Technical Field

The present invention relates to a walking supporting device.

Background Art

Different types of walking supporting devices are known having different shapes and sizes according to the user’s needs.

Generally, the walking supporting devices of known type comprise a walking stick, a forearm support, or antibrachial support, and a handle.

In addition, very frequently the walking stick and the antibrachial support extend along their respective axes, are consecutive and form an obtuse angle between them. The handle, on the other hand, extends from the joining point between the stick and the antibrachial support in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the walking stick.

Generally, the walking sticks are adjustable in height and the antibrachial supports are available in different sizes.

In addition, the patent document MI2012A000816 discloses walking supporting devices that comprise adjustment means for adjusting the inclination of the walking stick and of the antibrachial support relative to the handle.

However, the walking supporting device described in document MI2012A000816 provides for the use of inclination adjustment means provided with angular brackets having different shapes from each other and adapted to be mounted between the walking stick and the handle.

Therefore, to vary the inclination of the walking stick and of the handle, the user must disassemble these and replace the angular bracket with another one with a different shape.

As a result, the adjustment of the inclination of this type of device is discontinuous and particularly complex.

Therefore, the walking supporting devices of known type are susceptible to improvements related to the degree of adjustment of the device itself.

In fact, the degrees of freedom with which the walking supporting devices of known type may be adjusted are particularly limited and complex to use.

As a result, the walking supporting devices of known type do not meet the stability and load distribution requirements of users depending on the comfort, mode of use and physical characteristics of the users themselves.

Therefore, this type of walking supporting devices greatly increases the user’s fatigue and risk of falling.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a walking supporting device that allows increasing the degrees of freedom of adjustment of the device itself relative to those of known type.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a walking supporting device that can be adjusted depending on the specific needs of the users, e.g. in terms of comfort, use and physical characteristics of the users themselves.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a walking supporting device that can be adjusted more comfortably and easily than the devices of known type. Another object of the present invention is to devise a walking supporting device that allows overcoming the above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art within a simple, rational, easy, effective to use and affordable solution.

The objects set out above are achieved by the present walking supporting device having the characteristics of claim 1.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a walking supporting device, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the attached tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the device according to the invention in a first configuration of use;

Figure 3 is a side view of the device according to the invention in a second configuration of use;

Figure 4 is an exploded axonometric view of the device according to the invention. Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a walking supporting device. The walking supporting device 1 comprises: at least one gripping section 2 extending along a first direction of extension A, intended to be grasped, in use, by the user of the device 1 and provided with a pair of extreme portions 3 arranged substantially opposite each other; at least one holding section 4 extending along a second direction of extension B substantially transverse relative to the first direction of extension A, intended to hold, in use, at least partly the user’s arm and associated with one of the extreme portions 3; at least one supporting section 5 on the ground extending along a third direction of extension C substantially transverse relative to the first direction of extension A and associated with the other of the extreme portions 3. Preferably, the first gripping section 2 is of the type of an elongated body extending longitudinally along the first direction of extension A.

In particular, in the continuation of the present description, the term “elongated body” is meant to indicate a body the length of which is substantially greater than its width and its thickness.

Likewise, the holding section 4 is of the type of an elongated body extending longitudinally along the second direction of extension B.

In addition, the supporting section 5 is of the type of an elongated body extending longitudinally along the third direction of extension C.

Advantageously, the device 1 comprises adjustment means 6, 7 for adjusting the inclination of at least one of either the gripping section 2, the holding section 4 or the supporting section 5 relative to at least another of the sections 2, 4, 5 in continuity between a plurality of positions of use.

In particular, the term “in continuity” used with reference to the adjustment of the inclination means that at least one of the sections 2, 4, 5 is coupled movable to at least another of the sections 2, 4, 5 so as to vary the inclination thereof between the positions of use.

In particular, the inclination of at least one of the sections 2, 4, 5 is coupled movable in rotation along at least one arc of circumference to at least another of the sections 2, 4, 5.

Preferably, according to the embodiment of the device 1 shown in the figures, the adjustment means 6, 7 are adapted to adjust the inclination of the holding section 4 relative to the gripping section 2.

In other words, the holding section 4 is rotated along the arc of circumference to place it in one of the positions of use.

In addition, the adjustment means 6, 7 are adapted to adjust the inclination of the supporting section 5 relative to the gripping section 2.

In other words, the supporting section 5 is rotated along the arc of circumference to place the latter in one of the positions of use.

Conveniently, the first, the second and the third direction of extension A, B, C lie on an individual laying surface D, as shown in Figure 2 and 3.

Advantageously, the adjustment means 6, 7 comprise at least one of either: an adjustment unit 6 placed between the holding section 4 and the gripping section 2 and adapted to rotate at least one of the latter relative to the other around an axis of adjustment E substantially orthogonal to the first and to the second direction of extension A, B; or a variation unit 7 placed between the supporting section 5 and the gripping section 2 and adapted to rotate at least one of the latter relative to the other around an axis of variation F substantially orthogonal to the first and to the third direction of extension A, C.

