One legged two handed walking device

A walking aid device has a curved handle member designed to conform to the shape of the body which will allow a person to lean on the device when the hands and arms need to be free while standing. The handle member curves downwardly, slightly forwardly and continuing in a downward bow to connect to an appendage or shaft portion. The shaft portion bends slightly inwardly and continues straight down to a foot member. The walking aid device allows a person to walk with the momentum of using a cane and the stability of using a walker.

BACKGROUND--FIELD OF INVENTION 
This invention relates to a waling device for the walking impaired which 
allows for freedom of movement in congested areas, sloped areas, stairs 
and open areas, such as walking tracks, for maneuverability of both the 
upper and lower torso. 
BACKGROUND--DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART 
People with walking impairments have a limited number of choices of walking 
aids. These aids are also limited in their intended method of use. 
Existing walking aids such as walkers can, in some cases, impede the user 
form comfortably executing movements on stairs, in congested areas and 
even on level fields. 
Present walking aids having two legs (U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,419 to Harwood 
Jun. 8, 1993 and Des. U.S. Pat. No. 291,791 to Bean Sep. 8, 1987) three 
legs (U.S. Pat. No. 2,159,301 to Upton May 23, 1939 and Des. U.S. Pat. No. 
188,784 to Campbell Sep. 13, 1960) or four legs (U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,139 
to Garelick Feb. 23, 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 2,798,593 to Frank Jul. 9, 1957 
and U.S. Pat. 04,411,283 to Lucarelli Oct. 25, 1983), are basically 
designed for stability and/or relieving weight from a severe impairment. 
Consequently, a multitude of problems become present when an impaired 
person is not on level walking areas or loses the ability to maintain 
momentum and mobility during the walking process. Walking devices having 
only one leg and a single handgrip (U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,648 to Goulter 
Jan. 10, 1989) are used for minor impairments. Some canes have what is 
called a quad foot U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,587 to Buschbacker Apr. 4, 1995), 
which is a large base at the foot of the cane with four smaller feet 
connecting to the base. This creates a steady foundation but the stress on 
the shoulder, arm and wrist still poses a problem for persons needing more 
support or someone with weak upper limbs such as an arthritic person. 
Some impairments are too severe for the use of a single cane, therefore, 
two canes, a walker or crutches must be used. If two canes must be used 
for added stability the weight of the patient is distributed from cane to 
cane during the walking process which means the walking path must be wider 
due to the fact that the canes are placed to either side of the patient. 
Also, when one or both hands are needed for something other than balance 
or stability the canes must be set aside in some fashion to free the hand 
or hands so that a task can be accomplished. 
The walker described in Lucarelli is difficult to walk with because it is 
heavy. The walkers described in both Lucerelli and Campbell are difficult 
to use on stairs because they are not relatively coplanar near the bottom. 
The walkers described in both Lucarelli and Bean prevent the user from 
taking more than one or two small steps before the walker must be moved. 
It is desirable that a walker or walking device allow a user to take 
several normal steps before being moved and allow for easy ascension and 
descent of steps. The walking device should not be so heavy as to make it 
difficult to move. The walker described in Harwood allows the user to take 
longer and more steps, however, it does not allow for maximum versatility 
in the upper body stride or the motion of the arms which is so important 
in the normal walking process. Balance, due to directional change can also 
become a problem since the user is walking between the two leg shafts. The 
possibility of entanglement becomes more apparent because the user must 
place the feet from side to side in a quick motion and then swing the 
walker to the appropriate side before proceeding. 
When the user of a walker is moving in a given direction and wishes to 
reverse the direction, the walker has to be raised and set at an angle 
around the user and the user has to position him/her self in order to line 
up with the walker, then the process must be repeated in order to achieve 
the desired direction. 
With the one- legged two-handed walking aid device the walking path does 
not have to be any wider than the shoulder width of the patient and can 
even be less than this width. The patient can use one or both hands and if 
necessary use the walking device for balance by leaning on it. This frees 
the hands and still allows for stability. The weight of the user can be 
distributed from side to side with the one-legged two-handed walking aid 
device much the same way one would do with two canes, but with a more 
compact radius of use. The foot of the device can be placed quickly and 
efficiently in front or to the side of the user to allow for maximum 
balance in most any situation. When the user of a one-legged two-handed 
walking aid device needs to go in the opposite direction they simply turn 
the handle member, step around the pivoting foot while holding the handle 
member and continue walking in the opposite direction without loss of 
momentum. Bearing weight where necessary continues throughout this process 
much the same as a person would while walking normally. The natural motion 
used with the one-legged two-handed walking aid device allows for walking 
relatively comfortably on uneven surfaces and up and down stairs. The user 
is actually taking advantage of the upper body to compensate for lower 
body disadvantages. The one-legged two-handed walking aid device can be 
broken down to be used as a single handed cane if a particular situation 
dictates the need for this. An example of such a situation would be if a 
user were in a cafeteria-style restaurant and it was necessary to have a 
free hand to carry a tray. The material used in this device is light 
enough to provide for easy maneuverability, yet sturdy enough to withstand 
maximum weight and pressure and durable enough to maintain effectiveness 
rough every day usage. 
