Abstract:
An apparatus for walking assistance to facilitate the movement of individuals who require assistance over short distances for brief periods of time is provided. Specifically, the apparatus allows those having lower limb amputations to move temporarily without a prosthetic device. The apparatus includes a T-shaped cane having a single, adjustable support post with a T-shaped crossbar having two handles. At the base of the cane is a curved support foot with a cushioned contact surface for placement against the floor. The collapsible apparatus includes four primary components; (1) a top receiver bar, (2) a lower receiver bar, (3) a pair of handlebars, and (4) a base platform. The top receiver bar includes a T-shaped cross piece for handlebar insertion. In an alternate embodiment, the top receiver bar comprises a simple cylindrical tube while the handlebar component comprises a T-shaped cross piece. The lower receiver bar telescopes within the top receiver bar at a desired height. The base retains the lower receiver bar and integrates a rigid support plate, a base pad, and a pair of winged plate sections for a rocker type motion during use.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under Title 35 United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application 61/079,142 filed Jul. 9, 2008 the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to devices for providing walking assistance for individuals. The present invention relates more specifically to a device for assisting lower limb amputees with movement over short distances under conditions where such amputees have temporarily removed their prosthetic devices. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    There are a large number and variety of devices generally designed to assist individuals with the process of walking over long and short distances. Such devices include everything from simple canes or walking-sticks to more complex two-handed rolling walkers. Also included as walking assistance devices are crutches of a variety of designs and ultimately, larger, more complex wheelchair devices. This wide range of available devices to assist with walking is generally required because of the wide range of abilities associated with individuals requiring such assistance. In some instances a simple cane is all that is necessary to steady the individual with their walking motion. In other cases, a wheelchair device may be required to support the individual and transport them over a distance. The variety of walking assist devices thus developed in the prior art are therefore reflective of the variety of individuals and conditions that require such assistance. 
         [0006]    Individuals who have had lower limb amputations typically will receive prosthetic devices that allow the lower limb amputees to enjoy relative freedom of motion while walking once they have learned to adapt to and utilize a prosthetic device. Difficulties, however, arise where individuals with lower limb prosthetics remove the prosthetics as for sleeping, resting, or otherwise not engaging in mobile activity. Unfortunately, the process of putting a typical lower limb prosthetic device on can be a complex and time consuming procedure. In most instances, these prosthetic devices include a variety of attachment means that require some time and some effort to put in place. Frequently, the process of putting such a prosthetic device on is more time consuming than desired, especially where the individual needs only to travel a short distance for a brief period of time. A typical example of such a situation would involve waking from sleep to require the use of restroom facilities before returning to sleep. It is undesirable to take the time to put a prosthetic device on for this short term and short distance purpose. 
         [0007]    While such individuals wearing lower limb prosthetic devices might look to other temporary walking aids, there are few, if any, devices that satisfy the needs for comfort and compactness. Crutches, for example, achieve the purpose of temporary use over short distances and for brief periods of time, but tend to be very uncomfortable and by no means compact for purposes of travel and the like. A simple cane provides some walking assistance, but because of its structure, seldom achieves the steadiness required, especially when the individual has just awakened from sleep. There are no devices currently available that provide both stability to the user and compactness for purposes of ease of use and travel. Few of the devices that are available are comfortable to the user, both for providing a steady support and for comfortable contact with the arms or hands of the user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention, therefore, provides a walking assistance device that may facilitate the movement of any of a number of individuals who require such assistance over short distances for brief periods of time. In particular, the device of the present invention finds specific use in assisting those who have lower limb amputations to move temporarily without a prosthetic device. The present invention provides a T-shaped cane that integrates a single, adjustable support post with a T-shaped crossbar having two handles for firm support. At the base of the central post of the cane is a curved support platform that integrates a cushioned contact surface for placement against the floor. The T-cane of the present invention may be adjustable in height, as with many single point support canes, but provides the additional improved features of dual handles positioned on a cross piece at the top of the can and a wide, curved supportive base positioned on the bottom of the cane. In the preferred embodiment the device of the present invention is collapsible into four primary components; (1) a top receiver bar, (2) a lower receiver bar, (3) a pair of handlebars, and (4) a base platform. In the preferred embodiment the top receiver bar includes a T-shaped cross piece at one end, into which the handlebars may be securely inserted. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the top receiver bar comprises a simple cylindrical tube while the handlebar component comprises a T-shaped cross piece. The lower receiver bar is constructed to telescope within the top receiver bar and to be fixed in position at a desired height. The base is designed to receive the lower receiver bar and to securely attach the same during use. The base integrates a rigid support plate as well as a base pad for contacting the floor. The base includes a pair of winged plate sections that offer a rocker type motion to the user during use of the T-cane. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the walking assistance device of the present invention in its fully assembled configuration. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of the base component for the walking assistance device of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the base component of the walking assistance device of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the lower receiver bar component of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the top receiver bar component of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the set of handlebar components of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective and side views of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing the manner of integrating a light onto the structure of the walking assistance device. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the top receiver bar component of an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the handlebar component of an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0018]    As indicated above, the objectives of the present invention include simplicity, compactness, and stability. Walking assistance devices must be particularly stable, especially when they are to be used by individuals who may be only momentarily awake. The device must be simple in its construction so as not to require a great deal of skill or effort in its use or its assembly. The device should be compact in design such that it may travel easily and be utilized inobtrusively. It would be preferable if the device were adjustable as to height so as to accommodate users of a variety of statures. It would further be desirable if the device could be separated into a number of smaller components that could be easily packaged into a travel case in a manner that allowed for the easy transport of the device. 
         [0019]    Reference is made first to  FIG. 1  for a detailed description of the fully assembled walking assistance device of the present invention. T-cane  10  shown in  FIG. 1  comprises the four or five basic components discussed generally above. The base component  12  is a generally rectangular structure made of multiple layers as described in more detail below. Base component  12  integrates a connector, again as described in more detail below, that receives lower receiver bar  14  which in the preferred embodiment is a tubular support post forming the lower section of the cane. Lower receiver bar  14  is structured with an outside diameter appropriate for insertion into the inside diameter of top receiver bar  16 . As shown generally in  FIG. 1 , the connection between lower receiver bar  14  and top receiver bar  16  is made variable by means of a plurality of apertures and a locking pin arrangement as described in more detail below. 
         [0020]    Top receiver bar  16  incorporates a short T-shaped section positioned at right angles to the primary longitudinal axis of the bar. This right angled cross piece is designed to receive left handlebar  18   a  and right handlebar  18   b.  Overall, there are five separate pieces or components to the T-cane device of the preferred embodiment of the present invention that may be easily taken apart or assembled as necessary. 
         [0021]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2A and 2B  for a more detailed description of the structure and function of the base component  12  of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of base  12  shown with lower receiver bar  14  removed from its attachment thereto. As indicated above, base  12  is a generally rectangular plate structure having base coupling  20  positioned at a central location on the top of the plate. Base component  12  is itself constructed of base plate  22 , which in the preferred embodiment is ¼″ bent aluminum plate onto which is attached base pad  24 , which in the preferred embodiment is a non-skid rubber type material. Base plate  22  incorporates base mid-plate  28  onto which base coupling  20  is positioned (welded in the preferred embodiment). To either side of base mid-plate  28  are base wing plates  26  and  30 . These wing plates  26  and  30  allow a rocking motion to occur when the user moves the T-cane of the present invention forward or backward. This reduces the likelihood that the corners or edges of base component  12  will catch on obstructions on or near the floor. 
         [0022]    Base coupling  20  is a cylindrical aluminum tube section that includes snap lock receiver hole  34  and middle bar receiver aperture  32 . In the preferred embodiment snap lock receiver hole  34  is a ¼″ diameter aperture positioned to receive a snap lock pin positioned on one end of lower receiver bar  14 . Middle bar receiver aperture  32  has a 1 1/16″ inside diameter designed to snugly receive and retain the outside diameter of lower receiver bar  14 . Base coupling  20  is constructed of ¼″ thick aluminum tubing section giving it an outside diameter of approximately 15/16″. 
         [0023]    The dimensions of base component  12  may vary according to the needs of the user. It is anticipated that a variety of different length dimensions (for the longer dimension of base plate  22 ) could be provided for different users. Four inch (4″) lengths or nine inch (9″) lengths and a variety of steps in between could be provided for. 
