Walker assistance device

{
  "publication_number": "US10857058B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Walker assistance device",
  "abstract": "A walker assist device has first and second U-shaped lateral frames with cross bars extending between the frames and through a knee rest control unit. A knee rest is rotatably mounted to the knee rest control unit and is laterally slidable along the cross bars to adjust its position on the cross bars. The knee rest can also be adjusted vertically in relation to the lateral frames for the comfort of the user.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A walker assistance device comprising: first and second U-shaped lateral frames, each lateral frame having two bottom ends and a top end having a handle; a knee rest rotatably mounted to a knee rest control unit, wherein in a stored mode the knee rest is raised and is parallel to the knee rest control unit, and in a use mode, the knee rest is lowered, and is perpendicular to the knee rest control unit; at least one cross bar extending horizontally from the first lateral frame to the second lateral frame and through the knee rest control unit; and adjustment means for slidable movement of the knee rest control unit along the at least one cross bar, said adjustment means comprising a push button member on the knee rest control unit, wherein when the push button member is pressed the knee rest control unit is configured to allow slidable movement of the knee rest control unit along the at least one cross bar.",
    "2. The walker assistance device as in claim 1 comprising two cross bars, each cross bar extending between the lateral frames and through the knee rest control unit.",
    "3. The walker assistance device as in claim 1 wherein the adjustment means further comprises an intermediate control member and at least one biasing spring located in the knee rest control unit, and a plurality of tabs upstanding from said at least one cross bar, wherein the knee rest control unit is immobilized on the at least one cross bar when the control member is in contact with and biased against one of the plurality of tabs, and wherein when the push button member is pressed, the control member is no longer in contact with and biased against said one of the plurality of tabs, allowing the knee rest control unit to slide along said at least one cross bar.",
    "4. The walker assistance device as in claim 3 further comprising a notch, inset within the intermediate control member.",
    "5. The walker assistance device as in claim 1 further comprising height adjustment means to control the height of the at least one cross bar in relation to the lateral frames.",
    "6. The walker assistance device as in claim 1 further comprising a clasp to maintain the knee rest in its stored mode, raised and parallel to the knee rest control unit."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention relates to walker assistance devices and specifically to walkers having laterally and vertically adjustable knee rests.\n\nOrthopedic assistance devices known as walkers are routinely used by the elderly or those with leg disabilities or leg injuries. A walker is designed such that a user can hold onto handles located on the lateral frames on the device, thus providing assistance to the individual as he or she walks forward or is standing in a stationary position.\n\nA beneficial feature on certain walkers is a knee or seat support. This support provides a surface on which the user can rest his or her leg or even the entire body. Such a support is exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,089. However, this and like walker and assistance devices have significant disadvantages. For example, prior devices have knee supports which are cumbersome or awkward to position, making their use by elderly or disabled individuals difficult. Most significantly, knee supports on walker devices are rigidly secured to the walker themselves. They are not adjustable, and, as a result, their functionality is severely limited.\n\nIt is thus the object of the present invention to provide a walker assistance device which addresses and overcomes to disadvantages and limitations of existing devices.\n\nThis and other objects are accomplished by the present invention, a walker assistance device having first and second U-shaped lateral frames with cross bars extending between the frames and through a knee rest control unit.",
  "cpc": [
    "A61H 3/04",
    "A61H 2003/005",
    "A61H 2201/0192",
    "A61H 2201/1635",
    "A61H 2201/164",
    "A61H 2205/102"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "A61H 3/04"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Rommel P Casibang"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2020-01-21",
  "publication_date": "2020-12-08",
  "grant_date": "2020-12-08",
  "priority_date": "2020-01-21",
  "application_number": "US-202016747607-A",
  "family_id": "73653722",
  "cited_by_count": 12,
  "citations": [
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    "US5291909A",
    "US5524657A",
    "US5904168A",
    "US6123089A",
    "US6371142B1",
    "US6595530B2",
    "US20120048318A1",
    "US20170202727A1"
  ]
}