TW201919508A - crutch - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of crutches are disclosed. A crutch has a main body having a substantially vertical tubular member with a plurality of apertures formed therein; an angled portion extending upwardly from the substantially vertical tubular member; an arm rest support extending perpendicularly from the angled portion for receiving an arm rest; and a handle extending outwardly from the arm rest support. The crutch further includes a leg telescopically received into the substantially vertical tubular member, and a foot exchangably received by the leg.

Description

crutch

Crutches are one of the most widely used walkers worldwide. A crutch allows a user to support his or her body weight when the strength of the lower limbs is insufficient. Generally, a crutch is provided on both sides of the body and is usually configured to fit under the user's lower arm. The handle is positioned on the crutch and allows the user to distribute his weight between the user's lower arm, hand and wrist during use.

There are some disadvantages to traditional crutches. Due to the uncomfortable positioning of the cane at the lower arm, many people have difficulty using the cane to coordinate movement. In addition, the user will quickly become fatigued, and the stress on the user's hand and wrist will further cause permanent damage. It would be desirable to have a crutch that allows the user to transition more easily and allows the user to use his elbows and / or upper arms to support the weight.

A simplified overview of the invention is presented below to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify important elements of the invention or to limit the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In one embodiment, a crutch has: a body having a substantially vertical tubular member and a plurality of apertures formed in the substantially vertical tubular member; an inclined portion extending upwardly from the substantially vertical tubular member An armrest support member that extends vertically from the inclined portion to receive an armrest member; and a handle that extends outward from the armrest support member. The crutch further includes a leg telescopically received into the substantially vertical tubular member and a foot seat replaceably received by the leg.

In another embodiment, a crutch includes: a body having a tubular member and an armrest extending outwardly from the tubular member; and a leg telescopically received by the tubular member, the leg having Removably secured to one of its feet. The armrest has a bracket configured to receive a user's forearm.

In yet another embodiment, a crutch has: a body having a tubular member including a first end and a second end; an inclined portion extending outward from the first end of the tubular member, the inclined portion There is a concave back for forming a cavity therein; an arm rests on a support member that extends outward from the inclined portion; and a handle extends outwardly from the arm by the support member. A first end of one leg is telescopically received by the second end of the tubular member, and a foot is removably received by a second end of the leg.

In another embodiment, a crutch includes a main body, a leg, and a foot. The main body has an armrest support including a front end and a rear end. The front end has an opening formed in one of its front surfaces. In addition to the armrest support, the main body also has a handle extending outward from a front end of the armrest support. The handle does not extend from the opening in the front end. The leg is received in the opening of the front end of the arm against the support and includes a first inclined section and a second substantially vertical section. The first inclined section and the second substantially vertical section have an overall configuration or constitute a single component. The first inclined section is received into the opening in the front end. The foot is replaceably received into the leg.

According to another embodiment, a crutch has a main body including an armrest support and a handle. The arm rest has a elbow end, a front end and a connection point. The connection point end defines a front surface having a first opening formed therein. The lower edge forms a second opening. The handle extends outward from a front end of the arm against one of the support members but does not extend from the first opening or the second opening. The crutch further includes a leg operatively connected to the body. In a first configuration, the leg is received into one of the first opening and the second opening. In a second configuration, the leg is received into the other of the first opening and the second opening. The leg is selectively switchable between the first configuration and the second configuration.

In another embodiment, a crutch has a main body and a leg. The main body has an armrest support including a front end and a rear end. The front end defines a front surface having an opening formed therein. A second opening is formed on a lower edge of one of the main bodies. An armrest is hingedly connected to the rear end of the armrest support. One leg is operatively connected to the main body. In a first configuration, the leg is received into one of the first opening and the second opening. In a second configuration, the leg is received into the other of the first opening and the second opening. The leg is selectively switchable between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 557,237, filed on September 12, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Examples of crutches are disclosed herein. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, a crutch 100 has a main structure 105 and a leg 150 attached to a replaceable foot 160 for contacting the ground. The main body 105 may include a substantially vertical tubular member 110 guided to one of a first inclined portion 113, the first inclined portion 113 extending upward at an angle to a second opposite inclined portion 115 guided to an arm rest support 118, The armrest support 118 has a handle 140 extending therefrom.

