Abstract:
A lower leg crutch comprising a leg cradle, a leg cradle frame supporting the leg cradle and at least one leg member. The leg cradle frame includes longitudinally spaced inwardly biased first and second frame members for surrounding and retaining an injured leg. The at least one leg member is affixed to the first or second frame members.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 60/525,035 entitled LOWER LEG CRUTCH, which was filed on Nov. 25, 2003. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to a crutch, and more specifically to a leg crutch.  
         [0003]     After incurring a foot or lower leg injury, a patient commonly uses a pair of crutches to retain the mobility of the patient. There are two primary forms of crutches, the traditional crutch and the knee crutch.  
         [0004]     Traditional or conventional crutches typically include a pair of legs attached to an upper cross bar or crutch head and a hand grip attached to the legs and positioned between the crutch head and the lower end of the legs. The patient uses the crutch by placing the crutch head under the armpit and grasping the hand grip. The patient generally supports their weight by the combination of grasping the hand grip and resting on the crutch head. However, extended use of these conventional crutches generally results in discomfort to the armpit or rib cage and since these crutches do not typically support the injured leg, the injured leg is also distressed.  
         [0005]     To overcome the disadvantage of conventional crutches, the second type of crutch, which is commonly referred to as a lower leg crutch or a knee crutch, has been developed which directly supports the injured leg. In essence, the knee crutch removes the stresses on the injured leg which are developed in the conventional style crutches. However, these crutches have heretofore not adequately supported the injured leg through the entire range of (walking) motion. Additionally, conventional leg crutches are used with strapping to secure the crutch to the patient. Therefore, these crutches are difficult to get into and out of, making their use burdensome.  
         [0006]     Accordingly, a lower leg support is desired, having the aforementioned advantages and solving the aforementioned problems.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     One aspect of the present invention is to provide the lower leg crutch comprising a leg cradle, a leg cradle frame that supports the leg cradle, and at least one leg member. The leg cradle frame includes longitudinally spaced inwardly biased first and second frame members for surrounding and retaining an injured leg. The at least one leg member is affixed to the first or second frame members.  
         [0008]     In another aspect of the present invention, the lower leg crutch is provided that includes a leg cradle, a leg cradle frame, and first and second V-shaped legs. The leg cradle frame supports the leg cradle with the leg cradle frame and includes parallel, horizontally spaced first and second frame members. The leg cradle is supported by the first and second frame members. Each of the first V-shaped leg and the second V-shaped leg has a first and a second end, with the first V-shaped leg and the second V-shaped leg being connected at the first end to the first and second frame members, respectively, and with two upper points of the first end of the first V-shaped leg disposed on the first frame member and two upper points of the first end of the second V-shaped leg disposed on the second frame member.  
         [0009]     These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the leg crutch embodying the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the leg crutch of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the leg crutch embodying the present invention in use.  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a foot member and removable pad of the leg crutch of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0014]      FIGS. 5-8  are side views of the leg crutch of  FIG. 1  in various stages of folding.  
         [0015]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the leg crutch of  FIG. 1  in an enclosure.  
         [0016]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a leg crutch of a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of the leg crutch of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the leg crutch of the second embodiment of the present invention in use.  
         [0019]      FIG. 13  is a front view of a foot member of the leg crutch of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 14  is a rear view of the leg crutch of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0021]      FIGS. 15-16  are side views of the leg crutch of  FIG. 10  in various stages of folding.  
         [0022]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a leg crutch of a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0023]     In various preferred embodiments, the invention is used to provide a person having a lower leg injury a comfortable, strapless crutch having numerous adjustable parameters, including adjustable feet, which allow the camber or tilt of the crutch to be tailored to the specific requirements of the user.  
         [0024]     In a first embodiment ( FIG. 1 ), a lower leg crutch  2  includes a leg cradle  10  and a leg cradle frame  20 . Leg cradle frame  20  further includes parallel, horizontally spaced first and second frame members  22  and  22 ′, respectively, for supporting leg cradle  10 . A first and second V-shaped leg  30  and  30 ′ are connected at one end to first and second frame members  22  and  22 ′, thereby supporting leg cradle  10  in a generally horizontal position. A first and second foot member  50  and  50 ′ are disposed at a second end of first and second V-shaped legs  30  and  30 ′, respectively, and are removably attached thereto.  
