GB2484950A

GB2484950A - Adaptor for attaching tools to the lower end of a crutch

Info

Publication number: GB2484950A
Application number: GB1018137.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keith Barnes-Newton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-27
Filing date: 2010-10-27
Publication date: 2012-05-02
Also published as: GB201018137D0

Abstract

The invention relates to an adaptor 10 for use with standard mobility crutches 2, such that it becomes possible to attach tools 3, implements and other externally provided portions and devices. The preferred embodiment replaces or modifies the lower member of the crutch allowing a disabled user to utilise tools with their crutch, the tools may be gardening implements, such as a hoe, brushes, shears, mops or a grass cutter. In this way the user is provided with greater leverage and a convenient means of maintaining balance as well as being equipped to perform chores.

Description

PATENT APPLICATION

OF

KOTH BARNES-NEWTON

FOR

ASS1STIVE DEVICE ATTACHMENT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an assistive device adaptor, more particularly an assistive device adaptor for use with and improvement of mobility crutches.

Bacçground Those with restricted mobility often hope to remain as active as is possible, in order to aid recovery or generally maintain healthiness. It is known that activity is a strong factor in recovery and health.

People accustomed to using mobility crutches, or crutches, are likely to be reliant at least in part on both crutches in order to move. It is undesirable for them to have only one crutch available to use, whilst using tools or implements.

Prior Art

Mobility crutches are generally provided in standardised formats, being at least two tubular steel members telescoped together, with holes bored through and sprung pins providing a series of catch positions. At the bottom end of the crutch in use, a rubber cap or foot is typically provided, with a plastic saddle' arm rest at the top.

Garden implements are typically provided on members of cylindrical wood or metal tubing. This permits a greater reach, expanding the uses, whilst simultaneously permitting easier use, in particular to those less able. Frequently these members may be telescopically extendable.

International patent application WO 2010 069 070 (RUDDY) discloses an assistive mobility device, comprising: (a) a damper having a first end and a second end; (b) a hand grip connected to the first end of the damper; (c) a pole having a first end and a second end, the first end of the pole being connected to the second end of the damper; and (d) a tip connected to the second end of the pole. The device includes an elongated pole to support the user and a hand grip by which the user grips the proximate end of the pole. The hand grip is connected to the pole through a user-adjustable damper, located in the centre of the pole, for absorbing shock. A variety of interchangeable tips are available for the distal end of the pole to adapt the device for a variety of terrains and uses.

United States patent application US 2007 0 228 094 (BEDNARZ)) discloses an accessory for carrying items, the accessory being configured to removably attach to a mobility-assistance device, said accessory comprising: a compartment comprising a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a bottom wall defining a cavity within and having an opening; a first set of side flaps extending from said compartment comprising a first exterior side flap and a first interior side flap, said first exterior side flap designed to removably attach to said first interior side flap to form a first loop for surrounding a first vertical side frame piece of the device; and a second set of side flaps extending from said compartment comprising a second exterior side flap and a second interior side flap, said second exterior side flap designed to removably attach to said second interior side flap to form a second loop for surrounding a second vertical side frame piece of the device; wherein said first and second loops allow said accessory to removably attach to the device without attachment to horizontal members of the device German patent application DE 202 006 005 286 (DAMBROTH) discloses a system for joining various differently shaped gardening tools to stick, comprising appropriate adapter elements. This comprises an adapter in a first version has a split lower end with two bores, each with a toothed inner surface. An extension protruding from the rear of the tool can be guided through the bores and fastened with small square elements attached to the extension. In a second version the adapter is designed as a sleeve for the axial insertion of an extension located at the rear of the element and is held by an elastic projection engaging with a hole in the sleeve.

United States patent application US 6 085 766 (GEARY) discloses a compacting, adjustable walking aid comprising a shaft made up of three rigid tubular members arranged in telescopic fashion adjustably connected to one another by spring-loaded push button release pins in cooperation with apertures in the tubes. A readily removable underarm support secured by a release pin caps the upper shaft tube. A readily removable crutch handle secured by a hand operated release assembly, extends perpendicularly from a designated portion of the upper tubular member. This invention may be readily compacted telescopically to approximately one third of its extended length. By removing the upper shaft tube, and capping the middle shaft tube with the appropriate attachment, this invention may be readily converted from a full-sized crutch to a forearm crutch, or a cane. Shock absorbing end tip may be replaced with a quad tip attachment transforming the cane to a quad cane. The utilization of push button release pins on all three shaft tubes, coupled with apertures on the interchangeable attachments, allow this invention to be transfigured into innumerable variations. When not in use as a walking aid, this invention may be converted to a multipurpose tool with any number of household, survival, and recreational uses.

