STILTS

Abstract

Stilts such as for use by a worker at a work site. Each stilt comprises a leg support, a shoe platform, a floor platform, a riser disposed between the shoe platform and the floor platform, and side supports, wherein each side support is connected to the leg support, the shoe platform, and the riser, wherein the stilt provides rigidity to the shoe platform without having to employ springs. Preferably, the riser is easily removable such that a different size riser can be used if a different level of elevation is desired, i.e., given the user's height and the height of the work to be performed. As such, the stilts are easily adjustable with regard to height. Additionally, preferably at least one or more other components of the stilts, such as the floor platform, is easily replaceable as well.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to stilts, and more specifically relates to stilts for use by workers at a work site performing overhead work.

Sometimes in the construction industry, workers must perform overhead work. Such work may include, but may not be limited to: hanging suspended ceiling structures, installing or working on overhead electrical or ductwork, hanging or finishing drywall, patching ceilings, etc.

Instead of using a ladder or scaffold, one option is to use stilts on which the worker stands, to allow the worker to walk and work around the work site.

There are many versions of stilts on the market, disclosed in issued patents, and/or disclosed in published patent applications that are meant for use by workers on a work site. Many of these stilts are complex, heavy, and some employ springs. Many of the stilts are either not adjustable in terms of height or are difficult to adjust in terms of height (i.e., depending on how much elevation is desired by the user). Many of the stilts do not fit well, and are difficult to put on, employing straps and such that are not very user-friendly to secure the stilts to the lower leg and/or foot of the user. Once a user has put on the stilts, many of the stilts are difficult to use, meaning it is difficult to walk around the work site wearing the stilts, and there is a risk of falling. Many of the stilts are not very ergonomic, resulting in soreness and/or restricting mobility during use. Most, if not all, of these stilts have floor-contacting surfaces that are not replaceable, meaning once those surfaces become worn, the options are to replace the stilts in their entirety (resulting in a substantial increased cost) or keep using the stilts despite the reduced traction of the surfaces (resulting in an increase in the risk of slipping and falling, possibly causing injury).

SUMMARY

An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide stilts which are easy to adjust regarding height (i.e., the elevation provided to the user).

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide stilts which are easy to put on and take off.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide stilts which fit well.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide stilts which are ergonomic and easy to use.

Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide stilts which have many easily replaceable parts, such as floor-contacting surfaces, which can be replaced when worn.

Briefly, an embodiment of the present invention provides stilts, wherein each of said stilts comprises a leg support, a shoe platform, a floor platform, a riser disposed between the shoe platform and the floor platform, and side supports, wherein each side support is connected to the leg support, the shoe platform, and the riser, wherein the stilt provides rigidity to the shoe platform without having to employ springs.

In a preferred embodiment, the riser is easily removable such that a different size riser can be used if a different level of elevation is desired, i.e., given the user's height and the height of the work to be performed. As such, the stilt is easily adjustable with regard to height. Additionally, preferably at least one or more other components of the stilt, such as the floor platform, is easily replaceable as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a stilt which in in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the view is from the top, left of the stilt;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the stilt shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the stilt shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the stilt shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the stilt shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the stilt shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the stilt shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the stilt shown in FIG. 1, but from the bottom, right of the stilt.

DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated.

An embodiment of the present invention is a pair of stilts that are wearable, for example, by a worker at a work site so the worker can reach high places. For simplicity, only a single stilt (specifically, the right one) is shown and described herein, with the understanding that the stilt for the other leg (i.e., the left one) would be much the same and would merely be a mirror image of that which is shown and described.

As shown in the Figures, the stilt 10 comprises a leg support 12, a shoe platform 14, a floor platform 16, a riser 18 that is disposed between the shoe platform 14 and the floor platform 16, and side supports 20.

As shown in the Figures, the leg support 12 is preferably generally circular, and generally conforms to, and encapsulates, the shin and calf of a user (i.e., a worker who wears the stilt). Preferably, the leg support 12 is designed for comfort. Specifically, the leg support 12 may comprise a foam piece 22 which contacts the shin, and the foam piece 22 may engage a strap 24 that contacts the calf. Preferably the strap 24 is adjustable in terms of length. The strap 24 preferably effectively terminates at a buckle 26 which can be selectively opened and closed by the user, wherein closing the buckle 26 causes the foam piece 22 and strap 24 to secure against the shin and calf, respectively, of the user. Opening the buckle 26 allows the user to freely remove his or her leg from the stilt 10, as well as puts the stilt 10 in a condition such that the user can easily place his or her leg back into the stilt 10 for subsequent securement by closing the buckle 26.