         [0025]     Leg cradle  10  is used to support the injured leg of the user. Cradle  10  includes a leg support section  14  and knee support section  15 . Leg cradle  10  consists of a plurality of attachment points, links or unions  12  which are used to support and form leg cradle  10  into a concave leg channel and knee support. In a preferred embodiment, four links are used with a pair of links disposed on each side supporting leg cradle  10  from first and second frame members  22  and  22 ′ (discussed below) allowing leg cradle  10  to be formed into the aforementioned leg channel and knee support shape.  
         [0026]     Leg cradle  10  may be made from a fabric material. This allows leg cradle  10  to be easily collapsed and/or folded. Further, the plurality of links  12  may be fabricated by creating a loop of fabric in which the first and second frame members are disposed, thereby hangingly supporting leg support section  14  and knee support section  15  of the leg cradle. These embodiments are only exemplary and are not meant to be limiting in any manner. Leg cradle  10  may be fabricated from different materials, regardless of whether they are collapsible and foldable. Links  12  may be integrally fabricated out of the material of leg cradle  10  or may be separate elements which are attached to leg cradle  10 . Further, the amount and location of the links may also be varied to meet design specifics.  
         [0027]     Leg cradle frame  20  includes a first frame member  22  and a second frame member  22 ′ ( FIG. 2 ). Each frame member  22  and  22 ′ includes a generally horizontal portion  24  and  24 ′ and angled portions  26  and  26 ′, respectively, with both frame members  22  and  22 ′ being generally parallel. Further, angled portions  26  and  26 ′ include handle portion  28  which connects angled portions  26  and  26 ′. In a preferred embodiment, leg cradle frame  20  is fabricated from a lightweight tubular material, for example, aluminum. This is not meant to be limiting in any manner and other geometries and materials may be used.  
         [0028]     Handle portion  28  is used to provide the patient with a convenient place to grasp the crutch ( FIG. 3 ). This allows the patient a direct manner of facilitating the movement of the crutch as well as provides all of the features and benefits of a walking cane. Additionally, the handle member in conjunction with the angled portions  26  and  26 ′ act to bias first and second frame members toward one another. This may be accomplished, for example, by utilizing a handle member that is somewhat resilient and having angled portions  26  and  26 ′, in addition to being angled with respect to frame members  22  and  22 ′, angled toward one another and thereby biasing them toward one another with handle  28  providing a resiliency to the bias. However, these are only examples and other methods may also be used to create the bias between frame members  22  and  22 ′ and more particularly, between horizontal portion  24  and  24 ′.  
         [0029]     Biasing horizontal portions  24  and  24 ′ toward one another allows the patient to use crutch  2  without the need for straps because the biased members act to snugly and securely retain the crutch on the patient&#39;s leg in the same way strapping would do. However, by utilizing the bias of horizontal portion  24  and  24 ′ to retain the patient&#39;s leg rather than straps, numerous benefits are accomplished. For example, the speed and ease with which the crutch can be put on and taken off is greatly increased. Further, the comfort is also increased because straps are no longer uncomfortably binding the patient&#39;s leg to the crutch. Of course, the crutch could be provided with strapping if the patient so desired.  
         [0030]     Leg cradle frame  20  further includes a first pair of protruding biased dimples  40  and  40 ′ and a second pair of protruding biased dimples  41  and  41 ′. First biased dimples  40  and  40 ′ are used to connect a first pair of hinges  42  and  42 ′ while biased dimples  41  and  41 ′ are used to connect a second pair of hinges  43  and  43 ′.  
         [0031]     First pair of hinges  42  and  42 ′ are installed by first sliding hinges  42  and  42 ′ onto first and second frame members  22  and  22 ′, respectively. Hinges  42  and  42 ′ are then retained by biased dimples  40  and  40 ′. Biased dimples  40 ,  40 ′, as well as  41  and  41 ′, are generally spherical protruding buttons which are spring-loaded into frame members  22  and  22 ′. This allows the generally spherical button to be recessed with (or co-planar with) frame members  22  and  22 ′ allowing hinges  42  and  42 ′ to be slid over biased dimples  40  and  40 ′. Hinges  42  and  42 ′ are then secured when dimples  40  and  40 ′ protrude through apertures  44  and  44 ′ disposed on hinges  42  and  42 ′. This manner of attachment is used frequently in medical devices as well as other fields and is well known in the art.  
         [0032]     Hinges  43  and  43 ′ are secured in the same manner as described above with regard to hinges  42  and  42 ′ and utilize biased dimples  41  and  41 ′. Together, hinges  42 ,  42 ′,  43  and  43 ′ connect leg members  30  and  30 ′ to leg cradle frame  20 . The aforementioned hinges and biased dimples can be fabricated from various materials and shapes which are not critical to the inventive concept herein. Further, other methods and devices can be used in place of hinges as well as methods of attachment.  
