Patent Publication Number: US-11376174-B2

Title: Wheelchair accessory apparatus

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY 
     The disclosed technology relates to a wheelchair accessory apparatus for attachment to a wheelchair. More specifically, the wheelchair accessory apparatus includes a retaining member and a support for placement and retainment of an ambulatory assistive device while a user is employing a wheelchair, thereby allowing transportation of the ambulatory assistive device by the wheelchair. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY 
     Individuals who need to, either permanently or temporarily, make use of a wheelchair for mobility generally have problems transporting their ambulatory assistive device along with them and the wheelchair. When employing a wheelchair, ambulatory assistive devices such as walkers, rolling walkers, crutches, and canes need to be held by the user. This limits the user&#39;s ability to effectively utilize the wheelchair and creates an unsafe condition for the user trying to manage an assistive device while operating a wheelchair. Indeed, in the majority or circumstances users require the aid of another individual to help them transport their assistive device while employing a wheelchair. Either the user pushes the wheelchair himself or herself, while the individual carries the assistive device, or the user carries the assistive device while the individual pushes the wheelchair. This can be awkward, uncomfortable, and in some cases painful, and effectively limits the independence and functional mobility of the individual in the wheelchair. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a wheelchair accessory apparatus that is attachable to the frame of a wheelchair and includes a retaining member and support for placement and retainment of an ambulatory assistive device, thereby enabling a user to safely and transport their assistive device, without interference, while employing their wheelchair. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY 
     Disclosed herein is a wheelchair accessory apparatus is a wheelchair accessory apparatus including an ambulatory assistive device retaining member removably attachable to the frame of a wheelchair and an ambulatory assistive device support member removably attachable to the footrest of a wheelchair. The ambulatory assistive device retaining member includes a first leg, a second leg, and an elongated stem. The first leg and the second leg are joined at a central point and define a portal therebetween to receive an ambulatory assistive device therethrough. The elongated stem removably attachable to a wheelchair frame. The ambulatory assistive device support member includes a body comprising a cup sized to removably receive a crutch tip. When the ambulatory assistive retaining member and the ambulatory assistive device support member are both attached to the wheelchair, the portal and the cup align to receive and sustain an ambulatory assistive device therein for transportation while in use with a wheelchair. 
     In embodiments, the ambulatory assistive device support member includes an aperture and a sleeve. In some embodiments, the first leg, the second leg, and the elongated stem are coplanar. In some embodiments, the first leg and the second leg join at the central point to form a U-shaped portion defining an arch therebetween, the central point disposed at a center of the arch. In other embodiments, the first leg and the second leg join at the central point to form a V-shaped portion defining an apex at the central point. In some embodiments, the elongated stem extends outwardly from the central point. In other embodiments, the elongated stem extends parallelly oppositely relative to the first leg and the second leg. 
     In some embodiments, the wheelchair accessory apparatus includes an arcuate latch pivotally connected to the first leg, a planar latch pivotally connected to the second leg, a first fastener including a spring-loaded mechanism for fastening the arcuate latch to the first leg in a nonpivotal position, a second fastener including a spring-loaded mechanism for fastening the planar latch to the second leg in a nonpivotal position, a clamp assembly for fastening the elongated stem to the wheelchair frame, and a third fastener for fastening the ambulatory assistive device support member to a footrest of the wheelchair via the sleeve of the ambulatory assistive device support. In one embodiment, the arcuate latch includes an arcuate portion. 
     In some embodiments, the wheelchair accessory apparatus includes an ambulatory assistive device receptacle securable to the aperture of the ambulatory assistive device support member. The ambulatory assistive device receptacle removably receives an ambulatory assistive device therein. The aperture of the ambulatory assistive device support member is sized to removably receive the ambulatory assistive device receptacle. 
     In some embodiments, the arcuate latch includes a first end pivotally connected to an end of the first leg and a second end that is removably attachable to an end of the second leg. In one embodiment, the first end of the arcuate latch pivotal about a central axis of the first leg. 
     In some embodiments, the planar latch includes a first end pivotally connected to the end of the second leg and a second end that is removably attachable to the end of the first leg. In one embodiment, the planar latch pivotal about a central axis of the second leg. 
     In some embodiments, the arcuate latch is offset relative to the planar latch, such that when the arcuate latch pivots about the first leg and the planar latch pivots about the second leg, rotation of the arcuate latch is not obstructed by the planar latch and rotation of the planar latch is not obstructed by the arcuate latch. 