         [0024]    Reference is made to  FIG. 2B  for a side view of the above described components of the base  12  of the present invention. In this view, the inside diameter of middle bar receiver  32  can be seen. Likewise, in a partial cross sectional view, snap lock receiver hole  34  can be seen approximately ½″ above base plate  22 . Base coupling  20  would, in the preferred embodiment, have a height of approximately 1½″ which is sufficient to rigidly secure one end of lower receiver bar  14  as described above. 
         [0025]    The base wing plate structures described above are shown in profile in  FIG. 2B  with an approximate 25° angle between the plane of base mid-plate  28  and base wing plates  26  and  30 . This angle provides an adequate rocking motion for the user, yet still offers significant stability through the entire 4″ width of base component  12  in the preferred embodiment. 
         [0026]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  for detailed descriptions of the upright bar structures of the walking assistance device of the present invention.  FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of lower receiver bar  14  which, as indicated above, is sized to be received into base coupling  20  of base  12  (at a lower end of bar  14 ) and into top receiver bar  16  as described in more detail below. Bottom snap lock pin  38  is positioned at the lower end of lower receiver bar  14  where it may be inserted and locked into snap lock receiver hole  34  of base coupling  20  (see  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B ). At the opposing end of lower receiver bar  14  is a similarly positioned top snap lock pin  40 . Each of the snap lock pins as described in the present invention may be configured with 1200 psi force structures (springs internal to the tubes within which they are placed). The preferred length of lower receiver bar  14  is approximately 1½′ with 1′5⅞″ inches being the precise preferred dimension. The tubular aluminum stock should have a ¾″ inside diameter and a 1 1/32″ outside diameter. 
         [0027]      FIG. 4  discloses in detail top receiver bar  16 , which like lower receiver bar  14  is constructed of ¼″ tubular aluminum stock. In this case, the preferred inside diameter is 1 1/16″ while the outside diameter is 1 5/16″. Positioned on the lower portion of top receiver bar  16  is a linear array of receiver holes  46   a -n. In the preferred embodiment there are eight of these linearly spaced ¼″ diameter apertures, each positioned 1″ apart in order to accommodate a wide variability in the overall height for the cane. The preferred length of top receiver bar  16  is approximately 1′ 9″ with an exact length of 1′ 9¼″ being the dimension of the constructed prototype. 
         [0028]    Top receiver bar  16  is constructed of top bar  42  and top cross piece  44 . These pieces are welded together at weld  48  as shown. Top cross piece  44  is in the preferred embodiment approximately 2⅝″ long and is positioned with a central axis orthogonal to the central axis of top bar  42 . Top cross piece  44  includes handle receiver snap lock hole  50  and handle receiver snap lock hole  52 , each positioned approximately ⅜″ from each end of top cross piece  44 . Left handle receiver  54  and right handle receiver  56  form opposing larger apertures comprising the tubular section, again of ¼″ tube stock forming top cross piece  44 . In this manner, the handle bar components, described in more detail below, may be inserted into handle receivers  54  and  56  and secured therein by snap lock pins. 
         [0029]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 5  for a brief description of the structure and function of left handle bar  18   a  and right handle  18   b.  This set of handle bars comprise mirror images of each other but are not interchangeable left to right on the device of the present invention. The orientation of handle snap lock pins  66   a  and  66   b,  as well as the orientation of minor angles to the handle bars, require specific placement of the left and right handles. Left handle  18   a  is comprised of handle coupler  64   a  which integrates handle snap lock pin  66   a  as well as handle bar component  62   a  which extends through and positions cushion grip  60   a.  In similar fashion, right handle  18   b  is constructed of handler coupler  64   b  which supports handle snap lock pin  66   b  and transitions at an angle into handle bar  62   b,  which again supports cushion grip  60   b.    
         [0030]    Assembly of the device of the present invention comprises connecting each of the five separated pieces together in a manner generally described throughout the above. Lower receiver bar  14  may be stored within top receiver bar  16  and extended to an appropriate length by sliding the smaller receiver bar out from the larger diameter receiver bar and positioning the snap lock pin in one of the eight apertures arranged in the linear array in top receiver bar  16 . Base  12  may then be positioned on lower receiver bar  14  with the associated snap lock pin securing the two pieces together. In a similar manner, left and right handle bars  18   a  and  18   b  may be inserted into the short cross section piece of top receiver bar  16 , again with snap lock pins securing the handle in place. 
