GB2488348A

GB2488348A - Walking aid

Info

Publication number: GB2488348A
Application number: GB201103121A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Turner
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-23
Filing date: 2011-02-23
Publication date: 2012-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2031-02-23
Also published as: GB201103121D0; GB2488348B

Abstract

A walking aid 2 for a person is provided, comprising a handle portion 8, a plurality of foot assemblies 4, and a plurality of generally upright support members 6, each support member 6 extending between a foot assembly 4 and the handle portion 8. All the foot assemblies 4 are arranged along a single line and are arranged to contact the ground and render the walking aid freeÂstanding. The support members 6 may be composed of a single continuous section, or may have a plurality of sections which may render the walking aid 2 height adjustable. The foot assemblies 4 may extend orthogonally from the support members 6 in a symmetric or asymmetric fashion. The handle portion 8 may have a grip 24, and the foot assemblies may have ferrules.

Description

WALKING AID

The present invention relates to a walking aid. The walking aid is especially of use to assist a person with limited or reduced dexterity or movement.

Many devices are known for assisting persons who have difficulty walking.

Such devices, which are commonly referred to as walking aids, range from relatively simple designs such as walking sticks, canes and frames, through to more complex designs including rollators, triwalkers and the like.

Known walking sticks, canes or frames allow the person to support a portion of their body weight with one or more of their arms, thus reducing the body weight applied to an injured or weakened leg.

Typically a walking stick or cane comprises an elongate tubular member having a handle portion at an upper end and a ground contacting portion at a lower end. Walking aids of this kind are generally operated in a vertical position, with the ground contacting portion, or lower end, in contact with the ground. Thus the term "lower" region described henceforth refers to the ground contacting portion, or the portion of the aid in contact with the ground during normal use.

Sticks and canes have the advantage of being relatively lightweight, compact and easy to manoeuvre by the user. One problem arising with walking sticks and canes is the degree of support offered, particularly in terms of their stability. Such a problem of reduced stability can arise when a single elongate member is present, as is usually the case with a stick or cane. When in use, walking sticks and canes generally require the ground contacting portion to be in contact with the ground and the cane to extend substantially vertically or perpendicular to the ground. Should such contact not be achieved then traction between the ground contacting portion and the ground may be reduced, causing the stick or cane to slip. As a result, the person using the aid may become off-balance and in a worse case, collapse to the ground. Many sticks and canes are now fitted with a rubber foot at the lower end, thus increasing the friction achieved between the ground contacting portion and the ground.

A number of designs of walking aid have been proposed to overcome the problems of instability arising with conventional sticks and canes. US 4,085,763 discloses a quad cane assembly for improving the strength and rigidity of a conventional cane. The cane comprises a plurality of elongate sections. In particular, the cane includes a lower section that comprises a tubular member which is received in a hollow sleeve of an upper section. Attached to the lower section is a foot portion, the foot portion comprising four rubber-tipped feet. Such an arrangement is intended to improve the stability of the cane for the user, by ensuring that the elongate member is substantially vertical, as such ensuring all four feet are in contact with the ground.

Whilst the known canes and sticks may assist in helping the more able of users, persons who have further reduced dexterity, perhaps through injury or disability, may require additional support. Such support can be offered through the use of a walking frame.

Many types of walking frames are known. In one commonly used form, a walking frame comprises a rigid frame-like structure having four well spaced legs with a handle arrangement at the top thereof for gripping by the user. One well known walking frame is the Zimmer® frame. Variants of this design are commercially available and comprise a range of features, for example the addition of a plurality of wheels to aid in the forward motion of the frame. Frames of this kind can be cumbersome to use and require considerable exertion on the part of the user to lift and move.

US 4,742,838 describes a walking frame of a somewhat more complex design than that described above. The walking frame disclosed in this document provides a frame structure in which the front legs are pivotably attached to the frame such that a degree of forward and rearward motion of the front legs is achieved when in use. By allowing the front legs to swing in this manner, it is suggested that the user is required to exert less energy when using the frame. However, any such improvement comes at the cost of significantly increased complexity of the frame design.

Should a person require yet more support, perhaps as a result of even further reduced dexterity, caused for example by the loss of a limb, a different approach is required. One commercially available product is the Drive Medical Side Walker, which is designed particularly for persons with the use of only one hand or arm. The Drive Medical Side Walker comprises a front frame section and a rear frame section.

