NL2020284B1 - Joining means for crutch pair - Google Patents

Abstract

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a crutch 10, comprising a frame 1 having a handle 3, having an arm support structure 4 near one end of the frame 1 and having near another end a structure for contact With the ground 2. Furthermore, the crutch 10 has a storing or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit 5, for example having a magnet, for coupling the crutch to an external structure. In this manner, the crutch 10 can be stored against the external structure in a stable and reliable manner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The invention generally relates to a crutch to assist ambulation of individuals, particularly a crutch capable of standing autonomously against a support structure when released by the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Conventionally, a crutch is used by older people or people having ambulation issues. This group of people is usually not very mobile and will have trouble when moving about without their assigned crutch.

[0003] Furthermore, this group of people will have a high tendency to have other physical issues that might make it difficult to pick objects up from the ground. They might suffer from a further general lack of physical strength which might make it difficult to operate certain systems that require for example excessive arm or finger strength.

[0004] Crutches are generally unhandy objects that are prone to falling when placed against a support structure like for example a chair, table or wall. This is especially troublesome for its users, since these are people with limited mobility. Furthermore, when crutches fall over they can cause damage to their surroundings. When not using their assigned crutches, the users would like to store them in a comfortable and reliable way.

[0005] Especially considering people with limited mobility will want to sit after a certain time, and thus need to store their crutch in a reliable way, this is a problem that is frequently encountered.

[0006] Due to the above-mentioned reasons, existing methods and systems for a crutch do not allow for a comfortable and reliable storage system for said crutch, especially considering the intended user group consists of people with ambulation issues. Furthermore, existing methods do not allow for operation using little to no strength.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to reduce any of the above or other drawbacks of the conventional crutch to assist individuals with ambulation issues with a comfortable and reliable way to store the crutch. Furthermore, it is an objective of the present invention to store the crutch using little to no strength.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a crutch, comprising a frame having a handle, having an arm support structure near one end of the frame and having near another

-2end a structure for contact with the ground, wherein the crutch has a storing or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit that is arranged to exert a magnetic coupling force. [0009] Because of the storing or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit, the crutch can exert a coupling force which makes it possible to store the crutch in a reliable, easy and stable manner. The coupling force will be used to position or store the crutch e.g. in an upright position and/or e.g. to position a crutch pair in a stable manner.

[0010] A second aspect of the invention involves the fact that the storing or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit enables the crutch to be brought into a coupled state with an external structure, and the crutch in the coupled state can be brought to a decoupled state with respect to the external structure by relatively moving the crutch in an opposite direction of the direction of the coupling force.

[0011] Because the crutch can be brought into a coupled state with an external structure, the crutch can be stored in fixed manner with respect to the external structure. This makes sure the crutch cannot move with respect to the external structure when in a coupled state. Thus the crutch in the coupled state can be considered to be stored against the external structure in a stable and easy manner.

[0012] Because the crutch can be brought from a coupled state to a decoupled state with respect to an external structure by relatively moving the crutch in an opposite direction of the direction of the coupling force, this makes for ease of use. Furthermore, older people or people with ambulation issues will have an easier time bringing the crutch from a coupled to a decoupled state.

[0013] A third aspect of the invention involves an assembly of two crutches, comprising a first crutch as described above and a second crutch, comprising a second frame having a handle, having an arm support structure near one end of the second frame and heaving near another end a structure for contact with the ground (2), which can be coupled to the first crutch using the storing or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit by means of the magnetic coupling force.

[0014] In this way, the second crutch acts as an external structure upon which a coupling force can be exerted by the coupling unit. A person with ambulation issues will sometimes need a crutch pair to move around. In this manner, the pair of crutches can be stored together in a compact and stable manner. Furthermore, the pair of crutches can be placed against a support structure in an upright position, using the legs of each crutch as support. This way the pair of crutches can be stored in a stable and easy manner.

-3[0015] In an embodiment, the second crutch has a second storing or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit.

[0016] This makes sure that the second crutch can also be stored independently from the first crutch, or that the second crutch can also couple to the first crutch via its second storing or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit.

[0017] The magnet of the coupling unit is in an ready to be coupled to an external structure state. In this way, bringing the crutch to a coupled or decoupled state is easy and reliable. Furthermore, external structures susceptible to a magnet are found in abundance. This makes sure the invention is usable everywhere. In another embodiment a releasable glue or sticky surface is used for coupling.

[0018] In an embodiment, the storing or positioning system is placed near the arm support, e.g. on the one end of the frame.

[0019] Because the coupling unit is placed on the one end of the frame, that being the more upper part of the frame, the user can use his hands to guide the crutch to a coupled or decoupled state. This makes for more practical usage of the invention. This puts the coupling unit near vision height of the user that has ambulation issues.

[0020] In an embodiment, the storing or positioning system has attaching means for detachably attaching the storing or positioning system to the crutch. In embodiments the storing or positioning system is clicked onto the crutch.

[0021] In this way the storing or positioning system can be taken off or swapped, making for easier usage.

