Multifunctional walking stick
By designing a multi-function crutch, combining the functions of crutches, seats and walkers, and achieving multiple forms of transformation, the existing multi-function crutch functions is solved, meeting the diverse needs of the elderly, and providing more Strong practicality and convenience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202420391622.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-02-28
AI Technical Summary
The existing multi-function crutches are simple in function and cannot meet the diversity of the elderly's needs for carrying items and walking.
A multi-functional crutch was designed, combining the functions of crutches, seats and walkers. Through the design of folding body and folding shell, a variety of shapes of crutchs are realized, and items are placed and lifted on the folding plate are provided. .
It has achieved convenient transformation of crutches, seats and walkers, met the diversified needs of the elderly, and provided stronger practicality and convenience.
Smart Images

Figure CN222510233U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of crutch, in particular to a multifunctional crutch. Background Art
[0002] Currently, the crutches on the market all focus on the lightweight design of the crutches themselves, ignoring the user's demand for multifunctional crutches. In addition, the existing multifunctional crutches all combine the crutches with the seat functions, and the functions are relatively simple and incomplete. They cannot meet the needs of the elderly to carry items, nor can they meet the walking needs of the elderly with inconvenient legs and feet. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a multifunctional crutch to solve at least one of the above problems existing in the prior art.
[0004] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical solutions:
[0005] The foldable walking stick according to claim 1, wherein the foldable walking stick comprises a foldable main body and a foldable shell, wherein the foldable shell is detachably mounted on the outer side of the foldable main body in the folded state in the unfolded state, and the foldable shell is detachably mounted on the foldable main body in the folded state in the folded state, and a bottom wheel is arranged on one side of the bottom of the foldable shell; the foldable main body comprises a left side support structure, a right side support structure and a foldable plate, wherein the foldable plate is arranged between the left side support structure and the right side support structure, and the left side support structure and the right side support structure both comprise a long support rod and a short support rod, wherein the short support rod is rotatably connected to the long support rod, and the foldable plate comprises a plurality of rotatably connected connecting plates, wherein the rotation axis of the short support rod and the long support rod is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connecting plate, one end of the foldable plate is rotatably connected to the upper ends of the two short support rods respectively and the rotation axes of the two are perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connecting plate, and the other end of the foldable plate is slidably matched with the slide rails on the two long support rods respectively, and the lower ends of the short support rod and the long support rod are both provided with walking wheels of retractable length.
[0006] In the present technical solution, since the folding shell can be detachably mounted on the outside of the folding main body in the folded state when in the unfolded state, the folding main body in the folded state is protected and the folded state is maintained; since the folding shell can be detachably mounted on the folding main body in the unfolded state when in the folded state, the unfolded state of the folding main body is maintained; because the present crutch realizes many functions and its own mass is relatively large, a bottom wheel is provided on one side of the bottom of the folding shell to facilitate the movement of the pair of crutches. The specific operation is to drag the crutch forward, the bottom wheel supports the movement of the crutch, and then the crutch is straightened to maintain the stability of the crutch, and then the body is moved forward to walk. This is a movement cycle. By repeating this cycle, a person can achieve the action of walking forward with the help of crutches. Since the folding body includes a left side supporting structure, a right side supporting structure and a folding plate, the folding plate is arranged between the left side supporting structure and the right side supporting structure, the left side supporting structure and the right side supporting structure both include a long supporting rod and a short supporting rod, the short supporting rod is rotatably connected to the long supporting rod, and the folding plate includes a plurality of rotatably connected connecting plates, and the rotation axis of the short supporting rod and the long supporting rod is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connecting plate. After the folding shell is removed, the left side supporting structure and the right side supporting structure of the folding body can be pulled apart to both sides until the folding plate is in the unfolded state, and then the folding plate in the unfolded state is pressed downward. Since one end of the folding plate is rotatably connected to the upper ends of the two short supporting rods respectively, and the other end of the folding plate is slidably matched with the slide rails on the two long supporting rods respectively, in the process of pressing the folding plate downward, the upper end of the folding plate moves downward along the slide rail, the short supporting rod rotates relative to the long supporting rod, and at the same time, the lower end of the folding plate rotates around the upper end of the short supporting rod until the folding plate is in a horizontal state, thereby finally realizing the transformation of the chair style. After the folding shell is folded, it can be installed at the rear end of the short support rod, which also protects the chair and prevents the two sides of the chair from folding toward the middle after being hit by external forces. And by placing objects on the horizontal folding board, using the two short support rods as fulcrums, pressing down on the handle to lift the object, this action can also meet the fitness requirements of the elderly. In addition, since the lower ends of the short support rods and the long support rods are provided with retractable running wheels, the running wheels of the short support rods and the long support rods are pulled out to finally complete the deformation of the walker state. At this time, the horizontal folding board part can be used to place objects, which has the function of assisting in carrying objects and is convenient for carrying objects to other places. In summary, this product combines the three functions of a crutch, a seat and a walker on one crutch, and the mutual transformation of the three forms is convenient and practical.
