Tubular crutch with a cantilever handle and key

A tubular crutch including a tubular crutch body, a cantilever handle and a ground engaging extension is described. The cantilever handle includes a curved base plate, a plurality of bolts, a tubular member, a plurality of locking nuts, a key, and a contoured component. The tubular crutch also includes a ground engaging extension with a spring loaded button that is received at the bottom of the tubular elongated member. The tubular crutch body includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element, a first concave curve adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element, a second convex curve proximate to the first concave curve, a third concave curve proximate to the second convex curve and a tubular elongated portion adjacent to the third concave curve.

FIELD

This description relates to a tubular crutch with a cantilever handle. More particularly, the description relates to a tubular crutch with a tubular crutch body that includes a posterior stabilizing element and the cantilever handle includes an angled tubular member.

BACKGROUND

Crutches have been used by individuals with lower extremity disablements for over 5,000 years. Unfortunately, the crude form of axillary or underarm crutches depicted in ancient illustrations has not changed appreciably.

In spite of the lack of improvement in the basic design of axillary or underarm crutches they are still widely used as they are inexpensive, functional and light in weight. These are very important elements in the rehabilitation of short-term users and for handicapped individuals who use crutches as a primary means of ambulating. However, the standard axillary crutches are difficult to use, inherently unstable, and improper use will cause underarm irritation and soreness and prolonged use can cause permanent damage to the user. Crutches having a cantilever handle with one point of contact between the tubular crutch body and tubular stabilizing element may be unstable. A very large number of people require the use of crutches each year, and the need for an improved design that is easier and especially safer to use continues.

The difficult activity of crutch ambulation has long been recognized and there have been numerous attempts within the prior art to overcome the disadvantages inherent with typical crutches.

Underarm or axillary crutches require the user to support the majority of his body weight by the arms and hands at the hand grip of the crutch. When the user takes a forward step he applies a forward thrust to the crutches at the handgrip. This forward thrust in turn must be transferred through the crutches to the user's body to complete the forward moving step. To accomplish this transfer of thrust the user must first make certain the crutches don't slip out from under his arm and then transfer the thrust to his body by developing a resisting frictional force between the axillary pad and the body. Many individuals lacking adequate strength or skill are unable to use the crutches in this manner and find it necessary to clamp the axillary bar under the arms to transfer the forward thrust. This procedure even though widely used is not recommended and results in discomfort and soreness under the arm. In spite of the discomfort, crutch users continue to clamp the axillary bar under their arms because it is imperative that the crutches not slip or the user would fall and further injury could result.

SUMMARY

A tubular crutch with a tubular crutch body is described. The tubular crutch body includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element, a first concave curve, a second convex curve, a third concave curve, a tubular elongated portion and a cantilever handle. The tubular posterior stabilizing element has a tubular posterior stabilizing element center line. The first concave curve is adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element, and the first concave curve has a first angle of approximately 75°-85°. The second convex curve is proximate to the first concave curve and the second convex curve has a second angle of approximately 152°-162°. The third concave curve is proximate to the second convex curve and the third concave curve has a third angle of approximately 56.5°-66.5°. The first concave curve, the second convex curve, the third concave curve are in a first plane. The tubular elongated portion is adjacent to the third concave curve. Additionally, the tubular elongated portion has a first plurality of paired orifices in the first plane and a second plurality of orifices at a second plane at a bottom of the tubular elongated portion. The tubular elongated portion has a tubular elongated portion center line that is 10°-20° from the tubular posterior stabilizing element center line.

