Mobility support apparatus

Abstract

A mobile support device comprising: two operatively connected support pillars having a plurality of portions arranged substantially parallel to each other, each pillar forming a pair with a corresponding leg for interfacing with the ground; a pair of pillars and legs configured to slidably move relative to each other; and a biasing device configured to provide a compressive resistance between the pair of struts and legs, where a tension factor of the biasing device is independently adjustable during use for each respective pair of struts and legs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to mobility support devices, and more particularly to a walking aid in the form of a crutch having an adjustable suspension. Background Art

[0002] Traditional walking aids, such as crutches, are typically used by injured people to assist them in walking. There are several types of crutches, including axillary crutches, forearm crutches, platform crutches, and knee support crutches. Axillary crutches are the most common and are typically used by people with an injury to one of their legs. Axillary crutches generally have a pad that rests in the axilla and against the user's ribcage, a handle that the user grasps, and a medium-density rubber pad at the ground contact end of the crutch that provides some grip and a small amount of damping of the impact force when the crutch is placed on the ground. Typically, traditional axillary crutches allow adjustment of the position of the handle and the overall length of the crutch.

[0003] One problem with traditional crutches is that they provide only limited shock absorption or impact damping whenever the crutch bears the weight of the user and is pushed relative to the ground during use. This typically results in a feeling of vibration that is transmitted to the user through the handle and axilla support and causes discomfort in their wrist, axilla, and lateral torso regions. Additionally, traditional crutches are generally not suitable for traversing uneven terrain, such as uneven brick pavers or gravel walking paths, and rely on a single point of contact with the ground that can easily move on wet or slippery surfaces. Having only a single point of contact can also cause problems when walking on an inclined or downhill surface due to the reduced contact area with the ground.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a solution that provides a more comfortable crutch that can be used safely on a wide range of terrains. The solution should ideally provide a means for reducing the impact felt by the user that is easily adjustable and can be set to suit the user's weight, height, and mobility needs.

[0005] The present applicant has determined that it would be advantageous to provide an improved mobility support device that, in a preferred embodiment, seeks to at least partially alleviate the above problems or provide a useful alternative to the public. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobility support device comprising: two operatively connected support struts having a plurality of portions arranged to be substantially parallel to each other, each strut forming a pair with a corresponding leg for docking with the ground; a pair of struts and legs configured to be slidably movable relative to each other; and a biasing means configured to provide a compressive resistance between said pair of struts and legs, wherein the tension factor of said biasing means is independently adjustable for each corresponding pair of struts and legs during use.

[0007] In one embodiment, during use, the tension factor of the biasing means is set to have different values between each corresponding pair of struts and legs.

[0008] In one embodiment, the tension factor of the biasing means can be adjusted incrementally at a predetermined interval.

[0009] In one embodiment, the biasing means is operatively coupled to the pair of struts and legs.

[0010] In one embodiment, the biasing means is mounted between upper and lower stoppers received in said struts, said upper stopper including a protrusion configured to protrude through any one of a predetermined corresponding opening along said strut so as to lock said biasing means in place, and said lower stopper including a protrusion that travels along a corresponding longitudinal slot in said strut, and wherein said leg is coupled to said lower stopper.

[0011] In one embodiment, each strut is configured to provide at least four openings along the strut at a predetermined increment for receiving the corresponding protrusion of the upper stopper.

[0012] In one embodiment, the slot has a length of approximately 150 mm.

[0013] In one embodiment, the leg is detachably coupled to the strut.

[0014] In one embodiment, the length of the strut is telescopically adjustable.

[0015] In one embodiment, the biasing means is a compression spring. In some embodiments, the compression spring is a linear force spring, wherein the force in the spring is proportional to the distance by which it has been deformed.

[0016] In one embodiment, the device further includes a cross brace mounted between the corresponding support struts.

[0017] In one embodiment, the upper portion of the support strut is configured to bend inwardly so as to converge substantially at the top end portion of said strut.

