TWI780223B - 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

The present invention relates to a crutch.

Crutches are one of the most widely used walking aids in the world. Crutches allow the user to support their body weight when the lower body strength is insufficient. Typically, a crutch is provided on either side 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 when in use.

There are some disadvantages to traditional crutches. Many people have difficulty coordinating movement with crutches due to the uncomfortable positioning of the crutches in the lower arm. In addition, the user becomes fatigued quickly and the stress on the user's hands and wrists can further cause permanent damage. It may be desirable to have a cane that allows the user to transition more easily and allows the user to use their elbows and/or upper arms to support their body weight.

A simplified summary of the invention is presented below in order 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 key 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 A 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 arm support member extending vertically from the inclined portion to receive an arm and a handle extending outward from the arm support. 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 arm rest extending outwardly from the tubular member; and a leg telescopically received by the tubular member, the leg having Removably secured to one of the 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 pocket therein; an arm support extending outward from the inclined portion; and a handle extending outward from the arm support. A first end of a leg is telescopically received by the second end of the tubular member, and a foot is removably received by the second end of the leg.

In yet another embodiment, a crutch includes a body, a leg, and a base. The main body has an arm rest 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 arm support, the main body also has a handle extending outward from a front end of the arm 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 armrest 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 integral configuration or form a single component. The first sloped 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 body including an arm support and a handle. The armrest support has an 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 outwards from a front end of the arm support 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 yet another embodiment, a crutch has a body and a leg. The main body has an arm rest support including a front end and a rear end. The front end defines a front surface having an opening formed therein. A lower edge of the main body forms a second opening. An arm rest is hingedly connected to the rear end of the arm rest support. A leg is operably 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.

100: Crutches

105: subject

110: vertical tubular part

112: porosity

113: first inclined part

115: second inclined part

116: Gap/pocket/rib

117: handle

118: arm rest support

119A: porosity

119B: porosity

120: opening

121: channel

122: hinged connection

123: slide lock

124: arm rest

125: Bracket

126: Liner

127: elbow seat

128: second open end

129: strap

130: teeth

136: Bracket

137: hinge

140: handle

142: Extension part

142A: far end

142B: near end

144: Grip part

144A: button

150: outrigger

152:Quick release connector

154: porosity

160: foot seat

162: Neck

164: ring parts

166: Quick Release Connector/Mechanical Fastener

168: Bottom

200: Crutches

205: subject

224: arm rest

240: handle

250: outrigger

253: inclined part

270:Hinged connection

300: Crutches

305: subject

310: Vertical Tubular Parts

318: arm support

325: Bracket

331: porosity

340: handle

350: outrigger

400: Walker

470: foot seat

471: small casters

480: Bracket

485: Structural Rod Parts

500: Crutches

505: subject

507a: Connection point

507b: Backend

508: lower edge

509: front surface

510: front end

511: first opening

512: second opening

518: arm support

522: hinged connection

524: arm rest

525: Bracket

527: elbow seat

529: Straps

540: handle

550: Outrigger

551: the first inclined section

552: Second vertical section

553: The third segment

555: Quick release connector

560: foot seat

650: outrigger

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 the crutch according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

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

Figure 3A is a side view showing the crutch with the arm resting on the bracket in an open position.

Fig. 3B is a top perspective view of the crutch of Fig. 3A.

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

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

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

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 base according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of two crutches secured together to form a walking aid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a front view of the embodiment of Fig. 10 .

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

Figure 13 is a front view of the crutch of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is an expanded view of the crutch in Figure 12.

Fig. 15 is a close-up expanded view of the main part of Fig. 14 .

Figure 16 is a side perspective view of the crutch of Figure 12 in a second configuration.

Fig. 17 is an expanded view of the crutch of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a rotated close-up view of the main part of the crutch in Fig. 16 .

Figure 19 is a rotated close up view of the main body of the crutch of Figure 16 .

Fig. 20 is a front view of a leg of a crutch according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/557,237, filed September 12, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Embodiments of crutches are disclosed herein. In one embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 Here, a crutch 100 has a main body 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 leading to a first angled portion 113 extending upwardly at an angle to a second angled portion 115 leading to an armrest support 118. The support 118 has a handle 140 extending therefrom.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 , the main body vertical tubular member 110 may be hollow to receive the legs 150 . As will be described in more detail below, the leg 150 may be provided with a mechanical fastening structure, such as a quick release button, engageable with the aperture 112 formed in a back side of the vertical tubular member 110 .

