Patent Publication Number: US-2019175429-A1

Title: Support frame with optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This continuation-in-part application claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/074,952, filed Mar. 18, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/135,557, filed Mar. 19, 2015. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a support frame used to help a person rise up from a floor or the ground. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a vertically stable support structure sufficient for an infirmed person to lean on as the person rises from the floor or the ground. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     After many medical procedures, such as hip or knee replacement, a patient finds it difficult to rise from the floor or from ground level. In some cases, pain prevents the patient from moving their knee below their body such that they can begin the process to rise. In other cases, the artificial joint does not provide a full range of motion, and once again, the patient is not physically or comfortably able to move their knee below their body. In many cases, the condition persists long after the post-operative recovery of the patient and the person has resumed a normal life. 
     The subject matter discussed in the Background section is not necessarily prior art and should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its discussion in the Background section. Along these lines, any recognition of problems in the prior art discussed in Background section or associated with such subject matter should not be treated as prior art unless expressly stated to be prior art. Instead, the discussion of any subject matter in the Background section should be treated as part of the inventor&#39;s approach to the particular problem, which in and of itself may include inventive subject matter. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In accordance with some embodiments described herein, a vertically stable support structure is provided. A mobility-restricted person can use the device to rise up from the floor or the ground by placing their hands on the support structure and lifting their head and torso sufficiently up that the person can move their leg below their body and thus begin the process of rising. The person may rise to a full standing position, or the person may rise enough to lean or sit on another structure. 
     In a first embodiment, a method is performed by a human being to stand. The human being has a body, two hands, two legs, two feet, and at least one debilitated joint. A first act includes positioning a support structure in front of the human being. The support structure is described by way of a reference frustum, which has a first planar side and a third planar side each having a first trapezoidal perimeter, a second planar side and a fourth planar side each having second trapezoidal perimeter, a planar top having a first rectangular perimeter, and a planar bottom having a second rectangular perimeter. Each side of the first rectangular perimeter is shorter than a corresponding side of the second rectangular perimeter, and each parallel side of the first trapezoidal perimeter is shorter than a corresponding parallel side of the second trapezoidal perimeter. The reference frustum has a height between 10 and 20 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a length between 10 and 16 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a width between 6 and 14 inches, the second rectangular perimeter has a length between 12 and 18 inches, and the second rectangular perimeter has a width between 8 and 16 inches. The support structure has horizontal support portions including a first horizontal support member corresponding to a first edge of the reference frustum formed by the first planar side and the planar top, and the support structure has a second horizontal support member corresponding to a second edge of the reference frustum formed by the third planar side and the planar top. The support structure has vertical support portions including a first vertical portion corresponding to a third edge of the reference frustum formed by the first planar side and the second planar side, a second vertical portion corresponding to a fourth edge of the reference frustum formed by the second planar side and the third planar side, a third vertical part corresponding to a fifth edge of the reference frustum formed by the third planar side and the fourth planar side, and a fourth vertical part corresponding to a sixth edge of the reference frustum formed by the fourth planar side and the first planar side. In the method, the human being grasps the first horizontal support member with a first of the two hands, grasps the second horizontal support member with a second of the two hands, swings a first of the two legs at least partially under the body, supports at least a first portion of the body through the two hands grasping the support structure, supports at least a second portion of the body with the first of the two legs, and raises the body upwards to a standing position. 
     In a second embodiment, a support structure device to assist a human patient to rise includes one or more substantially tubular components formed into a shape described by way of a reference frustum. The reference frustum has a first planar side and a third planar side each having a first trapezoidal perimeter, a second planar side and a fourth planar side each having second trapezoidal perimeter, a planar top having a first rectangular perimeter, and a planar bottom having a second rectangular perimeter. Each side of the first rectangular perimeter is shorter than a corresponding side of the second rectangular perimeter, and each parallel side of the first trapezoidal perimeter is shorter than a corresponding parallel side of the second trapezoidal perimeter. The reference frustum has a height between 10 and 20 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a length between 10 and 16 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a width between 6 and 14 inches, the second rectangular perimeter has a length between 12 and 18 inches, and the second rectangular perimeter has a width between 8 and 16 inches. 
     In another embodiment, a support frame assists a human being to move upwards. The human being has two arms, two hands, two legs, and at least one infirmed joint. The support frame has a single conduit structure suitably bent into a shape described by way of a reference frustum. The reference frustum has a first planar side and a third planar side each having a first trapezoidal perimeter, a second planar side and a fourth planar side each having second trapezoidal perimeter, a planar top having a first rectangular perimeter, and a planar bottom having a second rectangular perimeter. Each side of the first rectangular perimeter is shorter than a corresponding side of the second rectangular perimeter, and each parallel side of the first trapezoidal perimeter is shorter than a corresponding parallel side of the second trapezoidal perimeter. The reference frustum has a height between 10 and 20 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a length between 10 and 16 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a width between 6 and 14 inches, the second rectangular perimeter has a length between 12 and 18 inches, and the second rectangular perimeter has a width between 8 and 16 inches. 
     In some embodiments, a support structure device is combined with an optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure to prevent or reduce the likelihood of rolling, tipping, slipping, sliding, or other undesirable motion of the support structure as a patient uses the support structure to rise off a floor or off the ground. The anti-skid/anti-tip structure optionally includes anti-skid/anti-tip wings, coupling locations, and anti-skid/anti-tip components. In addition, the anti-skid/anti-tip structure may optionally have at least one identifiable feature. 
     For example, in a fourth embodiment, a method is performed by a human being to stand, the human being having a body, two hands, two legs, two feet, and at least one debilitated joint. The method includes positioning a support structure in front of the human being, wherein the support structure described by way of a reference frustum. 
     In the fourth embodiment, the reference frustum has a first planar side and a third planar side each having a first trapezoidal perimeter, a second planar side and a fourth planar side each having second trapezoidal perimeter, a planar top having a first rectangular perimeter, and a planar bottom having a second rectangular perimeter. Here, each side of the first rectangular perimeter is shorter than a corresponding side of the second rectangular perimeter, and here, each parallel side of the first trapezoidal perimeter is shorter than a corresponding parallel side of the second trapezoidal perimeter. Also here, the reference frustum has a height between 10 and 20 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a length between 10 and 16 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a width between 6 and 14 inches, the second rectangular perimeter has a length between 12 and 18 inches, and the second rectangular perimeter has a width between 8 and 16 inches. 
     In the fourth embodiment, the support structure has horizontal support portions. The horizontal support portions include a first horizontal support member corresponding to a first edge of the reference frustum formed by the first planar side and the planar top, a second horizontal support member corresponding to a second edge of the reference frustum formed by the third planar side and the planar top, and a lower horizontal support member corresponding to a third edge of the reference frustum formed by the fourth planar side and the planar bottom. The lower horizontal support member is substantially transverse to the first and the second horizontal support members, 
     In the fourth embodiment, the support structure has vertical support portions. The vertical support portions include a first vertical portion corresponding to a third edge of the reference frustum formed by the first planar side and the second planar side, a second vertical portion corresponding to a fourth edge of the reference frustum formed by the second planar side and the third planar side, a third vertical part corresponding to a fifth edge of the reference frustum formed by the third planar side and the fourth planar side, and a fourth vertical part corresponding to a sixth edge of the reference frustum formed by the fourth planar side and the first planar side. 
     The support structure of fourth embodiment also includes an anti-skid/anti-tip structure that surrounds the lower horizontal support member of the support structure. The anti-skid/anti-tip structure has a plurality of coupling locations, a plurality of coupling components coupling the anti-skid/anti-tip structure about the support structure at each coupling location of the plurality of coupling locations, and a plurality of anti-skid/anti-tip components formed at a base of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure. 
     The method of the fourth embodiment includes acts of grasping the first horizontal support member with a first of the two hands, grasping the second horizontal support member with a second of the two hands, swinging a first of the two legs at least partially under the body, supporting at least a first portion of the body through the two hands grasping the support structure, supporting at least a second portion of the body with the first of the two legs, and raising the body upwards to a standing position. 
     In some cases of the fourth embodiment, the debilitated joint is an artificial hip joint or an artificial knee joint. In some of these or other cases, the human being is on a floor or the ground. In some cases, the method includes placing the support structure in proximity to the human being prior to the human being lying on the floor or the ground. And in some cases, the method also includes releasing one of the two hands from the respective first or second horizontal support member while raising the body upwards. 
     In a fifth embodiment, a support structure device to assist a human patient to rise includes one or more substantially tubular components formed into a shape described by way of a reference frustum. The reference frustum has a first planar side and a third planar side each having a first trapezoidal perimeter, a second planar side and a fourth planar side each having second trapezoidal perimeter, a planar top having a first rectangular perimeter, and a planar bottom having a second rectangular perimeter. Each side of the first rectangular perimeter is shorter than a corresponding side of the second rectangular perimeter, and each parallel side of the first trapezoidal perimeter is shorter than a corresponding parallel side of the second trapezoidal perimeter. Also, the reference frustum has a height between 10 and 20 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a length between 10 and 16 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a width between 6 and 14 inches, the second rectangular perimeter has a length between 12 and 18 inches, and the second rectangular perimeter has a width between 8 and 16 inches. 
     In the fifth embodiment, the support structure has horizontal support portions. The horizontal support portions include a first horizontal support member corresponding to a first edge of the reference frustum formed by the first planar side and the planar top, a second horizontal support member corresponding to a second edge of the reference frustum formed by the third planar side and the planar top, and a lower horizontal support member corresponding to a third edge of the reference frustum formed by the fourth planar side and the planar bottom, the lower horizontal support member being substantially transverse to the first and the second horizontal support members. The support structure also has an anti-skid/anti-tip structure having a first half and a second half. The first half and the second half of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure are arranged to surround the lower horizontal support member. The anti-skid/anti-tip structure has an enclosure region that encloses the lower horizontal support member and anti-skid/anti-tip wings coupled to the enclosure region and located at the ends of the enclosure region. The anti-skid/anti-tip structure has a plurality of coupling locations on the anti-skid/anti-tip wings and a plurality of coupling components coupling the first half and the second half of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure at each coupling location of the plurality of coupling locations. 