A cantilever handle includes a curved base plate, a first bolt, a tubular member, a second bolt and at least two locking nuts. The curved base plate interfaces with the tubular elongated portion of the tubular crutch body. The curved base plate includes a base plate orifice. The first bolt has a threaded end and a head end. The first bolt head end is fixedly coupled to the curved base plate and the threaded end of the bolt extends through the base plate orifice, which extends at a 90° angle from the base plate. The tubular member has one end fixedly coupled to a convex side of the curved base plate. The tubular member extends into a first plane from the curved base plate. The first bolt is welded to the curved base plate and the tubular member is welded to the curved base plate so that the tubular member surrounds the first bolt. The second bolt has a threaded end and a head end and the second bolt is also weld to the curved base plate. Each bolt passes through a pair of orifices along a tubular elongated portion of a tubular crutch body. Each of the two locking nuts has an inner threaded surface that receives the threaded end of each bolt to secure the handle to the tubular crutch body.

In the illustrative embodiment, the tubular crutch includes a ground engaging extension that further includes a spring loaded button that is received by at least one of the second plurality of orifices at the bottom of the tubular elongated member. Additionally, the cantilever handle includes a contoured component that ergonomically interfaces with a palm of a hand.

In another embodiment, at least two contoured washers are disposed on the opposite side of the tubular elongated portion, wherein each bolt passes through a corresponding washer. Additionally, the locking nut includes a biasing element having a nylon ring disposed on the locking nut and an outer surface of the nylon ring interfaces with the inner threaded surface of the locking nut.

In yet another illustrative embodiment, the cantilever handle may also include a key fitted to interface with each of the locking nuts, in which the key is used to tighten the locking nuts. In another embodiment, the base plate has a length greater than two inches. In still a further embodiment, the handle includes a steel material and tubular crutch body that includes an aluminum material.

A kit of parts for assembly of a crutch is also described. The kit includes the tubular crutch body, the cantilever handle, a ground engaging extension and an ergonomic contoured component. The kit of parts for assembly of the crutch may also include a key fitted to interface with each of the locking nuts, in which the key is used to tighten the locking nuts. The kit of parts may also include at least two contoured washers.

DESCRIPTION

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative and not in any way limiting. Other embodiments of the claimed subject matter will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure. It shall be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the systems and apparatus described hereinafter may vary as to configuration and as to details. Additionally, the methods may vary as to details, order of the actions, or other variations without departing from the illustrative methods disclosed herein.

Crutches having a cantilever handle require the user to attach the hand grip to the tubular crutch body using a nut and base plate. However, users tend to underestimate weight, placing more weight on the handgrip than a single bolt and base plate of conventional length were intended to hold. Also, a conventional handgrip on a crutch is attached using a wing nut which is tightened through manual rotation. The use of a single bolt and a base plate in conjunction with a wing nut tightened by manual rotation only creates a potential for user injury from falls if the grip or nut breaks off, or is damaged due to excess weight being placed onto the handgrip. Also, attaching the handgrip to the crutch with a conventional wing nut by manual means frequently results in the nut not being firmly attached to the crutch, and further creating the potential for user injury from falls.

A tubular crutch with an ergonomically designed cantilever handle that includes two bolts is described herein. The tubular crutch with the cantilever handle transfers the forward thrust from the user's hands directly to the user's back without the necessity of clamping the axillary element under the arm. As described herein, incorporating an axillary element having a posterior extension makes the crutches easier to use, increases stability, is much safer for the user, and eliminates the underarm soreness and irritation caused by clamping the axillary element under the arms. The posterior extension causes the crutch to be used in a more vertical, upright position, allowing a greater percentage of the crutch tip to make contact with the surface.

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown an illustrative tubular crutch with a cantilever handle. The tubular crutch body10includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element12, a first concave curve14adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element12, a second convex curve16proximate to the first concave curve14, a third concave curve18proximate the second convex curve16and a tubular elongated portion20adjacent to the third concave curve18. The first concave curve14, the second convex curve16, the third concave curve18and tubular crutch body10are disposed along a first plane that is parallel the median plane of the user.

A sleeve19is located between the first concave curve14and the second convex curve16. By way of example and not of limitation, the illustrative sleeve19is composed of molded or extruded elastic materials having foam-like and/or rubber-like properties with a high coefficient of friction. The sleeve19is configured to fit adjacent to the user's chest. As described in further detail below, the back of the user's shoulder interfaces with the tubular posterior stabilizing element12which has a low coefficient of friction so the tubular posterior stabilizing element12is relatively slippery when compared to the sleeve19.