1 and 4, the main body vertical tubular member 110 may be hollow to receive the leg 150. As will be described in more detail below, the leg 150 may be equipped with a mechanical fastening structure, such as a quick release button, which may engage with an aperture 112 formed in a back surface of one of the vertical tubular members 110.

The vertical tubular member 110 extends upward toward the first inclined portion 113, and the first inclined portion 113 extends upward in a forward direction at a predetermined angle between 0 ° and 90 ° with respect to the horizontal. The first inclined portion 113 may also be hollow to form a gap 116 therein. The void 116 can be used, for example, as a pocket for storing a user's valuables, such as a key or a cellular phone, or can be equipped to hold other personal items such as a water bottle. To prevent the contents of the cavity 116 from sliding and to minimize movement within the cavity 116, the cavity 116 may be equipped with a rubber (or other similar material) coating. In addition, the handle 117 may be formed into a side of the inclined portion 113 to facilitate carrying the crutch 100.

The first inclined portion 113 is designed so that the crutch 100 has shock-absorbing performance. When the user relies on the crutch 100 and a part of the weight of the user is transferred to the crutch 100, the inclined portion 113 is allowed to slightly flex, so that the inclined portion 113 absorbs a part of the force to transfer the transferred force from the user's arm, hand and / or lower arm Turn away. As shown in FIG. 4, the rib 116 may be formed or placed around the inner surface of the inclined portion 113 to reinforce the inclined portion 113 and the main body 105. Although not shown in the drawings, a cover may be provided to snap (or otherwise attach) to the main body 105 to cover the ribs 116.

Then and as described above, the first inclined portion 113 extends upward to the second inclined portion 115, and the second inclined portion 115 extends outward from the first inclined portion 113 to form an armrest support 118. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, the armrest support 118 may be configured to engage with an armrest 124. The armrest 124 may include a bracket 125 configured to receive a user's forearm. Therefore, the bracket 125 may include: a first end including an elbow seat 127 for receiving a user's elbow; and a second open end 128 opposite the elbow seat 127 to allow the user's arm Extend from it. As will be described in more detail below, the strap 129 may be disposed and fixed at a position along the outer edge of the bracket 125.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 3A, and 3B, in one embodiment, the bracket 125 may be hinged to the armrest support 118 via a hinged connection 122. The bracket 125 is pivotable about the hinged connection 122, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The teeth 130 may be disposed along one of the lower sides of the bracket 125, and the teeth 130 may be engaged with the apertures 119A, 119B formed in the armrest support 118. The bracket 125 may be fixed to the armrest support 118 via, for example, a slide lock 123 to prevent the bracket 125 from accidentally or inappropriately disengaging from the armrest support 118.

In another embodiment, the bracket 125 and the armrest support 118 may have an integral configuration.

In one embodiment, the armrest support 118 may be held at a fixed position of about 0 ° to about 15 ° relative to the horizontal. Therefore, the armrest 124 can also be held at a position of about 0 ° to about 15 ° with respect to the horizontal.

A cushion 126, such as a foam insert, may be provided in the bracket 125 to provide maximum comfort and shock absorption. In an embodiment, the cushion 126 may extend above the side of the bracket 125. Here, the pad 126 may provide a friction interface between the bracket 125 and a surface on which the crutch 100 is reliably positioned. Foams of different densities can be used depending on the specific requirements and comfort of the user. Furthermore, multiple layers of foam and / or other padding may be used to pad the bracket 125. The pad 126 may be expected to be hydrophobic and / or antibacterial to resist sweat and prevent microbial growth. In addition, fabrics can be provided for added comfort. The elbow seat 127 may further include a gel pocket, either alone or embedded in a foam lining to provide additional cushioning, as the elbow seat 127 can receive most of the user's weight. In one embodiment, the pad 126 may be composed of a first layer of single-density foam, a gel cavity encapsulated at the area of the elbow seat 127, and a second layer of antibacterial fabric.

The liner 126 is removable so that the user can replace the liner. Therefore, the pad 126 may be fixed to the bracket 125 via an adhesive (such as a double-sided tape, a Velcro, etc.) or a mechanical attachment (such as a hook, a hook, etc.). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the pad 126 may beneficially have perforations to facilitate air flow.

