Abstract:
A hand based weight distribution system which utilizes a knuckle support platform and knuckle support surface to allow the user to place his or her knuckles on said surface, preferably concurrently grasping a handle and thereby support part or all of the weight of the user without placing undue pressure on the hand of the user or the handle of the body support apparatus. Included are a knuckle support platform, knuckle support surface, support structure with a first end disposed to engage the ground.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
         [0001]    This application does not claim priority from any other application.  
         TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0002]    This invention relates to a hand based weight distribution system, which may be utilized with crutches, canes, and other human support or assistance devices.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Crutches, canes and other human support or human assistance apparatuses have been used for many years. It has been recognized by users and others that the placement of weight on the apparatuses can cause discomfort and/or other related problems with the user. For instance, a person on crutches typically develops sore hands or the palms of their hands from placing excess weight on the handle portion of the crutch, especially when the person is not accustomed to placing his weight on the crutch. The placement of too much weight on the hands over a period of time can also cause injury to the person&#39;s hand and/or wrist and worsen other pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, carpal-tunnel syndrome, etc.  
           [0004]    A person using a crutch and placing too much weight on the underarm cushion or support can cause soreness and injury to the underarm of the person.  
           [0005]    Further, there are certain people who have problems with their hands, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, who have great difficulty in using canes and using crutches because of the excess pressure placed on their hands. People with these other disorders are therefore much less mobile than they otherwise would be due to the current state of the art of hand based weight distribution systems and their inability to use the devices for extended periods of time.  
           [0006]    It has been found by the inventor that redistributing the weight from the human body from either the armpits or from the palm of the hand on the handle to the knuckles and the forearm has beneficial and improved effects on the user of the body support apparatus. The redistribution of the weight forces through the knuckles and to and/or through the forearm increases the comfort and decreases some of the problems associated with the placement of the weight of the user&#39;s body on the palms of the hand and/or in the armpits.  
           [0007]    It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved hand or arm based weight distribution system, or body support apparatus.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 is a side view of a user of a prior art crutch or cane in one of several typical configurations;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 2 is also a side perspective view of a user of one embodiment of this invention, a body support apparatus or hand based weight distribution system;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a body support apparatus contemplated by this invention, with the handle in the upward position;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIG. 3, only with the handle apparatus in a downward position;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIG. 3, with a user&#39;s hand therein;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of this invention similar to that shown in FIG. 5, with the user&#39;s hand and knuckles positioned in the body support system, only wherein the handle is fixedly mounted and the knuckle support moves relative to the handle instead of the handle moving as in other embodiments;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a cane embodiment contemplated by this invention wherein the structure member is mounted below the knuckle support surface and generally centered below said surface;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the cane embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7 with the hand of a user around the handle and with the handle in the upright position;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the cane embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 8, only with the handle in a downward position;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a typical crutch, only with an embodiment of the invention utilized thereon; and  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of this invention which utilizes an adjustable knuckle support surface and an adjustable handle on the structure member or support.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0020]    Many of the fastening, connection, manufacturing and other means and components utilized in this invention are widely known and used in the field of the invention described, and their exact nature or type is not necessary for an understanding and use of the invention by a person skilled in the art or science; therefore, they will not be discussed in significant detail. Furthermore, the various components shown or described herein for any specific application of this invention can be varied or altered as anticipated by this invention and the practice of a specific application or embodiment of any element may already be widely known or used in the art or by persons skilled in the art or science; therefore, each will not be discussed in significant detail.  
         [0021]    The terms “a”, “an”, and “the” as used in the claims herein are used in conformance with long-standing claim drafting practice and not in a limiting way. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” are not limited to one of such elements, but instead mean “at least one”.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a user with a prior art crutch, cane or other body support apparatus which includes a hand based weight distribution system thereon. FIG. 1 illustrates a user  100 , a prior art weight distribution system  101  with forearm clamp  102 , user&#39;s hand  100   a , handle  103 , support member or structure  104  with a first end  105  disposed to engage the ground.  