A tubular elongated portion20is adjacent to the third concave curve18and includes a first grouping of orifices22or bored holes along the first plane. Additionally, the tubular elongated portion20includes a second set of orifices24or bored holes at the bottom of the tubular elongated portion. The second set of bored holes24are at a 90° degree angle from the first grouping of orifices22.

The cantilever handle30includes a curved base plate32, two bolts34aand34b(shown inFIG. 6), a tubular member36, a two corresponding locking nuts38aand38b(shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 6), and a contoured ergonomic component40. The curved base plate32is configured to interface with the tubular elongated portion20and includes a base plate orifice (not shown). Each of the plurality of bolts34has a threaded end and a head end, in which the head end is fixedly coupled to a convex side of the curved base plate32and the threaded end of the bolt is at a 90° angle from the curved base plate32. In the illustrative embodiment, the bolt34is welded to the curved base plate32and the tubular member36is welded to the curved base plate32.

The plurality of bolts34aand34bin relation to the curved base plate32are described in further detail inFIG. 6below. The tubular member36has one end fixedly coupled to the convex side of the curved base plate32, as shown inFIG. 6. Each of the plurality of bolts34aand34bpasses through one pair of the first orifices22. In the illustrative embodiment, there are two contoured washers37aand37bthat are disposed on the opposite side of the tubular elongated portion20; the threaded bolts34aand34b(shown inFIG. 6) are configured to pass through the tubular elongated portion20and the washers37aand37b(shown inFIG. 1), respectively.

The illustrative locking nuts38aand38bare adjacent to the washers37aand37b, respectively. The locking nuts38aand38breceive the threaded end of bolts34aand34b, respectively.

In the illustrative embodiment, each locking nut38includes a biasing element (not shown) that is configured to lock the locking nut38in place. By way of example and not of limitation, the biasing element for the locking nut includes a nylon ring (not shown) disposed on a keyed end or back end of the locking nut and an outer surface of the nylon ring interfaces with the inner threaded surface of the locking nut38. Further detail of the locking nut38is provided inFIG. 6.

The contoured component40ergonomically interfaces with a palm of a hand. By way of example and not of limitation, the contoured component40is composed of molded or extruded elastic materials having foam-like and/or rubber-like properties.

The tubular crutch10also includes a ground engaging extension50with a spring loaded button52that is configured to be received by at least one of the second plurality of orifices24at the bottom of the tubular elongated member20. At the tip of the ground engaging extension is a crutch tip54. By way of example and not of limitation, the crutch tip54is composed of an elastic compound with a relatively high coefficient of friction that prevents club slippage, provides cushioning, and minimizes wear-and-tear on the crutch tip. In the illustrative embodiment, the handle30is composed of a steel material such as carbon steel and the tubular crutch body10and ground engaging extension50is composed of an aluminum material.

Alternatively, the handle, tubular crutch body and ground engaging extension may be composed of materials including, but not limited to, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, wood, metal alloys, steel alloys, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, carbon or glass fiber reinforced composites, and thermoplastic materials capable of supporting an individual user.

Referring now toFIGS. 2A-2E, there is shown an illustrative instruction sheet for using the tubular crutch with the cantilever handle. InFIG. 2A, the height of the ground engaging extension50is adjusted for the particular user. To determine the appropriate height, the crutch is placed under the user's arm in a first plane that is parallel to the median plane. The crutch10is positioned so that two fingers fit below the underarm as shown inFIG. 2B. To fit the cantilever handle30, the arm is kept straight and the plurality of bolts34are fitted through the appropriate pair of orifices22as shown inFIG. 2C. InFIG. 2D, the locking nuts38associated with the cantilever handle30are then tightened using a key that interfaces with the keyed end of the locking nut38. The straight arms help keep the posterior stabilizing element12against the back of the shoulders as shown inFIG. 2E.