         [0033]     Leg members  30  and  30 ′ are generally V-shaped and include a first leg  30  and a second leg  30 ′. First leg  30  includes a height adjustable first leg segment  32  and a height adjustable second leg segment  34 . The manner of height adjustment is not critical to the inventive concept and can be carried out in ways that are generally well known in the art. Second leg member  30 ′ includes a corresponding first leg segment  32 ′ and a corresponding second leg segment  34 ′. Further, first leg segments  32  and  32 ′ have a first end  33  whereas second leg segments  34  and  34 ′ have a first end  35 . Correspondingly, first leg segments  32  and  32 ′ have a second end  36  whereas second leg segments  34  and  34 ′ have a second end  37 .  
         [0034]     First leg segments  32  and  32 ′ have their first ends  33  connected to hinges  42  and  42 ′ thereby connecting first ends  33  to leg cradle frame  20 . Second leg segments  34  and  34 ′ have their first ends  35  connected to hinges  43  and  43 ′, thereby connecting second leg segments  34  and  34 ′ to leg cradle frame  20 . The first and second leg segments, as well as all other connections described herein, are connected in a similar manner as described above with regard to mounting the hinges to the leg cradle frame. However, as discussed previously, this is not meant to be limiting and other methods may be used.  
         [0035]     Second ends  37  of second leg segments  34  and  34 ′ are disposed on corresponding first leg segments  32  and  32 ′ at a location  38  which lies between first ends  33  and second ends  36 . As this location approaches second ends  36 , the shape of leg members  30  and  30 ′ is generally V-shaped. However, second ends  37  may be disposed anywhere between first ends  33  and second ends  36 . Therefore, as second ends  37  of second leg segments  34  and  34 ′ are moved away from second ends  36 , towards first ends  33 , the generally V-shaped leg segments become more Y-shaped. As used herein, “V-shaped” is used to represent the entire range of geometries that first leg  30  and second leg  30 ′ can form as second ends  37  of second leg segments  34  and  34 ′ traverse along first leg segments  32  and  32 ′.  
         [0036]     Cross member  39  is affixed to first leg member  30  and second leg member  30 ′ to increase their rigidity and support. The manner of connection, the placement and the material of cross member  39  can all be varied to meet specific requirements, and are not critical to the inventive concept. Disposed at ends  36  of first and second leg members  32  and  32 ′ are feet  50  and  50 ′.  
         [0037]     When a person stands in the upright position with their feet touching, the ankle joint is disposed in a position which is generally in line with the leg (fibula). As a person moves their feet outwardly, the ankle joint maintains the entire sole of the foot on the floor by rotating the sole of the foot inward in a movement called inversion. Were it not for the availability of the ankle joint to move in this manner, human beings would become less stable as their feet became separated. Additionally, since people generally walk with their feet separated, the ability of the ankle to rotate inwardly is important for stability. As described herein, the word “camber” will denote this ability of the ankle to angle the foot to increase stability and more specifically to the angle itself. Prior art crutch systems have either failed to provide for this angle or have provided for the camber in an exceedingly complicated and/or expensive manner. Feet  50  and  50 ′ solve this problem simply and inexpensively.  
         [0038]     This is accomplished by providing feet  50  and  50 ′ with replaceable pad members  52  and  52 ′ ( FIG. 3 ).  FIG. 3  shows foot  50  only, however, foot  50 ′ would be similar in design. Pad members  52  and  52 ′ can be fabricated from various materials to meet specific design criteria such as proper wear characteristics and/or resistance to slippage. Additionally, feet  50  and  50 ′ can be fabricated in various heights to adjust the camber of leg cradle  10 , thereby insuring maximum comfort. This is accomplished by using a different height pad member on leg  30  than on leg  30 ′, creating a slight angle or camber to the crutch.  
         [0039]     More particularly, as shown in  FIG. 4 , pad  52  of foot  50  may be designed with a thickness D. Since two pads are used, one on each leg  30  and  30 ′, by varying the thickness of pads  52  and  52 ′, the camber or tilt of the crutch can be adjusted. Additionally, these pads can be made in any height, allowing the crutch to be tilted at any angle to allow for maximum flexibility and the specific needs and walking characteristics of the user. Pads  52  and  52 ′ can be adhered to feet  50  and  50 ′ by any means which allows for them to remain replaceable. For example, in a preferred embodiment, pads  52  and  52 ′ are threadingly engaged with feet  50  and  50 ′ allowing them to be easily affixed, removed and changed. Of course, in addition to the pad height being changed, the pads themselves could be made at an angle if so desired.  
