Crutches Patents (Class 135/68)
  • Patent number: 11684536
    Abstract: A fall prevention device configured to be coupled to a person and comprising a mechanical torso configured to be coupled to the person's torso and a mechanical structure configurable to be coupled to the mechanical torso from its first end. The mechanical structure and mechanical torso resist forces at least along one direction to maintain their posture relative to each other. In operation the second end of the mechanical structure is positioned behind the person and substantially close to the ground. When the second end of the mechanical structure contacts the ground, contact points of legs of the person on the ground and contact points of the second end of the mechanical structure outline a multi-sided polygon on the ground. If the vertical projection of the center of gravity of the person to the ground intersects the ground within the multi-sided polygon, the person and fall prevention device remain stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Homayoon Kazerooni, Mimi Parker, Lace Co Ting Keh
  • Patent number: 11654076
    Abstract: A self-operated, or therapist assisted, apparatus particularly adapted for massaging a user's body parts affected by repetitive strain injuries such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, comprises two clamping arms joined at a base end and provided with an opening at the other end. Flexible massaging members are mounted on opposite medial sections of the arms. A body part may be placed between the two arms of the device to be acted upon by the massaging members, whereby the body part is adjustably clamped between the pair of massaging members and massaged by translating and rotating movements of the body part along an axis perpendicular to the mounting axes of the massaging members. Alternatively, one of the arms of the apparatus may be separated from the apparatus and used independently to massage body parts that otherwise would not fit between the arms of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: RANGE OF MOTION PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Cross, Nicolas Bartolotta
  • Patent number: 11617697
    Abstract: Disclosed are handicap apparatus using (a) one or more resilient, snap-on bumper structures, (b) unique tips covers, (c) leg elevating units, (d) resilient structures having a density that provides a softer exterior and a harder interior. The handicap apparatus includes crutches, canes, wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Lorelei Trask
  • Patent number: 11607361
    Abstract: An external structural brace apparatus for supporting a user in a semi standing position on a surface includes first and second support extension beams that to attach to the surface, also included is a channel having a base with first and second legs, wherein the first and second legs extend in the same direction from opposing sides of the base, the first leg is affixed to the first support structure and the second leg is affixed to the second support structure, the channel can be lockably positioned along the first and second beams. In addition, a saddle seat with a midpoint extension portion, the saddle is attached between the first and second legs and positioned such that the midpoint extension extends opposite of the base, wherein operationally the user partially rests their buttocks on the saddle and leans their back against the base to assume a semi supported standing posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: John Threlfall
  • Patent number: 11470929
    Abstract: A kit for converting a crutch to a cane, table, or bench is disclosed. The kit includes a crutch, a picker, a tabletop panel, a foot pad, and a seat cushion. The crutch includes an upper section connected to a middle section by a first pivot and a lower section connected to the middle section by a second pivot. The first pivot and the second pivot orient the sections of crutch to position the crutch in an upright crutch configuration, a table configuration, a cane configuration, or a bench configuration. The picker attaches to the upper section when the crutch is in the table configuration. The foot pad attaches to the picker to stabilize the picker upright. The tabletop panel attaches to the upper section when the crutch is in the table configuration. The seat cushion attaches to the lower section when the crutch is in the bench configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 11464695
    Abstract: A standing and walking support device and system supports and aids a user as the user moves from a sitting position to a standing position. A user is able to grasp and hold a top section of the device as the user stands up. As weight of the user and/or force is placed on the top section, the device compresses under the user's weight and/or force. The device guides the user to shift their center of gravity forward. As the user stands up, the device decompresses to return to its original height. The device and system is then usable as a support as the user walks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Inventor: Dersing Kong
  • Patent number: 11311449
    Abstract: A single incapacitated leg crutch for use by a person with a single incapacitated leg is provided with features for user friendly attachment and release of the crutch. The single incapacitated leg crutch includes features for controlled limitation of lateral and forward gait movement and gait walking stabilization that occurs in natural lateral and forward walking gait motion without a crutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Eli Razon
  • Patent number: 11173094
    Abstract: The new Shock Absorber Under Arm Adjustable Height Walking Crutches are standard aluminum adjustable height walking crutches modified with 4 coil springs added under the arm rest, one spring in each crutch pipe below the arm rest. Two per crutch 4 per pair of crutches, the springs are accommodated by a Pipe Spring Adapter which holds the springs in place and also allows the springs to move freely. The crutches are used exactly the same as standard aluminum adjustable height crutches but with the addition of the springs and pipe spring adapters the crutches now have a shock absorber effect under the arm rest. The springs actuate each time the user applies weight to the arm rest therefore alleviating the pain caused to the under arms by standard crutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventor: Paul Anthony McGarvey