InFIG. 2D, a user is shown with the crutches in a rest or start position. There are three points of contact with the crutch shown inFIG. 2D. The first point of contact is along the ergonomically designed cantilever handle30. The second point of contact is along the forearm interfacing with the crutch10. The third point of contact is behind the shoulder which interfaces with the posterior stabilizing element12, as shown inFIG. 2E.

Referring now toFIG. 3, there is shown a method100for using the tubular crutch with a cantilever handle. The method100begins at block102where the user lifts the crutches and positions the crutches on the ground. At this instance, the user is standing in an upright position and distributing the user's weight substantially on one weight-bearing foot or both feet. As shown inFIG. 2D, the user is in a start position and grasping the cantilever handle30. The tubular crutch body10is located between the user's arm and body.

In this start or rest position, the cantilever handle30is substantially horizontal, even though the cantilever is at a 10°-15° angle in relation to the tubular elongated portion20, as described in further detail below. The user positions the crutch tip54in front of the user, as shown inFIG. 2D, and the user's hand is in front of the user's body. Additionally, the crutch tip54is further in front of the user's hand. Thus, when the crutch is in a resting position, the crutch is at a substantially angular position.

At block104, the user shifts their weight from their feet or foot to the hand grips. The design of the crutch results in the crutch forcing the posterior stabilizing element12to have contact with the back of the user's shoulder, as described in block106.

At block108, the user initiates a forward thrust by pushing off with the weight-bearing foot. As the user is swinging through from a first start position to a second start position, the back of the user's shoulders contacts the posterior stabilizing element12. The contact point between the user's shoulder and the posterior stabilizing element12acts as a pivot point; and this pivot point shifts as the user swings from the first position to the second position as described in block110.

The shifting of the pivot point along first curve14minimizes the user's discomfort and minimizes injuries from crutches slipping, because the crutches can no longer slip forward or laterally. Furthermore, in a resting or start position the crutches are already in front of the user, so they are unlikely to slip in the start or resting position.

At block112, the user's weight is now shifted back to the weight bearing foot. The process is repeated until the user reaches the desired destination as represented by decision diamond114.

Referring toFIG. 4, there is shown a top portion200of the tubular crutch body10. The posterior stabilizing element12has a first length that varies according to the size and weight of the individual and the material properties of the crutch body. By way of example and not of limitation, the posterior stabilizing element12has a length L1that varies in length from approximately 4 inches to 6 inches.

The first concave curve14adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element12includes a radius and a first angle, Θ1. In a broad embodiment, the first angle Θ1ranges from 70°-90°. In a narrow embodiment, the illustrative first angle Θ1is approximately 80°. Adjacent to the first angle is a first tubular portion202having a length of L2. By way of example and not of limitation, the illustrative length for L2is approximately 2 inches.

The second convex curve16is adjacent to the first tubular portion202and is proximate to the first concave curve14. In a broad embodiment, the second angle Θ2ranges from 150°-165°. In a narrow embodiment, the illustrative second angle Θ2is approximately 157°. Adjacent to the second angle is a second tubular portion204having a length of L3. By way of example and not of limitation, the illustrative length for L3is approximately 6 inches.

The third concave curve18is adjacent to the second tubular portion204and is proximate to the second convex curve16. In a broad embodiment, the third concave angle Θ3ranges from 55°-70°. In a narrow embodiment, the illustrative third angle Θ3is approximately 61.5°. Adjacent to the third angle is the tubular elongated portion20and the tubular portion204having a length of L4. By way of example and not of limitation, the illustrative length for L4is approximately 29 inches.

The first concave curve14, the second convex curve16, the third concave curve18and tubular crutch body10are disposed along a first plane that is substantially parallel to the median plane of the user. The median plane bisects the body vertically and divides the body into the left and right side. When one of the crutches is in use, the first plane is approximately angled at 5°-10° degrees counterclockwise relative to the median plane of the user. More specifically, the first plane is approximately angled at 7° degrees counterclockwise relative to the median plane of the user.