Advantageously the present invention therefore in contrast provides the ability for those with restricted mobility to utilise varying tools, at a distance commonly associated with the use of the same tools by those with greater mobility; and using a format that the user will be used to manipulating, providing greater control and force by means of leverage, keeping both crutches available for balance.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an adaptor for removably attaching tools to a lower member of a mobility crutch.

The lower members of many to most mobility crutches are typically formed of tubular steel with at least two telescopic members being provided, releasibly attached together by sprung pins, said pins allowing telescoping and adjustment of length as appropriate.

Two members are commonly used. Typically when in use there is therefore provided a lower member in contact with the ground or floor, having a foot or cap typically made of rubber, and an upper member generally placed under the arm of the user, such as resting in the armpit or in the hand with elbow or arm support.

The invention discloses a lower member attachment or replacement that permits the attachment of tools. It may achieve this by replacing the lower member or alternatively by modifying a standard lower member such as by providing a replacement cap or foot for the lower member that allows the attachment of tools.

These tools may themselves be from a single manufacturer or with a single format or adaptation which allows attachment. This may be by use of a plug connector, screw fit, clip, or other simple and reversible connection method.

In this way tools may also be adapted to enable their use with the crutch. The adaptor may therefore exercise a connection function uniquely upon the tool(s), without requiring any adaptation of the crutch, requiring no more than a standard mobility crutch.

Further embodiments may include adaptors that replace the foot or cap of the lower member.

The assistive device attachment acts as an enabler and adaptor for a variety of tools.

It enables a user improved control over a wide range of tools, including household and garden tools, allowing those using crutches the chance to do jobs and granting independence.

Furthermore the user is able to use their own crutches in the preferred embodiment or in further embodiments the upper member of such, quickly and effortlessly attachable to the tools, but still giving the necessary support.

This support may be the use of the other crutch as the main support crutch, while using the crutch with the assistive device attachment to do the jobs, and provide support where necessary.

The tools that are capable of attachment include rakes, hoes, forks, trowels, cultivators, shears, outside brushes, indoor brushes, mops, grass strimmers etc. The Fength of the crutch may also provide greater power to those of reduced mobility by means of increased leverage generated in the operation of the attached tool where applicable, such as for example in operation of a hoe or scythe.

For longer tools, some embodiments may provide a side adaptation to enable such tools to be attached to a member of a mobility crutch in a lateral means or sense to a member of the crutch. In the alternative or in addition clips may be provided to attach the tool to the length of the mobility crutch.

Brief Descripfion of Figures Figures 1 shows a pictorial figure of the device in use; Figures 2 and 3 are diagrammatic views of an embodiment of the device; and Figures 4 show a sprung pin for use in a telescopic embodiment of the device.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment of tfte [nvention The user in Figure 1 (1) has adapted his crutch (2) to use a garden hoe (3) by attaching the hoe (3) as a replacement to the lower member of the crutch (not shown). In the pictured embodiment this is achieved through use of an adaptor 10.

This embodiment of the adaptor 10 may comprise an annular ring having a tightening mechanism, related to and making use of bored holes in the upper member of the crutch (5), said bored holes serving typically to secure the telescopic members of the crutch together when a desired length is achieved for the crutch.

Said tightening mechanism may be screw, clip, sprung or other reversible fastening system.

In the preferred embodiment of the adaptor the annular ring attaches to the upper member of the crutch with sprung pins through the bored holes in the upper member (sprung pins, being typically found in the replaced lower member), and provides a split ring in combination with a screw thread to attach a tool handle to the adaptor.

The user then has the ability to manipulate the hoe 3 with the upper member of the crutch 5, a format s/he is used to. In addition the hand grip (4) of the crutch 2 is well placed to manipulate the hoe in a way that a typical hoe would not dispose.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. An adaptor for removably attaching tools to a lower member of a mobility crutch.
2. A method of attaching tools to a mobility crutch by attaching tools to the lower member of a mobility crutch.
3. A mobility crutch adapted to utilise tools according to any preceding claim.