US3550602A - Walking aid - Google Patents

Description

United States Patent Dennis Hesterman Delaware City, DeL;

Lewis E. Greth, Cinnaminson, NJ. 825,361

May 16, 1969 Dec. 29, 1970 Dynamic Products Development Inc. Wilimington, Del.

a corporation of Delaware Inventors Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee WALKING AID 15 Claims, 17 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 135/45, Int. CL... A45b 03/00 A45b/Ol/0O Field of Search 135/45, 47, 49, 50; 248/166, 167, 168; 287/(lnquired) [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,518,763 8/1950 Du Bols l35/45A 2,642,074 6/1953 Pedley et a1. 135/45 2,694,542 11/1954 Barbaroff 248/168 2,771,089 11/1956 Magida 135/50 2,811,978 11/1957 Russell l35/50X 3,178,143 4/1965 Gustin..... 248/168 3,421,529 1/1969 Vestal 135/45A Primary ExaminerPeter M. Caun Attorney-Connolly and Bull ABSTRACT: A walking aid comprises a body member having central stem or cane with a handle portion and a plurality of angularly arranged legs removably secured to the body. Each of the legs is rotatable and extendable so that the positioning and numbering of the legs may be varied in accordance with the needs of an individual user.

' PATENTED 050291970 SHEET 2 [IF 3 1 WALKING AID BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates to a walking aid for physically handicapped individuals particularly individuals lacking muscular, balance or coordination control, associated for example with neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral palsy. Various appliances exist in the prior art such as exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,81 1,978 which are intended as a walking aid. Such appliances, however, do not afford the versatility to effectively serve as a therapeutic device to be used in a planned program for neuromuscular development.

A further disadvantage with the lack of flexibility in prior art devices having a plurality of fixed legs is that the user frequently has a tendency to kick or step into one or more of the legs. Moreover such devices are bulky and cumbersome and difficult to store or transport.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION An object of this invention is to provide a walking aid which is both versatile in use and economic in manufacture.

A further object is to provide a device which is light in weight and aesthetically appealing.

In accordance with this invention the walking aid includes a body member having a central stem or cane with a handle portion and a plurality of removable legs angularly secured to the body member. Each of the legs is rotatable and can be adjusted to any desirable lengthso that the positioning and numberingof the legs can be varied in accordance with the needs of a user. Thus for example at the beginning of a planned neuromuscular developmental program a number of legs, such as four legs, can be arranged in such a manner as to establish the optimum base configuration of stability for the particular user. As neuromuscular control improves the legs can be successively removed and the user can progressively be weaned to the extent that eventually all that remains of the walking aid is the cane.

In an advantageous form ofthis invention the handle portion of the stem is J-shaped with the longer leg of the I being substantially horizontal to act as the gripping portion for the user so that the force exerted by the user will be directly above the stem. g

Each of the legs may include a knuckle fitting in a respective opening in the body member to permit rotation therebetween with mating serrations being provided to hold the leg in a predetermined rotational position. Similarly each leg may have a primary leg portion pivotally secured to the knuckle with mating serrations being provided to hold the primary leg portion in predetermined angular positions. In accordance with another aspect of this invention the device is particularly adaptable for use by children in that the device can be made to simulate an animal by providing a removable head caricature on the handle with removable decorative sleeves being on-the stern and legs to carry out the theme of the caricature.

THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation of a walking aid in accordance with'this invention:

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the walking aid shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the walking aid of FIGS. 1- 2 in a modified form;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of a portion of the walking aid shown in FIGS. l2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view walking aid shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 67 are elevational views of the walking aid shown in FIGS. l- -2 in different phases of use;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a modified handle portion of of a portion of a the walking aid shownin FIGS; l-2;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken through FIG. 2 alongv the line 9-9;

FIG. 10 is an assembly view of a portion of the walking aid shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the walking aid shown in FIG. 10 in accordance with another aspect of this invention;

FIG. 12 is a portion of a modified leg;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken through F IG. 12 along the line 13-13;

FIGS. 14-15 are front and side views of a modified plug;

FIG. 16 shows a modified handle portion; and

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view through FIG. 16 along the line 17-17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 shows a walking aid 10 in accordance with this invention. As indicated therein walking aid 10 includes a central casting or body member 12 somewhat in the shape of a fourleaf clover having a central aperture for receiving the stem or can 14 and also having four radially spaced apertures for receiving legs 16. Each leg 16 includes a primary leg portion 18 and secondary leg portion 20 telescopically arranged therein so that the effective length of leg 16 can be adjusted. Primary leg 18 also has a series of spaced openings 22 which cooperate with spring button 25 (FIG. 5) to adjustably lock each leg at a fixed length.