[0007] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the use of the crutch, a handrail is provided at the upper end of the long support rod.
[0008] Furthermore, in order to meet different usage requirements, the direction of the armrest is adjusted, the armrest is in a "7" shape, and the armrest is rotatably matched with the upper end of the long support rod. The chair-shaped armrest can be rotated 180° to a comfortable angle when a person pushes the walker.
[0009] Furthermore, in order to better realize the sliding structure setting between the folding plate and the long support rod, the slide rail is a strip hole opened on the long support rod, and the two sides of the end of the folding plate are slidably matched with the strip hole through a pin shaft.
[0010] Furthermore, multiple connecting plates are connected by connecting hinges, and the connecting hinges between adjacent connecting plates are arranged alternately on the front and back sides. The end of the outermost connecting plate is rotatably connected to the upper end of the short support rod through the end hinge, and the rotation axis of the connecting hinge and the end hinge is perpendicular. The folding function of the seat is realized by connecting multiple hinges in both directions, and through the forward and reverse connection, each two hinges have a restraining effect on each other, thereby achieving the flatness requirement of the seat, and people can still sit flat.
[0011] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the unfolding and folding of the folding shell, the folding shell includes a first end plate, a first folding plate, a second end plate and a second folding plate which are sequentially enclosed and connected by hinges, and the first folding plate and the second folding plate are folded toward the inside of the folding shell.
[0012] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the installation and disassembly of the foldable shell, the foldable shell includes an upper foldable shell and a lower foldable shell that are detachably fixedly connected, and the bottom wheel is arranged on the lower foldable shell.
[0013] Furthermore, in order to facilitate fixing the folding shell on the two short support rods in the unfolded state, restrict the seat state, and avoid the influence of external force on the maintenance of the seat state, the rear ends of the two short support rods are respectively provided with first positioning pins, and the first end plate of the upper folding shell is provided with two first positioning holes, and the first positioning pins are connected with the corresponding first positioning holes; the second end plate of the upper folding shell is provided with two second positioning pins, and the first end plate of the lower folding shell is provided with two second positioning holes, and the second positioning pins are connected with the corresponding second positioning holes.
[0014] Furthermore, in order to provide a walking wheel with an easily operable telescopic length, a mounting seat is provided at the lower end of the short support rod and the long support rod, a connecting rod is slidably connected in the mounting seat, the end of the connecting rod is connected to the walking wheel, a plurality of adjustment holes are provided on the connecting rod, and an elastic pin is provided on the mounting seat. The connecting rod is operated to move along the mounting seat, and the elastic pin is docked with the corresponding adjustment hole.
[0015] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the switching of the walking wheels between the two states so as to adapt to the seat state or the walking aid state, the lower ends of the short support rod and the long support rod are provided with U-shaped openings for accommodating the walking wheels, and when the elastic pin is docked with the uppermost adjustment hole, the walking wheels extend out of the U-shaped openings.