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

The first inclined portion 113 is designed so that the crutch 100 has shock-absorbing properties. When the user leans on the crutch 100 and part of the user's weight is transferred to the crutch 100, the first inclined part 113 is allowed to flex slightly so that the first inclined part 113 absorbs part of the force to transfer the force from the user's arms, hands and / or turn the lower arm away. As shown in FIG. 4 , ribs 116 may be formed or placed around the inner surface of the first sloped portion 113 to reinforce the first sloped portion 113 and strengthen the main body 105 . Although not shown in the drawing, a cover may be provided to snap (or otherwise attach) to the The main body 105 covers 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 the arm rest support 118 . As shown in FIGS. 2-3 , the armrest support 118 may be configured to engage with an armrest 124 . Armrest 124 may include a bracket 125 configured to receive a user's forearm. Accordingly, the bracket 125 may include: a first end including an elbow seat 127 for receiving the user's elbow; and a second open end 128 opposite the elbow seat 127 to allow the user's arm to extending outward from it. As will be described in more detail below, straps 129 may be provided and secured at locations along the outer edge of bracket 125 .

Referring now to FIGS. 3 , 3A and 3B , in one embodiment, bracket 125 may be hinged to armrest support 118 via hinged connection 122 . Bracket 125 is pivotable about hinged connection 122, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Teeth 130 may be provided along an underside of bracket 125 , and teeth 130 may engage apertures 119A, 119B formed into armrest support 118 . The bracket 125 can be secured to the armrest support 118 via, for example, a slide lock 123 to prevent the bracket 125 from being accidentally or improperly disengaged from the armrest support 118 .

In another embodiment, the bracket 125 and the armrest support 118 may have a unitary configuration.

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

Cushioning 126, such as a foam insert, may be provided in bracket 125 to provide maximum comfort and shock absorption. In an embodiment, pad 126 may extend over the sides of bracket 125 . Here, pad 126 may provide a friction between bracket 125 and a surface on which crutch 100 rests. interface. 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 pads may be used to cushion the bracket 125 . It may be desirable for the liner 126 to be hydrophobic and/or antimicrobial to resist perspiration and prevent microbial growth. Additionally, fabric is available for added comfort. The elbow seat 127 may further include a gel pocket, either alone or embedded in the foam liner to provide additional cushioning, as the elbow seat 127 can receive most of the user's body weight. In one embodiment, the pad 126 may consist of a first layer of single density foam, a gel pocket encapsulated at the area of the elbow seat 127, and a second layer of antimicrobial fabric.

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

An upper arm cuff is optionally attached to the back of the elbow rest 125 . The upper arm cuff may provide stability to the crutch 100 while in use. The upper arm cuff may be allowed to flex to still allow the user's arm to move naturally while supporting the user's upper arm. In one embodiment, the upper arm cuff may comprise first and second arms positioned on either side of the elbow rest 125 and attached to the elbow rest 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 wrap partially or completely around the user's upper arm. A spring loaded hinge biases the upper arm cuff in the direction of the user's arm. In use, the user's arm can be biased against the spring force against the upper arm cuff in the opposite direction. Accordingly, the upper arm cuff can be configured to maintain constant contact with the user's upper arm.

The arm rest 124 may be further equipped with a strap 129 to hold the user's arm in the bracket 125 . The straps 129 may comprise straps, one end of which is secured to a respective position along either side of the bracket 125 and the other end extends at least partially over the bracket 125 . To allow for personalized positioning of strap 129, apertures may be formed along either or both sides of the length of bracket 125 (such as shown at 331 in FIG. hole) to serve as the connection point of the strap 129. Various fastening mechanisms may be employed on one end of the strap to secure the strap 129 to the bracket 125, such as hooks, rivets, screws, and the like. Alternatively, a t-bar slot may be formed along the outer edge of the bracket 125, and the straps may be provided with a respective t-bar to engage the t-bar slot. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that the t-bar slot/t-bar fastening mechanism allows the user the most flexibility in selecting the optimal location for strap 129 .