     In some cases, the support structure device of the fifth embodiment includes a plurality of anti-skid/anti-tip components formed at respective bases of the anti-skid/anti-tip wings. In some of these cases, the plurality of anti-skid/anti-tip components are formed as a plurality of ellipses, wherein the plurality of anti-skid/anti-tip components extend through the base of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure, and wherein the plurality of anti-skid/anti-tip components are substantially evenly spaced along the base of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure. 
     In some cases of the support structure device of the fifth embodiment, at least some of the one or more substantially tubular components are stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or a composite material. And in some cases, the support structure device includes an anti-skid material applied to each terminal end of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure wherein a first terminal end of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure corresponds to a left-most point of the reference frustum formed by the first trapezoidal perimeter and the third trapezoidal perimeter and a second terminal end of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure corresponds to right-most point of the reference frustum formed by the second trapezoidal perimeter and the third trapezoidal perimeter. In some of these cases, the anti-skid material and the anti-skid/anti-tip structure are substantially a polyurethane material or a rubber material. 
     In some cases, the support structure device of the fifth embodiment includes a first fastener structure positioned at a first location of the lower horizontal support member, and a second fastener structure positioned at a first location of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure, wherein the second fastener structure of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure is arranged to align with the first fastener structure of the lower horizontal support member. 
     In some cases of the fifth embodiment, where at least some of the one or more substantially tubular components of the support structure device are stainless steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or a composite material, the first half of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure and the second half of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure are substantially mirror images of each other. And in some cases, at least some portion of the one or more substantially tubular components includes a chromed surface, an electrochemically colored surface, or an enamel surface. 
     In some cases of the fifth embodiment, at least one portion of the one or more substantially tubular components of the support structure device or at least one portion of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure includes at least one identifiable feature. In some of these cases, the at least one identifiable feature includes at least one of a decoration, a visible marking, a textured surface, and an anatomically complimentary structure. 
     In a sixth embodiment, a support frame is arranged for assisting a human being to move upwards. The human being has two arms, two hands, two legs, and at least one infirmed joint. The support frame includes a single conduit structure suitably bent into a shape described by way of a reference frustum. The reference frustum has a first planar side and a third planar side each having a first trapezoidal perimeter, a second planar side and a fourth planar side each having second trapezoidal perimeter, a planar top having a first rectangular perimeter, and a planar bottom having a second rectangular perimeter. Each side of the first rectangular perimeter is shorter than a corresponding side of the second rectangular perimeter, and each parallel side of the first trapezoidal perimeter is shorter than a corresponding parallel side of the second trapezoidal perimeter. The reference frustum has a height between 10 and 20 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a length between 10 and 16 inches, the first rectangular perimeter has a width between 6 and 14 inches, the second rectangular perimeter has a length between 12 and 18 inches, and the second rectangular perimeter has a width between 8 and 16 inches, 
     In the sixth embodiment, the single conduit structure has horizontal support portions including a first horizontal support member corresponding to a first edge of the reference frustum formed by the first planar side and the planar top, a second horizontal support member corresponding to a second edge of the reference frustum formed by the third planar side and the planar top, and a lower horizontal support member corresponding to a third edge of the reference frustum formed by the fourth planar side and the planar bottom, the lower horizontal support member being substantially transverse to the first and the second horizontal support members, the lower horizontal support member having a first end and a second end. The support frame of the sixth embodiment also has an anti-skid/anti-tip structure, which has a first anti-skid/anti-tip structure portion positioned at the first end of the lower horizontal support member, and a second anti-skid/anti-tip structure portion positioned at the second end of the lower horizontal support member. 
     In some cases, the single conduit structure of the support frame of the sixth embodiment has a substantially square cross-section. In these or in other cases, the support frame of the sixth embodiment has a first plurality of anti-skid/anti-tip components formed at a first base of the first anti-skid/anti-tip structure portion and a second plurality of anti-skid/anti-tip components formed at a second base of the second anti-skid/anti-tip structure portion. Here, the first and the second plurality of the anti-skid/anti-tip components extend respectively out of the first and the second base of the first and the second anti-skid/anti-tip structure portions, and the first and the second plurality of anti-skid/anti-tip components are substantially evenly spaced respectively along the first and the second base of the first and the second anti-skid/anti-tip structure portions. 
     These features with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully described hereafter and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof. This Brief Summary has been provided to introduce certain concepts in a simplified form that are further described in detail below in the Detailed Description. Except where otherwise expressly stated, the summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings, wherein like labels refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements are selected, enlarged, and positioned to improve drawing legibility. The particular shapes of the elements as drawn have been selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. One or more embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a support structure embodiment; 
         FIG. 2A  is a reference frustum; 
         FIG. 2B  is the reference frustum of  FIG. 2A  with reference labels identifying each edge of the frustum; 
         FIG. 2C  is the reference frustum of  FIG. 2A  with the first and third sides emphasized; 
         FIG. 2D  is the reference frustum of  FIG. 2A  with the second and fourth sides emphasized; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a centerline of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1  about the centerline of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front side view of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a right side view of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top side view of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1  about the reference frustum of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top side view of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1  about the reference frustum of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded illustration of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing anti-skid material plugs; 
         FIG. 11  is another embodiment of a support structure, which is similar to the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1  with optional features; 
         FIG. 12  is a right side view of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1  with anti-skid material plugs; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another support structure embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a support structure, which is along the lines of embodiments represented in  FIGS. 1-13 , and which includes an optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure; 
         FIG. 15  is a front side view of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a front side view and a right side view of the support structure of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a front side view and a right side view of another embodiment of a support structure, which is along the lines of embodiments represented in  FIGS. 1-13 , and which includes optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures; 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a support structure with an optional anti-skid/anti-tip feature; 
         FIG. 21  is a front side view of an optional anti-skid/anti-tip component; 
         FIG. 22  is a back side view of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a right side view of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view taken along  24 - 24  in  FIG. 23  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a top side view of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a zoomed in top side view of detail  26  in  FIG. 25  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a front side view with a cut out at detail  28  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a zoomed in front side view of detail  28  in  FIG. 27  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component in  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a front side view of another embodiment of a support structure, which is similar to the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a bottom side view of the embodiment of the support structure in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a support structure with optional features, which is similar to the support structure embodiment of  FIG. 1  with optional features; 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded front side view of the embodiment of the support structure with optional features in  FIG. 31 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a front side view of the embodiment of the support structure with optional features as in  FIGS. 31 and 32 ; and 
         FIG. 34  is a right side view of the embodiment of the support structure with optional features as in  FIG. 33 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hips and knees of human beings can fail or be injured. Sometimes, the person will endure the pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility associated with the damaged joint. Other times, the person will undergo a surgical operation to replace the failing or injured joint with an artificial joint. Even when surgery is successful, some pain, discomfort, and reduced mobility may remain. 
     Frequently, people with affected hips and knees have difficulty raising their body off of the ground or a floor. In some cases, pain or discomfort prevents the person from positioning one of their legs below their body. In other cases, reduced mobility of one or both legs prevents such positioning. In these cases, if the person does not have a piece of furniture, a wall, or some other support mechanism nearby, it is very difficult or even impossible for the person to get up. 
     Recognizing the problems faced by people with one or more debilitated joints, the inventors created a support structure with many benefits. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a support structure  100  embodiment. The support structure  100  is used by a person having at least one debilitated joint to raise their body off of the floor or the ground. Using the support structure  100 , the person is often able to stand up very quickly and efficiently. 
     An example of use of the support structure  100  is now described. In this case, the person is aware of their debilitated joint (e.g., artificial knee, artificial hip, or the like). The person is also aware they will be lowering their body to ground level so as to exercise, for example, or to retrieve an item that has fallen on the floor, to work in a garden, or for some other reason. In this case, the person will put the support structure  100  nearby and accessible to the place on the ground or floor where the person will be, and the person will then lower their body to the ground or floor. When the person wishes to raise their body upwards to a standing position or, for example, to sit on a chair, the person will position the support structure  100  in front of themselves. The person will grasp one of the horizontal members of the support structure  100  with their left hand and the other horizontal member with their right hand. Using the support structure  100  for support and stability, the person may begin raising their upper body, and the person will swing one of their legs at least partially under their body. At this time, some portion of the person&#39;s body will be supported through their hands, which are grasping the horizontal members of the support structure  100 . The person may optionally draw their other leg at least partially under their body. Once the person has at least one leg positioned under their body, the person will support at least a portion of their body with their leg, and upon doing so, the person will raise their body upwards off of the ground or floor. 
       FIG. 2A  is a reference frustum  200 . Table 1 presents associated dimensions of the illustrated frustum. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Reference Frustum Dimensions - Length 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Reference 
                 Length 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 a 
                 about 8″ to 20″ 
               
