  to turn. Alternatively, the wheels  440  may be capable of turning, such as with ball casters. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an up-right walker  500  according to an embodiment. In  FIG. 5 , the up-right walker  500  is shown with pads  530  for supporting the patient&#39;s weight. The design of the up-right walker  500  eliminates the need for any skid pads on the rear legs  550 ,  551 . The up-right walker is designed with front wheels  540  and rear wheel  542  to enable the patient to walk with greater ease and stability. Moreover, as mentioned above, this should also produce a greater desire for walking. 
         [0045]    Front wheels  540  may be moveably coupled to the frame with a socket  541  to allow the wheels  540  to turn. Alternatively, the wheels  540  may be capable of turning, such as with ball casters. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6   a  illustrates a left knee support fixture  600  for an up-right walker according to an embodiment. The left knee support fixture has a pivoting repository  610  for the left knee to be received therein. The pivoting repository  610  is supported by a support platform  620  that is coupled to the legs  630  of the up-right walker. 
         [0047]      FIG. 6   b  illustrates a right knee support fixture  650  for an up-right walker according to an embodiment. The right knee support fixture has a pivoting repository  660  for the right knee to be received therein. The pivoting repository  660  is supported by a support platform  670  that is coupled to the legs  680  of the up-right walker. 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  illustrates a left knee support fixture  700  coupled to an up-right walker according to an embodiment. In  FIG. 7 , the left knee support fixture  700  is shown having a pivoting repository  710  for the left knee to be received therein. The pivoting repository  710  is supported by a support platform  720  that is coupled to the legs  730  of the up-right walker. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates a left knee support fixture  800  coupled to an up-right walker according to an embodiment. In  FIG. 8 , the left knee support fixture  800  is shown having a pivoting repository  810  for the left knee to be received therein. The pivoting repository  810  is supported by a support platform  820  that is coupled to the legs  830  of the up-right walker. 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  illustrates a patient using an up-right walker  900  having a left knee support fixture according to an embodiment. The left knee support fixture  910  is shown having a pivoting repository  920  for the left knee to be received therein. The pivoting repository  920  is supported by a support platform  930  that is coupled to the legs  940  of the up-right walker. The pivoting repository  920  allows the left leg  950  of the patient  952  to be ambulatory without putting weight on the left leg  950 . The weight of the patient  952  is still supported by the vertical support  960  from the shoulders  962  to the forearms  964  as the forearms  964  rest on the padded support structure  970 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 10   a  is a top view of a left knee support fixture  1000  for an up-right walker according to an embodiment. The left knee support fixture has a pivoting repository  1010  for the left knee to be received therein. The pivoting repository  1010  is supported by a support platform  1020  that is coupled to the legs  1030  of the up-right walker. 
         [0052]      FIG. 10   b  is a side view of a left knee support fixture  1050  for an up-right walker according to an embodiment. The left knee support fixture has a pivoting repository  1060  for the left knee to be received therein. The pivoting repository  1060  is supported by a support platform  1070  that is coupled to the legs  1080  of the up-right walker. 
         [0053]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart  1100  of a method for providing an up-right walker according to an embodiment. In  FIG. 11 , a first side frame is provided having a front and a back leg frame  1110 . A first angled support frame is provided to the first side frame  1114 . A second side frame is provided having a front and a back leg frame  1120 . A second angled support frame is provided to the first side frame  1124 . The first and second side frames are coupled together with a front frame element to form a front side of the up-right walker  1130 . The first side frame, the second side frame and the front frame element create a three-sided structure having an opening proximate the back leg frames of the first and second side frames. A first support structure is coupled to the first angled support frame  1140 . A second support structure is coupled to the second angled support frame  1150 . The first and second support structures provide vertical support to a user from the shoulders to the forearms. Hand grips may be coupled proximate the front side of the up-right walker  1160 . Wheels are coupled to the front and back leg frames of the first side frame and to the front and back leg frames of the second side frame  1170 . 
         [0054]    The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the embodiments be limited not with this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.