Preferably, the device 1 comprises both the adjustment unit 6 and the variation unit 7.

Advantageously, the adjustment unit 6 comprises at least a first connecting portion 8 and at least a second connecting portion 9, obtained on the gripping section 2 and on the holding section 4, respectively, and are coupled to each other movable in rotation between the plurality of positions of use.

Preferably, the first connecting portion 8 is obtained at one extreme portion 3 of the gripping section 2.

More in detail, an extreme portion 3 preferably coincides with the first connecting portion 8.

In addition, the holding section 4 preferably comprises at least one end portion 10 at which the second connecting portion 9 is obtained.

In more detail, the end portion 10 preferably coincides with the second connecting portion 9.

In particular, each possible mutual arrangement of the gripping section 2 and of the holding section 4 defines a particular position of use of the gripping-holding section pair and a respective angle of inclination between the same gripping and holding sections.

Conveniently, the adjustment unit 6 comprises at least one locking element 11 of the first and of the second connecting portion 8, 9 in the positions of use.

In addition, the locking element 11 is movable between an adjustment configuration, wherein the first and the second connecting portion 8, 9 are free to rotate relative to each other, respectively, between the positions of use, and at least one locking configuration, wherein the first and the second connecting portion 8, 9 are coupled to each other in a fixed manner in one of the positions of use.

In particular, in the adjustment configuration, the gripping section 2 and the holding section 4 are rotatable to each other, respectively, around the axis of adjustment E to continuously explore all the positions of use, i.e. all the positions of use of the gripping-holding section.

After the desired position of use of the gripping-holding section has been reached, the locking element 11 is moved to the locking position in order to fix the inclination between the gripping section 2 and the holding section 4.

This way, the user adjusts the mutual inclination between the gripping section 2 and the holding section 4 according to their needs.

In particular, in the locking configuration, the locking element 11 presses the first connecting portion 8 against the second connecting portion 9, by fixing their mutual position and preventing the rotation thereof.

In the adjustment configuration, the locking element 11 releases the first connecting portion 8 and the second connecting portion 9, which can be spaced apart from each other and are free to rotate.

However, preferably, the first connecting portion 8 and the second connecting portion 9 remain coupled to each other by means of the locking element 11 also in the adjustment configuration.

Advantageously, the locking element 11 extends along the axis of adjustment E. This way, the locking element 11 defines the rotation hinge around which the gripping section 2 and the holding section 4 rotate to vary the mutual inclination of the same.

Preferably, the locking element 11 is of the type of a mechanical joining element of known type, such as e.g. a bolt nut pair or the like.

In addition, the locking element 11 comprises movement means of the same between the adjustment configuration and the locking configuration.

Preferably, the movement means can be activated manually by the user of the device 1.

Conveniently, the adjustment unit 6 comprises: a plurality of reliefs 12 made on the first connecting portion 8, arranged in a radial pattern and centered relative to the axis of variation E; a plurality of grooves made on the second connecting portion 9, arranged in a radial pattern and centered relative to the axis of variation E.

In addition, the reliefs 12 and the grooves have a complementary conformation between them and are coupleable in a removable manner to each other to prevent the mutual rotation of the connecting portions 8, 9.

In particular, in the locking configuration the reliefs 12 and the grooves are coupled to each other.

In other words, in the locking configuration, the reliefs 12 are inserted into the grooves and retained in this configuration by the locking element 11.

This way, in the locking configuration, the locking element 11 prevents the first and second connecting portion 8, 9 from moving away from each other along the axis of adjustment E and, at the same time, the reliefs 12 and the grooves prevent the same from mutually rotating.

In particular, the pitch between each of the grooves and the pitch between each of the reliefs 12 defines the minimum pitch adjustment of the inclination between the gripping section 2 and the holding section 4.

Similarly to what described with reference to the adjustment unit 6, the variation unit 7 comprises at least a first coupling portion 14 and at least a second coupling portion 15 obtained on the gripping section 2 and on the supporting section 5 respectively, and coupleable movable in rotation to each other between the plurality of positions of use. Preferably, the first coupling portion 14 is obtained at the other extreme portion 3 of the gripping section 2.

More specifically, the other extreme portion 3 preferably coincides with the first coupling portion 14.

In addition, the supporting section 5 preferably comprises at least one terminal end 16 at which the second coupling portion 15 is obtained.

More in detail, the terminal end 16 preferably coincides with the second coupling portion 15.

In particular, each possible mutual arrangement of the gripping section 2 and of the supporting section 5 defines a particular position of use of the gripping-holding section pair and a respective angle of inclination between the same gripping holding sections.