Strap 129 may be configured to restrain the user's arm during normal use of crutch 100, but allow quick release of the user's arm if desired. Therefore, the strap 129 can be made of a flexible plastic or other flexible materials. An exemplary material is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) that can be easily molded to the size and shape of the user's arm. To mold the EVA straps 129, the user can place individual straps into boiling water to make the EVA stretchable. Next, the sling can be bent into the desired shape.

In another embodiment, the device may additionally or alternatively utilize Velcro or other similar straps to secure the user's arm in the bracket 125 . Other exemplary strap mechanisms may include the use of rigid (eg, hard plastic) straps hinged to bracket 125, such as the straps shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Respective rigid straps may be positioned opposite each other on either side of the bracket 125 or on a single 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 bracket 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 the crutch 100 to allow the user to carry items that they would not otherwise be able to carry, such as a purse or handbag, grocery baskets, food trays, water bottles, laundry Baskets, drinks, telephones, etc.

Next, as briefly described above, the handle 140 extends outward from the arm rest support 118. extend. The handle 140 can include an extension part 142 and a grip part 144 . The extension member 142 can be, for example, a telescoping rod having a proximal end 142B configured to engage a channel 121 formed in the underside of the armrest support 118 and a distal end 142A. To provide the most comfortable and natural fit, channel 121 may advantageously be offset from the center of arm rest support 118 by about 0° to about 25°. To customize the length of the extension member 142, the extension member 142 can be equipped with one or more quick release buttons (or other suitable locking devices) for engaging with the respective openings 120 (FIGS. The arm of the channel 121 is formed by a length of the support 118 . To position extension member 142 , the user (or someone assisting the user) disengages the locking device from opening 120 in channel 121 . The extension member 142 can then be moved in the desired direction until the locking device on the extension member 142 engages the desired opening 120 . This procedure can be repeated until the handle 140 is at the desired distance.

Alternatively, the grip portion 144 may be equipped with a length adjustment mechanism (eg, 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 engage a member connected to a locking pin to move the handle 140 to the correct position for the user.

The grip portion 144 may be fixed to the extension member distal end 142A at an angle between about 0° and about 15° relative to vertical and extend perpendicularly from the extension member distal end 142A. In one embodiment, the handle portion 144 can be fixed to the extension member 142 via a bracket 136 . In another embodiment, the grip portion 144 may be secured for maximum rotation via one or more hinges 137 or ball joints (eg, FIG. 3A ). The handle 140 can be configured to tilt along the x-z plane (eg, towards and away from the user) and rotate about the y-z plane (eg, left and right of the user). A button (such as button 144A) can be disposed on the grip portion 144 of the handle to release the grip portion 144 from being held on the extension member 142 . Thus, to rotate the grip portion 144 about the extension member 142, a user may, for example, press the button 144A and move the grip portion 144 to a desired position.

Additional embodiments of handle 140 may alternatively be implemented to provide additional or alternative benefits to the user. Various mechanisms can lock handle 140 in a desired position. In one embodiment, the handle 144 and the extension member 142 may be provided with respective threads. To move the handle 144, the handle 144 may be "unscrewed" and rotated into the desired position, and then rotated in the opposite direction to lock the handle 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 can be equipped with one or more quick release connectors 152 (or other suitable fastening mechanisms) that can interact with corresponding apertures 112 formed in the substantially vertical tubular member 110 . Quick release connectors 152 may be provided at various locations along legs 150 (eg, at the top of legs 150, near the middle of legs 150, etc., as shown in FIG. 4) to allow for maximum height adjustment.

To change the position of the legs 150, the legs 150 can be moved in and out of the tubular member 110 by pressing in the quick release connectors 152 by the user (or someone assisting the user) until the desired height is reached. For ease of transportation, it may be desirable to insert the legs 150 as far as possible into the tubular member 110 to minimize the footprint of the crutch 100 .