The rear frame section is of tubular construction with two elongate members extending at an angle to the ground and connected by a horizontal cross member at their upper ends. The front frame section is also of tubular construction, comprising two generally vertical elongate members connected by a horizontal cross member (handle) at their upper ends. The rear frame section is pivotably attached to the front frame section such that a triangular configuration is achieved when the aid is unfolded, thus in an open position. The Drive Medical Side Walker can also be configured in a substantially closed position, thus giving rise to a collapsible design.

There is the need for an improved walking aid to assist persons with reduced mobility. It would be advantageous if a walking aid could be provided that combines the light weight, simplicity of construction and ease of use of a stick or cane, but provides the increased stability afforded by a frame.

It has now been found that a compact and lightweight, yet stable and free-standing walking aid may be provided by having a plurality of generally upright support members and a plurality of foot assemblies, the support members and/or the foot assemblies being arranged along a single line.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a walking aid for a person, the walking aid comprising: a handle portion; a plurality of foot assemblies; and a plurality of generally upright support members, each support member extending between a foot assembly and the handle portion; wherein all the foot assemblies are arranged along a single line, the foot assemblies being arranged to contact the ground and render the walking aid free-standing.

The present invention provides a walking aid which addresses problems associated with commercially available walking frames. In particular, the invention provides a walking aid to assist persons with reduced mobility. In this respect, the walking aid may be used by persons with reduced dexterity or movement, which may arise as the result of age, an injury, a disability or the loss of a limb.

The walking aid of the present invention combines the simplicity of construction and ease of use of a stick or cane with the increased stability afforded by a walking frame to provide an improved walking aid. In particular, the walking aid of the present invention is arranged such that it may be used by a person employing only one arm, providing assistance with walking and the like.

The walking aid of the present invention is preferably arranged to be adjustable in height such that it may adjusted to be used by persons of varying heights and build. Further, the walking aid of the present invention is preferably arranged such that the footprint of the base, that is the area of the ground covered by the walking aid defined by the boundary of the foot assembly that contacts the ground, increases with an increase in height of the walking aid. This gives rise to an increase in the stability of the walking aid as the operational height of the walking aid increases. The walking aid of the present invention is also advantageous in that it can be designed to be free-standing.

As discussed above, the walking aid comprises a handle portion. In use, the handle portion is preferably generally the uppermost portion of the walking aid, providing the user with a point of contact with the walking aid, in particular for the user to grasp and hold the walking aid. The handle portion also serves as a means to interconnect the plurality of support members. Further, the handle portion acts as a point through which the load imparted on the walking aid by the user is distributed to the plurality of upright support members. The handle portion also serves as a way of lifting the walking aid, as employed during use.

The handle portion may be of any shape to afford the user contact with the walking aid, in particular to hold the walking aid. The handle portion may comprise any suitable form that interconnects the support members. In particular, the handle portion may comprise one or a plurality of members extending between the support members. In one embodiment, the handle portion consists of a single member extending between the support members, most preferably extending horizontally when the walking aid is standing on the ground.

Further in this form, the handle portion may be of any profile or geometrical shape to accommodate the hand of a user. It is particularly preferred that the handle portion is complimentary in shape to that of a closed hand, for example being provided with a contoured surface to accommodate the fingers and palm of the hand of the user. This ensures that the handle is comfortable and thus a tight grip of the handle portion may be achieved to permit easy lifting and manoeuvrability of the walking aid. In one preferred form, the handle portion is curved or otherwise formed into an overall substantially inverted U-shaped member.

The handle portion may have any suitable radius of curvature for being grasped and held by a user. For a generally tubular handle portion, the radius of curvature is preferably at least 6 cm, more preferably at least 7 cm, in particular in the range of from 8 cm to 12 cm.

The handle portion may be of any suitable material that provides the required strength in the handle portion and the walking aid to resist the load applied to the walking aid by the user when in use. Such materials are known in the art and are commercially available. The material of the handle portion is preferably metal, in particular lightweight metals or alloys thereof, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy.

Other materials may also be employed, such as wood or plastics.

The handle portion may be solid in construction. Alternatively, and more preferably, the handle portion is hollow. Preferably the handle portion is generally tubular in construction. The tubing may be of any suitable thickness, sufficient to provide the strength required of the handle portion. The thickness will depend upon such factors as the composition of the material of the handle portion. The thickness may also depend on the load estimated to be applied to the handle portion in use.