[0018] In one embodiment, the device is a cane having an axillary support with a mounting tube that couples the axillary support to the top portion of a support strut, and a handle mounted between the struts.

[0019] In one embodiment, the axillary support is configured to be rotatably adjustable and height adjustable relative to the support strut.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, the device includes a handle operably coupled to the top portion of the support strut.

[0021] In other embodiments, the device includes three or more support struts.

[0022] Although components of a mobility support device for use in combination with each other in the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, those skilled in the art will understand that some aspects of the present invention are equally suitable for use interchangeably between one or more embodiments of the present invention and / or suitable for use as stand-alone inventions that can be individually incorporated into other mobility support devices, canes, or walking sticks not described herein.

[0023] When used in relation to a reference point for mass, level, value, quantity, frequency, percentage, dimension, position, size, amount, weight, or length, the words "about" or "approximately" can be understood to indicate that the reference point can vary, and the term can include proximal masses on either side of the reference point. In some embodiments, the word "about" can indicate that the reference point can vary by up to 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1%.

[0024] As used herein, the word "substantially" can be used only to indicate the intention that the term it qualifies should not be read too literally, and the word can mean "sufficiently", "mostly", or "close enough" for the purpose of the patentee. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example only with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mobility support device in the form of a cane according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional front view of the device;

[0028] Figure 3a and 3bShows a close-up cross-sectional view of the suspension system of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 Is a close-up cross-sectional view of an adjustable handle of the device;

[0030] Figure 5 Is a close-up cross-sectional view of an adjustable axilla support of the device; and

[0031] Figure 6 Is a perspective view of a mobility support device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a mobility support device 100, which may be in the form of a walking aid, such as a crutch or a walking cane, having two struts 30, each strut paired with a leg 40, the leg 40 being slidably movable relative to the corresponding strut 30 ("strut-leg pair"), and an adjustable suspension system 200 that connects each strut-leg pair. The suspension system 200 is configured to allow the leg 40 to retract within the strut 30 according to a predetermined spring tension value when bearing weight, so as to keep the device substantially level especially when traversing uneven surfaces, dampen any feeling of vibration when the device 100 is used on rough terrain, provide improved traction between the foot 42 of the leg 40 and the ground, and in some cases, also provide a propulsive force to assist the user in taking the next step forward. Each device 100 is provided with at least two struts 30, the struts 30 having corresponding legs 40 and a suspension system 200. In a preferred embodiment, the suspension system 200 between each strut-leg pair is independently adjustable, such that each strut-leg pair can be set at a different spring tension value. This is advantageous because, for example, in a two-strut 30 device 100, having a front strut-leg pair configured with a spring tension value higher than that of the rear strut-leg pair provides the effect of pushing the user forward during climbing an incline - reducing the effort required for walking and thus improving the user's mobility. When walking down an incline, the suspension system 200 of the device 100 can similarly be easily configured such that the front strut-leg pair is configured with a spring tension value lower than that of the rear strut-leg pair to provide stability and support to bear the user's weight, while allowing the user's shoulders and body to more easily roll forward during progression down the incline. Thus, having a suspension system 200 in each of at least two strut-leg pairs in a walking aid and having the ability to independently and easily configure each of the suspension systems 200 in their respective strut-leg pairs in the device 100 provides significant technical advantages and improves the user's mobility. Details of the device 100 and its components will now be described below.

[0033] In the description herein, certain directional terms may be used, which should be considered with reference to the device 100 that is typically used when the user is standing upright, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

[0034] Figure 1 A mobility support device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The mobility support device includes two support struts 30, which have a plurality of portions arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each support strut 30 includes a body portion, an upper portion 32, and a lower portion 34. In some embodiments, portions of the upper portion 32 of the strut 30 are configured to bend inwardly so as to converge substantially at the top end portion of the strut 30. In one example, the struts 30 are joined to a tubular member 11 at the top end portion. The struts 30 may also be operatively connected to each other by cross braces 16 and handles 50. It will be appreciated that the struts 30 may be operatively connected in other equally suitable ways, and these connections are not limited to the examples provided herein. In some embodiments, the length of the struts 30 may be adjusted telescopically. Each leg 40 includes a ground contact portion 42 for interfacing with the ground. In some cases, the ground contact portion 42 may be made of rubber or other suitable material to provide grip / traction with the ground.