     In some embodiments, the arcuate latch and the planar latch overlap when pivoting about the ends of the first leg and second leg, respectively, such that when the second end of the arcuate latch is fastened to the end of the second leg and the second end of the planar latch is fastened to the end of the first leg, the arcuate latch and planar latch are aligned and form a closed latching apparatus wherein the arcuate portion of the arcuate latch is closed off to receive and a sustain an ambulatory assistive device therein. 
     In some embodiments, the arcuate portion arches inwardly towards the central point of the ambulatory assistive device retaining member. 
     In some embodiments, the first fastener is disposed within an end of the first leg and the spring-loaded mechanism of the first fastener is biased towards the end to removably engage the first end of the arcuate latch and the second end of the planar latch. 
     In some embodiments, the second fastener is disposed within an end of the second leg and the spring-loaded mechanism of the second fastener is biased towards the end to removably engage the first end of the planar latch and the second end of the arcuate latch. 
     In some embodiments, the wheelchair accessory apparatus includes a first cap for securing the first fastener to the first end of the arcuate latch and the second end of the planar latch and a second cap for securing the second fastener to the first end of the planar latch and the second end of the arcuate latch. 
     In embodiments, the clamp assembly includes a pair of C-shaped members each including a first edge and a second opposing knurled arcuate edge and a fastener for fastening the pair of C-shaped members to each other around the wheelchair frame. When the C-shaped members are fastened to each other, the second opposing knurled arcuate edges face each other forming a circular opening to receive the wheelchair frame. 
     In some embodiments, the clamp assembly includes a second pair of C-shaped members each including a first edge and a second opposing knurled arcuate edge. The pair of C-shaped members are joined perpendicularly relative to each other at their first edges such that the second opposing knurled arcuate edges face away from each other. When used to attach the ambulatory assistive device retaining member to a wheelchair, each C-shaped member of the second pair of C-shaped members fastens to a separate C-shaped member via a fastener. 
     In some embodiments, the body of the ambulatory assistive device support member includes an upper face and a sidewall, wherein the cup is recessed into the upper face of the body, wherein the aperture is disposed on the upper face of the body, and wherein the sleeve is disposed on the sidewall. In one embodiment, the sleeve extends entirely through the body. 
     In some embodiments, the third fastener includes an elongated threaded mechanism for threadably engaging a tubing of the wheelchair footrest and a plunger for insertion into the tubing of the wheelchair footrest. Tightening of the threaded mechanism expands the plunger within the tubing of the wheelchair footrest to secure the ambulatory assistive device support member to the wheelchair footrest. 
     In embodiments, the ambulatory assistive device receptacle includes a stem for insertion into the aperture of the ambulatory assistive device support member and defines an interior volume for removably receiving an ambulatory assistive device therein. In some embodiments, the stem includes a threaded member for threadably engaging the aperture of the ambulatory assistive device support member and securing the ambulatory assistive device receptacle to the ambulatory assistive device support member. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the following definitions are used. “ambulatory assistive device” used interchangeably with “assistive device” is defined as a mobility aid, such as wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, crutch, prosthetic device, and/or orthotic device. “Mount” is defined as to place or fix an object or item in its operating position, or to attach the object or item to a support, or to arrange the object or item for use or display. “Thread” is defined as helical ridge on the outside of an object, such as a screw, bolt, or the like, or on the inside of a cylindrical hole, that allows two parts to be screwed together. “Threaded” is defined as an object or one or more objects joined together via a “thread.” “Latch” is defined as a bar, rod, or member that is used for closing an opening. “Portal” is defined as an opening, passthrough, or entrance for the placement of an item or object. “Stem” is defined as a bar, rod, or member that is a supportive section of an item or object. “Cup” is defined as a receptacle or container including an opening providing access to interior volume for the placement of an item or object. “Knurled” is defined as an object or item having ridges on the edge of a surface, or an object that has regular ribbed markings on an edge thereof. “Spring-loaded” is defined as containing a compressed or stretched spring that exerts are force in a certain direction. “Bias” refers to the inclination of an object, thing, item, or component to return to its original position after being moved therefrom. 
