GB722942A - Improvements in or relating to aids to locomotion for cripples - Google Patents

Abstract

722,942. Walking aids. CONLON, A., and BAILY, S. J. Aug. 4, 1953 [Aug. 1, 1952], No. 19486/52. Class 132 (1). [Also in Group VI] An appliance for enabling legless persons tc propel .themselves, comprises a pair of crutches each having an additional support pivoted to it and resiliently urged towards it, at its lower end, but manually movable away from it. The appliance supports the user without the aid of his hands. At each side the appliance comprises a crutch member 8 having an adjustable arm support 11 and a curved frame 7 projecting from it. On a pivot 6 this frame carries a further support leg 1 which has a handle 5 at its upper end and which is urged towards the crutch 8 by a spring 13. The range of movement of the support 2 is limited by a link 14 and cross bar 12 engaging the frame member 7. The whole assembly as shown is duplicated for use with the other arm and the two are rigidly joined by cross members. The forward feet 4 are of rubber or other substance of high coefficient of friction while the rear feet 10 are of wood or other material which will slide comparatively easily. In use, the supports 1 are advanced by the handles 5 while the weight is taken on the crutches 8 and then, by pulling on the handles 5, the crutches are drawn forwards. In modifications, the arm supports may be made adjustable, fore and aft, a harness or sling may be provided for the body, the members 1 and 8 may be telescopically adjustable and the foot members 4, 10 may be replaced by indirectionally rotating wheels.