As shown in the figures, feet 160 can extend from legs 150 and can be configured to provide a means for effectively and comfortably contacting the ground. Typically, a person's foot moves in a heel-to-toe fashion while walking. However, prior art crutches typically have a rubber end that is completely flat. The natural tendency of the foot rests perfectly flat on the ground, although the rubber can have some elasticity to move with the person.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 9 , 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 extending downwardly from the neck 162 . Neck of foot 160 162 is receivable into the end of leg 150 such that mechanical fastener 166 engages an aperture 154 formed in leg 150 to secure foot 160 to leg 150 . Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the feet 160 may be replaceable.

Foot 160 may be formed from a flexible plastic such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), which may allow slight compression of ring member 164 of foot 160 when force is applied to crutch 100, thereby providing additional shock absorption benefits. Different strength materials may alternatively be utilized to accommodate a range of weights. Due to the circular nature of the foot 160, the crutch 100 can move on the ground in a more natural manner because the foot 160 is able to mimic the movement of a human foot as it travels on the ground.

The hollow annular member 164 may be covered with a bottom surface 168 for gripping the ground. Since the feet 160 are replaceable due to the ability to remove the feet 160 from the ends of the legs 150, a variety of feet can be provided, each configured for a particular situation. For example, there are different sole patterns to suit the weather. Therefore, an interchangeable foot 160 can be equipped with a bottom surface design suitable for daily use. Other interchangeable feet 160 are available for indoor use, for use in rainy, icy and/or snowy weather. Additionally, other types or shapes of feet are also contemplated. For example, there are situations where an off-the-shelf crutch foot mount may be desired. Additionally, when a user wishes to use crutches 100 in a movement pattern, they may want to use carbon fiber feet. Further foot types that may be incorporated on crutch 100 include tripod or tetrapod mounts that may improve the stability of crutch 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. As the user walks, the force of the user's weight on the crutch 100 may cause the foot 160 to compress slightly causing the pin to protrude through the opening into the ground. It should be appreciated that it is not desirable to have a pin-one-foot 160 for hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt.

In one embodiment, the feet 160 may be equipped with sliding A cover is moved into position above the feet 160. A trigger may be located, for example, on handle 140 of crutch 100 , and the user may activate the trigger to cause the cover to move into position over foot 160 . Next, the trigger can be pressed again to remove the cover from the foot 160 or completely separate the cover from the foot 160 .

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a crutch 200 that is substantially similar to embodiment 100 except as shown and/or described herein or per se. Furthermore, 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, element numbers between 200 and 299 may be used to designate components corresponding to element numbers between 100 and 199 discussed above, with some reference or description deviations.

In embodiment 200 , armrest 224 may be pivotally connected to body 205 and/or leg 250 via a hinged connection 270 . Accordingly, the armrest 224 is rotatable from 0° to 135° relative to horizontal, as shown in the figure. To accommodate the degree of rotation of the armrest 224, the body 205 may be modified to form an opening therein to receive the armrest 224. Additionally, leg 250 may include a sloped portion 253 for providing shock absorbing benefits to crutch 200, as shown in the figures. Accordingly, the legs 250 may be formed from any material sufficient to allow the legs 250 to flex slightly and then return to their original position.

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

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a crutch 300 that is substantially similar to embodiment 100 except as shown and/or described herein or per se. Furthermore, 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 simplicity Clearly, element numbers between 300 and 399 may be used to designate components corresponding to element numbers between 100 and 199 discussed above, with some reference or description deviations.

In embodiment 300, leg 350 may be a single straight leg tube. The body 305 may include a single substantially vertical tubular member 310 for interacting with the legs 350 and an arm rest support 318 . Arm rest support 318 may be secured to substantially vertical tubular member 310 at an angle between about 0° and about 15° relative to horizontal. A bracket 325 can be received into the armrest support 318, and a handle 340 can extend from the armrest support 318, as described above.

10 and 11 illustrate another embodiment 400 comprising two or more crutches described herein used to form a walking aid. For ease of reference, the walker 400 is described with reference to the use of crutches according to the embodiment 100 . However, it should be appreciated that any of the crutches 100, 200, 300 described herein may alternatively or additionally be incorporated into the embodiment 400 as appropriate.