     Any device or step to a method described in this disclosure can comprise or consist of that which it is a part of, or the parts which make up the device or step. The term “and/or” is inclusive of the items which it joins linguistically and each item by itself. “Substantially” is defined as at least 95% of the term being described and/or “within a tolerance level known in the art and/or within 5% thereof. Any device or aspect of a device or method described herein can be read as “comprising” or “consisting” thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to an armrest of the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top down view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to an armrest of the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 3  shows a top down view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to both armrests of the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus being attached to the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the ambulatory assistive device retaining member and the clamp assembly of the wheelchair accessory apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 6  shows a partial phantom and partial exploded view of the ambulatory assistive device retaining member and the clamp assembly of the wheelchair accessory apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 7A  shows an exploded view of the ambulatory assistive device support member of the wheelchair accessory apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 7B  shows a phantom view of the ambulatory assistive device support member of the wheelchair accessory apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 8  shows an exploded view of the ambulatory assistive device receptacle and the ambulatory assistive device support member of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attaching to an assistive device according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the ambulatory assistive device receptacle and the ambulatory assistive device support member of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to an assistive device according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to both armrests of the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology with the ambulatory assistive device receptacle in use according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to both armrests of the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology with the ambulatory assistive device receptacle in use according to another embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSED TECHNOLOGY 
     The present disclosed technology provides a wheelchair accessory apparatus comprising an ambulatory assistive device retaining member and an assistive device support member that are each removably attachable to a wheelchair. The assistive device retaining member defines a portal and the assistive device defines a cup, such that when the ambulatory assistive retaining member and the ambulatory assistive device are attached to a wheelchair, the portal and the cup are aligned for placement and retainment of an ambulatory assistive device therein while employment of the wheelchair. 
     Embodiments of the disclosed technology will become clearer in view of the following description of the figures. 
     Referring to the figures,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to an armrest of the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology.  FIG. 2  shows a top down view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to an armrest of the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology.  FIG. 3  shows a top down view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to both armrests of the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
     The present disclosed technology provides a wheelchair accessory apparatus  10  including an ambulatory assistive device retaining member  15  that is removably attachable to the frame  60  of a wheelchair  55  and an ambulatory assistive device support member  20  that is removably attachable to the footrest  68  of the wheelchair  55 . 
     The ambulatory assistive device retaining member  15  includes a first leg  25 , a second leg  30 , and an elongated stem  35 . The first leg  25  and the second leg  30  join at a central point  40 . The elongated stem  35  is removably attachable to a wheelchair frame  60 . In one embodiment, the first leg  25 , the second leg  30 , and the elongated stem  35  are coplanar. In another embodiment, the first leg  25  and the second leg  30  extend outwardly and away from the central point  40  and are parallel relative to each other. The elongated stem  35  extends outwardly from the central point  40 . In one embodiment, the elongated stem  35  extends parallelly oppositely relative to the first leg  25  and the second leg  30 . 
     In one embodiment, the first leg  25  and the second leg  30  join at the central point  40  to form a U-shaped portion defining an arch therebetween, such that the central point  40  is disposed at a center of the arch, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In another embodiment, the first leg  25  and the second leg  30  join at the central point  40  to form a V-shaped portion defining an apex at the central point  40 . 
     The first leg  25  and the second leg  30  define a portal  45  therebetween. The portal  45  defines a space or an opening in the ambulatory assistive device retaining member  15  that receives an ambulatory assistive device  50  therethrough, thereby allowing a user to place an ambulatory assistive device in the wheelchair accessory apparatus and transport the ambulatory assistive device when employing a wheelchair  55 . 
     The ambulatory assistive device support member  20  includes a body  65  comprising a cup  70  sized to removably receive a crutch tip  75 . When the ambulatory assistive retaining member  15  is attached to the wheelchair frame  60  and the ambulatory assistive device support member  20  is attached to the footrest of a wheelchair footrest  68 , the portal  45  and the cup  70  are aligned for placement and retainment of an ambulatory assistive device therein, as shown in  FIG. 2 . In embodiments, more than one wheelchair accessory apparatus can be attached to the frame of the wheelchair  55 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus being attached to the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. In some embodiments, the wheelchair accessory apparatus  10  further comprises an arcuate latch  80  pivotally connected to the first leg  25  and a planar latch  85  pivotally connected to the second leg  30 . The arcuate latch  80  includes an arcuate portion  90  that defines an opening  95  for receiving a second ambulatory assistive device therethrough. In this way, a user may transport more than one assistive device in the wheelchair  55  and has at least a pair or unique openings  45 ,  95  that can retain an assistive device. Further, the arcuate latch  80  enables users to create an additional space between themselves and the second assistive device they are transporting while employing the wheelchair  55 . In one embodiment, the arcuate portion  90  arches inwardly towards the central point  40  of the ambulatory assistive device retaining member  15 , such that the opening  95  extends into the portal  45 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     In embodiments, the arcuate latch  80  includes a first end  100  pivotally connected to an end  105  of the first leg  25  and a second end  110  that is removably attachable to an end  115  of the second leg  30 , such that the first end  100  of the arcuate latch  80  is pivotal about a central axis of the first leg  25 . In other embodiments, the planar latch  85  includes a first end  120  that is pivotally connected to the end  115  of the second leg  30  and a second end  125  that is removably attachable to the end  105  of the first leg  25 , such that the planar latch  85  is pivotal about a central axis of the second leg  30 . In one embodiment, the arcuate latch  80  is offset relative to the planar latch  85 , such that when the arcuate latch  80  pivots about the first leg  25  and the planar latch  85  pivots about the second leg  30 , rotation of the arcuate latch  80  is not obstructed by the planar latch  85  and rotation of the planar latch  85  is not obstructed by the arcuate latch  80 . 