An upper arm sleeve is optionally attached to the back of the elbow bracket 125. The upper arm sleeve may provide stability to the crutch 100 during use. The upper arm sleeve may be allowed to flex to allow the user's arm to move naturally while supporting the user's upper arm. In an embodiment, the upper arm sleeve may include a first arm and a second arm, which are positioned on both sides of the elbow bracket 125 and are attached to the elbow bracket using a spring-loaded hinge or other suitable mechanical fastening mechanism . A strap can be secured to the free end of the arm and can be configured to partially or fully wrap the user's upper arm. The spring-loaded hinge can be biased against the upper arm sleeve in the direction of the user's arm. During use, the user's arm can overcome the spring force to bias the upper arm sleeve in the opposite direction. Therefore, the upper arm sleeve can be configured to maintain continuous contact with the upper arm of the user.

The armrest 124 may further be equipped with a strap 129 to hold a user's arm in the bracket 125. The strap 129 may include a sling, one end of which is fixed to respective positions along both sides of the bracket 125, and the other end extending at least partially above the bracket 125. To allow the straps 129 to be positioned personally, apertures (such as the apertures shown at 331 in FIG. 8) may be formed along either or both sides of the length of the bracket 125 to serve as attachment points for the straps 129. Various fastening mechanisms may be employed on one end of the sling to secure the strap 129 to the bracket 125, such as hooks, rivets, screws, and the like. Alternatively, a t-shaped rod groove may be formed along the outer edge of the bracket 125, and the sling may be equipped with a respective t-shaped rod to engage with the t-shaped rod groove. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that the t-bar slot / t-bar fastening mechanism may allow the user the most flexibility in selecting the best position for the strap 129.

The strap 129 can be configured to restrain the user's arm during normal use of the crutch 100, but allows the user's arm to be quickly released as needed. Therefore, the strap 129 may be made of a flexible plastic or other flexible material. An exemplary material is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) that can be easily molded according to the size and shape of a user's arm. To mold the EVA strap 129, a user can place individual straps into boiling water to make the EVA malleable. The sling can then be bent into the desired shape.

In another embodiment, the device may additionally or alternatively secure the user's arm in the bracket 125 using a Velcro or other similar strap. Other exemplary strap mechanisms may include the use of rigid (eg, hard plastic) slings hinged to the bracket 125, such as the slings shown in Figs. 3A and 3B. Respective rigid slings may be positioned opposite each other on both sides of the bracket 125 or on one side of the bracket 125 and extend partially above the bracket 125. A gap may be provided between the rigid straps extending from both sides of the bracket 125 to allow the user to break free of the straps.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that apertures (eg, 331) formed in the cradle 125 may provide additional or alternative benefits to the user. For example, specially designed hooks, clamps, trays, containers, or other accessories can be attached to crutches 100 to allow users to carry items they could not otherwise carry, such as wallets or handbags, grocery baskets, food trays, kettles, laundry Baskets, drinks, phones and more.

Next, as briefly described above, the handle 140 extends outward from the arm against the support 118. The handle 140 may include an extension member 142 and a holding portion 144. The extension member 142 may be, for example, a telescopic rod having a proximal end 142B and a distal end 142A. The proximal end 142B is configured to engage a channel 121 formed in an underside of the armrest support 118. To provide the most comfortable and natural fit, the channel 121 may be beneficially offset from the center of the arm against the center of the support 118 by about 0 ° to about 25 °. To customize the length of the extension members 142, the extension members 142 may be equipped with one or more quick-release buttons (or other suitable locking devices) for engaging with the respective openings 120 (FIGS. 2 and 3B). The arm of the channel 121 is formed by one length of the support member 118. To locate the extension member 142, a user (or one of the users assisting) can release the locking device from the opening 120 in the channel 121. Then, the extension member 142 can be moved in a desired direction until the locking device on the extension member 142 is engaged with the desired opening 120. This procedure can be repeated until the handle 140 is located at the desired distance.

Alternatively, the grip portion 144 may be equipped with a length adjustment mechanism (such as a button 144A) that releases the extension member 142 from its engagement with the channel 121 to move the extension member 142 to a desired position. In one embodiment, the button can be connected to a cable mechanism that can be engaged to an element connected to a locking pin to move the handle 140 to the correct position of the user.