  • Patent number: 11141344
    Abstract: An assistant apparatus for degenerative joint includes an apparatus main body, a first leg-lifting mechanism, and a second leg-lifting mechanism. The apparatus main body has an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section. The middle section is connected between the upper section and the lower section. The upper end of the upper section is provided with a supporting member. The lower end of the lower section is provided with a carrying member. The upper section is bendable relative to the middle section, and the middle section is bendable relative to the lower section. The upper section, the middle section, the lower section, the first leg-lifting mechanism, and the second leg-lifting mechanism each include an elastic buffering mechanism for providing elastic buffering effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Yang
  • Patent number: 11083257
    Abstract: A deformable crutch, includes a hand-held part, a seat part and a support part which are rotatably connected in sequence, and further includes a locking device for locking a rotation angle between the hand-held part and the seat part, and a rotation angle between the seat part and the support part. Rollers (34) are provided at the bottom of the deformed stool. A motor for driving the rollers (34) can also be mounted to deform the deformable crutch into an electric scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Xiaohui Gao
  • Patent number: 11081112
    Abstract: A cane has an upper extent, a lower extent, and a central extent there between. The lower extent has a cylindrical configuration and includes a threaded coupling to the central extent for lengthening and shortening purposes. The central extent has an LCD screen for displaying text messages. A speaker in the upper extent is audibly accessible to a user. A processor is operatively coupled to the speaker and the LCD screen and a source of electrical potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Bonnie Deckard
  • Patent number: 10959499
    Abstract: A device for providing a storage mechanism to an assistive device is presented. The assistive device has a handle, a shaft and a ferrule. The assistive device provides the means for transferring of weight from a person to the ferrule. The storage mechanism, has a frame, a plurality of sides, a bottom and a top. The storage mechanism provides an area storing items while using the assistive device. The device has a coupling means that has a first clip and a second clip. The first clip is coupled to the second clip. Further, the first clip is securely coupled to the assistive device and the second clip is securely coupled to the storage mechanism. The storage mechanism may have a strap, preferably Velcro, that can be used to securely couple the bottom of the storage mechanism to the shaft of the assistive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Dominick Manento
  • Patent number: 10888475
    Abstract: A lightweight collapsible frame, a plurality of wheels, at least one supporting member for supporting a patient at least partially, and at least one guiding member for guiding the movement of the transporter is provided. At least one of the plurality of wheels is mounted on the lightweight collapsible frame and at least one of the plurality of wheels is mounted on the guiding member. The guiding member and the supporting member are mounted on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Inventor: James Best
  • Patent number: 10881175
    Abstract: This invention is for a walking cane having three handles to assist a disabled person after an accidental fall to the ground to enable him or her to rise using the three handles of the cane in an erect or upright position after he or she has fallen and to assist him or her to continue walking or to seek additional assistance if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventor: Emilia M. Demeo
  • Patent number: 10722419
    Abstract: Medical devices used to assist walking by helping to support a user's weight comprise a series of elements angled with respect to each other at angles selected to honor certain normal anatomical relationships so as to provide a stable platform for supporting a user's weight while reducing injury. Optional additional elements provide cushioning and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: David F. Dalury
  • Patent number: 10688012
    Abstract: A single-tube crutch (100) includes an upper leg (101) and a lower leg (301). The lower leg (301) can be fully insertable into a first end of the upper leg such that only a slip-resistant tip (102) is exposed. The single-tube crutch can include an underarm support (104) coupled to a second end of the upper leg opposite the first end. A grip assembly (105) translates along the upper leg between a usage position and a stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Ritter
  • Patent number: 10576009
    Abstract: A mobility device designed to extend the usable field of movement for people with physical limitations by allowing them to descend to the ground and ascend to an upright position with ease. A user may bring the device within their vicinity, grab onto the articulating handles and safely reach the ground to engage in a ground activity. When the ground activity is completed, the user simply grabs onto the sloping handholds and ascends step-by-step until they have made their way to a standing position. The device is portable and can be stowed around the home. It is likely to be close to the user at all times, thus it is a safe means of ensuring support when a caretaker is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Mobilix, Inc.