[0035] When used in the form of a cane as Figure 1 shown, the device 100 further includes an axillary pad 20 for supporting the user's body and a handle 50 that is gripped by the user during use. In a preferred embodiment, the position of the handle 50 can be adjusted to be closer to or farther from the axillary pad 20 so that the user can position the handle 50 comfortably relative to the length of their arm. Referring to Figure 4 , the handle 50 is generally in the form of a crossbar that has a housing 51 with a central cavity that houses two spring-loaded latches that have pins 52 that are received in corresponding aligned openings 31 in the struts 30 for locking the handle 50 in place. In one embodiment, each latch includes a pin 52 that is connected to a member that terminates in recesses 56 at opposite ends for receiving the user's fingers or thumbs, and the latch is provided with a biasing means in the form of a spring 58 to hold the pin 52 in the extended position and a stop portion 54 to hold the pin 52 in place. By the user pulling or squeezing the latches together to retract the pins 52 and moving the grip so that the pins align with any one of the other predetermined aligned openings 31 in the struts 30, the position of the handle can be adjusted. Releasing these latches will allow the spring 58 to push the pins 52 back through the openings 31 and thus fix the handle 50 in place.

[0036] In an alternative configuration, the handle 50 can be secured in a desired position by fixing one end of the handle 50 to a corresponding opening or thread of the strut and using the wing nut 12 to hold the handle 50 in place. It should be understood that the example described herein for positioning the handle 50 is non-limiting and that other means can equally be applied to achieve this feature of the device 100. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of alignment openings 31 are spaced equidistantly along the longitudinal axis of the strut 30 to allow the user to readjust the position of the handle 50 to a comfortable position.

[0037] Referring Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the axillary pad 20 is mounted to the mounting tube 13 which is coupled to a tubular member 11 that engages the top portion 32 of the strut 30. The relative height and position of the axillary pad 20 can be adjusted by fastening 12 the mounting tube 13 at different heights relative to the strut 30 at corresponding predetermined openings 15. The axillary pad 20 can be mounted during the fastening 22 to be rotatable about the axis of the mounting tube 13. Allowing the axillary pad 20 to rotate is also advantageous when navigating on uneven terrain and will allow the user to comfortably rotate the crutch to select a suitable area on the ground for placing the foot 42 of each leg 40. In one configuration, the axillary pad 20 can be pulled out, allowing the axillary pad 20 to rotate 360 degrees about its axis, enabling the user to freely rotate the strut-leg pair and thus freely rotate the leg 40 to best adapt to the terrain. In this way, the user can carefully select the orientation of the front and rear legs 40 of the device to overcome obstacles on the ground.