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

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

Additionally, each crutch 100 may be equipped with a means for snapping, locking, or otherwise attaching the pair of crutches 100 together for carrying the crutch 100 . In one embodiment, magnets may be placed in the body 105 of each crutch 100 so that the crutches 100 stick together when positioned together. In another embodiment, a first crutch 100 can be equipped with a hook and a second crutch 100 can be equipped with means for engaging the hook so that the crutch 100 can be attached for transport. Additionally or alternatively, other attachment members may be used as appropriate to connect individual crutches together.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12-19 , which illustrate an alternate embodiment of a crutch 500 that is substantially similar to embodiment 100 except as shown and/or described herein or per se. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiment 100 (and thus 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, element numbers between 500 and 599 may be used to designate components corresponding to element numbers between 100 and 199 discussed above, with some reference or description deviations.

The crutch 500 includes a main body 505 , a leg 550 and a foot seat 560 . Similar to the main body 105 , the main body 505 includes an arm rest support 518 , an arm rest 524 having a bracket 525 including an elbow seat 527 . The arm rest further has a front end 510 defining a front surface having a second opening 512 formed therein and a lower edge 508, and a first opening 511 formed in the lower edge. The armrest 524 is optionally rotatably attached to the The arm rests on the support 518 . A strap 529 extends over the bracket 525 to hold the user's arm in place within the bracket 525 . A handle 540 extends from the armrest support 518 .

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

Additionally, one of the rear ends 507b of the body (which includes the elbow seat 527) can be cut, for example, in the shape of a half moon (FIG. 15). As shown in Figure 15, the elbow seat 527 may have a cutout (indicated by the dotted line at the rear of the elbow seat 527) that provides clearance for the user's arm when the user's arm is extended. As mentioned above, the strap 529 extending over the bracket 525 holds the user's arm in place within the bracket 525 . The straps 529 can optionally converge inwardly along the direction of the handle 540 , that is, the straps 529 are angled downward from one end adjacent to the elbow seat 527 to the other end adjacent to the front surface 509 . Thus, the user's elbow can be comfortably extended so that when the user's forearm is held in place within the bracket 525, the user's arm is straight.

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 inclined section and the second vertical 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, but not necessarily, be separated from the first inclined section 551 and the second vertical section 552, respectively. 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 connected with the hole formed in the second vertical section 552 The gap joints are used to lengthen and shorten the crutch 500 according to the needs of the user.

The first inclined section 551 may form an angle between about 0° and about 45° with the second vertical section 552 . In one embodiment, the angle to the second vertical segment 552 may be about 15°. In one embodiment, the angle of the first sloped section 551 may be in a front-to-back orientation, as seen in FIG. 12 .

As shown in FIGS. 15-19 , the legs 550 engage the body 505 through the first opening 511 and the second opening 512 . The axis of the second opening extends substantially parallel to a major axis of the armrest; and the axis of the first opening generally intersects the major axis of the armrest. In a first configuration shown in FIGS. 14-15 , the leg 550 is inserted into the first opening 511 . Here, the leg 550 is inserted into the opening such that the first angled section 551 is angled toward the handle 540 and the second vertical section 552 is in a substantially vertical line with the rear end 507b of the body 505 as shown in FIG. 14 . As depicted, when the leg 550 is inserted into the first opening 511 , the body 505 is substantially parallel to the ground, as shown in FIG. 12 .

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

In an instance, the user may be expected to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration, or vice versa. To move from the first configuration to the second configuration, the user can simply remove the legs 550 from the respective first opening 511 or second opening 512, roughly positioning the legs 550 such that the angle of the legs 550 fits the angle of the main body 505. desired position, and insert the leg 550 into another second opening 512 or the first opening 511 . When the user changes the configuration of the crutch 500 , the user completely removes the legs 550 from contact with the main body 505 . Contact is then re-established when the leg 550 is reinserted into the desired first opening 511 or second opening 512 .