    Inventors: Schirin Lucie Richter, Lawrence G. Schubert, Nicholas Steigmann, Maiya Jensen
  • Patent number: 10575608
    Abstract: Example ambulation aid apparatus and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed and described herein. An example single-point supportive ambulation aid is formed as an integral part. The integral part of the example ambulation aid is formed to integrate: a body portion formed to support a user; a graspable area integrated with the body portion and providing an area to be gripped by a user; and a foot portion integrated with the body portion and providing a single point of contact with a walking surface to facilitate user movement and support in conjunction with the body portion and graspable area through the integral part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Motivo, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Frank Knopow, Jennifer Ruth Harris
  • Patent number: 10537489
    Abstract: A crutch has a joint structure, and the crutch includes a stationary section supported on a floor at a lower end of the stationary section, and extending from a lower portion to an upper portion thereof; and a rotary section coupled to the stationary section so as to be rotatable relative to the stationary section with respect to a rotational axis provided at the upper portion of the stationary section. The rotary section is configured by coupling a hand grip part for supporting a wearer's hand in a state where the wearer wears the crutch and a forearm part supporting a forearm of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seok Young Youn, Joo Young Chun, Kye Yoon Kim, Ju Young Yoon, Kyung Mo Jung, Ji Min Han, Sang In Park, Dong Jin Hyun
  • Patent number: 10532001
    Abstract: Embodiments of crutches are disclosed. A crutch has a main body having a substantially vertical tubular member with a plurality of apertures formed therein; an angled portion extending upwardly from the substantially vertical tubular member; an arm rest support extending perpendicularly from the angled portion for receiving an arm rest; and a handle extending outwardly from the arm rest support. The crutch further includes a leg telescopically received into the substantially vertical tubular member, and a foot exchangably received by the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: MOBILITY DESIGNED, INC.