         [0023]    Typically the forearm clamp  102  is used to help control the body support apparatus and not for the distribution of weight. In the prior art body support apparatus shown in FIG. 1, the weight from the user is all generally through the palm of the hand  100   a  of the user on the handle  103 .  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of this invention showing a user engaged therewith. FIG. 2 illustrates a user  120 , a hand based weight distribution system for body support apparatus  121  with forearm clamp  124 , support structure  122  with first end  123  disposed to engage the ground. The body support apparatus  121  includes knuckle support structure or platform  126  with knuckle support cushion  129  to support the user&#39;s knuckles  120   a . Handle  127  is provided with handle cushion  128 . The handle in FIG. 2 is illustrated in the downward position with the user&#39;s knuckles  120   a  pressed against the knuckle cushion  129 .  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of this invention which better distributes the body weight of a user, namely through the user&#39;s knuckles and forearm instead of through the palm of the hand. FIG. 3 illustrates structure member  151 , knuckle support platform  152  secured to structure member  151  via pin  163 . Although not necessary to practice this invention, knuckle cushion  153  is placed on the knuckle support surface (under knuckle cushion  153 ) to provide additional cushioning and cushion for the user&#39;s knuckles as the weight of the user is placed on the knuckle support. The knuckle support platform  152  is mounted to structure member  151  via a collar configuration which is integral in the knuckle support platform  152  shown in this embodiment of the invention. Although an integral collar is utilized in this embodiment, any one of a number of different ways of mounting the knuckle support platform  152  to the structure member  151  is contemplated by this invention, with the invention not being limited to any one in particular.  
         [0026]    The body support apparatus in FIG. 3 also illustrates an upper support  154  to which an armpit or a forearm support or attachment may also be attached.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 also illustrates handle  155  with handle cushion  156  moveably mounted relative to the knuckle support platform  152 . Arrow  160  illustrates the movement and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, collar  158  is moveably mounted around support member  151  with stop pin  159  mounted in structure member  151  to control the movement via collar aperture  158   a . Handle column  157  in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is mounted within a collar  162  within knuckle support platform  152  to control the upward and downward movement of handle  155 . FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of the invention wherein the handle  155  is in the upward position.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 is the same perspective view as FIG. 3, with all the like numbers referencing the same components, and they will not therefore be described in detail again. FIG. 4 illustrates the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3 wherein the handle  155  is in a downward position.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of the invention illustrates in FIGS. 3 and 4, with a user&#39;s arm  171  and hand  170  therein. FIG. 5 illustrates support member  151 , upper support member  154  with forearm clamp  165  mounted thereto. The user&#39;s forearm  171  is within forearm clamp  165 , and the user&#39;s hand  170  with user&#39;s knuckles  172  are placed in the invention. The knuckles  172  are pressed against or forced downward onto knuckle support platform cushion  153 , and the hand of the user  170  is surrounding and gripped around handle  155  via handle cushion  156 .  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 5 also illustrates knuckle support platform  152  with collar  163  to receive handle  155  and collar  173  to receive support structure  151 , with support pin  163  also shown.  
         [0031]    The handle  155  with handle cushion  156  is shown in the downward position with the user&#39;s hand  170  placed thereon. The handle  155  in this embodiment of the invention is shown mounted to support member  151  via collar  158  and movement pin  159  which protrudes through the collar aperture  158   a  (not shown in this figure, but shown in FIGS. 3 and 4).  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the distribution of force through the forearm of the user, illustrating arrow F for the redistribution of force from the palm of the hand  170  of the user through the wrist and to and/or through the forearm of the user. The user&#39;s knuckles  172  are engaging knuckle cushion  153 , and knuckle cushion  153  is mounted on knuckle support platform  152  for the comfort of the user&#39;s hand  170 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of how relative movement may be achieved between the handle and the knuckle support platform  152 . Upper support member  154  provides a fixed mount for collar  158  of the handle, thereby fixedly mounting the handle to the upper support member  154 . Middle support member  149  is smaller in diameter to upper support member  154  and is attached thereto. Middle support member  149  is slideable mounted within lower support member  151 , with a stop screw and a spring shown therein to provide an upward bias on the middle support member  149 , and consequently on the handle.  
         [0034]    The knuckle support platform  152  is fixedly mounted on lower structure member  151  via collar  173  and screw  148 , while screw  146  is attached to middle support member  149 , and gives a range of motion for middle support member  149  (and the handle) relative to lower support member  151 . In prior figures, collar  158  for the handle is moveably mounted on structure member  151 . Therefore in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the handle is shown fixedly mounted, and the knuckle support platform  152  is shown movably mounted such that it moves toward the user&#39;s knuckles  172  when pressure is applied downward by the user on the handle.  