One preferred material for forming the handle portion is aluminium tubing from 10 gauge to 18 gauge.

The handle portion may have any suitable outer dimensions for being grasped and held by a user. For a generally tubular handle portion, the outer diameter is preferably at least 1.5 cm, in particular in the range of from 1.5 cm to 6 cm, more preferably from 2 cm to 4 cm. An outer diameter of about 2 cm is suitable for many embodiments.

The outer circumference of the handle portion may vary according to its construction and material used. Again, the outer circumference is also formed to be held and grasped in the hand of the user. For a generally tubular handle portion, the outer circumference is preferably at least 5 cm, in particular in the range of from 5 cm to 20 cm, more preferably from 5 cm to 15 cm. An outer circumference of about 7 cm is suitable for many embodiments.

In one embodiment, the handle portion comprises a grip portion, in particular a grip portion of a resilient material. In use, the grip provides a degree of cushioning between the user's hand and the walking aid. A secondary function of the grip may be to increase the adhesion between the user's hand and the walking aid when the users hand is in contact with the walking aid when in use. The grip may be of any suitable resilient material. Suitable materials are known and are commercially available, and include natural and synthetic rubbers, elastomers and the like.

The grip portion may be discontinuous, that is comprises a plurality of separate grip portions disposed in a spaced apart arrangement across the handle portion. In a more preferred arrangement the grip portion is continuous, that is to completely or substantially completely extend across the handle portion. The grip portion may be of any suitable thickness.

The walking aid of the present invention further comprises a plurality of generally upright support members. In use, said upright support members are provided to form a substantially upright structure of the walking aid, each generally upright support member extending between a respective foot assembly and the handle portion.

Any suitable material may be used may be used to form the upright support member with sufficient strength to resist the load applied to the walking aid by a user when in use. The material is preferably metal, in particular lightweight metals or alloys thereof, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy. Other materials may also be employed, such as wood or plastics.

In one embodiment each generally upright support member is a continuous section extending from a foot assembly to the handle portion. It is preferred, however, that each generally upright support members comprise a plurality of interconnected sections arranged to allow the length of each support member to be varied. Such an arrangement is advantageous in allowing the persons using the walking aid to adjust the length of the upright support members, and in effect adjust the height of the walking aid. In this way, the walking aid may be adjusted to suit the height of the user. In one preferred embodiment, each support member comprises a first section and a second section, the first section being housed and movable telescopically within the second section. In a preferred embodiment each support member is provided with a means for locking the first and second sections in predetermined relative positions. Such means may be provided in the form of a plurality of spaced apart location holes extending through each section, through which a pin or bolt may be placed. Alternatively, the locking means may be in the form of a spring-loaded pin mechanism, whereby the spring-loaded pin is arranged on one section so as to engage with a hole formed in the other section, at the required position. Such locking means are known in the art.

The generally upright support members may be adjusted to any suitable height. The length of the generally upright support members is preferably at least 50 cm, more preferably at least 60 cm, in particular in the range of from 60 cm to 120 cm, more preferably from 70 cm to 110 cm.

In one embodiment each upright support member extends substantially vertically. However, it has been found advantageous to have each upright support member extend at an angle to the vertical, such that the distance between adjacent foot assemblies is greater than the length of the handle portion. In this way, the width of the walking aid increases in the direction from the handle portion to the foot assemblies, thereby providing the walking aid with increased stability. The angle of the upright members to the vertical, when the walking aid is in the upright position, is preferably at least 5°, more preferably at least 7.5°, with the angle preferably being no greater than 25°, more preferably no greater than 20°. An angle of about 10° has been found to be particularly suitable for many embodiments and provides a good combination of stability of the walking aid when in use with compactness.

The generally upright support members preferably extend between the handle portion and the foot assemblies in the same plane. Preferably, the said plane is substantially vertical.

The generally upright support members may be connected to the handle portion by any suitable means. In one preferred form, each upright support member is formed integrally with, or has a section formed integrally with, the handle portion. In particular, the handle portion and at least a portion of each upright support member may be formed from a single member, in particular a single length of tubing.

In an alternative form, each upright support member is arranged to be releasably attached to the handle portion. In this way, each upright support member is provided with a releasable locking means for connecting or locking the upright support member to the handle portion. Such locking means are known in the art and are commercially available. One example may include a spring-loaded pin mechanism as previously described.