    Inventor: Max Jefferies Younger
  • Patent number: 10369072
    Abstract: An orthotic device for assisting a user in walking includes an underarm support assembly configured to support a user's weight without damage to their nerves, and upright support pivotally connected to the underarm support assembly and a ground engaging assembly pivotally connected to the upright support. In one embodiment, the underarm support assembly is spring biased relative to the upright support to bias the upright support to an orientation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal dimension of the underarm support. The ground engaging assembly is also biased to bias the ground engaging assembly to a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upright support while allowing the ground engaging assembly to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the upright support and about an axis parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the upright support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: KINEMATIC VENTURES, LLC
    Inventors: Harry H. Herman, Jr., Henry H. Herman
  • Patent number: 10188929
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes an adjustable frame being attachable to an assistive ambulation device. The adjustable frame includes removable handles, fitting arms located on a lower portion of the adjustable frame to receive a fitness attachment, and attachment points on located on the lower portion of the adjustable frame to couple a resistance device. A jump rope trainer includes a handle; flexible tubing including a handle fastener to connect the handle to the flexible tubing; and a soft sphere shaped object. The flexible tubing includes a soft sphere shaped object fastener to connect the soft sphere shaped object to the flexible tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph Warren Kabes
  • Patent number: 10092476
    Abstract: A device for providing hands-optional mobility to a visually impaired toddler is disclosed. The device has a frame with vertical rods that connect to a toddler's body with a fastener. Curved surfaces at the distal ends of the rods slide along the floor and transmit tactile sensations to the toddler. Advantageously, the vertical rods are sufficiently flexible that the toddler cannot utilize the rods as walking aids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Research Foundation of the City University of New York
    Inventor: Grace Ambrose-Zaken
  • Patent number: 10092475
    Abstract: A combination crutch and knee walker device converts between a rolling knee walker configuration and a crutch configuration through a single folding or expanding articulation that requires no tools or skillset. The device includes a first support bar that forms the primary lever of support. A second support bar pivotally joins the first support bar at a hinged junction, generally three-quarters down from the top of the first support bar. The support bars fold and expand about the hinged junction to convert between crutch and knee walker. A panel hingedly joins at the hinged junction serving as a supportive platform for an upper body, such as the arm or the knee, depending on the crutch or knee walker configuration. Further, the mobility function, such as rolling rollers, will restrict or free rotation depending on the selected configuration of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Philip Smith
  • Patent number: 10092067
    Abstract: A walking stick can include a handle (50) including a head (52). The head (52) can include at least one internal reinforcement member (90). The at least one internal reinforcement member (90) can have a shape that is substantially the same as a shape of the head (52). The bathing wand can include a neck (54) and a shaft (20). The bathing wand can also include a foot (150, 180) for engaging the ground. The foot (150, 180) can be coupled to the shaft (20). In some aspects, the foot (180) can include at least two arms (186) extending from a top portion (190) towards a bottom portion (194) of the foot (180). Each of the at least two arms (186) can be coupled together through a base (188) of the of the bottom portion (194). In some aspects, at least one arm (186) can form a loop (193).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Michael Graves Design Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Van Varick, Donald S. Strum, Michael E. Graves, William R. Parcells, Jennifer A. Tuetken, Vladimir Anokhin, Daniel C. Sosa, Michael A. Daley, Bryan J. Semkuley, Clarice M. Theisen, Lynn R. Healey, Elizabeth W. Clubb, Richmond A. Hornby, Adam I. Lehman, Leland R. Adams, Jeffrey Randsen
  • Patent number: 9936777
    Abstract: A sidewalker mobility aid for use in assisting an individual in walking. The device is configured to be used with one hand, on one side of the body of the user, rather than out in front, like a traditional walker. The sidewalker has features that place it between a cane and a walker, in terms of benefits provided. The device provides more lateral resistance (stability) than a typical cane, but less than a traditional walker, while having collapsible features that allow the device to take up less space than a traditional walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Alan R. Parkinson, Emily Dunford, Bryan Dunford
  • Patent number: 9918892