               
                   
                 b 
                 about 8″ to 20″ 
               
               
                   
                 c 
                 about 8″ to 20″ 
               
               
                   
                 d 
                 about 8″ to 20″ 
               
               
                   
                 e 
                 about 8″ to 20″ 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The reference frustum  200  may also be described herein as a truncated four-sided pyramid. The frustum  200  will have a rectangular footprint or a square footprint. 
       FIG. 2B  is the reference frustum of  FIG. 2A  with reference labels identifying each edge of the frustum. Table 2 presents associated angles of the reference frustum. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Reference Frustum Dimensions - Angles 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Ref. 
                 Angle 
                 Ref. 
                 Angle 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 A-E 
                 about 100°-130° 
                 B-E 
                 about 100°-130° 
               
               
                 A-H 
                 about 95°-130° 
                 B-F 
                 about 95°-130° 
               
               
                 A-I 
                 about 50°-85° 
                 B-I 
                 about 50°-85° 
               
               
                 A-L 
                 about 50°-85° 
                 B-J 
                 about 50°-85° 
               
               
                 C-F 
                 about 95°-130° 
                 D-G 
                 about 100°-130° 
               
               
                 C-G 
                 about 100°-130° 
                 D-H 
                 about 95°-130° 
               
               
                 C-J 
                 about 50°-85° 
                 D-K 
                 about 50°-85° 
               
               
                 C-K 
                 about 50°-85° 
                 D-L 
                 about 50°-85° 
               
               
                 E-F 
                 about 90° 
                 I-J 
                 about 90° 
               
               
                 F-G 
                 about 90° 
                 J-K 
                 about 90° 
               
               
                 G-H 
                 about 90° 
                 K-L 
                 about 90° 
               
