Abstract
This paper presents walking orthotic equipment that enables a person with mildly disabled limbs to use an ordinary toilet. The critical problem occurs as the narrow width of the toilet booth when a wheelchair user would like to use the ordinary toilet. 0n the other hand, if the wheelchair user can walk, this problem will be solved. In this case, the user has to realize the following motions: standing up from a wheelchair, walking to the toilet booth, and sitting down on the toilet seat. A pair of telescopic Lofstrand crutches assists the user when he is standing up and sitting down in short length state, and assists the user in a standing position when changed into long length state. Each crutch has a curve foot to realize continuous contact from the seating position to the half-standing position. A gas-spring with a brake attached to the crutch helps the telescopic motion of the crutch. It can be folded so as to carry easily with a wheelchair. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of this equipment.