The grip portion 144 may be fixed to the distal end of the extension member 142A at an angle between about 0 ° and about 15 ° relative to the vertical and extend vertically from the distal end of the extension member 142A. In one embodiment, the holding portion 144 can be fixed to the extension member 142 via a bracket 136. In another embodiment, the grip portion 144 may be fixed for maximum rotation via one or more hinges 137 or a ball joint (eg, FIG. 3A). The handle 140 may be configured to tilt along the x-z plane (eg, toward and away from the user) and rotate around the y-z plane (eg, to the left or right of the user). A button (for example, a button 144A) may be provided on the handle holding portion 144 to release the holding portion 144 to be fixed on the extension member 142. Therefore, in order to rotate the holding portion 144 around the extending portion 142, the user can, for example, press the button 144A and move the holding portion 144 to a desired position.

Additional embodiments of the handle 140 may alternatively be implemented to provide additional or alternative benefits to the user. Various mechanisms can lock the handle 140 in a desired position. In one embodiment, the grip 144 and the extension member 142 may be equipped with respective threads. To move the grip 144, the grip 144 can be "unscrewed" and rotated into the desired position, and then rotated in the opposite direction to lock the grip 144 in place.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the legs 150 are telescopically engaged with the substantially vertical tubular member 110 of the main body 105. Accordingly, the legs 150 may be equipped with one or more quick-release connectors 152 (or other suitable fastening mechanisms) that may interact with corresponding apertures 112 formed in the substantially vertical tubular member 110. The quick release connector 152 may be provided at various locations along the leg 150 (eg, at the top of the leg 150, near the middle of the leg 150, etc., as shown in FIG. 4) to allow maximum height adjustment.

In order to change the position of the leg 150, the user (or a person helping the user) can press the quick release connector 152 to move the leg 150 into and out of the tubular member 110 until the desired height is reached. For ease of transportation, it may be desirable to insert the legs 150 into the tubular member 110 as much as possible to minimize the footprint of the crutch 100.

As shown in the figure, the feet 160 may extend from the legs 150 and may be configured to provide a component for effective and comfortable contact with the ground. Usually, a person's foot moves from heel to toe while walking. However, prior art crutches often have a rubber end that is completely flat. Although rubber can have some elasticity to move with people, the natural tendency of the feet is to be completely flat on the ground.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the foot 160 may include: a neck 162 having at least one mechanical fastener (such as a quick-release connector 166) formed thereon; and a hollow ring member 164, which extends downward from the neck 162. The neck 162 of the foot 160 can be received into the end of the leg 150 such that the mechanical fastener 166 engages an aperture 154 formed in the leg 150 to secure the foot 160 to the leg 160. Therefore, it should be understood that the feet 50 may be replaceable.

The stand 160 may be formed of a flexible plastic such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), which may allow the ring member 164 of the stand 160 to be slightly compressed when a force is applied to the crutch 100, thereby providing additional Shock absorption benefits. Alternatively, different strength materials can be used to accommodate a weight range. Due to the annular nature of the feet 160, the crutch 100 can move on the ground in a more natural way, because the feet 160 can mimic the movement of a human foot when it is traveling on the ground.

The hollow ring member 164 may be covered with a bottom surface 168 for gripping the ground. Since the feet 160 can be replaced due to the ability to remove the feet 160 from the ends of the legs 150, various foot configurations can be provided for a particular situation. For example, there are different underside patterns that adapt to the weather. Therefore, a replaceable foot 160 can be equipped with a bottom surface design suitable for daily use. Other replaceable feet 160 are available for indoor use, in rainy, icy, and / or snowy days. In addition, other types or shapes of feet are also desirable. For example, there are situations in which a ready-made crutch stand can be expected. In addition, when the user desires to use the crutch 100 in a motion manner, he / she would like to use a carbon fiber foot stand. Further types of feet that can be incorporated on crutches 100 include tripods or quadrupes that can improve the stability of crutches 100.

In another embodiment, to provide further grip, an opening may be formed in the lower edge of the hollow ring member 164, and the upper edge of the hollow ring member 164 may be equipped with a pin. When the user walks, the force of the user's weight on the crutch 100 can cause the foot 160 to be slightly compressed to cause the pin to protrude through the opening and into the ground. It should be understood that it is not desirable to have a pin base 160 for use on hard floors such as concrete or asphalt.

In one embodiment, the foot base 160 may be equipped with a cover that slides to a suitable position above the foot base 160 after activating a trigger. The trigger may be positioned on, for example, the handle 140 of the crutch 100, and the user may activate the trigger to cause the cover to move into the appropriate position above the foot 160. Then, the trigger can be pressed again to remove the cover from the foot base 160 or completely separate the cover from the foot base 160.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a crutch 200. The crutch 200 is substantially similar to the embodiment 100 except that it is shown and / or described herein or is inherent in itself. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiment 100 (and thus embodiment 200) may be modified in various ways, such as, for example, by incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments. For consistency and brevity, component symbols between 200 and 299 may be used to indicate components that correspond to component symbols between 100 and 199 discussed above, but with some reference or description deviations.