    Abstract: An external structural brace apparatus and method for supporting a user on a surface and for the user to ambulate along the surface to relieve shoulder, armpit, hand, foot, and wrist loads, the apparatus includes first and second support beams that each have a telescoping cantilever beam that contacts the surface. The first and second support beams have a primary pivotal couple at one end to one another with a mechanism to create opposite symmetrical movement of the beams. An attachment element supports the user at their torso has a secondary pivotal connection to the first and second beams and third and fourth user handles that are pivotally attached to the first and second beams are for grasping by the user to extend and retract the telescoping cantilever beams to and from the surface at reduced and increased extension and retraction rates for user ease of ambulating along the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: John Threlfall
  • Patent number: 9801776
    Abstract: An articulated grip pad is disclosed which includes a vertical supporting member that has a generally spherical bottom end. The crutch also includes a gripping pad having a bore. The generally spherical end of the vertical support is securely received into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Millennial Medical Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Brad J. Larson, Ken Lester
  • Patent number: 9795530
    Abstract: A walker/cane assembly, multi-legged cane, and single-pointed cane may share common parts that may be easily connected and detached to allow a user to convert a walker/cane assembly to a multi-legged cane and/or a single-pointed cane. Accordingly, a user may use a single assembly that may be quickly and easily modified to meet the user's needs, such as his/her current balance or energy level. One or more folding mechanisms may be employed to allow the walker/cane assembly, or the frame forming a portion of the walker/cane assembly, to be easily collapsed and folded. This may allow a user to store the walker/cane assembly, or the frame portion of the assembly, in a smaller amount of space than the expanded walker/cane assembly or the frame portion of the assembly may otherwise occupy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: RANjAM LLC
    Inventors: James Dale Jordan, Shyh Min Chen
  • Patent number: 9768724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier structure for solar panels. The invention also relates to a beam (3) for use in a carrier structure according to the invention. The invention then relates to a carrier (4,5) for use in a carrier structure according to the invention. The invention furthermore relates to an assembly of at least one carrier structure and at least one solar panel. In addition, the invention relates to a method for producing a carrier structure according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Esdec B.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen De Vogel, Vincent De Vogel
  • Patent number: 9662263
    Abstract: A crutch includes a pole, a cuff, a handle, a forearm support member, and a second forearm support member. The cuff and the handle are attached to the pole. The forearm support member, comprising an actuator, is disposed between the cuff and the handle and is moveable between a constricted position and a non-constricted position. The second forearm support member is disposed within the forearm support member. The energy generating device is configured to move the forearm support member between the constricted position and the non-constricted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Elizabeth T. Hsiao-Wecksler, Deen Farooq, Chenzhang Xiao, Girish Krishnan, Gaurav Singh, Ye Lwin Oo
  • Patent number: 9498368
    Abstract: A device is provided for gripping the forearm of a user suffering from muscular problems in the elbow. The device defines a rigid but elastically deformable U-shaped body, and has a bottom. The device includes a first limb and a second limb, and two supporting elements which are mounted on the body such that each one is essentially located on a free end part of a limb of the body. One of the limbs of the body defines a first curved part which is adjacent to the bottom wherein the concave region of the curved part is oriented towards the inside of the body, and a second curved part which extends from the first part towards the free end of the limb. The concave region of the second part is oriented towards the outside of the body such that the limb of the U has a transversal flexion line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: GIBAUD
    Inventor: Gerard Anglada
  • Patent number: 9402777
    Abstract: An underarm shock absorber assembly 10 mounted to one end of a crutch stick providing calibrated support to a user. The different portions of the saddle assembly 30 ergonomically conform to a user's underarm and the compression of springs 47 is selected depending on a user's gait and preferences. Assembly 10 is mounted substantially perpendicularly to an underarm crutch stick with a truss assembly 20 having through openings 26 and sockets 42 mounted to support assembly 40 pass through through openings 26 housing spring members 47. Saddle assembly 30 includes supporting plates 31 with posts 32 having distal counterbored end 132 to which tubes 36 are mounted at one end. The other end of tubes 36 coacts with spring members 47.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventor: Bernardo Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 9387144
    Abstract: A crutch includes: a handgrip (2) extending along a first axis (AA1); a forearm support (3), provided with a stem (3b) which extends along a second axis (AA2) and is connected to a rear end (2a) of the handgrip (2); a support pole (4), extending along a third axis (AA3) and connected to a front end (2a) of the handgrip (2); and adjusting members (5), configured to adjust an angular position of at least one of the support pole (4) and the forearm support (3) with respect to the handgrip (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventors: Renato Brignone, Paolo Villa