               
                 H-E 
                 about 90° 
                 L-I 
                 about 90° 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In the reference frustum  200 , a first planar side AHDL and a third planar side BFCJ each have a first trapezoidal perimeter. A second planar side CGDK and a fourth planar side BEAI each has a second trapezoidal perimeter. To improve clarity,  FIGS. 2C and 2D  are presented.  FIG. 2C  is the reference frustum of  FIG. 2A  with the first and third sides emphasized, and  FIG. 2D  is the reference frustum of  FIG. 2A  with the second and fourth sides emphasized; 
     A planar top EFGH of the reference frustum  200  forms a first rectangular perimeter, and a planar bottom IJKL forms a second rectangular perimeter. In some embodiments, each side of the first rectangular perimeter is shorter than a corresponding side of the second rectangular perimeter. In some embodiments, each side of the first rectangular perimeter is substantially the same length as a corresponding side of the second rectangular perimeter. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a centerline  300  of the support structure  100  embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The support structure  100  may be formed from tubular material, square material, or a material having some other shape, form, or profile. The support structure may be substantially hollow, substantially solid, or completely solid. In some embodiments, the support structure  100  is formed from a metal such as steel (e.g., stainless steel), aluminum, and platinum. In some embodiments, the support structure  100  is formed from a metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy. In still other embodiments, the support structure  100  is formed from a composite material; for example, a fiberglass material combined with other materials such as graphite, Kevlar, or wood. Some embodiments may also be formed from other nonmetallic materials such as wood, fiberglass, molded plastic, thermosetting plastics (e.g., epoxy), polyester resin, acrylic, and the like. In at least some part due to the range of shapes and materials that are considered for use in the support structure  100 , the support structure can be described according to the centerline  300 . 
     Also in  FIG. 3 , the centerline  300  is illustrated with particular rounded corners  302  to  312  and linear portions  314 ,  316 . The radius of the rounded corners may range from about 0.5 inches to about 10 inches, but other radii are also contemplated. 
     The support structure embodiment 400 of  FIG. 4  illustrates the support structure  100  of  FIG. 1  about the centerline  300  of  FIG. 3 . The rounded corners  302  to  312  and linear portions  314 ,  316  are illustrated for clarity. In the embodiment 400, the support structure  100  is shown in dashed lines to illustrate that centerline  300  is substantially at the geometric center of the tube that forms the support structure  100 . In some embodiments, the support structure  100  is formed from a single tube. In other embodiments the support structure  100  is formed from a plurality of tube segments. In  FIG. 4 , several circular rings are illustrated as dashed lines to convey an understanding that the support structure  400  embodiment is formed from tubular material. Support structures having other cross-sectional shapes, including multiple cross-sectional shapes in the same structure, are also contemplated. In  FIG. 4 , a non-exhaustive representation of exemplary cross-sectional profiles taken across A-A includes a round cross-section, an oblong cross-section, an ovular cross-section, a square cross-section, and a rectangular cross-section. 
       FIG. 5  is a front side view of the support structure  100  embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Rounded corners  306  to  312  and linear portion  316  are illustrated for clarity. 
       FIG. 6  is a right side view of the support structure  100  embodiment of  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a front side of support structure  100  is formed such that the tubular structure is bent to form a front, lower horizontal support member, which contacts the floor or the ground at a first level  104 . Correspondingly, a second level  102  along the centerline  300  of the tube is represented in  FIG. 6 , along with a third level  106 . The distance between the first level  104  and the second level  102  is represented as distance  108 . The distance between the first level  104  and the third level  106  is also represented as distance  108 . In some cases, distance  108  represents the radius of the tubular material that forms the support structure  100 . 
       FIG. 7  is a top side view of the support structure  100  embodiment of  FIG. 1 . Particular rounded corners  310 ,  312  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) along with certain measurements  702  to  706  are illustrated to further assist in understanding the support structure  100  embodiment. The measurements and the relationship between the measurements in  FIG. 7  are non-limiting. Rather, measurements  702  to  706  illustrate desirable reference points for the embodiment. For example, measurement  702  may range from about 4 inches to about 20 inches. The length of measurement  702  is related to the size of the whole support structure embodiment 100. The length of measurement  702  is also related to the radius of particular corners  310 ,  312 . 
     Measurement  704  may range from about 3 inches to about 19 inches. Measurement  704  corresponds to the length of edge L, the length of edge J, or the lengths edges L and J in the reference frustum  200  of  FIG. 2B . The length of measurement  704  is related to the size of the whole support structure embodiment 100, the length of measurement  702 , and certain ones of the angles of the support structure  100 . Wth respect to the reference frustum  200  of  FIGS. 2A-2D , the difference between measurements  702  and  704  illustrates that in some embodiments, the first planar side AHDL ( FIG. 2C ) and third planar side BFCJ ( FIG. 2C ) may have different lengths, different angles, or different lengths and different angles (i.e., different trapezoidal planes). 
     Measurement  706  may range from about 8 inches to 20 inches. Measurement  706  corresponds to the length of edge F, the length of edge H, or the lengths edges F and H in the reference frustum  200  of  FIG. 2B . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the support structure  100  embodiment of  FIG. 1  about the reference frustum  200  of  FIG. 2A . Edges A, F, K, ( FIG. 2B ) and particular corner  312  ( FIG. 3 ) are identified in  FIG. 8  for clarity. 
       FIG. 9  is a top side view of the support  100  structure embodiment of  FIG. 1  about the reference frustum  200  of  FIG. 2A . Edges F and J ( FIG. 2B ) are identified in  FIG. 8  for clarity. Measurement  902  in  FIG. 9  illustrates the difference between measurements  702  and  706  ( FIG. 7 ). Measurement  904  corresponds to about one half of the difference between the lengths of edges G and K ( FIG. 2 ) and one half of the difference between the lengths edges E and I ( FIG. 2 ). The difference between the lengths of edges G and K is substantially the same as the difference between the lengths of edges E and I. 
     In view of  FIGS. 1, 2A to 2D, 8, and 9 , the support structure  100  can be described by way of the reference frustum  200 . Illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the support structure  100  is formed about the reference frustum  200 . 
     Prior to the formation, the support structure  100  may be formed as a straight length of tubular material, for example, thin-walled aluminum having an inside diameter of about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches. The straight length of tubular material may be about 50 inches to about 108 inches. 
     The support structure  100  begins at a point formed at the intersection of edges CJK (i.e., the lower right corner of second planar side CGDK ( FIG. 2D )). Between the point of the support structure  100  formed at the intersection of edges CJK and a first bend in the support structure  100 , a first vertical part of the support structure  100  corresponds to edge C. Edge C may be described as a first vertical part of support structure  100 , which corresponds to a third edge (i.e., edge C) of the reference frustum  200  formed by the first planar side of the reference frustum  200  and the second planar side of the reference frustum  200 . 
     The first bend in the support structure  100  along edges CG forms a first angle. A second bend in the support structure  100  along edges DG forms a second angle. A substantially straight section of the support structure  100  forms a first horizontal support member between the first bend and the second bend. The first horizontal support member may otherwise be described as corresponding to a first edge (i.e., edge G) of the reference frustum  200  formed by the first planar side of the reference frustum  200  and the planar top of the reference frustum  200 . 
     A third bend in the support structure  100  along edges DL forms a third angle, and a fourth bend along edges AL forms a fourth angle. A substantially straight section of the support structure  100  forms a lower horizontal support member (i.e., edge L). As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , ground or floor contact points are formed at the lower part of the reference frustum  200 . In some optional embodiments, the section formed as the lower horizontal support member is not substantially straight. Instead, in such optional embodiments, the lower horizontal support member has an arch with a particular radius of about 8 inches to about 8 feet or more. 
     The third bend and fourth bend of the support structure have a particular radius. The radius may be directed by the diameter of the tubular material. Accordingly, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , some portions of the support structure  100  may be slightly exceed or impede the boundaries of the reference frustum  200 . It is understood that the support structure  100  is still described as being formed about the reference frustum  200 . When a person is using the support structure, the weight of the person is substantially distributed along the edges of the reference frustum  200 . 
     Second and third vertical parts of the support structure  100  correspond, respectively to edges D and A. That is, the second vertical support structure is formed between the second bend and the third bend, and the third vertical support structure is formed between the third bend and a fourth bend. Edge D may be described as the second vertical part of the support structure  100 , which corresponds to a fourth edge of the reference frustum  200  formed by the second planar side in the third planar side. Edge L may be described as the third vertical part of the support structure  100 , which corresponds to a fifth edge of the reference frustum  200  formed by the third planar side and the fourth planar side of the reference frustum  200 . 
     A fifth bend in the support structure  100  along edges AE forms a fifth angle, and a sixth bend along edges BE forms a sixth angle. Another substantially straight section of the support structure  100  forms a second horizontal support member (i.e., edge E) between the fifth bend and the sixth bend. The second horizontal support member may otherwise be described as corresponding to a second edge of the reference frustum  200  formed by the third planar side of the reference frustum  200  and the planar top of the reference frustum  200 . 
     The support structure  100  terminates at a point formed at the intersection of edges BIJ. Between the point of the support structure  100  formed at the intersection of edges BIJ and the sixth bend in the support structure  100  formed along edges BE, a fourth vertical part of the support structure  100  corresponds to edge B. Edge B may be described as a fourth vertical part of support structure  100 , which corresponds to a sixth edge (i.e., edge B) of the reference frustum  200  formed by the fourth planar side of the reference frustum  200  and the first planar side of the reference frustum  200 . 
     In some embodiments (not shown), an optional third horizontal support member is formed as part of the support structure  100 . The optional third horizontal support member corresponds to a third edge of the reference frustum  200  formed by the fourth planar side of the reference frustum  200  and the planar top of the reference frustum  200 . Wth respect to  FIG. 2B , the optional third horizontal support member would be arranged along edge H. 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded illustration  600  of the support structure  100  embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing optional anti-skid material plugs  110 ,  112 . The optional plugs  110 ,  112  may be made of any material. In some cases, the plugs  110 ,  112  are plastic, and in other cases, the plugs  110 ,  112  are wood, polyurethane, rubber, or some other material. The plugs  110 ,  112  terminate the two ends of the tubular material bent or otherwise arranged to form of the support structure  100 . The plugs may be compression fit (e.g., friction fit) into the ends of the tubular material. Alternatively, or in addition, some type of locking mechanism may also be employed. Generally speaking, plugs  110 ,  112  are arranged to mate with the inside diameter of the tubular material. 