[0022] Any feature disclosed herein, part of any of the disclosed aspects, can be combined to form an embodiment according to this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0023] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference numbers indicate the same or corresponding elements, and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of a crutch according to the present invention, where the crutch has a storing or positioning system, in this particular case a coupling unit comprising a magnet.

Fig. 2A schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention, showing a crutch pair where both crutches have a storing or positioning system.

-4Fig. 2B shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention, where the crutch pair is coupled in a different orientation.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention, having a detachably attachable storing or positioning system.

[0024] The figures are meant for illustrative purposes only, and do not serve as restriction of the scope or the protection as laid down by the claims. Any of the features disclosed in the figures and/or in the description can be taken in isolation unless explicitly indicated that it cannot. Any feature in the figures and description having an explicit or implicit advantage can be the basis for a divisional application.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0025] Fig.l schematically shows an embodiment of a crutch 10 according to the invention.

[0026] The crutch 10, comprises of a frame 1 on which certain structures are affixed. These structures can be, for example, a handle 3 for gripping the crutch with ones hand while using it, an arm support structure 4 for resting ones lower- or upper arm for extra support, and a ground contact structure 2 for grip with the ground and damage prevention to the lower end of the crutch.

[0027] The frame 1 can be length adjustable in certain parts. For example, it might be possible to change the length of the frame 1 between the handle 3 and the ground contact structure 2, or between the arm support structure 4 and the handle 3.

[0028] The angle at which certain structures are affixed to the frame might be adjustable. For example, the angle at which the arm support structure 4 is affixed to the frame might be adjustable.

[0029] A storing or positioning system is also affixed to the frame 1. This storing or positioning system has a coupling unit 5 that is arranged to exert a coupling force. By means of the coupling force, the coupling unit 5 can be for example coupled to an external structure outside of the crutch 10. In this way, when the crutch 10 is in a coupled state with an external structure the crutch 10 is effectively coupled in a stable manner with the external structure. The external structure can be a wall, furniture, gate, vehicle, a second crutch, et cetera.

[0030] If the crutch 10 is in a coupled state with an external structure, the crutch 10 will not move with respect to the external structure. By coupling the crutch 10 in for example an upright position, the crutch is coupled in a stable manner with the external structure, and the

-5crutch will not fall down. Furthermore, because the crutch can be stored in a reliable way in an upright position, the owner of the crutch 10 who often has ambulation issues does not have to bend or pick up the crutch 10 from the ground.

[0031] The coupling unit 5 can be affixed anywhere on the frame 1, or on the affixed structures on the frame 1. Preferably, the coupling unit 5 is arranged on the upper part of the crutch 10, such that the user can bring the crutch 10 into a coupled and decoupled state while standing upright. More preferably, the coupling unit 5 is arranged on the arm support structure

4.

[0032] The coupling unit 5 in this embodiment comprises a magnet. The coupling force will be the magnetic force, and the external structure needs to be susceptible to the magnetic force, i.e. be attracted to the magnet. Examples of material usable for the external structure include ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic materials.

[0033] A magnet has the advantage that the storing or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit does not for example consist of a switch, a link, or a clicking system. In this way, the storing or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit 5 can be easily brought into a coupled state and into a decoupled state by relatively moving the crutch 10 in an opposite direction of the coupling force. In this way, for example an elderly person can easily make use of this invention without any inconvenience when bringing the crutch 10 into a coupled or decoupled state. Furthermore, structures that are susceptible to the magnetic force are found in abundance. This makes sure the invention is usable everywhere.

[0034] Fig. 2A schematically shows a side view of a pair of crutches 10, a first crutch 10 and a second crutch 10 according to the invention.

[0035] Each crutch 10 again comprises a frame 1, with affixed thereto a handle 3, an arm support structure 4 and a ground contact structure 2. A storing or positioning system is also affixed to each frame 1.

[0036] The storing or positioning system comprises a coupling unit 5. This coupling unit 5 of the first crutch 10 can again be a magnet. The coupling unit 5 of the second crutch 10 in this case can be a magnet as well, or any material susceptible to magnetic force. In this way the coupling unit 5 of the second crutch 10 acts as the external structure for the coupling unit 5 of the first crutch 10.

[0037] When the pair of crutches 10 is brought into a coupled state, i.e. when the first crutch 10 is coupled to the second crutch 10 via their respective coupling units 5, the pair of crutches 10 can be easily and stably stored. Since the pair of crutches 10 is an in coupled state, the pair of crutches 10 can be made to stand against a support structure without falling

-6down. The legs of the pair of crutches 10 in the coupled state and the support structure make sure the pair of crutches 10 does not fall over in this coupled state. Furthermore, because the pair of crutches 10 can be brought into a coupled state, the pair of crutches 10 can be made to take up as little room as possible when storing, thus minimizing the amount of storage space needed.