         [0040]     In use, first and second frame members  22  and  22 ′, which are biased towards each other, are separated thereby increasing the distance between first member  22  and second member  22 ′ to allow for the insertion of the user&#39;s knee and lower leg. After insertion of the lower leg, the bias between frame members  22  and  22 ′ acts to snugly cradle the leg member within leg cradle  10  without the use of straps. This gives the ability of the user to utilize the crutch  2  in a hands free manner, while still allowing for easily and quickly removing crutch member  2 . Additionally, handle  28  is provided on crutch member  2  to provide for stability and retention when the circumstances require.  
         [0041]     When the crutch is done being used, crutch member  2  may be easily and quickly folded for storage. One manner of folding crutch member  2  is as follows. Firstly, separate first ends  35  of second leg segments  34  and  34 ′ from hinges  43  and  43 ′ disposed on leg cradle frame  20  ( FIG. 5 ). Second leg segments  34  and  34 ′ are then rotated in a direction A, towards first leg segments  32  and  32 ′. Thereafter, first leg segments  32  and  32 ′ are rotated in a direction B, upwardly towards leg cradle frame  20 , until the first and second leg  30  and  30 ′ are relatively coplanar with the horizontal portions of leg cradle frame  20  ( FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Finally, lower leg crutch  2  may be easily stored within a bag or other enclosure  60  for storage ( FIG. 8 ). Additionally, it is envisioned that angled portions  26  and  26 ′ could also be hinged to first and second frame members  22  and  22 ′ (not shown), thereby allowing handle  28  to be folded into a somewhat coplanar relationship with first and second frame member  22  and  22 ′ for further reduction in size.  
         [0042]     The reference numeral  2   a  ( FIGS. 10-17 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a second embodiment for the lower leg crutch. Since lower leg crutch  2   a  is similar to the previously described lower leg crutch  2 , similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-9  and  FIGS. 10-17 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix “a” in the numerals of the latter. The second lower leg crutch  2   a  is identical to the first embodiment of the lower leg crutch  2  and includes all of the options as discussed above, except for the first V-shaped leg  30   a,  the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′, the first foot member  50   a  and the second foot member  50   a ′.  
         [0043]     In the illustrated example, the first V-shaped leg  30   a  includes the first leg segment  32   a  and the second leg segment  34   a.  The first leg segment  32   a  is not illustrated as being height adjustable. However, it is contemplated that the first leg segment  32   a  could be adjustable. The second leg segment  34   a  includes an upper second leg segment portion  80  and a lower second leg segment portion  82 . The upper second leg segment portion  80  is connected to the hinge  43   a  and the lower second leg segment portion  82  is pivotally connected to the first leg segment  32   a.  Likewise, the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′ includes the first leg segment  32   a ′ and the second leg segment  34   a ′. The first leg segment  32   a ′ is not illustrated as being height adjustable. However, it is contemplated that the first leg segment  32   a ′ could be adjustable. The second leg segment  34   a ′ includes an upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ and a lower second leg segment portion  82 ′. The upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ is connected to the hinge  43   a ′ and the lower second leg segment portion  82 ′ is pivotally connected to the first leg segment  32   a ′.  
         [0044]     The illustrated first V-shaped leg  30   a  and the second V-shaped leg  30 ′ are configured to fold up in order to store the lower leg crutch  2   a.  The upper second leg segment portion  80  and the lower second leg segment portion  82  of the first V-shaped leg  30   a  are pivotally connected at a pivot point  90 , thereby allowing the upper second leg segment portion  80  and the lower second leg segment portion  82  to be folded relative to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . Likewise, the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ and the lower second leg segment portion  82 ′ of the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′ are pivotally connected at a pivot point  90 ′, thereby allowing the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ and the lower second leg segment portion  82 ′ to be folded relative to each other as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . A pair of cross members  92  extend between the first leg segment  32   a  of the first V-shaped leg  30   a  and the first leg segment  32   a ′ of the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′. Furthermore, a cross member  94  extends between the upper second leg segment portion  80  of the second leg segment  34   a  of the first V-shaped leg  30   a  and the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ of the second leg segment  34   a ′ of the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′. The cross members  92  and  94  provide stability for the first V-shaped leg  30   a  and the second V-shaped leg  30 ′ and allow the first V-shaped leg  30   a  and the second V-shaped leg  30 ′ to be collapsed and opened in unison.  