     In one embodiment, the arcuate latch  80  and the planar latch  85  overlap when pivoting about the ends  105 ,  115  of the first leg  25  and the second leg  30 , respectively, such that when the second end  110  of the arcuate latch  80  is fastened to the end  115  of the second leg  30  and the second end  125  of the planar latch  85  is fastened to the end  105  of the first leg  25 , the arcuate latch  80  and planar latch  85  are aligned and form a closed latching apparatus wherein the arcuate portion  90  of the arcuate latch  80  is closed off to receive and a sustain an ambulatory assistive device therein, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     In some embodiments, the wheelchair accessory apparatus  10  comprises a first fastener  130  including a first spring-loaded mechanism  135  to fasten the arcuate latch  80  to the first leg  25  in a nonpivotal position. In one embodiment, the first fastener  100  is disposed within the end  105  of the first leg  25  and the spring-loaded mechanism  135  is biased towards the end  105  in order to removably engage the first end  100  of the arcuate latch  80  and the second end  125  of the planar latch, as shown in  FIG. 6 . In one embodiment, the first fastener  130  includes a barbed mounting end cap, a spring, a threaded rod or bolt, a retaining washer, an extension sleeve, and a castle nut, which in combination form the spring-loaded mechanism  135 . In another embodiment, the first fastener  130  includes any combination of the barbed mounting end cap, the spring, the threaded rod or bolt, the retaining washer, the extension sleeve, and the castle nut. 
     In one embodiment, the wheelchair accessory apparatus  10  comprises a second fastener  140  including a second spring-loaded mechanism  145  to fasten the planar latch  85  to the second leg  30  in a nonpivotal position. In one embodiment, the second fastener  140  is disposed within the end  115  of the second leg  30  and the spring-loaded mechanism  145  of the second fastener  140  is biased towards the end  115  to removably engage the first end  120  of the planar latch  85  and the second end  110  of the arcuate latch  80 , as show in  FIG. 5 . In one embodiment, the second fastener  140  includes a barbed mounting end cap, a spring, a threaded rod or bolt, a retaining washer, an extension sleeve, and a castle nut, which in combination form the spring-loaded mechanism  145 . In another embodiment, the second fastener  140  includes any combination of the barbed mounting end cap, the spring, the threaded rod or bolt, the retaining washer, the extension sleeve, and the castle nut. 
     In some embodiments, the wheelchair accessory apparatus  10  comprises a first cap for securing the first fastener  130  to the first end  100  of the arcuate latch  80  and the second end  125  of the planar latch  85 , and a second cap for securing the second fastener  140  to the first end  120  of the planar latch  85  and the second end  110  of the arcuate latch  80 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6  simultaneously,  FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of the ambulatory assistive device retaining member and the clamp assembly of the wheelchair accessory apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology.  FIG. 6  shows a partial phantom and partial exploded view of the ambulatory assistive device retaining member and the clamp assembly of the wheelchair accessory apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. In embodiments, the wheelchair accessory apparatus includes a clamp assembly  150  for fastening the elongated stem  35  to the frame of the wheelchair. In one embodiment, the clamp assembly  150  comprises a pair of C-shaped members  155  and a fastener  160  for fastening the pair of C-shaped members  155  to each other around the frame of the wheelchair. Each of the C-shaped members  155  includes a first edge  165  and a second opposing knurled arcuate edge  170 . The C-shaped members  155  fasten to each other such that the second opposing knurled arcuate edges  170  face each other forming a circular opening to receive the frame of the wheelchair. 