[0038] Because the coupling unit in this embodiment does not have any switches, links or clicking-systems, one obtains a degree of freedom in the coupling angle at which can couple. By adjusting the angle at which for example the pair of crutches 10 are coupled, different coupling angles can be reached.

[0039] Fig. 2B schematically shows a side view of a pair of crutches 10, wherein the coupling angle is adjusted. Because the coupling angle can be adjusted, the ease of use is greatly increased.

[0040] Fig. 3 schematically shows a different embodiment of the invention, having a storing or positioning system which can detachably attached to the crutch 10.

[0041] In this case the storing or positioning system is not affixed to the frame 1 or a structure affixed to the frame 1, but instead the storing or positioning system is detachably attached to the frame 1 or a structure affixed to the frame 1. To enable this, the storing or positioning system has attaching means 6 for detachably attaching the storing or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit 5 to the frame 1 or a structure affixed to the frame 1.

[0042] The attaching means 6 could be for example a clip, clicking-system, switch or link. This way the storing or positioning system can be detachably attached to the frame 1 via the attaching means 6 in an easy manner. Furthermore, the attaching means 6 make sure the storing or positioning system can be swapped or taken off of the crutch 10 in an easy manner. Another example of the attaching means 6 would be a guide, which can be fixed to a slit of the arm support structure 4.

[0043] While in the above embodiments a coupling unit 5 having a magnet was described, the invention is not limited to this. The coupling unit 5 can comprise anything that can create a magnetic coupling force. Preferably, the coupling unit 5 can be brought to a decoupled state by relatively moving the crutch in an opposite direction of the direction of the coupling force.

[0044] In embodiments the magnetic coupling force is a coupling force. In embodiment, instead of a magnet, or additionally, the crutch comprises as a coupling unit a suction cup or Velcro. In all of the above disclosures the magnet can be replaced by a suction cup.

Claims (9)

Clauses 1. A crutch (10), including a frame (1) having a handle (3), having an arm support structure (4) near one end of the frame (1) and having near another end a structure for contact with the ground (2) characterized in that the crutch (10) has a fault or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit (5) arranged to exert a magnetic coupling force. 2. The crutch (10) or clause 1, the coupling unit (5) allows the crutch (10) to be brought into a coupled state with an external structure, and the crutch (10) to the coupled state can be brought to a decoupled state with respect to the external structure by relatively moving the crutch (10) in an opposite direction of the direction of the coupling force. 3. The crutch (10) or any of the preceding clauses, the fault or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit (5) comprises a magnet. 4. The crutch (10) or any of the preceding clauses, the fault or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit (5) is placed on the one end of the frame (1). 5. The crutch (10) or any of the preceding clauses, where the fault or positioning system comprises a coupling unit (5) has attaching means (6) for detachably attaching the fault or positioning system that comprises a coupling unit (5) to the crutch (10). 6. Assembly of the crutch (10) or any of the preceding clauses, the assembly further including a second crutch (10) with a second frame (1) having a handle (3), having an arm support structure (4) near one end of the second frame (1) and heaving near another end a structure for contact with the ground (2), can be coupled to the crutch (10) using the coupling unit (5) by means of the coupling force. 7. The crutch (10) or clause 6, the second crutch (10) has a second fault or positioning system that comprises a second coupling unit (5). CONCLUSIONS A walking stool (10) comprising a frame (1) having a handle (3), having an arm supporting structure (4) near one end of the frame (1) and having, near the other end of the frame, a handle has a floor support point (2), characterized in that the walking stool (10) has a storage or positioning system which comprises a coupling unit (5) which is adapted to exert a magnetic force, 2. Walking crank according to claim 1, wherein the coupling unit (5) is arranged to bring the walking crank into a coupled state with an external structure, and the walking crank (10) in the coupled state can be disconnected from the external structure by the moving the traveling crank with respect to the external structure in an opposite direction of the coupling force. 3. Walking crank according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage or positioning system comprises a magnet. Walking crank according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage or positioning system comprises the coupling unit (5), which is placed near the handle or near the one end of the frame (5), and is preferably part of the arm supporting structure and more preferably that the coupling unit is arranged on one side of the frame and the handle and / or the arm supporting structure on the other side, Walking crank according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage or positioning system comprising the coupling unit (5) with a connecting means (6) can be releasably connected to the walking crank. A walking crank assembly (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly further comprises a second walking crank (10) with a second frame (1) provided with a handle (3) and provided with an arm supporting structure (4) ) near one end of the second frame (1) and provided with, near the other end) a floor support point (2), which second walking crank (10) can be coupled to the other walking crank with the coupling unit. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second traveling crank (10) is a 5 has a second storage or positioning system which comprises a second coupling unit for exerting an attractive force. An assembly according to claim 7, wherein the first and second coupling unit both have a magnet. A walking crank (10) comprising a frame (1) having a handle (3), having an arm supporting structure (4) near one end of the frame (1) and having a handle near the other end of the frame has a floor support point (2), characterized in that the walking stool (10) has a storage or positioning system that has a coupling unit (5) 15 which is adapted to exert an attractive force. 1/4