[0016] The beneficial effects of the utility model are as follows: in the technical scheme, since the folding shell can be detachably installed on the outer side of the folding main body in the folded state when in the unfolded state, the folding main body in the folded state is protected and the folded state is maintained; since the folding shell can be detachably installed on the folding main body in the unfolded state when in the folded state, the unfolded state of the folding main body is maintained; because the present crutch realizes more functions and its own mass is relatively large, a bottom wheel is provided on one side of the bottom of the folding shell to facilitate the movement of the pair of crutches. The specific operation is to drag the crutches forward, the bottom wheels support the movement of the crutches, and then straighten the crutches to keep the crutches in a stable state, and then move the body forward to walk. This is a movement cycle. By repeating this cycle, a person can achieve the action of walking forward with the crutches. Since the folding body includes a left side supporting structure, a right side supporting structure and a folding plate, the folding plate is arranged between the left side supporting structure and the right side supporting structure, the left side supporting structure and the right side supporting structure both include a long supporting rod and a short supporting rod, the short supporting rod is rotatably connected to the long supporting rod, and the folding plate includes a plurality of rotatably connected connecting plates, and the rotation axis of the short supporting rod and the long supporting rod is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connecting plate. After the folding shell is removed, the left side supporting structure and the right side supporting structure of the folding body can be pulled apart to both sides until the folding plate is in the unfolded state, and then the folding plate in the unfolded state is pressed downward. Since one end of the folding plate is rotatably connected to the upper ends of the two short supporting rods respectively, and the other end of the folding plate is slidably matched with the slide rails on the two long supporting rods respectively, in the process of pressing the folding plate downward, the upper end of the folding plate moves downward along the slide rail, the short supporting rod rotates relative to the long supporting rod, and at the same time, the lower end of the folding plate rotates around the upper end of the short supporting rod until the folding plate is in a horizontal state, thereby finally realizing the transformation of the chair style. After the folding shell is folded, it can be installed at the rear end of the short support rod, which also protects the chair and prevents the two sides of the chair from folding toward the middle after being hit by external forces. And by placing objects on the horizontal folding board, using the two short support rods as fulcrums, pressing down on the handle to lift the object, this action can also meet the fitness requirements of the elderly. In addition, since the lower ends of the short support rods and the long support rods are provided with retractable running wheels, the running wheels of the short support rods and the long support rods are pulled out to finally complete the deformation of the walker state. At this time, the horizontal folding board part can be used to place objects, which has the function of assisting in carrying objects and is convenient for carrying objects to other places. In summary, this product combines the three functions of a crutch, a seat and a walker on one crutch, and the mutual transformation of the three forms is convenient and practical. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the utility model in a folded state from a first viewing angle;
[0018] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the utility model in a folded state from a second viewing angle;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the utility model adjusted to the first viewing angle of the seat state;
[0020] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of the utility model adjusted to the second viewing angle of the seat state;
[0021] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the utility model adjusted to the third viewing angle of the seat state;
[0022] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the utility model adjusted to a seat state and installed in a folding shell state;
[0023] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first state of the seat adjustment process of the utility model;
[0024] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the utility model adjusted to a walking aid state;
[0025] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the utility model adjusted to a walking aid state;
[0026] Fig.10 It is a structural schematic diagram of the folding plate in the utility model in a folded state;
[0027] Fig.11 It is a structural schematic diagram of the folding plate of the utility model in a partially folded state;
[0028] Fig.12 It is a structural schematic diagram of the lower folding shell in the utility model;
[0029] Fig.13 It is a structural schematic diagram of the folding process of the lower foldable shell in the utility model.