Preferably, the buckle 26 is integrated with the leg support 12 and is easy to open and close. Specifically, the buckle 26 may be formed of plastic and may comprise a first piece 28 on the end of the strap 24 which includes pinchable fingers 30 which extend into a corresponding opening in a second piece 32 which is integral with a shield 34 which protects the shin of the user. To close the buckle 26, a user merely pushes the first piece 28 toward the second piece 32 such that the fingers 30 of the first piece 28 extend, and effectively click, into the opening in second piece 32, thereby causing the first piece 28 and the second piece 32 to become connected to each other. To open the buckle 26, a user merely pinches the fingers 30 together, thereby allowing the fingers 30 to withdraw from the opening in the second piece 32, resulting in the first piece 28 disconnecting from the second piece 32 causing the buckle 26 to open.

The shield 34 functions to effectively provide the leg support 12 with a hard outer shell that faces forward, covers at least a portion of the foam piece 22, and protects the shin of the user from banging into things at a work site. The shield 34 may be formed of, for example, hard rubber.

The front to back and side to side configuration of the leg support 12, and how the leg support 12 overall (i.e., with the foam piece 22, shield 34 and strap 24) wraps the leg of a user, provides that the stilt 10 fits and supports the leg, allows freedom of movement (i.e. for example, kneeling, bending over, etc.), and protects the shin. The leg support 12 and side supports 20 work together to provide support and stability for the ankle joint of a user.

The stilt 10 also comprises a shoe platform 14. The shoe platform 14 has a top surface 36 which is configured to be contacted by the bottom of a shoe of a user. While the word “shoe” is used herein, it should be understood that a user could be wearing boots, sandals, etc. or can even be barefoot while using the stilt. Therefore, the term “shoe” as used herein should be liberally construed to include not only a shoe, but also a boot, a sandal, a bare foot, etc., effectively anything which may contact the top surface 36 of the shoe platform 14. Regardless, when a worker is wearing the stilt 10, the user stands on the shoe platform 14 (while the leg support 12 secures the leg of the user). Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the top surface 36 of the shoe platform 14 provides a traction profile for engaging a bottom surface of a shoe, boot, sandal, foot, etc. of a user in a manner that provides increased traction compared to if the top surface 36 were provided as being merely entirely flat and smooth.

Preferably, the shoe platform 14 comprises a back, heel portion 38 and a front, toe portion 40, and the shoe platform 14 angles upward at the toe portion 40 (i.e., the toe portion 40 angles upward relative both the heel portion 38 and the ground (identified with reference numeral 42 in FIG. 4). The fact that the toe portion 40 angles upward results in most, if not all, of the weight of the user effectively being shifted or focused on the heel portion 38 of the shoe platform 14 rather than the toe portion 40. This results in improved balance and ergonomics compared to if the toe portion 40 were not provided as being angled upward.

As shown, an arch engagement member 44, such as a strap, is attached to the shoe platform 14 for engaging the arch of the shoe, boot, etc. of a user, tending to keep the foot engaged against the top surface 36 of the shoe platform 14. The arch engagement member 44 may be stretchable, adjustable, etc.

The stilt 10 also comprises a floor platform 16. The floor platform 16 is configured to engage the ground (identified with reference numeral 42 in FIG. 4). Much like the shoe platform 14, the floor platform 16 comprises a back, heel portion 46 and a front, toe portion 48. Preferably, the heel portion 38 of the shoe platform 14 aligns directly over the heel portion 46 of the floor platform 16, and the toe portion 48 of the floor platform angles upward (i.e., relative to both the heel portion 46 of the floor platform 16 and the ground (identified with reference numeral 42 in FIG. 4)) much like the toe portion 40 of the shoe platform 14. The fact that the toe portions 40, 48 angle upward results in most, if not all, of the weight of the user effectively being shifted or focused on the heel portion 46 of the floor platform 16 rather than the toe portion 48 of the floor platform 16. This results in improved balance and ergonomics compared to if the toe portions 40 and 48 of the shoe platform 14 and floor platform 16, respectively, were not provided as being angled upward.

A bottom surface 50 of the floor platform 16 is configured to contact a floor or the ground 42 (see FIG. 4) during use of the stilt. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, preferably the bottom surface 50 provides a pattern that provides multiple points of contact with the ground or floor, which provides enhanced traction, and reduces the risk of a user slipping and falling while using the stilt 10. Of course, the stilt 10 can be used on many different surfaces. Therefore, the term “floor” and “ground” as used herein should be liberally construed to include not only a floor or ground, but also things like a scaffold, a ladder, etc., effectively any surface with which the bottom surface 50 of the floor platform 16 can make contact.

Preferably, the floor platform 16 is removable and replaceable (i.e., by removing and replacing the fasteners 52 shown in, for example, FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 7) such that the floor platform 16 can be replaced, such as if the floor platform 16 becomes worn or damaged. Furthermore, different floor platforms 16 can be provided and used for different terrains. As such, additional floor platforms, different from that which is shown and described herein, can be provided for use with the stilt 10 such that all the floor platforms are effectively easily interchangeable depending on the application.