         [0035]    The movement of the handle on any of the embodiments is not necessary to practice the invention, but it is preferred because it allows the user to better control the cane, crutch or other device by having a handle, but the movement upward allows the user to remove his or her hand from the device when desired. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the handle may be fixed or moveable, and the handle may also move in different directions.  
         [0036]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 for example, the handle is moving solely in the vertical direction, but the handle may also be mounted such that it pivots or moves partially in the vertical direction and partially in the horizontal direction, with no one in particular being required to practice this invention.  
         [0037]    It will also be appreciated and should be noted that embodiments of this invention do not require a handle. Instead, embodiments of this invention may include a mitten-like cloth configuration where no handle is used and the user merely inserts his hand into the cloth guide or mitten configuration to engage the user&#39;s knuckles with the knuckle support platform. The use of a glove or other device then eliminates the need for a handle but still locates the user&#39;s knuckles on the knuckle support platform and still provides the user with a mechanism to control and move the body support apparatus (such as lifting and other movement during walking or use).  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 7 may be a cane embodiment of a body support apparatus contemplated by this invention, showing a user&#39;s forearm  201 , user&#39;s hand  202 , user&#39;s knuckles  203  engaged within the body support apparatus  200 . FIG. 7 illustrates handle  210 , handle cushion  211 , knuckle support surface  205  with knuckle support surface cushion  206  mounted thereon, knuckle support platform  204  mounted on structure member  209 . It should be noted that the structure member in this embodiment is generally centered under knuckle support platform  204 . It will also be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the structure member  209  may be attached to a second structure, such as a ski, wheelchair, or any other in which part or all of the body weight of the user is desired to be supported by a knuckle support platform.  
         [0039]    It should also be noted that there is no particular location, way or configuration for mounting knuckle support platform  204  relative to structure member  209 . FIG. 7 also illustrates arrow  208  which shows the movement of handle  210  relative to knuckle support platform  204 , in a similar fashion to that shown in figures illustrating other embodiments of the invention. While the term handle  210  is used throughout this application, the handle  210  may also be considered a finger retention surface which may be provided in any one of a number of different ways, such as by a flexible strap mounted relative to the knuckle support surface, or by a mitten or glove configuration mounted to or relative to the knuckle support surface such that the user may insert his or her fingers into the aperture defined thereby to allow control of the device.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 8 shows a front elevation view of an embodiment of this invention which may be utilized as a cane or other similar device. FIG. 8 illustrates structure member  209  with knuckle support platform  204  mounted thereon via collar  214 , in a similar manner to the mounting of other embodiments shown in prior figures. Arrow  208  indicates that handle  210  is moveably mounted relative to knuckle support platform  204 . FIG. 8 illustrates handle cushion  211 , knuckle support platform cushion  206 , knuckle support surface  205  on knuckle support platform  205 , user&#39;s knuckles  212  on user&#39;s hand  213  and a distance  220  of the centerline of the handle  210  to the top of the collar  214 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 9 is also a front elevation view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 8, only wherein the handle  210  is in a more downward position than shown in FIG. 8, with the distance  221  from the centerline of the handle  210  to the top of the collar  214  being different than distance  220 . The item numbers and references in FIG. 9 are the same as for FIG. 8 and will not therefore be repeated herein.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a typical crutch structure member, only with an embodiment of the invention mounted thereon in place of a normal prior art handle. FIG. 10 illustrates structure member  252  with underarm or armpit support  251  mounted thereon, and a first end of the structure member  253  disposed to engage the ground when the apparatus is utilized by a user.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 10 illustrates knuckle support platform  256  mounted on structure member columns  252  via collars  256   a , which are shown integral with knuckle support platform  256 . It will be noted that the collars need not be integral with knuckle support platform  256 , and there are numerous other ways which may be utilized to mount knuckle support platform  256  to structure member  252 .  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 10 further illustrates a handle  254  moveably mounted on structure member  252  via collars  255  which are integral with handle  254 . The invention also includes a knuckle support surface  257  which is part of knuckle support platform  256  with knuckle cushion  258  mounted thereon.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of this invention which shows knuckle support platform  301  mounted to structure member  305  via collars  310 . The knuckle support platform  301  has a knuckle cushion  302  mounted onto the knuckle support surface thereof and is adjustably mounted to structure member  305  via a quick release lever  311  which moves generally in the direction of arrow  312 .  