[0030] In the figure: folding body 1; bottom wheel 2; folding plate 3; connecting plate 3.1; long support rod 4; short support rod 5; walking wheel 6; handrail 7; strip hole 8; pin 9; connecting hinge 10; end hinge 11; first end plate 12; first folding plate 13; second end plate 14; second folding plate 15; upper folding shell 16; lower folding shell 17; first positioning pin 18; first positioning hole 19; second positioning pin 20; second positioning hole 21; mounting seat 22; connecting rod 23; adjustment hole 24; elastic pin 25; U-shaped opening 26. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model or the prior art, the utility model will be briefly introduced below in combination with the drawings and the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following description of the structure of the drawings is only some embodiments of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. It should be noted that the description of these embodiments is used to help understand the utility model, but does not constitute a limitation of the utility model.
[0032] Embodiment 1:
[0033] like Figure 1-Figure 13 As shown, this embodiment provides a multifunctional crutch, including a folding body 1 and a folding shell. The folding shell can be detachably installed on the outside of the folding body 1 in the folded state when the folding shell is in the unfolded state, and the folding shell can be detachably installed on the folding body 1 in the unfolded state when the folding shell is in the folded state. One side of the bottom of the folding shell is provided with a bottom wheel 2; the folding body 1 includes a left support structure, a right support structure and a folding plate 3, the folding plate 3 is arranged between the left support structure and the right support structure, the left support structure and the right support structure both include a long support rod 4 and a short support rod 5, the short support rod 5 is rotatably connected to the long support rod 4, the folding plate 3 includes a plurality of rotatably connected connecting plates 3.1, the rotation axis of the short support rod 5 and the long support rod 4 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connecting plate 3.1, one end of the folding plate 3 is rotatably connected to the upper ends of the two short support rods 5 respectively and the rotation axes of the two are perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connecting plate 3.1, the other end of the folding plate 3 is respectively slidably matched with the slide rails on the two long support rods 4, and the lower ends of the short support rod 5 and the long support rod 4 are provided with walking wheels 6 with retractable lengths.
[0034] In the present technical solution, since the folding shell can be detachably mounted on the outer side of the folding main body 1 in the folded state when in the unfolded state, the folding main body 1 in the folded state is protected and the folded state is maintained; since the folding shell can be detachably mounted on the folding main body 1 in the unfolded state when in the folded state, the unfolded state of the folding main body 1 is maintained; because the present crutch realizes many functions and its own mass is relatively large, a bottom wheel 2 is provided on one side of the bottom of the folding shell to facilitate the movement of the present crutch. The specific operation is to drag the crutch forward, the bottom wheel 2 supports the movement of the crutch, and then the crutch is straightened to maintain the stability of the crutch, and then the body is moved forward to walk. This is a movement cycle. By repeating this cycle, a person can achieve the action of walking forward with a crutch. Since the folding body 1 includes a left-side supporting structure, a right-side supporting structure and a folding plate 3, the folding plate 3 is arranged between the left-side supporting structure and the right-side supporting structure, the left-side supporting structure and the right-side supporting structure both include a long supporting rod 4 and a short supporting rod 5, the short supporting rod 5 is rotatably connected to the long supporting rod 4, the folding plate 3 includes a plurality of rotatably connected connecting plates 3.1, the rotation axis of the short supporting rod 5 and the long supporting rod 4 is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connecting plate 3.1, after the folding shell is disassembled, the left-side supporting structure and the right-side supporting structure of the folding body 1 can be pulled apart to both sides until the folding plate 3 is in an unfolded state, such as Figure 7 As shown, the unfolded folding plate 3 is then pressed downward. Since one end of the folding plate 3 is rotatably connected to the upper ends of the two short support rods 5 and the rotation axes of the two are perpendicular to the rotation axis of the connecting plate 3.1, the other end of the folding plate 3 is slidably matched with the slide rails on the two long support rods 4. During the process of pressing the folding plate 3 downward, the upper end of the folding plate 3 moves downward along the slide rail, the short support rod 5 rotates relative to the long support rod 4, and at the same time, the lower end of the folding plate 3 rotates around the upper end of the short support rod 5 until the folding plate 3 is in a horizontal state, finally realizing the transformation of the chair style, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 After the folding shell is folded, it can be installed at the rear end of the short support rod 5, which also protects the chair and prevents the two sides of the chair from being hit by external forces and folding toward the middle. Figure 3 As shown. By placing an object on the horizontal folding plate 3, using the two short support rods 5 as fulcrums, pressing the handle downwards, the object can be tilted up, and this action can also meet the fitness requirements of the elderly. In addition, since the lower ends of the short support rods 5 and the long support rods 4 are both provided with retractable walking wheels 6, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 , Fig. 9 As shown, the walking wheels 6 of the short support rod 5 and the long support rod 4 are pulled out, and the deformation into the state of a walking aid is finally completed. At this time, the folding plate 3 in the horizontal state can be used to place objects, which has the function of assisting in carrying objects and is convenient for carrying objects to other places. In summary, this product combines the three functions of a crutch, a seat and a walking aid in one crutch, and the mutual transformation of the three forms is convenient and practical.