         [0031]    Disassembly of the device is simply the reverse of the assembly process, although again it may be desirable to simply slide lower receiver bar  14  fully into top receiver bar  16  for storage and transport. Fully disassembled, the device of the present invention occupies a space no longer than the length of top receiver bar  16  and no wider than the width of base  12 . Such a configuration allows for a very small case (hard or soft sided) to accommodate all of the components of the unassembled device. 
         [0032]    Reference is next made to  FIGS. 6A and 6B  for an optional accessory component associated with the T-cane device of the present invention. Insofar as use of the device may often be intended at night time in darkened areas, it would be desirable if a small light were available to illuminate the path that the user might take with the device.  FIGS. 6A and 6B  provide an example of a manner in which a small, but sufficiently bright light may be positioned on the T-cane device of the present invention to facilitate the movement of the user in the dark.  FIG. 6A  provides a perspective view of external path light  70  that is positioned on top receiver bar  16  in close proximity to top cross piece  44  and is secured to top receiver bar  16  by means of attachment strap  78 . External path light  70  comprises a fixed light base  72  and a pivoting light body  74 . External pat light  70  in the preferred embodiment may incorporate a plurality of LED bulbs  76 . Activation of the light may be by any of a number of mechanisms well known in the art, including twisting of light body  74  with respect to fixed light base  72 . In the preferred embodiment, attachment strap  78  may be fixed by any of a number of different means well know in the art, including Velcro® strap surfaces. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6B  discloses in greater detail the pivoting functionality associated with external path light  70  and the manner in which pivot light body  74  may be tilted up or down (or side to side) so as to direct the light from the device on the desired path. This pivoting functionality is achieved by ball joint pivot  80  shown positioned between light base  72  and pivot light body  74 . In the preferred embodiment, batteries and switch components associated with the light are internal to pivot light body  74  and may comprise user accessible components by means of rotating and separating subcomponents for pivot light body  74  as is known in the art. Alternately, other mechanisms providing batteries and switch mechanisms for external path light  70  may be provided. In addition, further embodiments of the present invention could integrate the components of a path light into the structures of the cane itself combining switch activation mechanisms and battery compartments into the components of the cane while still providing variable directional devices associated with the light elements themselves. 
         [0034]    Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7 and 8  for a detailed description of an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7  discloses in detail an alternate top receiver bar  70  which, like the top receiver bar in the first preferred embodiment described above, is constructed of ¼″ tubular stock. In this case, the preferred inside diameter is again 1 1/16″ while the outside diameter is 1 5/16″. Positioned on the lower portion of top receiver bar  70  is a linear array of receiver holes  78   a -n. In this alternate preferred embodiment there are eight of these linearly spaced ¼″ diameter apertures, each positioned 1″ apart in order to accommodate a wide variability in the overall height for the cane. The upper end  76  of top receiver bar  70  in this alternate preferred embodiment excludes the T-shaped cross piece which is now integrated into the handlebar component as described in more detail below. The upper end  76  of top receiver bar  70  comprises top bar  72  terminating in snap lock receiver hole  74 . 
         [0035]    Reference is now made to  FIG. 8  for a detailed description of an alternate preferred embodiment of the handlebar component of the present invention. In this alternate preferred embodiment, rather than separate handlebars insertable into a T-shaped section associated with the top receiver bar, the handlebar component itself integrates a T-shaped section that is inserted into the upper end  76  of top receiver bar  70  as shown in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 8 , handlebar component  80  comprises tubular crosspiece  82  integrating cushion grips  84   a  and  84   b  on the right and left sides of tubular crosspiece  82 . Handle snap lock pin  86  is positioned on the center support bar of T-shaped handlebar  80  for reception into snap lock receiver hole  74  shown in  FIG. 7 . In this manner, the same disassembly of the T-cane device of the present invention into four basic components is accomplished through an alternate embodiment for the top receiver component and the handlebar component. 
         [0036]    Although the present invention has been described in terms of the foregoing preferred embodiments, this description has been provided by way of explanation only and it is not intended to be a limitation of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize modifications of the present invention that might accommodate specific requirements of the user for stability and safety. Such modifications as to size, angles, and other dimensions where such modifications are coincidental to the specific requirements of the user, and do not necessarily depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.