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
Accordingly, besides the objects and the advantages of the 
one-legged-two-handed walking aid device described above, several objects 
and advantages of the present invention are: 
(A) to provide versatility and convenience to persons using walking aides 
by having single appendage member which allows easier access in areas that 
are otherwise difficult, such as stairs, small doorways and uneven ground 
and inclines; 
(B)to provide stability by the user being able to use two hands, increasing 
balance; 
(C)to provide better mobility by the design being compatible with the 
natural movement of the body; 
(D)to provide comfort by relieving stress and fatigue normally associated 
with other types of walking aides. 
Further objects and advantages are to provide a walking device which is 
lightweight, easy to handle and incorporates natural and instinctive 
mobility aspects. For instance, a notable natural motion such as the 
natural swinging of the arms when walking becomes incorporated in the 
rowing motion which ultimately is a primary action in the use of the 
one-legged-two-handed walking aid device so that the upper body is 
actually taking on part of the burden of the walking process for the 
walking impaired. Other notable characteristics of the device include: the 
curved shape of the leg shaft so designed not only to keep the foot of the 
device out of the way of the user but also to initiate a slight hooking 
action when the user places the device out away from the body and begins 
the walking process by bringing it toward the body enabling the user to 
pull himself forward, at which point the angle of the device has changed, 
increasing the height hereto, causing an automatic climbing effect; and 
also there is the slight springing action of the handle member when weight 
is applied on it that aides to cushion the user during walking. 
Furthermore, a type of erect crawling action is taking place. The curved 
handle member promotes more precise control of the placement of the foot, 
not just for leaning comfort. Due to the curved shape of the handle member 
the hand placement is at the medium of the turning radius of the wrist, a 
natural and most comfortable placement. There is no undue stress on the 
wrist. The handle member does not roll in the hands during placement of 
the foot. While bearing weight on the cane the handle member can be rocked 
from side to side without loss of balance. The support is still directly 
over the foot or the fulcrum. The foot is unlikely to slip by these means. 
Hereby, making for added confidence for the user. The foot of the cane can 
be disposed along either side of the user or between the legs during the 
last stage of the walking process, at which time the user may be turning 
right, left or backing up. 
The combination of the heretofore mentioned objects and advantages as 
characteristics and the ergonomic design of this one-legged-two-handed 
walking aid device together, as a whole, provide a lightweight, easily 
manufactured, walking aide providing means for natural adaptability.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 
______________________________________ 
08 handle 10 leg shaft 
12 foot pad 
14 telescopic leg adjustment 
16 end cap 18 handle padding 
20A hinge for cane configura- 
22 swivel pivot 
tion 
20B hinge for storage configura- 
tion 
______________________________________ 
SUMMARY 
Comprising more control, stability, versatility and balance, the 
one-legged-two-handed walking aid device is ergonomically designed to 
conform to natural and instinctive movements of the body enhancing better 
maneuverability and comfort to the walking impaired. 
DESCRIPTION--FIGS. 1-6 
A typical embodiment of the one-legged-two-handed walking aid device of the 
present invention is illustrated in FIG. 6A (front view), FIG. 6B (side 
view) and FIG. 6C (angled view). This one-legged-two-handed walking aid 
device comprising a handle member 08 which curves FIG. 5(Top View) to 
conform to the shape of the body, to make for a comfortable hand placement 
position and also to prevent the handle member from rolling during 
placement of the foot. The device has a single leg (10) which is an 
extension of the handle piece extending from either side of the handle 
member depending on left or right hand user. The appendage member curving 
downward, inward FIG. 6A and slightly forward and continuing in a downward 
bow to approximately three-quarters the distance down the length of the 
shaft to a point 6B which is perpendicular to the approximate center point 
of the handle FIG. 6A and FIG. 5, here the shaft bends slightly inward and 
continues on straight to the foot (12) of the one-legged-two-handed 
walking aid device and herein embodies the telescopic height adjustment 
(14) and it being coplanar to the user FIG. 6B and FIG. 5. 
This one-legged-two-handed-walking aid device is comprised of a sturdy, 
lightweight material such as aluminum, or alloys thereof, or a titanium 
type of material, but not limited to any particular material. 