         [0045]     In the illustrated example, the lower leg crutch  2   a  is stored by collapsing the first V-shaped leg  30   a  and the second V-shaped leg  30 ′. In order to collapse the lower leg crutch  2   a,  the upper second leg segment portion  80  of the second leg segment  34   a  of the first V-shaped leg  30   a  and the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ of the second leg segment  34   a ′ of the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′ are rotated towards a position aligned with the first frame member  22   a  and the second frame member  22   a ′, respectively. Furthermore, the lower second leg segment portion  82  of the second leg segment  34   a  of the first V-shaped leg  30   a  and the lower second leg segment portion  82 ′ of the second leg segment  34   a ′ of the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′ are rotated towards a position aligned with the first leg segment  32   a  and the second leg segment  32   a ′, respectively. In the totally collapsed position, the upper second leg segment portion  80  of the second leg segment  34   a  of the first V-shaped leg  30   a  and the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ of the second leg segment  34   a ′ of the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′ are substantially aligned with the first frame member  22   a  and the second frame member  22   a ′, respectively. Furthermore, the lower second leg segment portion  82  of the second leg segment  34   a  of the first V-shaped leg  30   a  and the lower second leg segment portion  82 ′ of the second leg segment  34   a ′ of the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′ are substantially aligned with the first leg segment  32   a  and the second leg segment  32   a ′, respectively. Therefore, the lower leg crutch  2   a  can easily be slid into the enclosure  60   a.    
         [0046]     The illustrated lower leg crutch  2   a  includes a U-shaped spring member  100  that selectively allows the upper second leg segment portion  80  of the second leg segment  34   a  of the first V-shaped leg  30   a  to pivot about the lower leg segment portion  82  and the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ of the second leg segment  34   a ′ of the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′ to pivot about the lower leg segment portion  82 ′. The U-shaped spring member  100  includes a first end  102  that extends through a first pair of aligned openings  104  in the upper second leg segment portion  80  and the lower second leg segment portion  82  and a second end  106  that extends through a second pair of aligned openings  104 ′ in the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ and the lower second leg segment portion  82 ′. The U-shaped spring member  100  includes a U-shaped center portion  108  between the first end  102  and the second end  106 .  
         [0047]     To allow the lower leg crutch  2   a  to be moved to the collapsed position for storage, the U-shaped center portion  108  of the U-shaped spring member  100  is compressed until the first end  102  is withdrawn from the opening  104  in the upper second leg segment portion  80  and the second end  106  is withdrawn from the opening  104  in the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′. Thereafter, the upper second leg segment portion  80  of the second leg segment  34   a  of the first V-shaped leg  30   a  is pivoted about the lower leg segment portion  82  and the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ of the second leg segment  34   a ′ of the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′ is pivoted about the lower leg segment portion  82 ′ to move the lower leg crutch  2   a  into the collapsed position for storage. To deploy the lower leg crutch  2   a,  the upper second leg segment portion  80  of the second leg segment  34   a  of the first V-shaped leg  30   a  is pivoted to be in line with the lower leg segment portion  82  and the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ of the second leg segment  34   a ′ of the second V-shaped leg  30   a ′ is pivoted to be in line with the lower leg segment portion  82 ′. Once the upper second leg segment portion  80  is aligned with the lower leg segment portion  82  and the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′ is aligned with the lower leg segment portion  82 ′, the first end  102  of the U-shaped spring member  100  will be inserted into the opening  104  in the upper second leg segment portion  80  and the second end  106  of the U-shaped spring member  100  will be inserted into the opening  104  in the upper second leg segment portion  80 ′. Thereafter, the lower leg crutch  2   a  can be used to support the lower leg of a person.  
         [0048]     In the illustrated example, the lower leg crutch  2   a  includes a foot member  50   a  at a lower end of the first leg segment  32   a  and a foot member  50   a ′ at a lower end of the first leg segment  32   a ′. The foot member  50   a  and the foot member  50   a ′ are preferably elastic to work as a shock absorber for the lower leg crutch  2   a  and are vertically adjustable relative to the first leg segment  32   a  and the first leg segment  32   a ′ to allow a height of the lower leg crutch  2   a  to be adjustable.  
         [0049]     The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modification of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.