As shown, disposed between the shoe platform 14 and the floor platform 16 is a riser 18. Preferably, the riser 18 comprises a single piece that comprises a first concave surface 54 facing the front of the stilt and a second concave surface 56 facing the back of the stilt (i.e., the surfaces 54, 56 curve generally toward each other). The concave surfaces 54, 56 are effectively free from connection, each effectively creating a “c”, which means that the riser 18 is free from support, creating a type of cantilever with regard to the shoe platform 14, which is important from a standpoint of a user not hitting finished material at a work site while working up close to the finished material. In other words, the concave shapes 54 and 56 of the riser 18 (especially the front) facing the front and back, respectively, of the stilt 10, provides a lack of surface with which finished material at the work site would or may otherwise contact.

Preferably, the riser 18 (much like the floor platform) is removable and replaceable (i.e., by removing and replacing fasteners. Specifically, different sized risers can be provided and used depending on how much “rise” or increased height is desired by the user. As such, additional risers, different (i.e., in terms of height) from that which is shown and described herein, can be provided for use with the stilt such that all the risers are effectively easily interchangeable depending on the application and the amount of rise desired by the user. For example, the risers can range in height from, for example, 10, 14 or 18 inches.

Along each side of the stilt 10 is a side support 20, such as a single piece. Preferably, each side support 20 is connected to the leg support 12, the shoe platform 16, and the riser 18, such as via fasteners 60. Preferably, each side support 20 is configured to provide flex for the stilt 10 without having to employ any springs. Preferably, each side support 20 is made of metal and each has at least one crease or bend therein 62 (as well as possibly openings 64) which collectively provides increased rigidity. As shown, preferably each side support 20 is convex meaning looking at the stilt from either the front (see FIG. 2) or the back (see FIG. 3), the side supports curve outward (i.e., generally away from each other) (see also FIGS. 1 and 8 which show the outward curves of the side supports 20). As such, while the riser 18 preferably provides concave surfaces (i.e., 54 and 56), the side supports 20 preferably provide convex surfaces. The side supports 20 overall support the structure of the stilts 10 while the riser 18 provides a cantilever type of connection regarding the shoe platform 14, allowing the stilts to have some flex as a user walks around, etc. a work site.

With regard to materials, the shoe platform 14, floor platform 16 and shield 34 may be formed of rubber, the riser 18 and side supports 20 may be formed of metal, but other materials can be used as well while still staying very much in the scope of the present invention.

The stilt 10 disclosed herein is easy to put on and take off. The stilt 10 fits well and is both easy to wear and use. The stilt 10 is effectively designed to be, ultimately, an extension of the foot, such that a worker can easily walk around, bend, kneel, etc. without fear of slipping, falling or banging into finished material at the work site. The stilt 10 has many easily replaceable parts, such as a floor platform 16 which can be replaced when worn, or easily swapped out for a different floor platform for use on a different terrain, and a riser 18 which can be replaced with a different riser to provide either more or less rise or height.

While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A stilt comprising: a leg support; a shoe platform; a floor platform; a riser disposed between the shoe platform and the floor platform; and side supports, wherein each side support is connected to the leg support, the shoe platform, and the riser, wherein the stilt provides rigidity to the shoe platform without having to employ springs.

2. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein there are no springs anywhere on the stilt.

3. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the floor platform angles upward at a toe portion.

4. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the shoe platform angles upward at a toe portion.

5. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein both the floor platform and the shoe platform angle upward at toe portions.

6. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the leg support is circular, and is configured to encapsulate a leg of a user.

7. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the leg support comprises an integrated and adjustable buckle.

8. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the side supports are made of metal and have creases therein which provide increased rigidity.

9. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the stilt comprises a front, wherein the riser comprises a piece which comprises a concave surface facing the front of the stilt.

10. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the stilt comprises a front and a back, wherein the riser comprises a piece which comprises a first concave surface facing the front of the stilt and a second concave surface facing the back of the stilt.

11. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the floor platform is replaceable.

12. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the floor platform comprises a bottom surface which provides a pattern that provides multiple points of contact.

13. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the riser is replaceable.

14. A stilt as recited in claim 1, further comprising an arch support member attached to the shoe platform.

15. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the shoe platform comprises a top surface that provides a traction profile for engaging a bottom surface of a shoe of a user.

16. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the side supports and riser are formed of metal.

17. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the riser comprises a single piece and the stilt only has one riser.

18. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the side supports are convex and point away from each other.

19. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the riser comprises concave surfaces which point toward each other and the side supports are convex and point away from each other.

20. A stilt as recited in claim 1, wherein the leg support and side supports work together to provide support and stability for the ankle joint of a user.