  • Patent number: 9320671
    Abstract: A set of ergonomic handgrips and arm pads make the use of crutches or other walking assist devices more comfortable and less likely to cause repetitive stress injuries. A metacarpal protrusion of the each handgrip is angled outward at about 5 to 25 degrees from front to back when installed to place the user's wrists at a more ergonomic angle (approximately 15 degrees inward rotation). The metacarpal protrusion produces a substantially flat surface with a downward slope. Each handgrip spreads the load out over the hand of the user eliminating pressure. The handgrips can be fitted on crutches, a walker, a cane, or another walking assist device. The arm pad has a pair of protrusions that produce a recess on the side facing away from a user's chest which engages a user's arm and keeps the crutch top positioned correctly while the crutch is in use by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Lightbulb, LLC
    Inventors: Matt Gelfand, Rich Crim, Joe Webster
  • Patent number: 9198822
    Abstract: A multi-function crutch comprises a crutch structure, a supporting structure, and one or more additional crutch structures. The crutch structure itself can be used as a crutch. Via the supporting structure, the crutch structure combines one of the one or more additional crutch structures so that it can be used as another type of crutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Dyaco (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Wo Hao
  • Patent number: 9072649
    Abstract: A limb-support assembly for use with an assistive device includes a weight-bearing member having a first edge. The weight-bearing member includes a planar receiving surface configured for receiving a user's lower limb. A mounting assembly is configured for removably coupling the weight-bearing member to an assistive device. The mounting assembly includes a first mounting brace extending outwardly from the first edge of the weight-bearing member and above the receiving surface. A mounting aperture is defined in the weight-bearing member between the first mounting brace and the receiving surface. The mounting aperture is configured for receiving a portion of the assistive device. When a portion of the assistive device is received by the mounting aperture, and when weight is placed on the receiving surface, the first mounting brace is configured to press against an opposing side of the assistive device from the receiving surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Alan Ross LaFord
  • Patent number: 9032982
    Abstract: A crutch includes a grip and a forearm support that are coupled to an elongated member that extends from the forearm support to the ground. The inner surface of the forearm support can correspond to a digital representation of a forearm of the patient and the outer surface of the hand grip can correspond to a digital representation of a palmar surface of the patient's hand in at least a partially closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Summit, Kenneth B Trauner
  • Publication number: 20140299168
    Abstract: An example can include an apparatus for aiding walking along a surface. The example can include a foot to interface with the surface, the foot being rigid to resist bending during walking. The example can include a bendable puck fixed to the foot at an edge of the bendable puck. The example can include a handle coupled to a center portion of the bendable puck. In the example, the foot can be spaced apart from the handle, with the puck being elastically bendable to permit movement of the handle with respect to the foot during walking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: martFIVE LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Crowhurst
  • Publication number: 20140261592
    Abstract: A crutch with wheels has a frame structure comprising a straight front frame part, a curved rear frame part and a strut extending between the straight front frame part and the curved rear frame part. A handle is provided in the upper part of the front frame part and a wheel is provided in the lower part of the front frame part. The upper part of the rear frame part is connected to the front frame part and a pair of wheels is provided in the lower part of the rear frame part. A tubular part is fixed to the lower part of the handle, which tubular part is detachably insertable into or over the upper end of the front frame part and in that a lower part of the tubular part is designed for connection to a ferrule when the handle is withdrawn from the front frame part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Hans Westerlund
  • Publication number: 20140196757
    Abstract: A system method and device, the system including a gait device for facilitating a gait of a person over a surface and one or a plurality of crutches to provide support over the surface the gait device, each of said one or a plurality of crutches including a locomotion facilitator to enhance locomotion of that crutch over the surface and a mechanism to modify the locomotion of that crutch over the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Argo Medical Technologies Ltd
    Inventor: Amit GOFFER
  • Publication number: 20140166061
    Abstract: An articulated grip pad is disclosed which includes a vertical supporting member that has a generally spherical bottom end. The crutch also includes a gripping pad having a bore. The generally spherical end of the vertical support is securely received into the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Millennial Medical Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Brad J. Larson, Ken Lester
  • Patent number: 8720458