     In other embodiments, the clamp assembly  150  further comprises a second pair of C-shaped members  175  and a fastener for fastening the pair of C-shaped members  175  to each other around the frame of the wheelchair. Each of the second pair of C-shaped members  175  includes a first edge  180  and a second opposing knurled arcuate edge  185 . The pair of C-shaped members  175  are joined perpendicularly relative to each other at their first edges  180  such that the second opposing knurled arcuate edges  185  face away from each other forming a semicircular opening. When mounting the wheelchair accessory apparatus  10  to the frame of a wheelchair, each of the second pair of C-shaped members  175  fastens to a separate C-shaped member  175  via the fastener. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B ,  FIG. 7A  shows an exploded view of the ambulatory assistive device support member of the wheelchair accessory apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology.  FIG. 7B  shows a phantom view of the ambulatory assistive device support member of the wheelchair accessory apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology. In embodiments, the ambulatory assistive device support member  20  further includes an aperture  190  and a sleeve  195  disposed in the body  65  of the ambulatory assistive device support member  20 . The body  65  includes an upper face  200  and a sidewall  205 . The cup  70  of the ambulatory assistive device support member  20  is recessed into the upper face  200  of the body  65 . The aperture  190  is disposed on the upper face  200  of the body  65 . The sleeve  195  is disposed on the sidewall  205 . In one embodiment, the sleeve  195  extends entirely through the body  65 , such that it includes an opening on a first side of the sidewall  205  and a second opening on a second side of the sidewall  205 . In another embodiment, the aperture  190  extends into the upper face  200  in direction opposite the direction in which the sleeve  195  extends into the sidewall  205 . 
     In embodiments, the wheelchair accessory apparatus  10  includes a third fastener  210  for fastening the ambulatory assistive device support member  20  to a footrest of the wheelchair. The third fastener  210  is threaded through the sleeve  195  of the ambulatory assistive device support member  20 , as shown in  FIG. 7B , and then mounted into the tubing of the footrest of a wheelchair, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In one embodiment, the third fastener  210 , includes an elongated threaded mechanism  215  for threadably engaging a tubing of the footrest of the wheelchair and a plunger  220  for insertion into the tubing of the footrest. Tightening of the threaded mechanism  215  expands the plunger  220  within the tubing of the footrest, thereby creating a friction fit inside the tubing of the footrest and securing the ambulatory assistive device support member  20  to the footrest, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . In other embodiments, the third fastener  210  includes a rubber cone plunger, a backing washer, a long screw, a cone plunger lock washer, and a cone plunger nut. In alternative embodiments, the third fastener  210  includes any combination of the rubber cone plunger, the backing washer, the long screw, the cone plunger lock washer, and the cone plunger nut. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-11  simultaneously,  FIG. 8 , shows an exploded view of the ambulatory assistive device receptacle and the ambulatory assistive device support member of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attaching to an assistive device according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology.  FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the ambulatory assistive device receptacle and the ambulatory assistive device support member of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to an assistive device according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology.  FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to both armrests of the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology with the ambulatory assistive device receptacle in use according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology.  FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the wheelchair accessory apparatus attached to both armrests of the frame of a wheelchair according to one embodiment of the present disclosed technology with the ambulatory assistive device receptacle in use according to another embodiment of the present disclosed technology. 
     In embodiments, the wheelchair accessory apparatus  10  comprises an ambulatory assistive device receptacle  225  securable to the aperture  190  of the ambulatory assistive device support member  20 . The ambulatory assistive device receptacle  225  removably receives an additional assistive device for transportation of the assistive device while employing a wheelchair, as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     The ambulatory assistive device receptacle  225  includes a stem  230  for insertion into the aperture  190  of the ambulatory assistive device support member  20 . The aperture  190  of the ambulatory assistive device support member  20  is sized to removably receive the ambulatory assistive device receptacle  225 . The ambulatory assistive device receptacle  225  includes a base  235  and an annular wall  240  extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the base  235 . The base  235  and annular wall  240  defined an interior volume  245  for removably receiving an assistive device therein. The stem  230  includes a threaded member for threadably engaging the aperture of the ambulatory assistive device support member  20  and securing the ambulatory assistive device receptacle  225  to the ambulatory assistive device support member  20 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . In one embodiment, the stem  230  extends perpendicularly outwardly from the base  235 . 
     In some embodiments, an ambulatory assistive device support member  20  is attached to both footrests of the wheelchair  55 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . In one embodiment, each of the ambulatory assistive device support members  20  utilize the ambulatory assistive device receptacle  225  to removably receive and sustain an ambulatory assistive device, as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     The present technology can be carried out with one or more of the embodiments described. The drawings show embodiments with the understanding that the present description is to be considered an exemplification of the principles and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the details of construction. The arrangements of the components are set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. 
     While the disclosed technology has been taught with specific reference to the above embodiments, a person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the disclosed technology. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. Combinations of any of the methods, systems, and devices described herein-above are also contemplated and within the scope of the disclosed technology.