Conveniently, the variation unit 7 comprises at least one fastening element 17 of the first and of the second coupling portion 14, 15 in the positions of use.

In addition, the fastening element 17 is movable between a variation configuration, wherein the first and the second coupling portion 14, 15 are free to rotate relative to each other, respectively, between the positions of use, and at least one fastening configuration, wherein the first and the second coupling portion 14, 15 are coupled together in a fixed manner in one of the positions of use.

In particular, in the variation configuration, the gripping section 2 and the supporting section 5 can be rotated relative to each other, respectively, around the axis of variation F to continuously explore all the positions of use, i.e. all the positions of use of the gripping- supporting section.

After the desired gripping- supporting section has been reached, the fastening element 17 is moved to the fastening position so that the inclination between the gripping section 2 and the supporting section 5 is fixed.

This way, the user adjusts the mutual inclination between the gripping section 2 and the supporting section 5 according to their needs.

In particular, in the fastening configuration, the fastening element 17 presses the first coupling portion 14 against the second coupling portion 15 under pressure, by fixing their mutual position and preventing these from rotating.

On the other hand, in the variation configuration, the fastening element 17 releases the first coupling portion 14 and the second coupling portion 15, which can be spaced apart from each other and are free to rotate.

However, preferably, also in the variation configuration, the first coupling portion 14 and the second coupling portion 15 remain coupled to each other by means of the fastening element 17.

Advantageously, the fastening element 17 extends along the axis of variation F.

This way, the fastening element 17 defines the rotation hinge around which the gripping section 2 and the supporting section 5 rotate to vary the mutual inclination of the same.

Preferably, the fastening element 17 is of the type of a mechanical joining element of known type, such as e.g. a bolt nut pair or the like.

In addition, the fastening element 17 comprises means of transition of the same between the variation configuration and the fastening configuration.

Preferably, the transition means can be activated manually by the user of the device

1.

Conveniently, the variation unit 7 comprises: a plurality of protrusions made on the first coupling portion 14, arranged in a radial pattern and centered relative to the axis of adjustment F; a plurality of recesses 19 made on the second coupling portion 15, arranged in a radial pattern and centered relative to the axis of adjustment F.

In addition, the protrusions and the recesses 19 have a complementary shape to each other and can be coupled to each other in a removable manner to prevent the coupling portions 14, 15 from mutually rotating along the arc of circumference. Preferably, the grooves have a substantially identical shape to the recesses 19.

In addition, the protrusions preferably have a substantially identical shape to the reliefs 12.

In fact, preferably, the first connecting portion 8 is of substantially identical conformation to the first coupling portion 14 and rotated around the first direction of extension A by 180° relative to the latter, as shown in Figure 4.

In addition, the second connecting portion 9 preferably has a substantially identical conformation to the second coupling portion 15 and rotated around the second direction of extension B by 180° relative to the latter, as shown in Figure 4. In particular, in the fastening configuration, the protrusions and the recesses 19 are coupled to each other.

In other words, in the fastening configuration the protrusions are inserted into the recesses 19 and retained in this configuration by the fastening element 17.

This way, in the fastening configuration, the fastening element 17 prevents the first and the second coupling portions 14, 15 from mutually moving away along the axis of variation F and, at the same time, the protrusions and the recesses 19 prevent the same from mutually rotating.

This way, the pitch between each of the protrusions and the pitch between each of the recesses 19 defines the minimum pitch adjustment of the inclination between the gripping section 2 and the supporting section 5.

Advantageously, at least one of either the gripping section 2, the holding section 4 or the supporting section 5 comprises at least one pair of tubular bodies 20 telescopically coupled to each other to allow at least the extension of at least one of either the gripping section 2, the holding section 4 or the supporting section 5 along the first direction of extension A, the second direction of extension B and the third direction of extension C, respectively.

In particular, according to the embodiment of the device 1 shown in the figures, both the holding section 4 and the supporting section 5 comprise the pair of tubular bodies 20.

Alternative embodiments of the device 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the gripping section 2 also comprises the pair of tubular bodies 20.

This way, the extension of each of the sections 2, 4, 5 is longitudinally adjustable along the corresponding direction of extension A, B, C.

In actual facts, it has been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

In particular, the adjustment means allow adjusting continuously and according to a plurality of positions of use the inclination of each section of the walking supporting device, significantly increase the degrees of freedom in the adjustment of the device itself depending on the needs of the user.

More in detail, the adjustment unit and the variation unit of the inclination allow selectively adjusting the inclination of the gripping-holding section pair and of the gripping- supporting section pair, respectively.

In addition, the adjustment unit and the variation unit of the inclination allow adjusting the inclination of the gripping-holding section pair and of the gripping supporting section pair, respectively, in a simple, comfortable and quick manner.