The legs 550 may include one or more quick release connections (or other mechanical fasteners) for engaging with a respective first opening 511 or second opening 512 in the body 505 to hold the respective legs 550 in place. . The first opening 511 and the second opening 512 may include a locking mechanism for holding the body 505 in place on the leg 550, such as a quick release connector, spacers, a lever locking mechanism, and the like. In an embodiment, the legs 550 have locking mechanisms that engage corresponding structures on the body 505 to maintain the body 505 coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the legs 550 can be held in place via a friction fit with a respective first opening 511 or second opening 512, ie the inner diameter of the second opening 512 and the first opening 511 in the center of the arm. smaller than the outer diameter of the leg. The leg 550 is optionally equipped with structure, such as a cap, a bevel, that operably interfaces with a locking mechanism on the body 505 to secure the leg 550 to the body 505 . 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 first opening 511 or the second opening 512 . Corresponding openings in the legs 550 ensure that the legs are properly inserted. For example, when the leg 550 is inserted into the first opening 511, an opening in a first side of the leg 550 can engage the quick release connection. When the leg 550 is inserted into the second opening 512, an opening in a second side (eg, opposite the first side) of the leg 550 is engageable with the quick release connection. The openings in the respective first and second sides of the legs 550 need not be on the same level.

Figure 20 shows a set of legs 650 tilted in a side-by-side orientation. In one embodiment, the legs 650 may be bent or otherwise oriented away from a central 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. Additionally, the configuration keeps the user's arms in a comfortable position close to the body while the legs 650 of the crutch 500 provide support. Additionally, the leg 650 may include a sloped portion similar to the first sloped section 551 to allow the body 505 to attach to the leg 650, as described herein. describe. Alternatively, legs 650 may be used with main body 105 . Here, leg 650 may include a substantially vertical portion to which body 105 is attached, similar to embodiment 100 described herein. However, the legs 650 can be angled as shown to provide increased 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 present invention are described herein for purposes of illustration and not limitation. Those skilled in the art will recognize alternative embodiments that do not depart from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art may develop alternative components implementing the disclosed modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that certain features and subcombinations have utility and can be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated to be within the scope of the claimed claims. All steps listed in the various figures and descriptions do not have to be performed in the particular order described. The description should not be limited to the particular described embodiments.

500‧‧‧crutches

505‧‧‧subject

507a‧‧‧connection point

507b‧‧‧backend

508‧‧‧lower edge

518‧‧‧arm support

522‧‧‧Hinged connection

524‧‧‧arm rest

525‧‧‧bracket

527‧‧‧elbow seat

529‧‧‧Strap

540‧‧‧handle

550‧‧‧Outrigger

551‧‧‧The first inclined section

552‧‧‧The second vertical section

553‧‧‧The third section

555‧‧‧Quick release connector

560‧‧‧foot

Claims (9)

A crutch comprising: an armrest including a first opening and a second opening formed therein; a handle (540) extending outward from a front end of the armrest, wherein the handle is not extended from the extending from the first opening and the second opening in the armrest; and a leg selectively received in one of the first opening (511) and the second opening (512) of the armrest ; wherein: the axis of the second opening extends substantially parallel to a major axis of the armrest; and the axis of the first opening substantially intersects the major axis of the armrest. The crutch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leg includes a first inclined section and a second vertical section, the first inclined section and the second vertical section are an integral configuration, wherein the first The inclined section is received into one of the opposite first opening and the second opening at the center of the arm. The crutch of claim 2, wherein the first inclined section is at an angle to the second vertical section; and wherein the angle is between about 0° and about 45°. The crutch of claim 3, wherein the leg includes a third section that includes a quick release connector, and the quick release connector engages the second vertical section to be lengthened and shortened according to the needs of the user crutch. The crutch of claim 1, wherein the armrest includes an elbow seat for receiving an elbow of a user; and wherein the elbow seat includes a cutout. The crutch according to claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the first opening and the second opening at the center of the arm is smaller than an outer diameter of the leg. A kind of crutches, it comprises: an armrest, and it has a bracket, and this bracket has an elbow seat; a second opening, and a first opening formed in the lower edge; and a handle extending outwardly from the front end on which the arm rests, wherein the handle does not extend from either the first opening or the second opening; and a leg; wherein: 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 first in the other of an opening and the second opening; and the leg is selectively switchable between the first configuration and the second configuration. The crutch of claim 7, wherein the bracket includes a pad extending over the bracket. The crutch according to claim 7, wherein a strap is arranged and fixed at a position along the outer edge of the bracket, at least partly extending above the arm.

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