In an embodiment 200, the armrest 224 is pivotably connected to the main body 205 and / or the leg 250 via a hinged connection 270. Therefore, the armrest 224 can be rotated from 0 ° to 135 ° relative to the horizontal, as shown in the figure. To accommodate the rotation of the armrest 224, the main body 205 can be modified to form an opening therein to receive the armrest 224. In addition, the legs 250 may include one of the inclined portions 253 for providing the crutch 200 with cushioning benefits, as shown in the figure. Therefore, the legs 250 may be formed of any material sufficient to allow the legs 250 to flex slightly and then return to its original position.

The crutch 200 may be configured such that, for example, a button on the handle 240 allows a user to easily change the position of the armrest 224. This can be especially useful when the user is going up or down, for example.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a crutch 300. The crutch 300 is substantially similar to the embodiment 100 except that it is shown and / or described herein or is inherent in itself. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiment 100 (and thus embodiment 300) may be modified in various ways, such as, for example, by incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments. For consistency and brevity, the component symbols between 300 and 399 may be used to indicate components corresponding to the component symbols between 100 and 199 discussed above, but with some reference or description deviations.

In the embodiment 300, the leg 350 may be a single straight leg tube. The body 305 may include a single substantially vertical tubular member 310 (which is used to interact with the legs 350) and an arm rest support 318. The armrest support 318 may be fixed to the substantially vertical tubular member 310 at an angle between about 0 ° to about 15 ° with respect to the horizontal. A bracket 325 may be received into the armrest support 318, and a handle 340 may extend from the armrest support 318, as described above.

10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment 400 including two or more crutches described herein for forming a walker. For ease of reference, the walker 400 is described with reference to the use of a crutch according to Embodiment 100. It should be understood, however, that any of the crutches 100, 200, 300 described herein may be alternatively or additionally incorporated into the embodiment 400 as appropriate.

In the embodiment 400, two crutches 100 can be fastened together to form a walker 400. Here, the crutches 100 can be attached together via a bracket 480 (FIG. 10). A mechanical fastener such as a screw may be used to secure the brackets 480 to each of the respective crutches 100. Alternatively, each individual crutch 100 may be equipped with a member for receiving one end of a structural rod member 485. The crutch 100 can be placed in a parallel position, and the structural rod member 485 can be received by the crutch 100 and fixed in place to form a walker 400. To provide stability, the stand 470 of the crutch 100 can be extended. In another embodiment (not shown) of the walker 400, the walker 400 may include four crutches 100 fixed together in an open square configuration via a bracket 480 and / or a structural rod member 485. In addition, the casters 471 can be placed in the corners (for example, at the ends of the extension feet, at the feet, etc.) to improve maneuverability.

Various additional devices can also be incorporated into each of the crutches 100, 200, 300, and 400. For example, a pedometer can be housed in a device (eg, in the main body 105) to track the amount of activity. The pedometer can communicate wirelessly with, for example, a smartphone or other tracking device. Other electronic or multi-purpose modules can be included to measure and provide information about other physiological parameters, such as blood pressure and heart rate monitors and components for tracking calories burned. Additional metrics that can be tracked include speed, stress points, minutes of crutches used per day, and more. The data can be relevant to development tools for managing user health and maximizing crutch life.

In addition, each crutch 100 may be equipped with a component for snapping, locking, or otherwise attaching the crutch pair 100 together to carry the crutch 100. In one embodiment, a magnet can be disposed in the main body 105 of each of the crutches 100 so that the crutches 100 stick together when they are positioned together. In another embodiment, a first crutch 100 can be equipped with a hook and a second crutch 100 is equipped with a member for engaging with the hook, so that the crutch 100 can be attached for transportation. Additionally or alternatively, other attachment members may be appropriate for connecting the individual crutches together.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 19, which illustrate an alternative embodiment of a crutch 500, the crutch 500 is substantially similar to the embodiment 100 except that it is shown and / or described herein or is inherent in itself. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiment 100 (and therefore embodiment 500) may be modified in various ways, such as, for example, by incorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments. For consistency and brevity, the component symbols between 500 and 599 may be used to indicate components corresponding to the component symbols between 100 and 199 discussed above, but with some reference or description deviations.