In the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the first radius, r1, for the first concave curve14, the second radius, r2, for the second convex curve16and the third radius, r3, for the third concave curve18are substantially similar. In a broad embodiment, the radius for each of the curves varies from 2 to 4 inches. In a narrow embodiment, the illustrative radius for r1, r2and r3is approximately 3 inches.

In alternative embodiments, the radius may vary for each curve. Additionally, if the radius is different for one or more curves, the corresponding angle for each curve may also be affected. Thus, the angle and radius of each of the three curves may change. However, for the crutch to operate in the manner described above, a tubular elongated portion center line206intersects a tubular posterior stabilizing element center line208at 10°-20° counterclockwise relative to the tubular elongated portion center line206. In a narrow embodiment, the tubular elongated portion center line206intersects a tubular posterior stabilizing element center line208at approximately 13°-17° counterclockwise relative to the tubular elongated portion center line206. In an even narrower embodiment, the tubular elongated portion center line206intersects a tubular posterior stabilizing element center line208at approximately 15.5° counterclockwise relative to the tubular elongated portion center line206.

Thus even if the radius and angles change, as long the tubular elongated portion center line206intersects a tubular posterior stabilizing element center line208at the proper angle, the tubular crutch with the cantilever handle transfers the forward thrust from the hands directly to the back of the user's shoulder without the necessity of clamping the axillary element under the arm.

Referring now toFIG. 5A, there is shown a first side view of the tubular crutch body in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The tubular elongated portion20includes the first grouping of orifices22or holes along the first plane. By way of example and not of limitation, there are nine 0.25 inch holes that are spaced one inch apart. The orifices or holes are punched through or bored on both sides of the tubular elongated portion20. The grouping of orifices or holes is configured to receive the plurality of bolts34corresponding to the cantilever handle30(shown onFIG. 6).

Referring now toFIG. 5B, the ground engaging extension50includes a brass button52that is operatively coupled to spring53. The spring-loaded button52is a quick release button that is configured to be received by at least one of the second plurality of orifices24(shown inFIG. 5C) at the bottom of the tubular elongated member20.

At the tip of the ground engaging extension50is a crutch tip54. By way of example and not of limitation, the crutch tip54is composed of an elastic compound with a relatively high coefficient of friction that prevents club slippage, provides cushioning, and minimizes wear-and-tear on the crutch tip. In the illustrative embodiment, the tubular crutch body10and ground engaging extension50are both composed of an aluminum alloy.

Referring now toFIG. 5C, there is shown a second side view of the tubular crutch disposed in a first plane. The tubular elongated portion20includes a second set of orifices24or bored holes at the bottom of the tubular elongated portion20for adjusting the height of the crutch assembly. The second set of orifices bored holes24are at a 90° degree angle from the first grouping of orifices22. By way of example and not of limitation, there are nine holes that are punched through on one side only, the holes are 0.38 inches in diameter and are spaced one inch apart.

A base25is sized to telescopically receive the ground engaging extension50. By way of example, the base25may include a plastic cap (not shown) with an opening that receives the ground engaging extension50that has relatively high tolerances. Additionally, the ground engaging extension50may also include a plastic cap that covers the tubular opening. The ground engaging extension50fits inside the tubular elongated portion20and is locked into place when the spring loaded button52passes through one of the second set of orifices24.

Referring now toFIG. 6, there is shown the component pieces of the cantilever handle, excluding the contoured component40described above. The cantilever handle30includes a curved base plate32, a plurality of bolts34, and a tubular member36that are fixedly coupled to one another.

The curved base plate32interfaces with the tubular elongated portion20of the tubular crutch body10. The curved base plate32includes at least two base plate orifices33. The first bolt34ahas a threaded end and a head end. The first bolt34ahead end is fixedly coupled to the curved base plate32by welding the bolt34ato curved base plate32. The threaded end of the bolt34aextends through the base plate orifice33aat a 90° angle from the base plate.