The walking aid may comprise any suitable number of generally upright support members. A preferred embodiment has two generally upright support members, each extending between a respective foot assembly and the handle assembly.

The support members may have any suitable outer dimensions for providing support to the user. For a generally upright support member, the outer diameter is preferably at least 1.5 cm, in particular in the range of from 1.5 cm to 6 cm, more preferably from 2 cm to 4 cm. An outer diameter of about 2 cm is particularly suitable for many embodiments.

The outer circumference of the upright support member may vary according to its construction and material used. For a generally tubular portion, the outer circumference is preferably at least 5 cm, in particular in the range of from 5 cm to 20 cm, more preferably from 6 cm to 15 cm. A circumference of about 7 cm is suitable for many embodiments.

In a preferred embodiment each upright support member comprises a first and second section, the first section being housed and movable telescopically within the second section. To facilitate this arrangement, the outer diameter of the first section is preferably at least 1.5 cm, in particular in the range of from 1.5 cm to 6 cm, more preferably from 2 cm to 4 cm. The outer diameter of the second section is preferably at least 2 cm, in particular in the range of from 2 cm to 6.5 cm, more preferably from 2.5 cm to 4.5 cm.

The walking aid of the present invention further comprises a plurality of foot assemblies arranged to be in contact with the ground when the walking aid is in use.

As noted, each support member extends between a foot assembly and the handle portion.

Each foot assembly may be of any suitable material sufficient to support the walking aid and load applied thereto when in use. The material of the each foot assembly is preferably metal, in particular lightweight metals or alloys thereof, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy. Other materials may also be employed, such as Each foot assembly may have any suitable form that is able to provide stability to the walking aid and the user. In one preferred embodiment, each foot assembly comprises an elongate foot member extending transversely from the respective end of the upright member. More preferably, each foot assembly comprises an elongate foot member extending substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the upright member. The elongate foot member is preferably tubular.

The foot assemblies may have any suitable outer dimensions for providing support to the user. For a generally tubular foot assembly, the outer diameter is preferably at least 2 cm, in particular in the range of from 2 cm to 6.5 cm, more preferably from 2.5 cm to 4.5 cm.

The outer circumference of the foot assemblies may vary according to its construction and material used. For a generally tubular foot assembly portion, the outer circumference is preferably at least 6 cm, in particular in the range of from 6 cm to 20 cm, more preferably from 8cm to 14cm.

Each foot assembly may be connected to an upright support member in any suitable manner. In one preferred form, each foot assembly is permanently connected to the upright member, for example by welding. In another form, each foot assembly is arranged to be releasably attached to an upright support member. In this way, each foot assembly is provided with a releasable locking means for locking each foot assembly to a respective upright support member. Such locking means are known in the art and are commercially available. One example may include a spring-loaded pin mechanism as previously described.

Each foot assembly may be arranged symmetrically about a respective upright member. More preferably, each foot assembly is arranged asymmetrically about a respective upright member. In this way, the walking aid may be arranged to have each foot assembly comprise a major portion and a minor portion extending in opposing transverse directions from the upright member. In use, the walking aid is held by the user with the major portion of each foot assembly extending away from them and with the minor portion extending towards them. Such an arrangement is advantageous in reducing the intrusion upon or disruption to the path of motion of the user.

The ratio of the major portion to the minor portion of the foot assembly in this embodiment is preferably at least 1.5, more preferably at least 2.0, still more preferably at least 3.0. In particular, the ratio is preferably from 5:1 to 1.5:1, more preferably from 4:1 to 2:1, still more preferably from 3:1 to 2.5:1.

It is particularly preferred that each foot assembly is provided with a grip portion. In use the grip portion is provided to increase the friction between the foot assembly and the ground, to prevent the walking aid slipping away from the user.

The grip portion may be of any suitable material. Preferably the grip portion is of a rubber material. Suitable materials are known and are commercially available. The grip portion may be provided in the form of a continuous portion or discrete portions.

Alternatively the grip portion may be provided in the form of a protrusion on the ground contacting portion of the foot assembly. For example, in the case of a foot assembly comprising a tubular foot member, the grip portion may comprise a ferrule on one or each free end thereof.