FIG. 7 shows possible placement of added features such as an end cap (16) 
on the end of the handle member (08), the handle member(08) should be 
padded (18) with a soft, durable material that minimizes slipping of the 
hands when the hands perspire. Also, the hand grip padding(18) should 
cover the entire handle member (08) from hand grip (18) to hand grip (18) 
except if the hinge (20A) FIG. 7 should be placed to the inside of the 
appendage member side hand grip (18). This area may or may not be covered, 
thus, if the hinge (20B) were placed in the bend between the handle member 
(08) and the appendage member (10) the hand grip padding (18) would 
entirely cover the handle member (08). The one-legged-two-handed walking 
aid device can be broken down for storage FIG. 3A by means of releasing 
the hinge (20B) and folding the handle member (08) to the appendage member 
(10) by said means, making the apparatus more compact. Also, if the hinge 
(20A) were to be disengaged and the handle member (08) folded to the 
appendage member (10) FIG. 3B) the one-legged-two-handed walking aid 
device would be used as a single handed cane. 
Another possible feature is a swivel (22) FIG. 7) located just above the 
foot pad (12) made of tight construction that will allow the foot pad (12) 
to remain stable and in place on the walking surface and does not allow 
any movement other than the rotation of the leg shaft (10). 
FIG. 4 shows a hands free leaning position on the one-legged-two-handed 
walking aid device. 
FIG. 8 shows an alternate descriptive view of the user and the 
one-legged-two-handed walking aid device. 
OPERATION 
When the user starts the walking process with the one-legged-two-handed 
walking aid device, the hands are positioned on the handle member at the 
hand grip area about waist high. The foot of the one-legged-two-handed 
walking aid device is positioned forward and to the center away from the 
user. For a right-handed person the left hand serves as a pivot and the 
right hand incorporates a rowing motion, while both hands, arms and 
shoulders take on some of the weight of the body. (Reversefor a 
left-handed person). See FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C. Also, with 
this stridemotion effect with the arms, as the user comes closer to the 
one-legged-two-handed walking aiddevice appendage member, the 
one-legged-two-handed walking aid device becomes taller in height due to 
the angle position. Thus, a climbing effect is automatically incorporated. 
The user, while pulling forward is actually pulling the body upward 
creating a climbing effect relieving the stress on the lower extremities. 
The user is actually talking advantage of the upperbody to compensate 
lower body disadvantages. With this one-legged-two-handed walking 
aiddevice this is achieved with the natural and comfortable walking 
abilities that most all humanbeings possess. 
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE 
Canes and walkers are effective in their own right. The cane is good for 
steadying oneself in some cases, although having one hand free does not 
allow a means of support when both hands are needed. The walker requires 
both hands for support and steadiness. Momentum is greatly hampered due to 
the intended method of use and design. In considering these downfalls, 
this invention of the one-legged-two-handed walking aid device reduces 
these disadvantages and creates new advantages. Having the design 
compatible with the shape of the body, using two hands for stability and 
only one leg, means less cumbersome walking conditions. The user may very 
well become confident and comfortable in many otherwise uncomfortable 
situations. 
The one-legged-two-handed walking aid device provides versatility and 
convenience to persons using waking aides by having a single appendage to 
allow easier access in compromising situations, it provides stability by 
allowing the use of two hands, it provides better mobility by the design 
being compatible with the natural movement of the body, and comfort is 
provided byrelieving stress and fatigue normally associated with other 
types of walking aides. 
Although the description above contains the specifics of this invention 
these should not be construed as limiting the scope but rather provides 
some preferred embodiments. Some examples of its ramifications are listed 
below. 
The one-legged-two-handed walking aid device may be manufactured for the 
right or left handed persons. Not to say that a left handed person would 
not be able to use the right-handed one-legged-two-handed walking aid 
device, but could easily do so with a little coaching. The same would hold 
true for a right handed person using a left handed device. It may be 
manufactured with a hinge just to the inside of the appendage side hand 
grip, which will allow the one-legged-two-handed walking aid device to 
double as a single-handed cane in situations where onehand is needed for 
something other than balance or stability, or in the bend at the union of 
the handle and appendage members a feature added to allow folding when in 
transport or for storage. This makes for maximum compactness. When the 
hinge is incorporated at the inside of the appendage side hand grip the 
handle can be folded down and the one-legged-two-handed walking aid device 
canbe used as a single handed walking device. Also, the 
one-legged-two-handed waking aid device may further include a continuous 
padding across the handle member and an end cap at the blunt end of the 
handle member. 
The one-legged-two-handed walking aid device may incorporate a swivel for 
pivoting the appendage to aide in the twisting, or pivoting, action when 
in use. This may prolong the life of the foot pad. The swivel should be 
made of a tight construction which will not freely move but will allow for 
movement of the appendage. 
Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended 
claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.