    Abstract: A tubular crutch including a tubular crutch body, a cantilever handle and a ground engaging extension is described. The tubular crutch body includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element, a first concave curve adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element, a second convex curve proximate to the first concave curve, a third concave curve proximate to the second convex curve and a tubular elongated portion adjacent to the third concave curve. The cantilever handle includes a curved base plate, a bolt, a tubular member, a nut and a contoured component. The tubular crutch also includes a ground engaging extension with a spring loaded button that is configured to be received at the bottom of the tubular elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Careborne, LLC
    Inventor: Philip William Dickerson, II
  • Publication number: 20140116483
    Abstract: An improved crutch assembly and walking aid is provided. The crutch assembly can be retrofitted to an existing walking aid and provides spring assisted motion. The assembly includes a ball-in-socket joint and a spring operably connecting the joint to a walking aid shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Core Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse Daily
  • Publication number: 20140096804
    Abstract: A leg supporting crutch apparatus includes a crutch having an underarm support structure, a support surface engagement structure, and a hand grip. A central portion of a torso engaging structure, which is between first and second end portion thereof, is attached to the central portion of the crutch at a location between the underarm support structure and the hand grip. A leg support assembly is attached to the central portion of the crutch at a location between the hand grip and the support surface engagement structure. The leg support structure includes a platform on which a lower leg portion of a person using the leg supporting crutch apparatus can be supported while the torso engaging structure is secured to a torso of the person and the underarm support structure is positioned under an armpit of the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: James Arnold Keck
  • Publication number: 20130319488
    Abstract: A walker is provided with a first side frame including a telescopic forward leg, a telescopic rearward leg, and a top arm having one end integrally formed with the forward leg and the other end joined to the rearward leg; a second side frame including a telescopic forward leg, a telescopic rearward leg, and a top arm having one end integrally formed with the forward leg and the other end joined to the rearward leg; a front frame releasably secured to both the first and second side frames; and first and second crutch sections releasably secured to the first and second side frames respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Johnny J. T. CHIU
  • Publication number: 20130139861
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, extension brackets are attachable to existing crutch support members in order to outwardly extend the handle location of the crutch a given distance from the vertical plane of the support members of the crutch. An extended handle is attachable between the extension brackets by way of conventional fasteners such as wing nuts and bolts. The design and implementation of the ergonomic crutch handle kit of the present invention are significantly less complicated than designs which are known to exist in the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: Bud Spangler
  • Publication number: 20130074893
    Abstract: An apparatus for establishing dynamic ground contact is disclosed. A ground contact tip is attached to one end of an elongate member. The ground contact tip contains a connecting portion and a base portion that is opposite the connecting portion. A flexible core connects between the base portion and the connecting portion. At least one limiting ring is positioned on the flexible core. The elongate member is permitted to rotate through a range of angles while the flexible core allows the base portion to remain flat against the ground. At the maximum allowable angle, the limiting rings allow the ground contact tip to cease flexing and become rigid, so that the user can push against the ground at an angle, while the base portion remains flat against the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: William Palmer
  • Publication number: 20130032185
    Abstract: Provided is a cane tip which is difficult to slip, exhibiting excellent shock absorbing properties when contacted with the ground; with which the cane tip will not stick in a crevice of a stone pavement; and further, with which the influence of the supporting surface inclination can be suppressed, whereby the walking stability is assured also for an aged user; and which is also well suited for use in rehabilitation. Cane tip has a cane tip main body with leg segments radially extending from a central part, being arranged in an overall shape substantially analogous to that of the five petals of a five-petaled flower, the central part and each leg segment having an elastic structure part exerting an elastic action, a bolt inserting hole in the central part of the elastic structure part, and a bolt inserted into this bolt hole and protruded from that central part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Shinya SATO
  • Publication number: 20120255589
    Abstract: An articulated grip pad is disclosed which includes a vertical supporting member that has a generally spherical bottom end. The crutch also includes a gripping pad having a bore. The generally spherical end of the vertical support is securely received into the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Brad J. Larson, Ken Lester