Abstract:
An apparatus that combines the functionality of a walker with that of a single crutch is herein disclosed. The apparatus provides for one crutch that comes up from the side support of the walker and thus the side of the user&#39;s body and is adjustable in height, as is the walker support handles, such that the invention can be customized for any sized user. The adjustment is facilitated by use of spring pin slip fittings, and thus can be adjusted in a matter of minutes without tools. The crutch support can be easily moved from the right to left hand side of the walker by use of a removable clamp system. It is also envisioned that certain models of the invention can provide crutches on both the right and left hand side of the walker simultaneously, based upon the needs of the patient. When not in use or not needed, the invention folds up in a manner similar to a conventional walker thus providing a low profile for ease of storage.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Jun. 26, 2007 that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to a walking assist device with a removable crutch attachable thereto both sides of said walker device to assist either a left handed user, a right handed user, or a user who requires the aid of said crutch on both sides of the walker device. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Walkers are used everyday by the elderly, the disabled, and those recovering from surgery or illness. Walkers assist with ambulation and mobility, while providing independence and safety to the user. The usage of a walker requires that the user have use of both of their arms in order to move and place the walker with each step. Should the usage of one arm not be available, a person with limited ambulation is typically forced to utilize a wheelchair, which while providing some mobility, limits independence and may lengthen recovery time due to the lack of exercise associated with walking with a walker. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which the heath benefits, mobility and independence associated with a walker can be provided to those users who have limited or no use of one arm or both arms. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need. 
   U.S. Pat. No. D 535,220 issued to Wu discloses a walker with arm handles. This design patent does not appear to disclose a crutch walker that has a similar design to the instant invention nor does it appear to disclose an apparatus that supports a user by the axillary region of the body. 
   U.S. Pat. No. D 437,679 issued to Lisowski et al. discloses an adjustable walker cane. This design patent does not appear to disclose a crutch walker that has a similar design to the instant invention nor does it appear to disclose a walker with a crutch attachment. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,044 issued to Andolfi discloses a patient transfer walker which provides a crutch like support and a walker with wheels. It does not appear that this patent discloses a unitary walker embodiment with a crutch mechanism that is adaptable to one or both sides of the walker utilizing the mechanism disclosed herein. It also appears that the referenced patent discloses an apparatus that has its object the transfer of a user from the standing to seated position. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,446 issued to Yarbrough discloses a combination walker and crutch which appears to be two crutches joined together to form a walker. This patent does not appear to disclose a walker with a crutch attachment on the upper surface of the walker nor does it appear to disclose an apparatus capable of employing a crutch that can be utilized by only one side of a user. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,035 issued to Liu discloses a seesawly-controlled foldable walker. This patent does not appear to disclose a walker with a crutch attachment that can be employed on one side or both sides to assist a user in ambulation. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,994 issued to Schultz discloses a reversible walker device which appears to be a walker with handles to control the movement of the walker. This patent does not appear to disclose a device that possesses crutch attachment(s) to assist a user in support while ambulating. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,251,105 issued to Barker discloses a mobility aid. This patent does not appear to disclose a walker with crutch attachment to assist in supporting users while ambulating with the walker. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,248,256 issued to Thomas discloses a platform crutch attachment for an invalid walker. This patent does not appear to disclose a crutch attachment that supports a user by the axillary area of the user. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,237 issued to Wertz discloses an arm support for invalid walkers. This patent does not appear to disclose a crutch walker that supports a user by the axillary area of the user. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,796,916 issued to Womble discloses a folding walking aid. This patent does not appear to disclose a crutch walker with the ability to provide different configurations with respect to the crutch position nor does it appear to disclose a crutch attachment with two supports. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 2,759,525 issued to Ries discloses a multiple purpose invalid walker. This patent does not appear to disclose a crutch walker with the ability to provide different configurations with respect to the crutch position nor does it appear to disclose a crutch attachment with two supports. 
   The prior art appears to disclose various apparatus that support users while ambulating utilizing walkers, some of which provide support for the upper extremities. The prior art does not appear to describe a crutch walker with the ability to conform to user deficit in the upper extremities in the manner specified by the instant invention nor does the prior art appear to provide the upper body support that the instant invention possesses. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a crutch walker for individuals who have difficulty ambulating and lack functional use of one or more upper extremities. 
