The present invention relates to item containers and caddies. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a container configured to removably secure to a crutch between the posts of the crutch to provide access to assorted items stored therein while utilizing the pair of crutches.
Walking with crutches can be a difficult process requiring coordination and utilizing both of the user's hands. Typically, as the user must grip both crutches to support their body weight in an elevated position above a ground surface, individuals are unable to carry or otherwise transport items from location to location while crutch bound. Attempting to carry items while using crutches risks improperly supporting the user's body weight, leading to imbalances that can increase the potential for slips and falls, thereby increasing the risk of injury. Furthermore, falling from crutches can exacerbate any injuries or conditions that required the use of crutches in the first place. In order to safely carry items, an individual may require the assistance of another individual. However, assistance may not always be available. Alternatively, the individual may utilize a supplemental bag or backpack, however, such bags may produce an unbalanced load, adding additional weight that may make crutch usage cumbersome and dangerous. Additionally, as the bag is secured directly to the user, the amount of weight the user must support on their arms is increased, leading to strain and discomfort. Therefore, a device that can store several items on one or more crutches while not unbalancing or otherwise impeding the user is desired.
In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing containers. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of portable containers now present in the known art, the present invention provides a crutch container wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when carrying assorted items while operating a pair of crutches.
The present system comprises a container housing having a rear wall opposite a front wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls extending therebetween. The container housing includes an open upper end opposite a closed lower end defining an interior volume. A height of the rear wall is greater than a height of the front wall and the pair of lateral sidewalls defining an upper panel. A strap is affixed to a rear surface of the rear wall along the upper panel, wherein each of a first end and a second end of the strap are removably securable to a front surface of the rear wall along the upper panel. A wedge extends from the rear surface of the rear wall adjacent to the closed lower end, wherein the wedge is configured to frictionally engage between a pair of inwardly tapering posts of a crutch.
In some embodiments, the strap is disposed parallel to an upper edge of the rear wall. In another embodiment, a fastener is disposed on each of the first end and the second end of the strap, wherein each fastener is removably securable to a complementary fastener disposed on the front surface of the rear wall. In other embodiments, the container housing comprises a waterproof material. In yet another embodiment, the container housing comprises rubber. In some embodiments, the pair of lateral sidewalls taper inwardly towards the closed lower end, such that a distance between the pair of lateral sidewalls at the closed lower end is less than a distance between the pair of lateral sidewalls at the open upper end. In another embodiment, the wedge comprises an upper border opposite a lower border and a pair of lateral edges extending therebetween. In other embodiments, the wedge comprises a compressible material configured to frictionally engage between the pair of inwardly tapering posts of the crutch. In yet another embodiment, the upper border is disposed parallel to the lower border. In some embodiments, the pair of lateral edges taper inwardly towards the lower border, such that a length of the lower border is less than a length of the upper border. In another embodiment, the container housing and the wedge comprise a unitary construction. In other embodiments, wherein the strap is affixed to the rear wall via a pair of securement fasteners. In yet another embodiment, a spacer is disposed between each of the pair of securement fasteners and the rear surface of the rear wall. In some embodiments, the rear wall comprises a planar structure. In another embodiment, an exterior surface of the front wall and the pair of lateral sidewalls comprise a plurality of textured elements thereon. In other embodiments, the upper edge of the rear wall rests flush with an upper side of the strap. In yet another embodiment, the strap comprises a pair of arcuate portions extending substantially perpendicularly from the rear surface of the rear wall, wherein each of the pair of arcuate portions are configured to contour about a post of the pair of inwardly tapering posts of the crutch. In some embodiments, the pair of arcuate portions comprise preformed unitary structures defined within the strap.
Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.
Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the crutch container. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to
A strap 19 is affixed to a rear surface (as shown in
Referring now to
In the illustrated embodiment, the strap 19 is removably securable to the rear wall 13 via one or more securement fasteners 31. In the shown embodiment, the securement fasteners 31 comprise mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, however, alternate means of securing the strap 19 to the rear wall 13 are contemplated, including snap fasteners, adhesives, magnetic fasteners, and the like. In the shown embodiment, the securement fasteners 31 are secured through apertures disposed through the strap 19 and complementary apertures disposed through the rear wall 13, whereupon fasteners can be affixed to the securement fasteners 31 opposite the rear wall 13 to retain the strap in position. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, spacers 32 are disposed between the securement fasteners 31 and the strap 19 to disperse the forces placed upon the strap by the securement fasteners 31 and thereby minimize wear and tear on the strap 19. A pair of arcuate portions 36 are preformed within the strap 19 and unitary therewith, such that the pair of arcuate portions 36 are configured to contour about the posts of a crutch system. In the shown embodiment, the pair of arcuate portions 36 extend substantially perpendicularly from the rear surface 20 of the rear wall 13 when the strap 19 is secured thereto.
Referring now to
Referring now to
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/271,737 filed on Oct. 26, 2021. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20230125902 A1 | Apr 2023 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63271737 | Oct 2021 | US |