As best shown in FIG. 9 the hollow primary leg portion 18 has at its upper end a head portion or plug 24 which is pivotally connected to knuckle 26 so that the positioning of each leg 16 with respect to the central casting or body 12 can be adjusted. Additionally, knuckle 26 is rotationally received in the body aperture to provide complete versatility in the positioning of legs 16.

Advantageously, the inner surface of openings 28 in body member 12 are provided with longitudinal serrations with the serrations being for example 12 apart. These serrations mate with the longitudinal serrations 30 on knuckle 26 (FIG. 10) to assure a secure locking of the leg 18 in its rotational positioning when fastener 32 is tightened. Similarly, serrations are provided to control the pivoting of primary leg 18 with respect to its knuckle 26. FIG. 10 for example illustrates one form of such serrations wherein head portion 24 and knuckle 26 include serrations 34, 36 which mate with the serrations 38 on apertured post 40 so that the angular positioning can be securely held in place when fastener 42 is tightened into post 40. It has been found that for effectively using the walking aid 10 it is desirable to limit pivoting movement to a maximum of 45 from the vertical outward as indicated by angle A in FIG. 9. Accordingly, stops 44 are provided on knuckle 26 which act as abutments for projection 46 on head 24 to prevent any angular movement beyond this 45 range.

FIG. 7 shows an advantageous alternative manner of providing a positive angular locking action between the knuckle and leg. As indicated therein the aperture in knuckle 26a is smooth and serrations 36a are provided on the face of knuckle 260 which mate with serrations on the juxtaposed face of the head 24. With such an arrangement of the serrations the post which would be inserted in aperture 31 can have a smooth outer surface.

Head or plug 24 is similarly connected to primary leg 18 by being not only press fit but also by means of an adhesive. The adhesive action is enhanced by the provision of circumferential grooves or serrations 48 on the outer surface of recessed portion 50 of head 24. Thus, the serrations or grooves act as pockets for the adhesive to assure an effective bond between head 24 and primary leg 18.

FIGS. 12-13 show a particularly advantageous manner of adjusting the length of legs 16. As indicated therein head 24 (which may be nylon) includes the adhesive grooves or serrations 48 similar to FIG. 9. The securement of the head 24 in primary leg 18 is also aided by crimping 61. Threaded extension 63 is provided on the end of recessed portion 50 and is threadably engaged with nut 65 permanently mounted within secondary leg portion 20. With this arrangement by rotating secondary leg portion the effective length of leg 16 can be quickly and conveniently adjusted without the necessity for holes 22 and spring button 25. Once the desired length of leg 16 is obtained, primary leg 18 and secondary leg 20 are securely locked together by conventional twist-lock arrange ment 67 which, for example includes inner eccentric member 69 secured to primary leg 18 and pressed against secondary leg 20 by rotating outer member 71.

Central stem 14 is constructed in a somewhat similar manner to legs 16 in that the central stem includes a primary stem portion 52 and a telescopic secondary portion 54 which is held in place by the action of a retractable spring button on secondary stem portion 54 in one of the openings 56 of primary stem portion 52. In this manner the effective length of stem 14 can conveniently be adjusted.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 body 12 includes a split casting collar 58 which has a pair ofjuxtaposed flanges 60 secured together by fastener 62 to control the size of the opening formed in the collar 58. Thus stem 14 can be rotated or moved vertically to its desired position by loosening fastener 62 and then held in this position by the tightening of the fastener. As shown in FIG. 9 the rotational and sliding movements of stem 14 are enhanced by the provision for example of a split nylon bushing 64. Since it has been found economical to use metal for various elements of the walking aid such as for the casting or central member 12 and the legs 16 and stem 14 the provision of the nonmetallic bushing 64 prevents any metal to metal binding.

The upper end of stem 14 is provided with an integral J- shaped handle portion which has the longer leg of the J horizontally disposed in such a manner that the user will exert his force directly above the main portion of the stern and central member to provide greater stability during use. Additionally, removable shock absorbing nonslip caps 66 are secured to the lower end of each leg and stem to act as cushioning members and to prevent the metal legs or stem from slipping, scratching or otherwise causing damage. If desired cap 66 may be of the conventional self-leveling type.

As is apparent, because of the various possible adjustments of legs 16 and stem 14 a countless number of different positions is possible with walking aid 10. This feature is particularly important when considering that not only do the needs of individuals vary from case to case, but also the needs of the same individual vary from time to time. Thus the single walking aid 10 can be effectively be used throughout a reambulatory or gait training program. In a particular situation legs 16 an be arranged in such a manner to provide the proper angle and base dimensions needed for optimum stability at that particular time. At the beginning ofa gait training program for example all four legs would be used to maximize the stability of the walking aid. As the user progresses in neuromuscular control, one of the legs 16 can be removed so that only three legs remain, or as shown in FIG. 6 stem 14 can be lowered to act as the fourth leg. Again as the user continues to progress in muscular development another leg can be removed, as shown in FIG. 7, to decrease the base area and, if desired, increase the height of walking aid 10. The legs continue to be removed and the angular positioning thereof adjusted until the user is weaned from the walking aid 10 so that all remains is the stem portion 14 (FIG. 4) which is then used as a cane.