   It is an object of the crutch walker to assist people in ambulation who have difficulty walking and limited use of one or both upper extremities. 
   A further object of the crutch walker is to present an alternative to using a wheelchair to those who require assistance in ambulation and lack complete functional use of one or both upper extremities. 
   Yet still another object of the crutch walker to be conformable to the side of the user which possesses the limited use of an upper extremity. The crutch walker is also adaptable to those users who have limited use of both upper extremities. 
   An aspect of the crutch walker is comprised of a walker section and a crutch section. The crutch section may be provided on either side of the walker or on both sides of the crutch walker. The crutch section comprises a padded support which interconnects with a fore support brace and an aft support brace. The fore support brace and the aft support brace extend through a plurality of holes around a rubberized hand grip. The fore support brace and the aft support brace enter inside of a fore support sleeve and aft support sleeve. The fore support sleeve and the aft support sleeve are physically supported by the hand grip section on the top and the side cross sectional support on the bottom. The supports are physically strong enough to support the weight of even the heaviest user. The fore support brace and the aft support brace and the fore support sleeve and the aft support sleeve are circular in cross sectional area. 
   A further object of the crutch walker is that the height of the crutch section can be adjusted up and down with relation to the crutch section. This height adjustment is done by a height adjustment mechanism on the lower part of the fore support sleeve and the aft support sleeve. The height adjustment mechanism is a spring pin arrangement but other types of height adjustment mechanism such as, but not limited to, friction collars, stop pins, set screws and the like could be used. The height adjustment permits the crutch walker to be customized to the size of users. 
   A further aspect of the crutch walker is that the walker section is comprised of a hand grip section, a plurality of legs, side cross sectional support, and a plurality of front, interconnecting members. 
   Yet a further aspect of the crutch walker is adaptable to different configurations such as a right-handed user, a left-handed user or when using both hands due to the adjustable nature of the crutch walker. Regardless of desired configuration, the crutch section is independently adjustable with regards to height, and can accommodate users who lean to one side or another as a result of a physical shortcoming. 
   Still a further aspect of the crutch walker is the angled relationship between the fore support brace and the aft support brace to vertical. This angled relationship aids in the usage of the crutch section as it provides greater comfort and stability by keeping the user centered in between the crutch walker legs and prevents the crutch walker user from toppling over during any stumbles. 
   Yet still a further aspect of the crutch walker comprises four (4) holes in the hand grip section to accept the fore support brace and the aft support brace. It is envisioned that the crutch walker would be supplied with all four (4) holes regardless of the desired configuration. If one (1) set or even both sets of holes is left unused in a particular configuration, it is envisioned that a set removable rubber plugs would be provided to cover the unused holes. 
   A further aspect of the crutch walker further comprises a height adjustment mechanism comprising a spring-pin mechanism. An inner circular member which would be the fore support brace or the holes is located inside of a fore support sleeve or aft support sleeve. A mounting pin is provided and attached to the interior surface of the inner circular member. A spring is mounted on the exterior surface of the mounting pin and acts against the inner circular member and a cap assembly. The cap assembly is held within the inner circular member by use a flange as provided as a formed fitting on the cap assembly. A user can push the cap assembly in through an external opening on the outer circular member using only their fingers and/or thumbs; no tools are necessary. The inner circular member and the outer circular member can then be adjusted up or down as desired. The series of external openings may be spaced at any desired interval. 
   Yet a further object of the crutch walker is the ability to equip the crutch walker with optional accessories such as folding storage hinges, glide wheels, and height adjustable feet to enhance the performance and convenience of the crutch walker. These optional accessories are not necessary, to increase the usability of the crutch walker. 
   A method for installing and utilizing the crutch walker may be used by performing the following steps: adjusting the crutch walker for the physical size of the user by adjusting the height adjustable feet to provide an adequate height of the hand grip section; placing the crutch section on the right, left or both sides of the walker section using the holes for initial placement; adjusting the height of the padded support so that the padded support is located just underneath the user&#39;s armpits in a normal walking stance; placing one or both of their armpit areas upon the associated padded support and their hands upon the associated rubberized hand grip and walking in a forward fashion; straightening their body in an upright manner and picking up the entire crutch walker with each step and putting it down slightly forward of the previous position; using their legs and to walk forward; and, enjoying the convenience and security the crutch walker gives in assisting ambulation. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10 ; and, 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  as seen along a line I-I as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
   

   DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
   
     
       
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
           
           
             
               10 
               handicapped walker with crutch attachment 
             
             
               15 
               walker section 
             
             
               20 
               crutch section 
             
             
               25 
               hand grip section 
             
             
               30 
               legs 
             
             
               35 
               side cross sectional support 
             
             
               40 
               front interconnecting 
             
             
               45 
               folding storage hinges 
             
             
               50 
               glide wheels 
             
             
               55 
               height adjustable feet 
             
             
               60 
               padded support 
             
             
               65 
               fore support brace 
             
             
               70 
               aft support brace 
             
             
               75 
               holes 
             
             
               80 
               rubberized hand grip 
             
             
               85 
               fore support sleeve 
             
             
               90 
               aft support sleeve 
             
             
               95 
               height support range arrow 
             
             
               100 
               height adjustment mechanism 
             
             
               105 
               offset angle 
             
             
               110 
               removable rubber plugs members 
             
             
               115 
               inner circular member 
             
             
               120 
               outer circular member 
             
             
               125 
               mounting pin 
             
             
               130 
               spring 
             
             
               135 
               cap assembly 
             
             
               140 
               flange 
             
             
               145 
               external opening 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an isometric view of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  is comprised of a walker section  15  and a crutch section  20 . The crutch section  20  is shown on left hand side of the walker section  15  for illustrative purposes, though it should be noted that the crutch section  20  can be provided on the right hand side or both sides of the walker section  15  in an equally effective manner. The walker section  15  is comprised of a hand grip section  25 , legs  30 , side cross sectional support  35  and front interconnecting members  40  as would be customarily expected in a conventional and standard walker. Optional accessories such as folding storage hinges  45 , glide wheels  50 , and height adjustable feet  55  can be provided as well which greatly enhance the usability and convenience of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10 . Said optional accessories are desired, though not necessary, to increase the usability of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10 . The crutch section  20  consists of a padded support  60  which interconnect to a fore support brace  65  and an aft support brace  70 . The construction and materials as used in the padded support  60  as well as the fore support brace  65  and the aft support brace  70  are mostly identical to those used in conventional crutch sets. The fore support brace  65  and the aft support brace  70  extend through a series of holes  75  provided immediately before and after a rubberized hand grip  80  as provided on the hand grip section  25 . From there the fore support brace  65  and the aft support brace  70  enter inside of a fore support sleeve  85  and aft support sleeve  90  respectively. The fore support sleeve  85  and the aft support sleeve  90  are physically supported by the hand grip section  25  on the top and the side cross sectional support  35  on the bottom. Such support is envisioned as physically strong enough to support the weight of even the heaviest user. The fore support brace  65  and the aft support brace  70  as well as the fore support sleeve  85  and the aft support sleeve  90  are circular in cross sectional area. Such cross sectional details will be described in greater detail herein below. It should be noted that the outer diameter of the fore support brace  65  and the aft support brace  70  is just slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the fore support sleeve  85  and the aft support sleeve  90 . The height of the crutch section  20  can be adjusted up and down with relation to the crutch section  20  as indicated by a height support range arrow  95 . Said height relationship would be accomplished by a height adjustment mechanism  100  as shown on the lower part of the fore support sleeve  85  and the aft support sleeve  90 . The height adjustment mechanism  100  is envisioned as using a spring pin arrangement which will be described in greater detail herein below. However, other types of height adjustment mechanism  100  such as friction collars, stop pins, set screws and the like could be used with equal effectiveness, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. This said height adjustment as provide by the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  is viewed as allowing the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  to be customized for all sizes of users from very small to very large adults. 
   Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a front view of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  is shown. This figure more clearly depicts the right hand/left hand/both hands arrangement made possible by the adjustable nature of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10 . For purposes of illustration, the crutch section  20  is shown on the left hand side as previously depicted in  FIG. 1 . In addition, a crutch section  20  is also shown on the right hand side using hidden lines to illustrate the adaptive nature of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10 . It should be noted that the right hand and left hand crutch section  20  are independently adjustable with regards to height, and can thus compensate for users who lean to one side or another as a result of a physical shortcoming. To aid in the usage of the crutch section  20 , the fore support brace  65  and the aft support brace  70  are provided at an angled relationship to vertical as depicted by an offset angle  105 . This feature provides greater comfort and stability by keeping the user centered in between the legs  30  and prevents the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  from toppling over during any stumbles. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a top view of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  is disclosed. This figure more clearly depicts the four (4) holes  75  as provided in the hand grip section  25 . As aforementioned described, the holes  75  accepts the fore support brace  65  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and the aft support brace  70  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). It is envisioned that the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  would be supplied with all four (4) holes  75  regardless of the intended use as a right hand/left hand/or both hand model. Should one (1) set or even both sets of holes  75  not be used in a particular configuration, it is envisioned that a set removable rubber plugs  110  would be provided to fingers and other objects from inadvertently entering the holes  75 . These removable rubber plugs  110  are envisioned to be held in place by a friction fit. Said fit would provide a near flush surface along the hand grip section  25  thus affording safe use in any configuration. 
   Referring finally to  FIG. 4 , a sectional view of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  as seen along a line I-I as shown in  FIG. 1  is depicted. This figure depicts the internal mechanism of the height adjustment mechanism  100  envisioned and depicted as a spring-pin mechanism. An inner circular member  115  which would be the fore support brace  65  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) or the holes  75  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) is located inside of a fore support sleeve  85  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) or aft support sleeve  90  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). A mounting pin  125  is provided and attached to the interior surface of the inner circular member  115  as shown. A spring  130  is mounted on the exterior surface of the mounting pin  125  and acts against the inner circular member  115  and a cap assembly  135 . The cap assembly  135  is held within the inner circular member  115  by use a flange  140  as provided as a formed fitting on the cap assembly  135 . In such a manner the user can push the cap assembly  135  in through an external opening  145  on the outer circular member  120  using only their fingers and/or thumbs; no tools are necessary. The inner circular member  115  and the outer circular member  120  can then be adjusted up or down according to the needs of the user. The series of external opening  145  are envisioned to be approximately one inch apart (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) although other spacing criteria could be used as well with equal effectiveness. 
   It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   Handicapped walkers are used everyday by the elderly, the disabled, and those recovering from surgery or illness. They are a godsend for restoring mobility and independence while ensuring the user&#39;s safety. However, the usage of a walker requires that the user have use of both of their arms in order to move and place the walker with each step. Should the usage of one arm not be available, the user is typically forced to utilize a wheelchair, which while providing mobility, does not restore independence and may even lengthen recovery time due to the lack of exercise associated with walking with a walker. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which the heath benefits, mobility and independence associated with a walker can be provided to those users who have limited or no use of one arm. The development of the present invention fulfills this need. 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. It is envisioned that the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  would be fabricated in general accordance with  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 4 . While multiple different materials can be used, it is envisioned that aluminum would be utilized for the hand grip section  25 , the legs  30 , the side cross sectional support  35 , the front interconnecting members  40 , the fore support brace  65 , the aft support brace  70 , the fore support sleeve  85  and the aft support sleeve  90 . Other materials such as reinforced plastic could also be considered. The handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  could be made with or without various accessories such as folding storage hinges  45 , the glide wheels  50  and the height adjustable feet  55 . At this point in time, the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  is ready for purchase by the final consumer. 
   Before the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  can be used by the final user, it would require adjustment for the physical size of the user. If so equipped, the height adjustable feet  55  would be adjusted first to provide an adequate height of the hand grip section  25 , in the conventional manner. Next, the crutch section  20  would be placed on the right, left or both sides of the walker section  15  using the holes  75  for initial placement. The height of the padded support  60  would be adjusted so that they fall just underneath the user&#39;s armpits in a normal walking stance. At this point in time, the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  is ready for actual and continued use. 
   During utilization of the handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10 , the user would place one or both of their armpit areas upon the associated padded support  60  and their hands upon the associated rubberized hand grip  80  and proceed to walk in a forward fashion. The user would straighten up and pick up the entire handicapped walker with crutch attachment  10  with each step and put it down slightly forward of the previous position. Next, the user would use their legs and walk forward. At this point in time, the process would be repeated as required to obtain forward motion. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.