As noted above, a preferred arrangement is to have the generally upright support members extending in a single plane. In general, known walking aids comprise a frame having a plurality of upright support members extending in different planes. This gives rise to a bulky and unwieldy walking aid. By arranging the walking aid to be free standing with all the support members in a single plane, the general bulk of the walking aid is significantly reduced.

As noted previously, the walking aid of the present invention may be provided to be completely or substantially completely disassembled by having either the foot assemblies and/or the handle portion releasably attached to the upright support members.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is therefore provided a walking aid for a person, the walking aid comprising: a handle portion; a plurality of foot assemblies; and a plurality of generally upright support members, each support member extending between a respective foot assembly and the handle portion; wherein the support members are arranged in the same plane, the foot assemblies being arranged to contact the ground and render the walking aid free-standing.

Details of the handle portion, the foot assemblies and the support members are as hereinbefore described.

As noted above, the walking aid of the present invention may have its height adjustable. It is an advantage that the area of the footprint of the walking aid increases as the height of the walking aid increases. This in turn provides the advantage that possible reductions in the stability of the walking aid due to an increased height are offset by the larger footprint. According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is therefore provided a walking aid for a person, the walking aid comprising: a handle portion; a plurality of foot assemblies; and a plurality of generally upright support members, each support member extending between a respective foot assembly and the handle portion; wherein the height of the walking aid is adjustable, the walking aid being arranged whereby an increase in the height of the walking aid is accompanied by an increase in the area of the footprint of the walking aid.

Details of the handle portion, the foot assemblies and the support members are again as hereinbef ore described.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is front view of a walking aid of one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is side view of a walking aid of the present invention along the line II -II of Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, a walking aid according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown, generally indicated as 2. The walking aid 2 comprises a plurality of foot assemblies 4, a plurality of generally upright support members 6, and a handle portion 8. In use, the plurality of foot assemblies 4 are arranged to contact the ground and thus the device, in use, is orientated as shown in Figure 1. In particular, the walking aid 2 comprises two foot assemblies 4, with a support member 6 extending between each of the foot assemblies 4 and the handle portion 8.

The plurality of foot assemblies 4 are each formed from an aluminium alloy tube. Each foot assembly 4 is attached to the lower end of a respective generally upright support member 6, for example by welding, and is aligned orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the respective generally upright support member 6. Each foot assembly 4 is arranged asymmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the generally upright support member 6, as shown in Figure 2. In this way, the foot assemblies may be considered to have a major portion 10 and a minor portion 12, with lengths in a ratio of 3:1. In use, the walking aid is held by the user with the major portion of each foot assembly extending away from them.

To increase the friction between each foot assembly 4 and the ground, a grip portion, in the form of a rubber ferrule 14, is provided at each free end thereof. In particular the grip portion 14 may be a rubber foot manufactured by Component Force, part number RF3.

The walking aid of the embodiment also comprises two generally upright support members 6 that connect to a respective foot assembly 4, as noted above.

The walking aid is arranged to be adjusted to suit the height of the user. To achieve this, each upright support member 6 comprises a plurality of interconnected sections, in particular a first tubular section 16 and a second tubular section 18. Both tubular sections are formed from an aluminium alloy tube. The first tubular section 16 of each support member is uppermost, as shown in the figures, and is movable telescopically within the second, lowermost tubular section 18. The second tubular section 18 of each upright support member 6 is provided with a plurality of location holes 22 arranged in a line as shown in Figure 2. In use, the height of the walking aid may be adjusted by depressing a spring-loaded pin mechanism 20, and then sliding the first tubular section 16 within the second tubular section 18 to the desired height. The spring-loaded locking mechanism 20 engages with one of the spaced apart location holes 22 in the second tubular section 18, thereby locking the first and second tubular sections.

As described above, each generally upright support member is connected to a respective foot assembly 4 and extends vertically to the handle portion 8. In particular, each upright support member 6 extends at an angle cx to the vertical, as shown in Figure 1. In the embodiment shown in the figures, cx is 100. In this way, the distance between adjacent foot assemblies 4 is greater than the length of the handle portion 8. Further, the generally upright support members 6 extend between each respective foot assembly 4 and the handle portion in the same plane. This plane is vertical in the embodiment of the figures, as shown in Figure 2.

The walking aid of the present invention also comprises a handle portion 8.

The handle portion 8 is of an aluminium alloy tube and is formed integrally with the first tubular sections 16 of the generally upright support members 6. In particular, the handle portion 8 and both first tubular sections 16 of the upright members are formed from a single length of tube, as shown in Figure 1.