A further consideration of particular importance with children is the undesirable stigma attached to conventional walking aids. Thus in accordance with another aspect of this invention a kit is provided to minimize the stigma ofthe walking aid being simply for therapeutic purposes and to render the walking aid more desirable for use by a child. The kit includes a removable handle portion 68 which is in the form of the head of an animal or other caricature. In order to carry out this theme and to have the walking aid appear desirable as a toy to the child, removable sleeves 70 are also provided in the kit to be inserted over each leg 16 and over the stem 14. Since the lengths of the legs and stem can vary sleeves 70 are also adjustable in length by the provisions of bellows construction 72. The sleeves 70 are made of such a diameter as to be close fitting over primary leg portions 18 and primary stem portion 52. The lower ends of the sleeve are held in position by being tucked under caps 66. (Of course the sleeve may alternatively slip over caps 66 or simply abut the caps.) The upper end of sleeve 70 on stem 14 can also be tucked under handle portion 68 while removable snap rings (not shown) can be provided for securing the upper ends of sleeves 70 to the legs 16. To further carry out the theme of the animal or caricature, shell 74 is also provided to fit over central member or casting 12 (FIG. 3). To add variety to the type of caricatures of animals depicted by the walking aid, readily removable head portions can be provided on the handle. This can be done by simply completely removing the handle portion 68 or by forming the handle portion in two parts. For example as shown in FIG. 8 one part 76 acts as the gripping portion of the handle and could be left on the stem 14 over long periods of time, while an easily removable head portion 78 could be detachably connected thereto so that the type of animal or caricature could be easily changed as often as desirable.

Although FIG. 12 illustrates threaded portion 63 to be integral with plug 24, these parts may be separate with threaded portion 63 secured in primary leg 18 by crimping primary leg 18 on the enlarged head of threaded portion 63. Similarly plug 24 would contain a recessed portion fitting into primary leg 18.

FIGS. 14-15 show a modified plug 74. As indicated therein plug 74 includes recessed portion 76 contained in primary leg 18 by crimping leg 18 to groove 78 of recessed portion 76. Other types of suitable securement of the plug 74 to leg 18 may, of course, be used. Plug 74 includes an upstanding wall 80 having a plurality of upwardly projecting ratchet teeth 82 which are disposed along an arc which is the segment of a circle having its center at 84. juxtaposed therewith is relieved toothless portion 86 which is disposed along a concentric are having its center at 84. A stop shoulder 88 is then juxtaposed to relieved portion 86. Remote from upstanding teeth 82 is an offset ledge 90 having downwardly projecting ratchet teeth 92 which terminate along an arc coarcuate with teeth 82.

Connected to plug 74 is knuckle 94 by means of any suitable fastener 96 disposed along center line 84. Knuckle 94 include corresponding ratchet teeth 98, 100 which mate with teeth 88, 92 on plug 74. Similarly, knuckle 94 includes a relieved portion which rides on relieved portion 86 of plug 84 and also includes a stop shoulder 104 which abuts against shoulder 88 when the plug and nozzle are vertically aligned.

For further limiting the extent of angular positioning enlarged tooth 93 and stop shoulder 89 are provided on plug 74 with corresponding elements being on the knuckle 94.

To adjust the angular positioning of knuckle 94 with respect to leg 18 fasteners 96 are removed and the plug and knuckle are manipulated to the desired angular positioning and are then fixed in this position by the mating of corresponding parts when fasteners 96 are secured. As is apparent plug 74 has utility as a joint, not only for the walking aid but also for controlling the angular positioning of any pair of members.

FIGS. 16l7 show a modified handle portion. As indicated therein, stem 14 terminates in inclined portion 106 which is slidably received in junction member 108. As better shown in FIG. 17, junction member 108 includes a split side having openings 110 and 112. A tubular gripping member 114 is slidably received in opening 112 while inclined portion 106 is received in opening 110. The precise positioning of members 106 and 114 may also be adjusted by rotating the members in their respective openings before fasteners 116 are tightened to then fix the positioning of members 106 and 114. A sleeve 118 covers gripping portion 114 as shown in FIG. 16. Additionally, to carry out the aesthetic theme of the walking aid, a head 120 or caricature is snapped into opening 122 ofjunction member 108.

A still further advantage of the walking aid 10 is that because of the detachability of the various parts walking aid As is apparent because of the adjustability of legs 16, the

legs can be arranged in such a manner so as not to interfere with walking by the user otherwise stepping into or kicking the legs.