         [0046]    Handle  303  includes handle cushion  304  and is mounted via collar  306  to structure member  305  via quick release mechanism  307  which moves generally in the direction of arrow  308 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of this invention which has different aesthetic qualities, and with a handle which does not move as in prior embodiments, but which is easily adjusted relative to knuckle support platform  301  via quick release lever  307 , in for which the handle  303  is mounted in cantilever fashion to the structure member  305 .  
         [0048]    As will be appreciated by those of reasonable skill in the art, there are numerous embodiments to this invention, and variations of elements and components which may be used, all within the scope of this invention.  
         [0049]    One embodiment of this invention, for example, is a body support apparatus comprising a structure member with a first end disposed to engage the ground; a knuckle support surface mounted to the structure member and disposed to receive and support a user&#39;s knuckles when the user&#39;s hand is closed; and a finger aperture defined be a finger retention surface and the knuckle support surface, the finger aperture configured to receive one or more fingers of a user while the knuckles of the closed hand of the user are engaged with the knuckle support surface. The finger aperture for instance may be defined by a flexible strap providing the finger retention surface, a glove or mitten mounted relative to the knuckle support surface, or it may be defined by a more rigid handle.  
         [0050]    In the embodiment in which a handle is provided, the finger retention surface is a handle mounted to the structure member spaced apart from the knuckle support surface, such that area between the handle and the knuckle support surface define the finger aperture. In other and/or further embodiments, the handle may be movably mounted to the structure member, or fixedly mounted to the structure. If movably mounted, the handle may be movably mounted to the structure member to move in a combined vertical and horizontal direction or such that it pivots, among other ways, all within the contemplation of this invention.  
         [0051]    There are also embodiments of the invention wherein the finger retention surface is a handle, and the handle is movably mounted relative to the knuckle support surface. It is not necessary that the handle be movably mounted relative to a support structure, but merely that it be movably mounted relative to the knuckle support surface, so either or both may move to produce the relative movement.  
         [0052]    In embodiments of this invention, the support surface may be a flexible or a cushioned surface.  
         [0053]    This invention also contemplates possible orientations of the handle in a number of different ways and/or directions, such as wherein the handle is oriented approximately parallel to a direction of movement of a user. However, it may also be at an approximate forty-five degree angle, or any other angle for that matter, all within the scope of this invention.  
         [0054]    Embodiments of this invention may also include such items as a forearm attachment configured to attach to a user&#39;s forearm when a user&#39;s knuckles are engaging the knuckle support surface.  
         [0055]    There are also crutch embodiments of this invention, for instance a crutch comprising: a structure member with a first end disposed to engage the ground; a handle mounted to the structural member and configured to be engaged by a human hand; and a knuckle support surface mounted to the structure member below and relative to the handle so as to form a finger aperture between the knuckle support surface and the handle. As in other embodiments, the crutch embodiment may include a handle which is movably mounted to the structure member in numerous different ways and configurations, such as to move in a vertical direction, a combined vertical and horizontal direction, or even to pivot.  
         [0056]    As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the knuckle support surface may be mounted in any one of number of different locations and/or mount points, such as vertically above the structure member, or others.  
         [0057]    In other embodiments contemplated by this invention, a body support apparatus may be provided which comprises: a structure means with a first end disposed to engage the ground; a knuckle support means mounted to the structure means and disposed to receive and support a user&#39;s knuckles when the user&#39;s hand is partially or wholly closed; and a hand engagement means to receive one or more fingers of a user while the knuckles of a closed hand of the user are engaged with the knuckle support means.  
         [0058]    In another embodiment of the invention, a hand based weight distribution system is provided as a partial or total support for the body weight of the user, through knuckles on a user&#39;s hand. This system embodiment includes a support structure and a knuckle support surface mounted to the support structure, the knuckle support surface being disposed to receive and support knuckles of user. In this embodiment, the support structure may include a first end disposed to engage the ground, or the support structure may be mounted to a second structure, such as a ski to be used for handicap skiing, bicycle handlebars for a partial body support. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that this invention in many of its embodiments, may be used to support part or all of the user&#39;s body weight, depending on the specific application of the invention. Another example of a second structure to which the support structure may be mounted, is a wheelchair, the knuckle support surface to be used as a platform from which the user may place his or her knuckles to lift, move or reposition the body. For example, in FIG. 7, instead of the first end of the support structure  209  being disposed to engage the ground, it could be mounted to a ski or to a wheelchair, all within the contemplation of the invention.  
         [0059]    In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.