The tubular member36has one end fixedly coupled to a convex side of the curved base plate32. The tubular member36extends into a first plane from the curved base plate32. The first bolt34ais welded to the curved base plate32. Additionally, the tubular member36is welded to the curved base plate32so that the tubular member surrounds the first bolt34a.

The second bolt34balso has a threaded end and a head end and the second bolt34bis also weld to the curved base plate32. Each bolt34aand34bpasses through the pair of orifices33aand33b, respectively, and also passes the tubular elongated portion20of the tubular crutch body10. In the illustrative embodiment, each bolt34has an associated contoured washer37disposed on the opposite side of the tubular elongated portion20so that the threaded bolt34is configured to pass through the washer37. Each of the two locking nuts38aand38b(shown inFIG. 1and shown generally inFIG. 6) has an inner threaded surface that receives the threaded end of each bolt to secure the handle30to the tubular crutch body10.

By way of example and not of limitation, the cantilever handle includes two bolts welded to the base plate and tubular member; however, the cantilever handle may include three or more bolts. In another embodiment, the curved base plate32has a length greater than two inches. The use of a base plate having a length of greater than two inches, and having more than one bolt, distributes a user's weight across a greater surface area on the base plate than the use of a base plate that is two inches or less, or which has only one bolt welded to a “short” base plate.

In operation, each of the plurality of bolts34is received by a threaded locking nut38of appropriate size and shape. By way of example and not of limitation, each locking nut38is a threaded locking nut38that receives the threaded end of the bolt34.

In another illustrative embodiment, the biasing element for the locking nut38includes a nylon ring43disposed on a keyed end or back end of the locking nut38. The outer surface of the nylon ring43interfaces with the inner threaded surface of the locking nut38. The illustrative locking nut shown inFIG. 6has a flat head end and a back end43. The back end43may also be referred to as a keyed end43that receives key30(shown inFIG. 7). The illustrative locking nut may also have a rounded head end (not shown).

In yet another the illustrative embodiment, the locking nut38includes a biasing element such as a spring lock washer (not shown) that is configured to lock the locking nut38in place.

Referring now toFIG. 7, the keyed end43(shown inFIG. 6) of the locking nut38is a hexagonal nut, fitting hexagonal key39. By way of example and not of limitation, hexagonal key39is fabricated using a metal press or other standard form of metal fabrication. Alternatively the keyed end41may include a shape which is unique to and fits a unique key (not shown), so that the locking nut38cannot be tightened or removed without the unique key.

The use of a key39allows the user to control tightening or loosening of the nut to ensure that the locking nut is sufficiently tightened. The use of a locking nut38and key39in the shape of a hexagonal wrench allows the user to apply greater torque to the nut38could be obtained using manual force alone, and prevents manual loosening of the nut38. The key39may be retained on the user's keychain or other personal item to prevent loss of the key39.

Referring back toFIG. 6, in the broad embodiment, the tubular member36includes a tubular member center line35that extends into the first plane at an angle of approximately 75°-80° degrees counterclockwise relative to curved base plate32that interfaces with the tubular elongated portion20. In a narrow embodiment, the tubular member center line35extends into the first plane at approximately 78° degrees from the curved base plate32and the tubular elongated portion20.

The description provided above describes the kit of parts for assembly to a crutch with a cantilever handle. As described above, the kit of parts includes a tubular crutch body, a ground engaging extension, a cantilever handle with the curved base plate, a plurality of bolts, a plurality of locking nuts, a contoured component, and a key. Additionally, the illustrative embodiment includes a contoured washer configured to be disposed on the opposite side of the tubular elongated portion as described above.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is a detailed description of illustrative embodiments. The scope of the claims is not limited to these specific embodiments. Various elements, details, execution of any methods, and uses can differ from those just described, or be expanded on or implemented using technologies not yet commercially viable, and yet still be within the inventive concepts of the present disclosure. The scope of the invention is determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.