In a modified form of construction (not shown) primary leg 18 may be bent at a fixedangle so that it includes an upper vertical portion joined to an angular integral lower portion. The upper vertical would replace knuckle 26 of the illustrated construction. This modified construction would have the rotational adjustability of the illustrated construction but would lack its angular adjustment. The modified construction would, however, be more economical to manufacture while being completely suitable for certain therapeutic applications.

As is readily apparent walking aid thus provides a completely versatile device which is suitable for maximizing the therapeutic application to various users having different needs. Additionally, walking aid .10 is particularly suitable for use by children due to the attractive toylike appearance of the device. Moreover walking aid 10 can easily be packaged or stored during nonuse. In view of these advantages the walking aid of this invention effectively satisfies the need for such a single universally usable device.

We claim:

1. A walking aid comprising a body member, a central stem secured to said body member and having a handle portion disposed above said body member, a plurality of legs angularly secured to said body member, each of said legs being rotatable with respect to said body member, each 'of said legs being rotatable with respect to said body member, each of said legs being extendable and retractable in effective length, and fastening means, removably securing each leg to said body member whereby the numbering and positioning of said legs may be varied in accordance with the needs of a user.

2. A walking aid as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stem is slidably and rotationally arranged in said body member.

3. A walking aid as set forth in claim 2 wherein said handle portion of said stem is substantially J-shaped having a longer substantially horizontal leg portion disposed remote from said body member.

4. A walking aid as set forth in claim 3 wherein said body member includes an opening for each of said legs, each of said legs having a knuckle fitting in its respective opening whereby said leg may rotate in said opening, and first serration means for holding said leg in predetermined rotational positions.

5. A walking aid as set forth in claim 4 wherein each of said legs includes a primary leg pivotally secured to its knuckle, and second serration means for holding said primary leg in predetermined angular positions.

6. A walking aid as set forth in claim 5 wherein said knuckle includes a threaded extension, a secondary leg telescopically received in said primary leg, and a nut in said secondary leg threadably engaging said threaded extension.

7. A walking aid as set forth in claim 5 including limit means for limiting the degree of pivoting of said primary leg with respect to its knuckle.

8. A walking aid as set forth in claim 7 wherein a tubular member is mounted on said horizontal leg portion of said han dle, said tubular member being in the form of a caricature of a head, a removable decorative sleeve being on said stem, and a removable decorative sleeve being on each of said legs.

9. A walking aid as set forth in claim 8 wherein a cap is movably secured to the lower end of each said legs and of said stem, the lower end of each of said decorative sleeves being inserted under its cap, the upper end of said decorative sleeve on said stem being inserted under said tubular member, each of said sleeves including a bellows section to permit a change in length of each sleeve, and a decorative shell disposed around said body member.

10. A walking aid as set forth in claim 9 wherein said tubular member includes a tubular gripping portion and a head portion removably secured thereto.

11. A walking aid as set forth in claim 5 wherein each of said legsineludes a secondary leg telescopically arranged in its primary leg, means for locking the telescopic positioning of each secondary leg with respect to its primary leg, said stem including a primary stem and a secondary stern telescopically arranged therein, and means for locking the telescopic positioning of said secondary stem with respect to said primary stem.

12. A walking aid as set forth in claim 11 wherein said body member includes a split ring collar having a pair of juxtaposed flanges, fastening means securing said flanges together to control the size of the opening in said collar, a bushing in said opening in said collar, and said stem being inserted in said bushing.

13. A walking aid as set forth in claim 12 wherein a plug is force fit into each of said primary legs, said plug having serrations, adhesive means in said plug serrations further securing said plug to its primary leg, each plug being pivotally secured to its knuckle, said body member being four-leaf clover shaped with an opening in each leaf, and one of said knuckles being inserted in each opening.

14. A walking aid as set forth in claim 1 wherein said handle portion includes a junction member rotatably secured to said central stern, and a generally horizontally arcuate gripping member rotatably secured to said junction member.

15. A walking aid as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fastening means includes a plug inserted into each of said legs and a knuckle removably securing each plug to said body member, each plug having a recessed portion at its bottom thereof for fitting into its leg, said plug having an upstanding wall with a plurality of upwardly projecting ratchet teeth terminating along an are which is the segment of a circle, a relieved toothless portion juxtaposed to said ratchet teeth and disposed I along a concentric arc therewith, a shoulder juxtaposed to said relived portion, said plug further having a ledge disposed remote from said upwardly projecting teeth, a plurality of downwardly projecting ratchet teeth in said ledge terminating along an arc coarcuatewith said upwardly projecting teeth, connecting means disposed at the center of said circle connecting said plug to its knuckle, and each knuckle having upwardly and downwardly projecting ratchet teeth and a relieved portion mating with corresponding teeth and relieved portion on its plug.

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