     Plugs  110 ,  112  may be formed such that a portion of the plugs extending out from the end of the tubular material corresponds to distance  108  ( FIG. 6 ). In this way, the support structure  100  which may include plugs  110 ,  112 , begins at a point of the reference frustum  200  corresponding to the intersection of edges CJK and ends at a point of the reference frustum  200  corresponding to the intersection of edges BIJ. Stated differently, the antiskid material is applied to each end of the tube wherein a first end of the tube corresponds to a left-most point of the reference frustum  200  formed by the first trapezoidal perimeter and the third trapezoidal perimeter and a second end of the tube corresponds to right-most point of the reference frustum  200  formed by the second trapezoidal perimeter and the third trapezoidal perimeter. 
       FIG. 11  is another embodiment of a support structure  100   a , which is similar to the support structure  100  embodiment of  FIG. 1  with optional anti-skid material plugs  110 ,  112  and optional handles  114   116 . In some cases, the optional handles  114 ,  116  are identifiable features that may include decorations, visible markings, textured surfaces, or some combination thereof. The markings may include, for example, an illustration of a hand structure to visibly instruct or otherwise assist a user in the operation of the support structure. Alternatively, or in addition, the markings may include respective letters “R” and “L” to indicate where a person should place their right and left hands, arrows, contrasting colors, decorative colors, or some other visible features. 
     In some embodiments, the optional handles  114 ,  116  are textured surfaces (e.g., knurling, jeweling, beading, or the like) integrated with the horizontal support or otherwise attached thereto. The handles  114 ,  116  may be formed of rubber, plastic, or some other material selected for a desired comfort, friction, texture, or the like. In some other embodiments, the handles  114 ,  116  may have anatomically correct features to compliment a right hand, a left hand, or either hand. The handles  114 ,  116  may include other shaped features to assist a user in correct and safe operation of the support structure  100   a  such as bumps, protrusion, bulges, bulbs, knobs, protuberances, hollows, depressions, valleys, or the like. The handles  114 ,  116  may include other features such as a plurality of apertures, perforations, holes, slits, or the like to pass moisture from a hand and thereby facilitate useful friction. In some cases, the textured or otherwise shaped handles  114 ,  116  also include visible features described herein, for example, the decoration and visible marking “R” and “L” signifying, respectively, where on the anatomically complimentary structure a user should place their right hand and left hand. 
       FIG. 12  is a right side view of the support structure  100  embodiment of  FIG. 1 . One optional anti-skid material plug  112  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . One optional handle feature  114  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . The handle feature  114  is a visible marking, which may be decorative and which may or may not be textured. The handle feature  114  in  FIG. 12  visibly instruct or otherwise assist a user in the operation of the support structure  100 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another support structure  100   b  embodiment. The support structure  100   b  of  FIG. 13  bears similarity to the support structure  100  and support structure  100   a  of other figures in the disclosure. The embodiment of  FIG. 13  clearly illustrates a support structure  100   b  formed from a single piece of material. The material may begin straight, such as a tube of thin-walled aluminum. Alternatively, the support structure  100   b  may be molded, poured, extruded, machine, or otherwise formed into a shape that substantially follows a reference frustum as discussed herein. 
     In some cases, support structures  100 ,  100   a , and  100   b  are identical to each other. In other cases, support structures  100 ,  100   a , and  100   b  are formed as a plurality of straight and curved segments which are assembled into shape as illustrated and described. Optionally, one or more couplings of the straight and curved segments are joined at one or more points. One or more of the points may be illustrated in, for example, as the substantially orthogonal lines across the tubular material of support structure  100 . In some cases, the couplings are fixed and immovable. In some cases, the couplings are permitted to rotate fully or partially. In cases where the couplings are permitted to rotate fully or partially, the support structure may be manipulated (e.g., folded) for easier transportability. 
     Optionally, padding may be added to the first and second horizontal support members (i.e., along edges E and G, respectively;  FIG. 2 ). The padding may cover a portion of the horizontal support members or the padding may cover the entire length of the horizontal support members. The padding may be rubber, plastic, cloth, or some other material. The padding may have anti-slip properties. The optional padding may be implemented as handles  114 ,  116  ( FIGS. 11, 12 ). 
       FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a support structure with an optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  100   c . The support structure  100   c  of  FIG. 14  is along the lines of support structures  100  and  100   a  of other figures in the disclosure. The anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  is optional. The anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  is arranged to reduce the likelihood of rolling, slipping, tipping, sliding, and the like, or even to prevent such rolling, slipping, tipping, and sliding of the support structure  100   c  while a person raises his or her body off of a floor ground, or other surface. The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  is important in some cases, and particularly when the person using the support structure  100   c  has at least one debilitated joint (e.g., artificial knee, artificial hip, or the like). Attaching the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  to the support structure  100   c  allows the person to stand up very quickly and efficiently without the worry of rolling, slipping, tipping, sliding, or some other undesirable motion of the support structure  100   c.    
     The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  may be made of any suitable material. In some cases, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  may be made of plastic, and in other cases, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  may be made of wood, polyurethane, rubber, metal, or some other material or combination of materials. The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  may be formed by injection molding, compression molding, milling, or by some other formation technique. Furthermore, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  may be a single piece or may be formed of multiple parts. 
     In this embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  includes multiple parts. More specifically, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  includes a first half  124  and a second half  134 . Each of the first half  124  and second half  134  may be about the same size in some embodiments. In other embodiments, each of the first half  124  and second half  134  are differently sized portions of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . In some cases, the anti-skid/anti-tip structure will have more than two portions. Nevertheless, for ease of understanding the drawings and concepts discussed herein, both the first half  124  and second half  134  are about the same size. 
     In the support structure  100   c  of  FIG. 14 , the first half  124  and the second half  134  are formed to each have an enclosure region  135  that cooperate to enclose a lower horizontal support member along edge L ( FIG. 2C ), a third bend along edges DL ( FIG. 2C ), and a fourth bend along edges AL ( FIG. 2C ) of the support structure. The enclosure region  135  follows a certain portion of the support structure and has a substantially similar shape as the certain portion of the support structure. In addition, the enclosure region  135  has a substantially similar cross-sectional shape as the support structure  100   c  or a cross-sectional shape that will enclose a portion of the support structure  100   c.    
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the first half  124  and the second half  134  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  are formed to be substantially mirror images of each other. Forming the anti-skid/anti-tip structures in this way may provide benefits to manufacture, assembly, shipping, packaging, and the like. In other embodiments, the first half  124  and the second half  134  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  are formed having features that are different from each other. 
     In this embodiment of support structure  100   c , the enclosure region  135  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  contains a plurality of ribs  127 . The ribs  127  are illustrated in an enlarged portion of  FIG. 14 . The ribs  127  are arranged to form an acceptably tight fit around the lower horizontal support member L ( FIG. 2C ), the third bend DL ( FIG. 2C ), and the fourth bend AL ( FIG. 2C ) of the support structure  100   c . The ribs  127  may be formed to provide strength, stability, mating surfaces, mounting surfaces, or for other reasons. In a cooperative coupling relationship, the ribs may cooperate with other features (e.g., tubular surfaces) in the support structure  100   c  to avoid movement of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  about other portions of the support structure  100   c.    
     In alternative embodiments, the enclosure region  135  may be formed to have one or more thicker dimensions. Such embodiments may be arranged to form a tight fit around the lower horizontal support member, the third bend, the fourth bend, or some other portion or portions of the support structure  100   c . In addition, thicker material may add weight, greater surface area, or some other aspect to the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  to reduce or avoid movement between the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  and other portions of the support structure  100   c . Additional size, weight, or other characteristics may be added to further reduce the likelihood of or even prevent rolling, slipping, tipping, sliding, and other undesirable motion of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  and the support structure  100   c.    
     In yet another alternative embodiment, the plurality of ribs  127  may be combined with another material to add weight to the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . For example, the space between ribs of the plurality of ribs may be filled with any material to add weight to the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  to further prevent rolling, tipping, slipping, sliding, and other undesirable motion of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  and the support structure  100   c.    
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , each of the first half  124  and the second half  134  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  has anti-skid/anti-tip “wings”  137 . The anti-skid/anti-tip wings  137  are formed along the enclosure region  135  where anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  encloses and corresponds to the third bend AL ( FIG. 2C ) and the fourth bend DL ( FIG. 2C ) of the support structure  100   c . Each of the first half  124  and the second half  134  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  is arranged with a portion of the anti-skid/anti-tip wings  137  in the support structure  100   c . In other embodiments, one of the first half  124  and second half  134  has one wing, and the other of the first half  124  and second half  134  has the other wing. In still other embodiments, each of the first half  124  and second half  134  has an upper or a lower half of a wing. Still other anti-skid/anti-tip wings  137  embodiments have been contemplated. 