In use, the handle portion is generally the uppermost portion of the walking aid 2 and is grasped and held by the user. The handle portion 8 is complimentary in shape to that of a closed hand and is shaped into an overall substantially inverted U-shaped member. To provide a degree of cushioning between the user's hand and the walking aid, a grip portion in the form of a rubber grip 24 is provided as shown in Figure 2. The grip 24 extends substantially completely across the handle portion 8 as shown in Figure 1. The grip 24 may be a rubber grip as manufactured by Component Force, part number DT142.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A walking aid for a person, the walking aid comprising: S a handle portion; a plurality of foot assemblies; and a plurality of generally upright support members, each support member extending between a foot assembly and the handle portion; wherein all the foot assemblies are arranged along a single line, the foot assemblies being arranged to contact the ground and render the walking aid free-standing.
2. The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion is a single member extending between the generally upright support members.
3. The walking aid according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the handle portion is an inverted U-shaped member.
4. The walking aid according to claim 3, wherein the radius of curvature of the handle portion is in the range of from 8cm to 12 cm.
5. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion is generally tubular.
6. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the handle portion comprises a grip portion.
7. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein each foot assembly is arranged asymmetrically about a respective upright support member, with each foot assembly having a major and a minor portion extending in opposing directions from the upright support member.
8. The walking aid according to claim 7, wherein the major and minor portions extend transversely from the upright support member.
9. The walking aid according to either of claims 7 or 8, wherein the ratio of the major portion of the foot assembly to the minor portion of the foot assembly is in the range of from 3:1 to 2.5:1.
10. The walking aid according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein each foot assembly is generally tubular.
11. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein each foot assembly is releasably attached to an upright support member.
12. The walking aid according to claim 11, wherein each foot assembly is provided with a releasable locking means for locking each foot assembly to the respective upright support member.
13. The walking aid according to claim 12, wherein the locking means is a spring-loaded pin mechanism.
14. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein each foot assembly is provided with a grip portion.
15. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the walking aid comprises two upright support members.
16. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of each upright support member is adjustable.
17. The walking aid according to claim 16, wherein each upright support member comprises a first and a second section.
18. The walking aid according to claim 17, wherein the first section is movable telescopically within the second section.
19. The walking aid according to either of claims 17 or 18, wherein the first and second sections of the upright support members may be locked by a locking means at one or more predetermined positions.
20. The walking aid according to claim 19, wherein the locking means is a spring-loaded pin mechanism.
21. The walking aid according to any of claims 16 to 20, wherein the upright support members may be adjusted in length in the range of from 70 cm to 110 cm.
22. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein each upright support member is generally tubular.
23. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein each upright support member is formed integrally with or has a section formed integrally with the handle portion.
24. The walking aid according to claim 23, wherein the handle portion and at least a portion of each upright support member is formed from a single piece of tubing.
25. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein each upright support member is arranged to extend at an angle to the vertical, such that the distance between adjacent foot assemblies is greater than the length of the handle portion.
26. The walking aid according to claim 25, wherein the angle of each upright support member to the vertical, when the walking aid is in the upright position, is in the range of from 7.5° to 20°.
27. The walking aid according to claim 26, wherein the angle of each upright support member to the vertical, when the walking aid is in the upright position, is 10°.
28. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the height of the walking aid may be adjusted.
29. The walking aid according to claim 28, wherein the walking aid is arranged such that the footprint of the base increases with an increase in height of the walking aid.
30. The walking aid according to any preceding claim, wherein the walking aid is free-standing.
31. A walking aid for a person, the walking aid comprising: a handle portion; a plurality of foot assemblies; and a plurality of generally upright support members, each support member extending between a respective foot assembly and the handle portion; wherein the support members are arranged in the same plane, the foot assemblies being arranged to contact the ground and render the walking aid free-standing.
32. A walking aid for a person, the walking aid comprising: a handle portion; a plurality of foot assemblies; and a plurality of generally upright support members, each support member extending between a respective foot assembly and the handle portion; wherein the height of the walking aid is adjustable, the walking aid being arranged whereby an increase in the height of the walking aid is accompanied by an increase in the area of the footprint of the walking aid.
33. A walking aid substantially as hereinbef ore described having reference to the accompanying figures.