[0038] See Figure 2 , 3(a) and 3(b), each pair of struts 30 and legs 40 (strut-leg pair) is configured such that the leg 40 is movable relative to the strut 30. In some embodiments, the leg 40 is sized such that it can move slidably within the tubular cavity of the strut 30. It should be understood that in other embodiments, this relationship can be reversed. In a preferred embodiment, the suspension system 200 is located in the lower portion 34 of the strut 30 and operatively couples the strut 30 to the corresponding leg 40. The suspension system 200 is configured to provide compressive resistance between the strut-leg pair so as to allow the leg 40 to travel a certain distance relative to the strut 30 when a load is applied to the strut 30 (as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)). This travel of the leg 40 allows the strut 30 and axillary pad 20 of the device 100 to remain relatively level even when traversing uneven terrain because the leg 40 rises relative to the strut 30 when on an elevated surface rather than the entire strut 30 rising in response to the elevated surface. Other advantages of the suspension system 200 have been described above.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment shown in the figure, the suspension system 200 includes a biasing device 50, an upper stop 210, and a lower stop 220, and the biasing device 50 is mounted between the upper stop 210 and the lower stop 220. In one embodiment, the biasing device 50 is in the form of a compression spring, and the spring is operatively fixed to the mounting points 214, 224 of the respective upper and lower stops 210, 220, and the upper and lower stops 210, 220 are received within the strut 30 during use. The lower stop 220 is also coupled to the leg 40 such that the movement of the leg 40 affects the movement of the spring and vice versa. The upper stop 210 includes a protrusion 212 that is designed to be received through a corresponding opening 36 in the strut to secure the upper stop in place within the lower portion 32 of the strut 30. The strut 30 is provided with a plurality of predetermined openings 36 to allow adjustability of the upper stop 210 relative to the strut 30. The lower stop 220 includes a protrusion 222 that is designed to travel along a corresponding slot 38 in the strut 30. The slot 38 limits the movement of the protrusion 222 and thus limits the movement of the lower stop 220 and the associated leg 40 relative to the strut 30. Adjusting the relative positions of the upper stop 210 and the lower stop 220 changes the extension of the compression spring mounted between them and thus changes the tension factor of the spring, which indicates the ease with which the leg 40 will move relative to the strut 30 in response to a compressive force load on the strut 30. In one embodiment, at least four openings 36 are evenly spaced on the strut 30 for receiving the protrusion 212 of the upper stop 210 to allow a user to select at least four levels of compression resistance of the biasing device 50.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the length of the slot 38 that houses the protrusion 222 of the lower stop 220 is approximately 150 mm. In addition to the action of the compression spring between the upper stop 210 and the lower stop 220, this effectively limits the maximum travel of the attached leg 40 relative to the strut 30. It should be understood that the slot length is not restrictive, and other lengths of the slot 38 may be suitable without departing from the spirit of the invention. Although the compression spring has been described as suitable for use as the biasing device 50, other biasing devices not described therein may also be suitable without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0041] A method of conveniently adjusting the compression force tension factor of the biasing device 50 of the suspension system 200 is to depress the two protrusions 212 and 222 such that they no longer engage or are restricted in the openings 36 or slots 38. Then, the suspension system 200 and the attached leg 40 can be pulled out of the strut and slidably reinserted to reposition the protrusion 212 of the upper stop 210 to the desired opening 36 of the strut 30. In one embodiment, the protrusions 212, 222 are in the form of pins mounted on respective leaf springs that are biased to keep the protrusions 212, 222 engaged. It will be appreciated that other forms of protrusions are also suitable for locking the upper stop 210 and the lower stop 220 to the strut 30.

[0042] It should be understood that the suspension system 200 allows the user to adjust the resistance of the biasing device 50 (compression spring) by changing the length of the biasing device 50. Advantageously, the suspension system 200 in the preferred embodiment allows the user to independently adjust the resistance of the compression spring 50 in each strut-leg pair such that the strut-leg pairs can be set to different lengths or spring tensions. As described above, this is advantageous because having front and rear strut-leg pairs configured with different spring tensions can greatly improve the user's mobility when traversing uphill or downhill environments.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the biasing device 50 is configured as a linear force spring that follows Hooke's law, where the force of the spring is proportional to the distance by which it has been deformed. In other embodiments, the biasing device 50 can be a variable pitch spring where the spring stiffness (N / mm) is not proportional to the deformation distance. For example, the biasing device 50 can be designed to provide a resistance that increases or decreases non-linearly as the suspension system 200 is adjusted. The biasing device 50 can be designed such that when the compression spring 50 is compressed by the user's gravity during use, the spring resistance increases quadratically with increasing deflection. In this case, the user will feel that the spring resistance becomes increasingly firm as they push down on the crutch. This feature advantageously increases the user's support and comfort during use.