The crutch 500 includes a main body 505, a leg 550, and a foot stand 560. Similar to the main body 105, the main body 505 includes an armrest support 518 and an armrest 524. The armrest 524 has a bracket 525 including an elbow seat 527. The armrest 524 is rotatably attached to the armrest support 518 at a hinged connection 522 as appropriate. The strap 529 extends above the bracket 525 to hold the user's arm in place within the bracket 525. A handle 540 extends from the arm against the support 518.

However, here, the body 505 has a lower profile than one of the higher-profile bodies 105. Although the main body 105 includes a substantially vertical tubular member 110 and an inclined portion 113 extending from a part of the main body 105, the main body 505 is truncated at a connection point 507a. The connection point 507a is positioned away from the handle 540 toward the elbow seat 527. The connection points 507a include a first opening 511 and a second opening 512, respectively. A first opening 511 (FIG. 15) is formed into a lower edge 508 of one of the connection points 507a. The second opening 512 may be formed into a front surface 509 of one of the connection points 507a. The openings 511 and 512 are configured to receive the legs 550, as described in more detail below.

In addition, one rear end 507b (which includes the elbow seat 527) of one of the main bodies may be cut into, for example, a half-moon shape (FIG. 15). The incision provides clearance to the user's arm when the user's arm is extended. As mentioned above, the strap 529 extending above the bracket 525 holds the user's arm in place within the bracket 525. The strap 529 may be gathered inward in the direction of the handle 540 as appropriate. Therefore, the user's elbow can be comfortably extended so that when the user's forearm is held in place in the bracket 525, the user's arm is straightened.

Next, the leg 550 optionally includes a first inclined section 551 and a second vertical section 552, as shown in at least FIG. 12. The first section and the second section may have a unitary configuration (ie, integrally formed from a single material). The second vertical section 552 is optionally configured to receive a third section 553 that can be separately (but not necessarily) separated from the first section 551 and the second section 552. The third section 553 may include a quick-release connector 555 (similar to the quick-release connector 152). The quick release connector 555 can be engaged with a hole formed in the second vertical section 552 to lengthen and shorten the crutch 500 according to the needs of the user.

The first inclined section 551 may be at an angle between about 0 ° and about 45 ° to the vertical. In one embodiment, the angle with respect to the perpendicular may be about 15 °. In an embodiment, the angle of the first inclined section 551 may be oriented along a front-to-back direction, as seen in FIG. 12.

As shown in FIGS. 15 to 19, the leg 550 is engaged with the main body 505 via the openings 511 and 512. In one of the first configurations shown in FIGS. 14 to 15, the leg 550 is inserted into the opening 511. Here, the leg 550 is inserted into the opening such that the first inclined section 551 is inclined toward the handle 540, and the second vertical section 552 and the rear end 507b of the main body 505 are substantially perpendicular to each other, as shown in FIG. 14. As described, when the leg 550 is inserted into the opening 511, the main body 505 is substantially parallel to the ground, as shown in FIG.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 to 19, in a second configuration, the legs 550 are inserted into the openings 512. Here, the leg 550 can be rotated to insert it into the opening 512. When the legs 550 are engaged with the opening 512, the main body 505 is inclined downward toward the ground, as shown in FIG.

In an example, the user may be expected to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration, or vice versa. In order to move from the first configuration to the second configuration, the user can only remove the legs 550 from the respective openings 511 or 512, and roughly position the legs 550 so that the angle of the legs 550 is suitable for the desired position of the main body 505, and The leg 550 is inserted into another opening 512 or 511. When the user changes the configuration of the crutch 500, the user completely removes the leg 550 to avoid contact with the main body 505. Then, when the leg 550 is re-inserted into the desired opening 511 or 512, contact is re-established.