     When the support structure  100   c  is in use, the anti-skid/anti-tip wings  137  of the first half  124  and the second half  134  are formed to contact the floor, the ground, or another surface where the support structure  100  is in use. Each anti-skid/anti-tip wing  137  extends from an opposing end of the enclosure region  135  and encloses one of the third bend AL ( FIG. 2C ) and the fourth bend DL ( FIG. 2C ) of the support structure  100   c . In the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the anti-skid/anti-tip wings  137  include two straight sections that come together to form a corner. The first and second straight sections are connected by a curved section along the enclosure region  135  of the first half  124  and the second half  134  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . The curved section is where the enclosure region  135  and the anti-skid/anti-tip wings  137  come together to form the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . The curved sections of the anti-skid/anti-tip wings  137  correspond to the third bend AL ( FIG. 2C ) and the fourth bend DL ( FIG. 2C ) of the support structure  100   c . Also, one of the straight sections of the two straight sections is a base and the other straight section is a side. 
     The anti-skid/anti-tip wings  137  of the first and second halves  124 ,  134  include a plurality of first coupling locations  126 ,  128 . In one or more alternative embodiments, the plurality of first coupling locations  126 ,  128  may be formed along the enclosure region  135  of the first half  124  and the second half  134  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  or at one or more other locations of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . The plurality of first coupling locations  126 ,  128  may be formed to accept a plurality of fasteners, a plurality of locking mechanisms, or any other coupling structures or combination thereof. The coupling structures may be arranged to couple the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  to the support structure  100   c . In addition, or in the alternative, the coupling structures may be arranged to couple the first half  124  to the second half  134 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , the plurality of first coupling locations  126 ,  128  are formed to allow coupling components  118 ,  120 ,  122  to couple the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  to the support structure. The coupling components include pluralities of a bolt  118 , a washer  120 , and a nut  122  that couple the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  at each of the plurality of first coupling locations  126 ,  128 . In alternative embodiments, the plurality of first coupling locations  126 ,  128  may be formed to utilize another locking mechanism such as a press-fit connection, a force-fit connection, or some other locking mechanism or coupling technique. In other alternative embodiments, the plurality of first coupling locations  126 ,  128  may be formed to utilize any combination of locking mechanisms (e.g., force-fit, press-fit) or coupling techniques (e.g., fastener sets such as screws, washers, and nuts, rivets, glue, adhesive, hook-and-loop, and the like) to couple the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  to the support structure  100   c.    
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , a coupling mechanism  111  along the enclosure region  135  assists a mating of the first half  124  to the second half  134  during assembly of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism  111  is utilized in combination with the coupling components  118 ,  120 ,  122  of the anti-skid/anti-tip wings  137 , however, in other embodiments, the coupling mechanism  111  is used instead of the coupling components  118 ,  120 ,  122 . 
     The coupling mechanism  111  includes male and female connector portions. The coupling mechanism  111  of support structure  100   c  has been formed along an edge of the enclosure region  135  of the first half  124  and the second half  134  corresponding to the fourth bend AL ( FIG. 2C ) of the support structure  100   c . In alternative embodiments, however, any number of coupling mechanisms  111  may be formed on any part or location of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . One or more coupling mechanisms  111  may be arranged to cooperate with coupling components, or coupling mechanisms  111  may be used alone to attach the anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  to the support structure  100   c . In at least some cases, structures along the lines of coupling mechanisms  111  may be referred to as cooperative coupling mechanisms. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 14 , support structure  100   c  includes a second coupling location  130 ,  132 . The second coupling location  130 ,  132  is a fastener orifice, which may be round, square, or of one or more other shapes. In alternative embodiments, the enclosure region  135  and the lower horizontal support member L ( FIG. 2C ) may have a plurality of second coupling locations or no second coupling locations. Similar to the plurality of first coupling locations  126 ,  128 , in this embodiment, the second coupling location  130 ,  132  is formed to allow for coupling components  118 ,  120 ,  122  to couple the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  about the support structure. In alternative embodiments, the second coupling location  130 ,  132  may be formed to utilize a coupling mechanism  111  such as a press-fit connection, a force-fit connection, or some other coupling mechanism or coupling technique to couple the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  to the support structure  100   c.    
     The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  of  FIG. 14  includes optional handles  114 ,  116  and optional anti-skid material plugs  110 ,  112 . The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 , the optional handles  114 ,  116 , and the optional anti-skid material plugs  110 ,  112  may allow for the person with the debilitated or injured joint to easily use the support structure  100   c  safely with or without the supervision of another individual. Different embodiments of the support structure  100   c  include any one or more of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 , the optional handles  114 ,  116 , and the optional anti-skid material plugs  110 ,  112 . 
     Because of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 , the support structure  100   c  may be utilized on various terrains and surfaces. For example, the support structure  100   c  having the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  may be utilized on flat surfaces, uneven surfaces, angled surfaces, or other surfaces that would otherwise increase the likelihood of rolling, slipping, tipping, sliding, and other undesirable motion. In addition, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  may be made of materials resistant to one or more environmental conditions such as water, chemicals, heat, sharp objects, and the like. Accordingly, selection of appropriate materials may permit the support structure  100   c  to be used in an outside environment where external stresses and factors exist. For example, outside environments may be a yard, a park, a garden, a boat, or any place exposed to external stresses and factors. In addition, for example, external stresses and factors may be rain, snow, sun, external motion, or other external stresses or factors that occur in a particular environment such as an outside environment. 
       FIG. 15  is a front side view of the support structure  100   c  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  embodiment of  FIG. 14 . The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  includes anti-skid/anti-tip components  136 . To assist an understanding of  FIG. 15 , one embodiment of anti-skid/anti-tip components  136  is shown enlarged in Detail A. 
     In this embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the anti-skid/anti-tip components  136  are formed at a base of a first half  124  and a second half  134  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . More specifically, the anti-skid/anti-tip components  136  are located at the respective bases of the right and left anti-skid/anti-tip wings  137 . In alternative embodiments, however, the anti-skid/anti-tip components  136  may be formed along any length and in any location of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . 
     The anti-skid/anti-tip components  136  in  FIG. 15  are a plurality of half ellipses that extend through the base of the first half  124  and the second half  134  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . The plurality of half ellipses forms multiple contact points between the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure and a floor, a ground, or another surface where the support structure  100   c  is in use. Although the anti-skid/anti-tip components  136  of support structure  100   c  are a plurality of half ellipses, the anti-skid/anti-tip components may be of any shape, size, or shape and size. For example, the anti-skid/anti-tip components may be rectangles, trapezoids, or any other shapes or combinations of shapes. In addition, or in alternative embodiments, the anti-skid/anti-tip components  136  may include one or more strips of anti-skid material placed along the base of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . Also, in these or in still other alternative embodiments, the anti-skid/anti-tip components  136  may be formed along the entirety of the base of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . 
     In this embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the anti-skid/anti-tip components  136  are made of the same material as the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . In alternative embodiments, however, the anti-skid/anti-tip components  136  may be made of any one or more same or different materials than the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 . 
     In the support structure  100   c  embodiment, direction of force arrows and reference characters (i.e., ½*F) show that in a desirable method of use, one half of the force applied by a person using the support structure  100   c  is passed through a first (e.g., left) side of the support structure  100   c , and one half of the force applied by the person using the support structure  100   c  is passed through a second (e.g., right) side of the support structure  100   c . This configuration would be present when a person is supporting some portion of their body weight centered above the support structure  100   c . It is recognized that prior to centering their weight over the support structure  100   c , the person using the support structure  100   c  may first place some or all of their weight on one side of the support structure  100   c . In these cases, the presence of an optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  may reduce or eliminate the chance that the support structure  100   c  will tip or otherwise become unstable. 
       FIG. 16  is a front side view and a right side view of the support structure  100   c  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 17  is a non-exploded isometric view of the support structure  100   c  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  embodiment of  FIG. 14 . 
       FIG. 18  is a front side view and a right side view of another embodiment of a support structure  100   d , which is along the lines of embodiments represented in  FIGS. 1-13  and  FIGS. 14-17 , and which includes optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800 . The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800  cooperate with a third bend along edges AL (FIG.  2 C) of the support structure  100   d  and with a fourth bend along edges DL ( FIG. 2C ) of the support structure  100   d.    
     The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800  may be made of any material. In some cases, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800  may be made of plastic, and in other cases, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800  may be made of wood, polyurethane, rubber, metal, or some other material or combination of materials. The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800  may be formed by injection molding, compression molding, milling, or by some other formation technique. 
     In this embodiment of  FIG. 18 , the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800  are hollow. In alternative embodiments, however, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800  may be solid, ribbed, or arranged according to some other structure. 
