GB2352981A - Walking aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A walking aid comprises a handle 1 with a stem 2 and a pair of legs 5 inclined outwardly from the base of the stem 2, the length of each leg 5 being adjustable. The legs 5 may include a pair of telescopically arranged members, one slidable within and lockable with respect to the other to allow for height adjustment so that the aid can be used for ascending and descending a flight of stairs, the height of the aid being adjusted to the size of the steps.

Description

2352981 WALKING AID This invention relates to a walking aid with two or

more legs, which assists in the activity of ascending and descending stairs.

At present individuals who have a balance deficit through injury or disability can have difficulties with the every day activity of stair climbing. Optimum stability on the stairs is provided by two banisters or rails in situ. However, in many every day environments either no banister exists or more commonly a single banister is available; in this scenario an individual with balance problems often increases their stability on the stairs with conventional aids such as a walking stick, crutch or tripod stick to help them negotiate the stairs. Although these aids provide support, the support is much less than given by a fixed banister and consequently balance can be compromised with an individuals safety reduced.

An object of this invention is to address the problems discussed above and increase an individuals stability on the stairs. Unlike the conventional aids mentioned above, this invention increases stability by providing a larger base width with the legs of the aid spanning over two or more steps using an "odd-legged" arrangement. Thus, for ascending the stairs the shorter leg or legs of the aid are placed onto the step that the individual wishes to climb, whilst the longer leg sits on the step below.

2 According to the present invention there is provided a walking aid which comprises a handle including a stem and a pair of legs which incline outwardly from the base of the sten-4 the length of each leg being adjustable.

In one arrangement the aid comprises a handle that is generally "D" shaped, such a handle enables the aid to be used for ascending and descending the stairs without the user having to rotate the aid at the top of the stairs. Alternatively a conventional elbow crutch which pivots at the handle stem by a simple locking mechanism may be used to reinforce stability and safety for the user.

The vertical handle stem of the aid may be adjustable in height via simple spring loaded locking pins to accornmodate an individuals height. At the base of the stem a bifurcated joint or the like maybe employed to connect the handle stem and the legs of the aid. The legs may include a pair of telescopically arranged members, one slideable within and lockable with respect to the other to allow for height adjustment of different sized steps.

The ground-engaging portion of the aid may include either standard ferrules or ferrules of a ball and socket nature to increase the congruency of the aid on steps.

3 The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure I shows the aid with a standard elbow crutch handle in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 demonstrates the position of the "odd leg" arrangement when climbing the stairs.

Figure 3 demonstrates the position of the "odd leg" arrangement when descending the stairs.

Referring to the drawings, the walking aid illustrated includes an elbow crutch handle I formed with a telescopically mounted downward extending stem 2 whose height is adjustable through spring loaded locking pins 3. The stem 2 slides over an upwardly extending arm carried by a bifurcated joint 4. Telescopic legs 5 of the aid extend downwardly from the joint 4. Ferrules 6 are supported on the free ends of the legs 5. An alternative Dshaped handle may be provided to prevent the user having to rotate the aid when reaching the top of the staircase.

4 As will be seen form figures 2 and 3 of the drawings the height of each telescopic leg 5 may be adjusted by sliding one telescopic tube relative to the other and locking the telescopic tube leg members are with respect to the other in one of several selected positions. In this way, the length of the trailing leg can be increased relative to the leading leg when the user is ascending a flight of stairs, and the length of the leading leg can be increased relative to the trailing leg when the user is descending a flight of stairs. The users stability is thereby greatly enhanced. For normal use the leading and trailing legs may be adjusted to the same length.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of walking aids in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.

Claims (9)

1. I A walking aid which comprises a handle including a stem and a pair of legs which incline outwardly from the base of the stem, the length of each leg being adjustable.
2. 2. An aid as claimed in claim I wherein the handle is general "D" shaped.
3. 3. An aid as claimed in claim I wherein the handle comprises a conventional elbow crutch which pivots at the handle stem by a simple locking mechanism.
4. 4. An aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle stein is adjustable in height via spring loaded locking pins.
5. 5. An aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a bifurcated joint is provided at the base of the stem.
6. 6. An aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the legs include a pair of telescopically arranged members, one slidable within and lockable with respect to the other to allow for height adjustment of different sized steps.
7. 7. An aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the ground engaging portions of the legs carry ferrules.
8. 8. An aid as claimed in claim 7 wherein each ferrule includes a ball and socket joint.
9. 9. A walking aid as herein described and as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.