[0035] Embodiment 2:
[0036] This embodiment is optimized based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1.
[0037] In order to facilitate the use of the crutch, a handrail 7 is provided at the upper end of the long support rod 4 .
[0038] Embodiment 3:
[0039] This embodiment is optimized based on the above-mentioned embodiment 2.
[0040] In order to meet different usage requirements, the direction of the armrest 7 is adjusted, the armrest 7 is in the shape of "7", and the armrest 7 is rotated with the upper end of the long support rod 4. The armrest 7 in the form of a chair can be rotated 180° to a comfortable angle when a person pushes the walker.
[0041] Embodiment 4:
[0042] This embodiment is optimized based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1.
[0043] In order to better realize the sliding structure setting between the folding plate 3 and the long support rod 4, the slide rail is a strip hole 8 or a strip groove opened on the long support rod 4, and the two sides of the end of the folding plate 3 are slidably matched with the strip hole 8 through the pin shaft 9.
[0044] Embodiment 5:
[0045] This embodiment is optimized based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1.
[0046] The multiple connecting plates 3.1 are connected by connecting hinges 10, and the connecting hinges 10 between adjacent connecting plates 3.1 are arranged alternately on the front and back sides. The ends of the outermost connecting plates 3.1 are rotatably connected to the upper ends of the short support rods 5 by end hinges 11, and the rotation axes of the connecting hinges 10 and the end hinges 11 are perpendicular. The folding function of the seat is realized by connecting multiple hinges in both front and back directions, and by connecting in both front and back directions, each two hinges have a restraining effect on each other, thereby achieving the flatness requirement of the seat, and the seat is still flat when people sit on it.
[0047] Embodiment 6:
[0048] This embodiment is optimized based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1.
[0049] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 As shown, in order to facilitate the unfolding and folding of the folding shell, the folding shell includes a first end plate 12, a first folding plate 13, a second end plate 14 and a second folding plate 15 which are sequentially enclosed and connected by hinges, and the first folding plate 13 and the second folding plate 15 are folded toward the inside of the folding shell.
[0050] Embodiment 7:
[0051] This embodiment is optimized based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1.
[0052] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in order to facilitate the installation and disassembly of the foldable shell, the foldable shell includes an upper foldable shell 16 and a lower foldable shell 17 that are detachably fixedly connected, and the bottom wheel 2 is arranged on the lower foldable shell 17.
[0053] Embodiment 8:
[0054] This embodiment is optimized based on the above-mentioned embodiment 7.
[0055] In order to facilitate fixing the folding shell on the two short support rods 5 in the unfolded state, restrict the seat state, and avoid the influence of external force on the maintenance of the seat state, the rear ends of the two short support rods 5 are respectively provided with first positioning pins 18, and the first end plate 12 of the upper folding shell 16 is provided with two first positioning holes 19, and the first positioning pins 18 are connected with the corresponding first positioning holes 19; the second end plate 14 of the upper folding shell 16 is provided with two second positioning pins 20, and the first end plate 12 of the lower folding shell 17 is provided with two second positioning holes 21, and the second positioning pins 20 are connected with the corresponding second positioning holes 21.