     The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800  include a first optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  138  that corresponds to the third bend AL ( FIG. 2C ) of the support structure, and a second optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  140  that corresponds to the fourth bend DL ( FIG. 2C ) of the support structure. The first and the second optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  138 ,  140  are coupled to the support structure by a coupling mechanism. In this case, the coupling mechanism is a force-fit or press-fit locking mechanism that surrounds the third bend AL and the fourth bend DL. In other cases, the coupling mechanism may be a plurality of coupling components, a glue, or some other coupling technique. 
     In this embodiment of  FIG. 18 , the support structure  100   d  also includes optional handles  114 ,  116  and optional anti-skid material plugs  110 ,  112 . In alternative embodiments, any combination of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800 , the optional handles  114 ,  116 , and the anti-skid material plugs  110 ,  112  may be used. 
       FIG. 19  is an isometric view of the support structure embodiment with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800  of  FIG. 18 . In this embodiment, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800  include anti-skid/anti-tip components  141 . The anti-skid/anti-tip components  141  are formed as a plurality of rectangles along respective bases of the first and the second optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  138 ,  140 . In alternative embodiments, the anti-skid/anti-tip components  141  may be any shape or size. For example, the anti-skid/anti-tip components  141  may be shaped as ellipses, trapezoids, or any other shape or combination of shapes. In addition, in alternative embodiments, the anti-skid/anti-tip components  141  may include one or more portions of anti-skid material arranged on the base of each optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800 . In addition, in alternative embodiments, the anti-skid/anti-tip components  141  may be formed along any length and in any location along the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structures  800 . 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a support structure  100   e  with an optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 , which is similar to the support structure  100   c  embodiment of  FIGS. 14-17 . 
     In this embodiment of support structure  100   e , the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  has at least one identifiable feature  142 . The identifiable feature  142  is located on an external portion of an enclosure region  135  that surrounds and corresponds to a lower horizontal support member of the support structure  100   e . In alternative embodiments, the identifiable feature  142  may be located anywhere on the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  or in some other part of the support structure  100   e.    
     The identifiable feature  142  may be a decoration, a visible marking, a textured surface, an anatomically complimentary structure, or any combination thereof, or some other identifiable feature. In some cases, the identifiable feature  142  is arranged to indicate who produced, manufactured, or sold the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 , the support structure  100   e , or both the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700 , the support structure  100   e . In other cases, the identifiable feature  142  may include advertising, instructions for use, a bar code, or some other human or machine readable information. Furthermore, the identifiable feature  142  may include customer service and support information. In alternative embodiments, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  700  may have no identifiable features  142 , two identifiable features  142 , or any number of identifiable features  142 . The identifiable feature  142  may include contact information such as a name, a phone number, an e-mail, a uniform resource locator (URL), or any other identifying information or contact information. 
       FIG. 21  is a front side view of another optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a , which is along the lines of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138 ,  140  of the anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800  in  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 22  is a back side view of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  of  FIG. 21 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 21 , the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be made of any suitable material. In some cases, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be made of plastic, and in other cases, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be made of wood, polyurethane, rubber, metal or some other material or combination of materials. The optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be formed by injection molding, compression molding, milling, or by some other formation technique. 
     In some embodiments, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  is ribbed. In alternative embodiments, however, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be hollow, solid, or arranged according to some other structure. 
     The optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  includes a coupling location  126   a . The coupling location  126   a  is formed to allow coupling components  118   a ,  122   a  ( FIGS. 31, 32 ) to couple the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  about the support structure  100   f . In other and alternative embodiments, the coupling location  126   a  may be formed to utilize a coupling mechanism such as a press fit connection, a force fit connection, an interference fit connection or some other fastening member, coupling mechanism, or coupling technique to couple the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  to a support structure  100   f.    
       FIG. 23  is a right side view of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  in  FIG. 21 . 
       FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view taken along  24 - 24  in  FIG. 23  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a . The optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  includes a plurality of ribs  127   a , which are similar to the plurality of ribs  127  in  FIG. 14 . 
     The optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  includes a protruding nub  144 . In this embodiment, the protruding nub  144  is arranged to slide and fit into a coupling location  152  ( FIGS. 29-32 ) of the support structure  100   f . The coupling location  152  is a hole or some other opening or recess that passes partially or fully through the support structure  100   f . The coupling location  152  is arranged to receive the protruding nub  144  ( FIGS. 30-32 ). The protruding nub  144  may be formed at a suitable angle to cooperate in a cooperative coupling relationship with the coupling location  152 . In other and alternative embodiments, the protruding nub  144  may be arranged normal to a lower face of the anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a.    
     The protruding nub  144  may have “plus” cross-section, a circular cross-section, an ovular cross-section, a keyed cross-section, or some other cross-section. 
     In addition, in other and alternative embodiments, the protruding nub  144  may be arranged to have an interference fit, a snap fit, or some other type of fit with the coupling location  152 . In some embodiments, the coupling location  152  may be arranged without using a hole, a recess, or any other type of opening. 
     In some embodiments, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be arranged without a protruding nub  144 . Alternatively, in some embodiments, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be arranged with a plurality of protruding nubs and a plurality of coupling locations. 
     In this embodiment of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a , the plurality of ribs  127   a  are arranged to support the support structure  100   f  when the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  is coupled to the support structure  100   f  ( FIGS. 31-34 ). The ribs  127   a  may be formed to provide strength, stability, mating surfaces, mounting surfaces, or for other reasons. The ribs  127   a  may cooperate with other features (e.g., tubular or other surfaces) in the support structure  100   f  to reduce an instance of movement of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a.    
     In other and alternative embodiments, the ribs  127   a  may be formed to have one or more thicker dimensions. Such embodiments may be arranged to form a tight or otherwise secure fit around the lower horizontal support member, the third bend, the fourth bend, or some other portion or portions of the support structure  100   f . Thicker material may add weight, greater surface area, or one or more other characteristics to the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a  to reduce or avoid movement between the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a  and other portions of the support structure  100   f  ( FIGS. 31-34 ). Additional size, weight, or still other characteristics may be added to further reduce the likelihood of or even prevent rolling, slipping, tipping, sliding, and other undesirable movement (e.g., motion) of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a.    
     In other and alternative embodiments, the plurality of ribs  127   a  may be combined with another material to add weight to the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a . For example, the space between the ribs  127   a  may be filled with any material to add weight to the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a . The additional weight may further prevent rolling, tipping, slipping, sliding, and other undesirable movement (e.g., motion) of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a . In another alternative embodiment, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be a solid piece of material. 
     In this embodiment of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a , the coupling location  126   a  is a fastener orifice, which may be a circle, a square, a rectangle, an oval, or of one or more other shapes. The coupling location  126   a  is arranged to receive a bolt  118   a  ( FIGS. 31-33 ) at one end and a nut  122   a  ( FIGS. 31-33 ) at the other end. In other and alternative embodiments, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be arranged to snap onto/into, press onto/into, or be coupled to the support structure  100   f  at coupling location  126   a  using some other fastening member, some other coupling components, some other coupling mechanism, or some other coupling technique, any of which coupling means may be desirably selected. The coupling location  126   a  and the protruding nub  144  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may act as or may be referred to as a cooperative coupling location. 
       FIG. 25  is a top side view of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component in  FIG. 21 .  FIG. 26  is a zoomed in top side view of detail  26  in  FIG. 25  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a.    
     In this embodiment of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  in  FIGS. 25 and 26 , the protruding nub  144  has a plus-sign cross section. In other and alternative embodiments, the protruding nub may have a circular cross section, a square cross section, a rectangular cross section, or a cross section having another selected shape. In other and alternative embodiments, the protruding nub  144  may be arranged to snap into the coupling location  152  or be arranged to be locked in place through an interference fit at the coupling location  152  or be arranged to couple or interact with the support structure  100   f  utilizing some other coupling components, coupling mechanism or coupling techniques, or some other combination of coupling components, coupling mechanisms, or coupling techniques. 
     In other and alternative embodiments, the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be arranged to have a plurality of protruding nubs  144 . In some cases, a plurality of protruding nubs  144  are arranged to form a robust connection between the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure and the support structure  100   f . The plurality of protruding nubs may be arranged to reduce movement between the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  and the support structure  100   f , and further reduce the likelihood of or even prevent rolling, slipping, tipping, sliding, and other undesirable movement (e.g., motion) of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a  ( FIGS. 31-33 ). 