The legs 550 may include one or more quick-release connections (or other mechanical fasteners) for engaging with respective ones of the apertures 511 or 512 in the body 505 to keep the respective legs 550 in place. The openings 511 and 512 may include a locking mechanism, such as a quick release connector, a washer, a lever locking mechanism, and the like, for holding the main body 505 in place on the leg 550. In an embodiment, the leg 550 has a locking mechanism engaged with a corresponding structure on the main body 505 to maintain the main body 505 connected thereto. In an embodiment, the legs 550 may be held in place via a friction fit with one of the respective openings 511 or 512. The leg 550 is optionally provided with a structure operatively interfacing with a locking mechanism on the main body 505 to fix the leg 550 to the main body 505, such as a cap and a bevel. In one embodiment, the body 505 includes a single quick release connection that engages the leg 550 when the leg 550 is inserted into the opening 511 or the opening 512. The corresponding openings in the legs 550 ensure that the legs are properly inserted. For example, when the leg 550 is inserted into the opening 511, one of the openings on one of the first sides of the leg 550 may be engaged with the quick release connection. When the leg 550 is inserted into the opening 512, one of the openings on one of the second side (e.g., opposite the first side) of the leg 550 may be engaged with the quick release connection. The openings in the respective first and second sides of the legs 550 need not be on the same horizontal plane.

FIG. 20 illustrates a group of legs 650 inclined in a side-by-side orientation. In one embodiment, the legs 650 may be bent or otherwise oriented away from a center point of the user. The angle here allows the respective legs 650 to provide additional support to the user, as the legs 650 extend away from the side of the user's body. In addition, when the leg 650 of the crutch 500 provides support, the configuration keeps the user's arm in a comfortable position close to the body. In addition, the leg 650 may include an inclined portion similar to one of the inclined portion 551 to allow the body 505 to be attached to the leg 650, as described herein. Alternatively, the legs 650 may be used with the main body 105. Here, the leg 650 may include a substantially vertical portion to which the body 105 is attached, similar to the embodiment 100 described herein. However, the legs 650 may be tilted as shown in the figures to provide enhanced stability to the user.

Many different configurations of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Embodiments of the invention are described herein for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can develop and implement alternative components for revealing improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are practical and can be adopted without reference to other features and sub-combinations and are expected to be within the scope of the patent application. It is not necessary to implement all the steps listed in the various drawings and descriptions in the specific order described. The description should not be limited to the specific described embodiments.

100‧‧‧ crutches

105‧‧‧ Subject

110‧‧‧Vertical tubular parts

112‧‧‧ Pore

113‧‧‧First slope

115‧‧‧ second slope

116‧‧‧voids / cavities / ribs

117‧‧‧Handle

118‧‧‧ Armrest Support

119A‧‧‧ Pore

119B‧‧‧ Pore

120‧‧‧ opening

121‧‧‧channel

122‧‧‧ hinged connection

123‧‧‧ Slide lock

124‧‧‧arm rest

125‧‧‧ Bracket

126‧‧‧ cushion

127‧‧‧ elbow

128‧‧‧ second open end

129‧‧‧Band

130‧‧‧tooth

136‧‧‧Scaffold

137‧‧‧ hinge

140‧‧‧Handle

142‧‧‧ extension

142A‧‧‧Remote

142B‧‧‧Proximal

144‧‧‧holding part

144A‧‧‧ button

150‧‧‧ legs

152‧‧‧Quick Release Connector

154‧‧‧ Pore

160‧‧‧foot

162‧‧‧ neck

164‧‧‧Ring

166‧‧‧Quick Release Connector / Mechanical Fastener

168‧‧‧ underside

200‧‧‧ crutches

205‧‧‧Subject

224‧‧‧arm rest

240‧‧‧Handle

250‧‧‧ legs

253‧‧‧inclined

270‧‧‧ hinged connection

300‧‧‧ crutches

305‧‧‧Subject

310‧‧‧Vertical Tubular Parts

318‧‧‧arm back support

325‧‧‧carriage

331‧‧‧ Pore

340‧‧‧Handle

350‧‧‧ legs

400‧‧‧ Walker

470‧‧‧foot

471‧‧‧ caster

480‧‧‧ Bracket

485‧‧‧ Structural rod components

500‧‧‧ crutches

505‧‧‧Subject

507a‧‧‧connection point

507b‧‧‧back

508‧‧‧ lower edge

509‧‧‧ front surface

511‧‧‧first opening

512‧‧‧Second opening

518‧‧‧arm back support

522‧‧‧ hinged connection

524‧‧‧arm back

525‧‧‧carriage

527‧‧‧Elbow

529‧‧‧Band

540‧‧‧Handle

550‧‧‧ legs

551‧‧‧First inclined section

552‧‧‧Second vertical section

553‧‧‧Third Session

555‧‧‧Quick Release Connector

560‧‧‧foot

650‧‧‧ legs

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crutch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one of the crutches according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a side view of one of the crutches according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3A is a side view showing one of the crutches of the arm rest bracket in an open position.