[0056] Embodiment 9:
[0057] This embodiment is optimized based on the above-mentioned embodiment 1.
[0058] In order to provide a walking wheel 6 with an easily operable telescopic length, a mounting seat 22 is provided at the lower end of the short support rod 5 and the long support rod 4, a connecting rod 23 is slidably connected inside the mounting seat 22, an end of the connecting rod 23 is connected to the walking wheel 6, a plurality of adjustment holes 24 are provided on the connecting rod 23, an elastic pin 25 is provided on the mounting seat 22, and the connecting rod 23 is operated to move along the mounting seat 22, and the elastic pin 25 docks with the corresponding adjustment hole 24.
[0059] Embodiment 10:
[0060] This embodiment is optimized based on the above-mentioned embodiment 9.
[0061] In order to facilitate the switching of the two states of the walking wheel 6 so as to adapt to the seat state or the walking aid state, the lower ends of the short support rod 5 and the long support rod 4 are provided with a U-shaped opening 26 for accommodating the walking wheel 6. When the elastic pin 25 is in a docking state with the uppermost adjustment hole 24, the walking wheel 6 extends out of the U-shaped opening 26.
[0062] Finally, it should be noted that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A multifunctional crutch, characterized in that: The foldable platform is a platform for folding and sliding the chassis to a vertical position, and the foldable platform is a platform for folding the chassis to a vertical position, and a platform for folding the chassis to a vertical position is a platform for folding the chassis.
2. A multifunctional crutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: A handrail is arranged at the upper end of the long supporting rod.
3. A multifunctional crutch according to claim 2, characterized in that: The armrest is in the shape of "7", and is rotatably matched with the upper end of the long support rod.
4. A multifunctional crutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slide rail is a strip hole formed on the long support rod, and both sides of the end of the folding plate are slidably matched with the strip hole through a pin shaft.
5. The multifunctional crutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple connecting plates are connected by connecting hinges, and the connecting hinges between adjacent connecting plates are arranged alternately on the front and back sides. The end of the outermost connecting plate is rotatably connected to the upper end of the short support rod through the end hinge, and the rotation axes of the connecting hinge and the end hinge are perpendicular.
6. The multifunctional crutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The folding shell comprises a first end plate, a first folding plate, a second end plate and a second folding plate which are sequentially enclosed and connected by hinges, and the first folding plate and the second folding plate are folded toward the inside of the folding shell.
7. The multifunctional crutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foldable shell comprises an upper foldable shell and a lower foldable shell which are detachably fixedly connected, and the bottom wheel is arranged on the lower foldable shell.
8. A multifunctional crutch according to claim 7, characterized in that: The rear ends of the two short support rods are respectively provided with a first positioning pin, and the first end plate of the upper folding shell is provided with two first positioning holes, and the first positioning pins are docked with the corresponding first positioning holes; the second end plate of the upper folding shell is provided with two second positioning pins, and the first end plate of the lower folding shell is provided with two second positioning holes, and the second positioning pins are docked with the corresponding second positioning holes.
9. The multifunctional crutch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower ends of the short support rod and the long support rod are both provided with mounting seats, and a connecting rod is slidably connected in the mounting seat. The end of the connecting rod is connected to the walking wheel, and a plurality of adjustment holes are provided on the connecting rod. An elastic pin is provided on the mounting seat. The connecting rod is operated to move along the mounting seat, and the elastic pin is docked with the corresponding adjustment hole.
10. The multifunctional crutch according to claim 9, characterized in that: The lower ends of the short support rod and the long support rod are both provided with a U-shaped opening for accommodating the running wheel, and when the elastic pin is in a docking state with the uppermost adjustment hole, the running wheel extends out of the U-shaped opening.