Patent classifications
A61H2003/0211
Crutch with energy storage and energy return
Various features for improving the performance of crutches are provided. A crutch can flex at one or more locations or include composite material to provide energy storage and return to the user during ambulation. In some aspects, a crutch is provided that can propel the user forward during ambulation. The crutch can be hollow at one or more locations to allow for increased flexibility and narrower at one or more locations to enhance springiness of the crutch.
TRACTION SYSTEM FOR AN AMBULATORY SUPPORT
A traction system for an ambulatory support such as a prosthetic foot blade or a crutch includes a sole plate, a latch assembly, and a strap. The sole plate is couplable to a distal end of the ambulatory support to extend under a bottom side of the ambulatory support and a latch assembly. The latch assembly includes a front catch and a rear catch both fixable at a top side of the ambulatory support with the front catch nearer to the distal end of the ambulatory support than the rear catch, and a lever having a front end and a rear end, the front end releasably latchable to the front catch and the rear end releasably latchable to the rear catch when the lever is pivoted about the latched front end. The strap is secured to the lever and to the sole plate.
Ambulatory aid
An ambulatory aid, such as a crutch, including a pair of support members connected by a load bearing handle member, and terminating at a first end with a top axilla-conforming member, and a second end with a foot piece. The crutch is used as a straight arm crutch, in which a user's weight is distributed in the hand to keep the arm straight, while preventing any load on the shoulder girdles. The crutches are configured to fit close to the body, to centralize the base of support, and keep the center of gravity lower, thereby keeping the body aligned as designed, and keeping the pectoral and pelvic girdles aligned. Proper body alignment during use results in greater stability and equilibrium of the user compared to traditional “tri-pod” creating crutches.
Crutch
A crutch includes an arm rest having an elbow end and a front end, the front end defining a front face having a first opening formed therein, and a bottom edge forming a second opening. The crutch has a handle extending outwardly from the front end of the arm rest, but not from the first or second openings. A leg is received into one of the first and second openings in a first configuration, and into the other of the first and second openings in a second configuration. The leg is selectively convertible between the first and second configuration.
CRUTCH WITH ENERGY STORAGE AND ENERGY RETURN
Various features for improving the performance of crutches are provided. A crutch can flex at one or more locations or include composite material to provide energy storage and return to the user during ambulation. In some aspects, a crutch is provided that can propel the user forward during ambulation. The crutch can be hollow at one or more locations to allow for increased flexibility and narrower at one or more locations to enhance springiness of the crutch.
Crutch
A crutch includes an arm rest having an elbow end and a front end, the front end defining a front face having a first opening formed therein, and a bottom edge forming a second opening. The crutch has a handle extending outwardly from the front end of the arm rest, but not from the first or second openings. A leg is received into one of the first and second openings in a first configuration, and into the other of the first and second openings in a second configuration. The leg is selectively convertible between the first and second configuration.
FLEXURE BASED MOBILITY AID TIP
A mobility aid tip including a resilient toe flexure having a first toe end and a second toe end. A resilient heel flexure having a front heel end and a bottom heel end wherein the vertical plane of the mobility aid tip is offset with the axis of the mobility aid and the first toe end is positioned forwardly from the axis of the mobility aid. The bottom heel end is positioned rearward from the axis of the mobility aid. A toe pad secures the front toe end of the toe flexure and a heel pad secures the bottom heel end of the heel flexure.
Crutch with energy storage and energy return
Various features for improving the performance of crutches are provided. A crutch can flex at one or more locations or include composite material to provide energy storage and return to the user during ambulation. In some aspects, a crutch is provided that can propel the user forward during ambulation. The crutch can be hollow at one or more locations to allow for increased flexibility and narrower at one or more locations to enhance springiness of the crutch.
AMBULATORY AID
An ambulatory aid, such as a walking cane, including an elongate shaft, a handle at a first, upper end of the shaft, and a foot piece at a second, lower end of the shaft opposite the first end. The cane shaft can be adjustable at a top end, middle, a bottom end, or any combination thereof. The top of the cane shaft is aligned at a more posterior angle then the bottom of the shaft. The handle of the cane is elongated and extends posterior and anterior to the shaft. In a particular embodiment, a posterior portion of the handle is longer, and optionally larger in surface area than an anterior portion of the handle such that the handle is configured so that when the person's hand is gripping the handle, the handle will be offset over the shaft.
Walking assistance device
A walking assistance device includes: a base frame; two front wheels, the two front wheels on a traveling side of the base frame; and one rear wheel. An operation frame including a holding grip for an operator is height-adjustably attached to the base frame. A first axle support with the axle of the front wheels fixed is attached to the base frame, whereby the front wheels retain in contact with the ground even when the operation frame tilts. The axle of the front wheels is positioned on the traveling direction side with respect to the leading end in the traveling direction of the base frame. Providing a gap and a stopper above the rear wheel and downward pressing against the holding grip allows the stopper to come into contact with the rear wheel.