[0044] Preferably, the device 100 has two or more strut-leg pairs where the struts 40 are movable relative to the respective struts 30 and independent of the other struts 40. The compression-extension action provided by the suspension system for the two or more strut-leg pairs advantageously provides the user with a comfortable rolling feeling when walking and reduces the shock caused by impacts when the legs 40 contact the ground.

[0045] The struts 30 and the legs 40 can be formed substantially of a rigid and lightweight material such as aluminum. Those skilled in the relevant art will understand that aluminum tubes are commonly used in traditional crutches.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the spring tension of the biasing means 50 for two or more strut-leg pairs can be adjusted simultaneously. For example, a central locking bar can be provided between the struts 30, having protrusions that project into corresponding openings 36 in the struts 30. The locking bar can be provided with a spring-loaded latch that is coupled to actuate the protrusions for adjusting and fixing a stop connected to the biasing means 50.

[0047] In a further embodiment, instead of the axillary pad 20, the device 100 can be provided with a handle that is operatively coupled to the top portion of the support strut 30 so as to be used as a walking cane.

[0048] The device 100 can also be provided with a carrying bag that is removably attached to a portion of the strut 30 below the handle 50 using hook-and-loop fasteners. Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that other suitable fastening means, such as press studs, can also be used. In a preferred embodiment, the carrying bag comprises a mesh material to allow the user to carry a beverage bottle or other small items.

[0049] In the description and drawings of the present embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to denote and refer to corresponding features as in the first embodiment.

[0050] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not as limitations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above exemplary embodiments.

[0051] Throughout the specification and the following claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

1. A mobility support device, characterized in that, Comprising: Two operatively connected support struts having a plurality of portions arranged to be substantially parallel to each other, each strut forming a pair with a corresponding leg for docking with the ground; A pair of struts and legs configured to move slidably relative to each other; And A biasing device configured to provide compressive resistance between the pair of struts and legs, wherein the tension factor of the biasing device is independently adjustable for each corresponding pair of struts and legs during use.

2. The mobility support device according to claim 1, characterized in that Wherein during use, the tension factor of the biasing device is set to have different values between each corresponding pair of struts and legs.

3. The mobility support device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, Wherein the tension factor of the biasing device is incrementally adjustable at predetermined intervals.

4. The mobility support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Wherein the biasing device operatively couples the pair of struts and legs.

5. The mobility support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Wherein the biasing device is mounted between upper and lower stoppers received in the struts, the upper stopper including a protrusion configured to protrude through any one of a predetermined corresponding opening along the strut to lock the biasing device in place, and the lower stopper including a protrusion that travels along a corresponding longitudinal slot in the strut, and wherein the leg is coupled to the lower stopper.

6. The mobility support device according to claim 5, wherein Wherein each strut is configured to provide at least four openings along the strut at predetermined increments for receiving the corresponding protrusion of the upper stopper.

7. The mobility support device according to claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that, Wherein the slot has a length of approximately 150 mm.

8. The mobility support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Wherein the leg is detachably coupled to the strut.

9. The mobility support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Wherein the length of the strut is telescopically adjustable.

10. The mobility support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Wherein the biasing device is a compression spring.

11. The mobility support device according to claim 10, characterized in that, Wherein the compression spring is a linear force spring, wherein the force in the spring is proportional to the distance by which it has been deformed.

12. The mobility support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Further comprising a cross brace mounted between the corresponding support struts.

13. The mobility support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Wherein the upper portion of the support strut is configured to bend inwardly so as to substantially converge at the top end portion of the strut.

14. The mobility support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Wherein the device is a crutch having an axilla support with a mounting tube that couples the axilla support to the top end portion of the support strut, and a handle mounted between the struts.

15. The mobility support device according to claim 14, characterized in that, Wherein the axilla support is configured to be rotatably adjustable and height adjustable relative to the support strut.

16. The mobility support device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, Wherein the device includes a handle operatively coupled to the top end portion of the support strut.

17. The mobility support device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Wherein the device includes three or more of the support struts.

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