       FIG. 27  is a front side view with a cut out detail  28  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  in  FIG. 21 .  FIG. 28  is a zoomed in front side view of the cut out detail  28  in  FIG. 27  of the protruding nub  144 . 
     In this embodiment of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , the dotted lines  148  ( FIG. 28 ) represent where a surface of the support structure  100   f  would sit when the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  is coupled to the support structure  100   f . In this embodiment, the protruding nub  144  extends a short distance (e.g., 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches) into the coupling location  152  of the support structure  100   f . In other and alternative embodiments, the protruding nub  144  may be arranged to have a greater length, a greater thickness, or a greater width to form a stronger connection between the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  and the support structure  100   f . The stronger connection between the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  and the support structure  100   f  may be formed to reduce the likelihood of or even prevent tipping, slipping, rolling, or any other such undesirable movement (e.g., motion) of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a  ( FIGS. 31-33 ). In other and alternative embodiments, the protruding nub  144  may extend a greater distance (e.g., 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches) into the coupling location  152  of the support structure  100   f  to form a stronger connection between the support structure  100   f  and the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  140   a.    
       FIG. 29  is a front side view of another embodiment of a support structure  100   f , which is similar to support structure  100  in  FIG. 1 . The support structure  100   f  includes first coupling locations  150  and second coupling locations  152 .  FIG. 30  is a bottom side view of the embodiment of the support structure  100   f  in  FIG. 29 . 
     In this embodiment of the support structure  100   f  of  FIGS. 28 and 29 , the first coupling locations  150  are openings, holes, scored locations, thinned locations, or other pass-through means that identify where a coupling component  118  is arranged to pass in or through the support structure  100   f . The second coupling locations  152  are pass-through means along the lines of first coupling locations  150 . In other and alternative embodiments, the pass-through means at the first coupling locations  150  and the second coupling locations  152  may be arranged to all pass through the support structure  100   f , to all partially pass through the support structure  100   f , or any other combination of distances extending into or through the support structure  100   f.    
     In some embodiments, the first coupling locations  150  are arranged to receive a bolt  118   a  and a nut  122   a . The second coupling locations  152  are arranged to receive the protruding nub  144  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a . In other and alternative embodiments, the coupling locations  150 ,  152  may be arranged to both receive a bolt and a nut, both receive a protruding nub, both receive a snap fit, both receive an interference fit, both receive a force fit, or both receive any other coupling means component or be coupled to the support structure  100   f  by utilizing any other coupling technique or coupling mechanism. 
     In  FIGS. 31-33 , two opposing anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a  are coupled to the support structure  100   f . The two opposing anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a  may be referred to as a first optional anti-skid/anti-tip component and a second optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  138   a ,  140   a , respectively or vice versa. In some embodiments, first and second optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a  are arranged to be exactly alike and interchangeable. In other embodiments, first and second optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a  are arranged as having inverse (e.g., mirror image, complimentary, or the like) characteristics. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the discussion herein with respect to the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a  may be suitably applied to the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  138   a , and vice versa. 
       FIG. 31  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a support structure  100   f  with optional features, which is similar to the support structure  100  with optional features of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 32  is an exploded front side view of the support structure  100   f  with optional features in  FIG. 31 . 
     In this embodiment of the support structure  100   f  with optional features in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the support structure  100   f  is coupled to the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a . The optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a  includes the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  138   a  and the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a . The optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a  are coupled to the support structure  100   f  utilizing bolts  118   a , nuts  122   a  and protruding portions  144  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a.    
     In this embodiment of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a , the coupling location  126   a  and the protruding nub  144  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a  are aligned with the respective coupling locations  150 ,  152  of the support structure  100   f . Bolts  118   a  pass through the respective coupling locations  126   a  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip component  138   a ,  140   a  and the coupling locations  152  of the support structure  100   f . The protruding portions  144  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a  enter the coupling locations  150  of the support structure  100   f . Nuts  122   a  are coupled to bolts  118   a  thereby coupling the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a  to the support structure  100   f . The optional anti-skid/anti-components  138   a ,  140   a  reduce the likelihood of or even prevent tipping, slipping, rolling, or any other such undesirable movement (e.g., motion) of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a . The coupling location  126   a  and the protruding portion  144  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a  may be referred to as a cooperative coupling location. 
       FIG. 33  is a front side view of the embodiment of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a .  FIG. 34  is a right side view of the embodiment of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a  as in  FIG. 33 , and illustrating only a single anti-skid/anti-tip component  140   a.    
     In this embodiment of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a , which together form the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a  of  FIGS. 33 and 34 , nuts  122   a  are recessed in an orifice at the bottom surfaces, respectively, of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a . The orifices may be formed as a portion of the coupling locations  126   a  of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a . In other and alternative embodiments, nuts  122   a  may be flush with the bottom surface of the optional anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a , or may protrude from the bottom surfaces of the second anti-skid/anti-tip components  138   a ,  140   a.    
     In the alternative embodiment with protruding nuts, the protruding nuts may provide greater traction on various surfaces. In addition, the embodiment with protruding nuts may provide a mounting surface for other traction materials such as rubber, plastic, or any other suitable material arranged to provide suitable (e.g., increased, decreased, variable, or the like) traction on various surfaces to avoid slipping, rolling, tipping, or any other undesirable movement (e.g., motion) of the support structure  100   f  with the optional anti-skid/anti-tip structure  800   a.    
     In other and alternative embodiments, the support structure  100   f  may include the optional plugs  112  ( FIG. 14 ). The optional plugs  112  are placed at the ends of the support structure  100   f . The optional plugs  112  may be arranged to reduce the likelihood of or even prevent rolling, slipping, tipping, falling, or any other undesirable movement (e.g., motion) of the support structure  100   f . The optional plugs  112  may be included in any of the embodiments or other and alternative embodiments. 
     In the foregoing description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with electronic and computing systems including client and server computing systems, as well as networks have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. 
     The terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, e.g., “including, but not limited to.” 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” and variations thereof means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments. 
     As described herein, for simplicity, patients, persons, human beings, and the like are in some case described in the context of the male gender. For example, the terms “his hand,” “his left thumb,” and the like are used. It is understood that human beings of any condition or status can be of any gender, and the terms “he,” “his,” and the like as used herein are to be interpreted broadly inclusive of all known gender definitions. 
     As described herein, terms such as stiff, soft, flexible, pliable, and the like are understood in their common and ordinary meaning. For example, stiff is not necessarily completely un-bendable. Instead, something that is stiff resistance deformation to a desired degree. The desired degree of stiffness may be measured, for example, in units such as foot pounds per inch or some other units. One structure may be stiffer than another structure. The increased (or decreased) stiffness may be caused by the devices being formed from different materials, from materials having different physical or chemical properties, or for some other reason. Correspondingly, the terms “flexible,” “flexibility,” “pliable,” “soft,” and the like impart a desired degree of flexibility or softness to the structure which the term modifies. 
     Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention. 
     In the absence of any specific clarification related to its express use in a particular context, where the terms “substantial” or “about” in any grammatical form are used as modifiers in the present disclosure and any appended claims (e.g., to modify a structure, a dimension, a measurement, or some other characteristic), it is understood that the characteristic may vary by up to 30 percent. For example, a support structure  100  may be described as having “substantially straight sections,” In these cases, a section that is exactly straight has a length that forms a straight line from a proximal end to a distal end, and any three or more points along the line will have zero degrees of variance. As another example to add clarity, two exactly straight sections of a support structure, if arranged normal to each other, will maintain a right angle (i.e., 90 degrees) at all corresponding points along their entire lengths as if to form a virtual plane where one section forms an “X” axis and the other section forms a “Y” axis. Different from the exact precision of the term, “straight,” the use of “substantially” to modify the characteristic permits a variance of the “straight” characteristic by up to 30 percent. Accordingly, a support structure  100  that has “substantially straight sections” includes structure having sections that may vary between [63] degrees and [117] degrees at one or more portions along their length. For the avoidance of doubt, a section of a support structure having a 45 degree bend is not a “substantially straight section.” As another example, a support structure  100  may be described as having substantially hollow sections. A support structure having a section a volume that is formed 30 percent solid or less is a “substantially hollow” section, and a section having a volume that is more than 30 percent solid is not substantially hollow. As yet one more example, a section length that is “between about [6] inches and [10] inches” includes such sections in which the linear dimension varies by up to 30 percent. Accordingly, the particular linear dimension of the section may be between 3 inches and 13 inches. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein. 
     The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure. 
     The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.