3B is a top perspective view of one of the crutches of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of one of the crutches according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a front view of one of the crutches according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a top view of one of the crutches according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a crutch according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a crutch according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of a foot stand according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of one of two crutches fixed together to form a walker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front view of one embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a crutch according to another embodiment of the present invention. The crutch has a first configuration.

FIG. 13 is a front view of one of the crutches of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an expanded view of one of the crutches of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a close-up development view of one of the main parts of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of one of the crutches of FIG. 12 in a second configuration.

FIG. 17 is an expanded view of one of the crutches of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a rotation close-up expanded view of one of the main parts of the crutch of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a close up view of one of the main bodies of the walking stick of FIG. 16.

Figure 20 is a front view of one of the legs of a crutch according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (20)

A crutch includes: a main body comprising: an arm rest support member having a front end and a rear end, the front end having an opening formed in one of its front surfaces; and a handle extending from the arm A front end of one of the support members extends outward, wherein the handle does not extend from the opening in the front end; a leg is received in the opening of the front end of the arm support member, the leg includes a first The inclined section and a second substantially vertical section, the first inclined section and the second substantially vertical section have an overall configuration, wherein the first inclined section is received into the opening in the front end Medium; and a foot that is replaceably received into the leg. The crutch of claim 1, wherein the first inclined section is oriented at an angle along a front-to-back direction. The crutch of claim 2, wherein the angle is between about 0 ° and about 45 ° relative to the vertical. The crutch of claim 1, wherein the rear end of the main body includes an elbow seat for receiving an elbow of a user. The crutch of claim 4, wherein the elbow includes a semicircular cut above the user's elbow. The crutch of claim 1, wherein the armrest support further comprises an armrest, and the armrest is hingedly connected to the armrest support. The crutch of claim 1, wherein the first section includes a bevel for selectively interfacing with a locking mechanism in the main body. As in the crutch of claim 7, wherein the third section is oriented at an angle along side by side. The crutch of claim 1, wherein the main body further includes a second opening at a lower edge of the front end. For example, the crutch of claim 9, wherein the leg is selectively replaceably received by one of the first opening and the second opening, wherein: in a first configuration, the leg is received to the main body. In the first opening; and in a second configuration, receiving the leg into the second opening of the main body. A crutch includes: a main body comprising: an armrest support member having an elbow end, a front end, and a connection point defining a front surface having a first opening formed therein; and Forming a lower edge of a second opening; and a handle extending outward from the front end of the arm against the support, wherein the handle does not extend from the first opening or the second opening; and a leg; wherein: a In a first configuration, the leg is received in one of the first opening and the second opening; in a second configuration, the leg is received in one of the first opening and the second opening. The other; and the leg is selectively convertible between the first configuration and the second configuration. As in the crutch of claim 11, wherein the leg includes a first inclined portion and a second substantially vertical portion, the first portion and the second portion have an overall configuration. The crutch of claim 11, further comprising an armrest, which is hingedly connected to the armrest support. The crutch of claim 13, wherein the armrest includes an elbow seat. For example, the crutch of claim 11, wherein the first opening is reinforced by a supporting structure disposed behind the front surface of the connection point, the supporting structure having a corresponding opening for receiving one of the legs. The crutch of claim 11, wherein at least one of the main body and the leg has a locking structure for temporarily fixing the main body to one of the legs in the first configuration and the second configuration. A crutch includes: a main body comprising: an arm rest support member having a front end and a rear end, the front end defining a front surface having a first opening formed therein and forming a second opening A lower edge; and an armrest hingedly connected to the rear end of the armrest support; a leg; wherein: in a first configuration, the leg is received into the first opening and the first One of the two openings; in a second configuration, the leg is received into the other of the first opening and the second opening; and the leg is selectively convertible to the first configuration Shape and the second configuration. The crutch of claim 17, wherein at least one of the main body and the leg has a locking structure for temporarily fixing the main body to one of the legs in the first configuration and the second configuration. The crutch of claim 17, wherein the leg includes an inclined portion and a substantially vertical portion. The crutch of claim 19, wherein the inclined portion is received into one of the first opening and the second opening.