Attachable snap on crutch

Abstract

A vertically adjustable crutch that attaches, detaches and reverses to a handicap walker, quickly and without tools, providing combined support of both medical aids. This crutch involves no handgrip allowing user to maintain the comfort of same walker handgrip. A crutch being a three section assembly with first and third sections made slidable into second center body section, for top and bottom adjustments. A crutch having clips attached to center and lower sections for attaching to both top and lower rails of the walker. Each clip having a non-skid material on its underside preventing slippage or metal-to-metal contact. Each clip also having an h/l strap attached to secure accidental or unintentional release. The crutch may be designed with a 1″ offset to its center section vertical side rails to accommodate bottom clip to position at top center of bottom walker rail, insuring positive bearing weight.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. (1) is a plan view of the invention attached to a typical handicap walker

FIG. (2) is an side elevation view of the invention

FIG. (2a) is a isometric elevation view of invention

FIG. (3) is a top section view of the invention

FIG. (3a) is a center section view of the invention

FIG. (3b) is a bottom section view of the invention

FIG. (4) is a sectional view of the top clip design and placement

FIG. (5) is a sectional view of the bottom clip design and placement

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

This invention allows the handicap person to use the walker they presently own without having to purchase another type, as it is constructed to adapt to most walkers now in production, both adjustable and fixed types. Sometimes these persons must be on their walker for longer periods than their frail bodies can handle, but with the attachable snap on crutch as extra support they may be comfortable to be willing to risk longer trips and have the ability to visit many other places. With minimal number of parts and hardware to assemble in its design the cost of the crutch should not be out of reach.

In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the crutch attached to a typical handicap walker. Turning next to FIGS. 2, a view of the side elevation and FIG. 2A, an isometric view of the present invention shows a three sectional snap on crutch of low number of parts and simplistic design.

This invention attaches to the top rail (32) and the bottom rail (36) of a walker (30) simultaneously, by way of metal clips (18) & attachment (18a) positioned on the center section (12b) and clip (22) on lower section (12c) of the crutch. Turning to FIGS. 3, FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3B, The views of Top, Center and Lower sections of crutch unit are shown in viewable positions of assembly. Both height adjustments and crutch to walker adjustments are achieved by utilization of push button release pins (15) & (15a) in both top section (12a) and bottom section (12c) of the crutch, when either is slid into center section (12b) of crutch unit (10) stopping at desired hole locations (14a) & (14b). A brace (16) connects the center section side rails (11b) together to maintain stability. A non-stick material (18b) may be applied to the underside of bottom clip (22) and top clip attachment (18a) to prevent shifting as well as for cushioning between metal-to-metal contact. FIGS. 4, and FIG. 5, present sectional views of Top clips (18) and Bottom clips (22) respectively as incorporated in crutch design. The Top clips (18) may be welded in desired position or made slidable over center section (12b) side rail (11b) and kept in place by a welded (21) stop collars (20). An h/l (Velcro-type) strap (19) attached to each top clip attachment (18a) and bottom clip (22) secures the crutch in place and prevents the crutch from shifting and accidental uncoupling.

If only a single crutch is desired only one crutch need be attached. Reversing the crutch from inside the walker rails to the outside of the walker rails allows it to be installed when hinges or other objects may interfere with inside mounting, and also allows users with a wider torso more width and comfort. Many patients after back and/or leg surgery and/or serious medical operations may find this combination invaluable when moving about with the added balance and support that may be offered at such a critical time. Should they lose strength in legs,arms or wrists etc.,this crutch would be their main support, allowing them to maintain their weight and balance. The short length, light weight and easily detachable factor makes its storage and portability unique as a crutch

NUMERICAL PARTS DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

(10) Snap-on Crutch (13) crutch cap

(30) walker (16) crutch brace

(32) walker top rail (22) bottom clip

(36) walker bottom rail (18) top clip

(34) walker handgrip (18a) attachment to top clip

(12a) top section (18b) non-slip material

(12b) center section (19) h/l strap

(12c) lower section (20) stop collar

(15a) & (15b) push button release pins (21) weld

(14a) & ( 14b) button holes

(11a) top section side rails

(11b) center section side rails

(11c) lower section side rails

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An attachable crutch that adapts to a handicap walker comprising: (a) the present invention relates to a walking aids that can be quickly attached and removed without tools to the handicap walker both folding and fixed, of many and different manufacturers, to produce a much more stable, safer and less expensive supportive mode of ambulatory movement.(b) the uniqueness of this invention is the built in height adjustment allowing for both tall or shorter persons as well as its ability to accomadate wider individuals with outside crutch positioning.(c) another unique quality is the absence of the handgrip the usual crutch employs, allowing the user the comfort of using their own walker handgrip, as well as saving production costs per crutch.(d) another unique feature of this invention is that once the crutch is attached to the walker it cannot be accidentally or unintentionally removed without destroying the crutch or the walker itself, but when desired can be removed and /or reattached in seconds without tools.(e) another unique quality of this invention is that it can give the user confidence to trust their ability to exercise without fear of losing balance or strength of limbs.(f) another unique feature of this invention is the suggested 1″ offset in the middle center body section of the crutch insures that the users weight is distributed equally to the handicap walker, allowing positive support and maximum strength and safety for the invalid user.(g) another unique feature is its quick and easy removable features when travel accomadations require, as is; taxi, bus, airline or when weather conditions dictate.

2. Attachable Snap on Crutch comprising: (k) this invention attaches to the top rail and the bottom rail of a handicap walker quickly and simultaneously, by way of metal clips positioned on its center body section and the lower third section of the crutch;(l) this crutch being a three section assembly with first and third sections made slidable into second center body section, for top and bottom adjustments;(m) the clips having non-skid material in their undersides and a Velcro type H/L strap attached to prevent accidental or unintentional release;(n) a vertically adjustable crutch that attaches, detatches and reverses to a handicap walker quickly and without tools and once adjusted never needs adjusting again.(o) the short length, light weight and low number of parts may make storing, transporting, manufacture and shipping cheaper;(p) another unique feature is that this invention can give the user the confidence to trust their ability to exercise without fear of losing balance or strength of limbs to continue.(q) this invention may be modified to a custom length to each manufacturers own particular walker model, thereby lowering manufactur costs.