Self-standing forearm support brace

Abstract

A forearm crutch is proposed comprising a support tube (100) with a central axis, an upper end, and a lower end; a handgrip (130); and a forearm support (140) arranged offset from one another at the upper end of the support tube (100); and a base support element (150) arranged at the lower end of the support tube (120). A holding device (200) for generating a vacuum between the base support element (150) and a floor (102) is further provided. The vacuum is generated when the forearm crutch is placed on the floor with the base support element (150) to hold the forearm crutch upright on the floor (102) and to prevent it from tipping over. The holding device (200) includes a pump (270) and an actuating element (210) for actuating or activating the pump (270).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a forearm crutch. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] It is well known that crutches are intended to enable people with temporary walking difficulties, in particular, to have a minimally restricted daily life. For example, crutches reduce the physical load on an injured leg, knee, and / or foot when walking to such an extent that the injury can heal despite movement. So-called forearm crutches are typically used. People are often dependent on crutches, particularly forearm crutches, after surgery on the lower extremities. In the case of one-sided injuries, e.g. only affecting the left or right leg, two crutches are regularly used to prevent, for example, posture problems and / or excessively one-sided strain during the healing phase. Some people are permanently dependent on crutches.

[0003] The classic design of a forearm crutch is partly medically determined and is often unsuitable for leaning the crutch against a wall or similar object. For example, forearm crutches easily slip and fall to the floor. This can be problematic for those affected, as they have to reach down towards the floor for the crutch several times a day – a process that is not only uncomfortable for people with physical disabilities, but also potentially dangerous. Such situations can arise, for example, in the bathroom at the sink, in the kitchen while cooking, or when paying at a supermarket checkout.

[0004] Several solutions are already known that address similar problems. For example, multi-legged crutches or rotating crutches that can be assembled into a self-standing frame, or crutches with an enlarged base, are known. See, for example, DE 10 2020 101 153 A1, US 5 992 434 A, DE 20 2004 008 364 U1. Furthermore, crutches are known that have suction cups or hooks for attaching the crutches to a wall, for example. See, for example, DE 296 08 710 U1, GB 2 384 982 A1, DE 203 03 561 U1, DE 203 01 525 U1, DE 87 15 042 U1, DE 198 21 568 A1, DE 203 17 281 U1, DE 102 39 219 A1, DE 203 15 153 U1, DE 20 2004 007 449 U1, DE 20 2004 011 241 U1, DE 20 2005 005 812 U1, EP 3 207 914 A1, GB 2 555 588 A1. There are some walking sticks that are designed to prevent the user from slipping while walking, for example by creating a negative pressure.See, for example, US 2013 / 032185 A1, CN 203 618 903 U, CN 209 090 156 U, CN 214 432 363 U, CN 213 218 823 U, CN 215 081 750 U, CN 2 840 753 Y, CN 210 673 638 U, CN 212 165 124 U, CN 213 849 100 U, CN 215 303 529 U.

[0005] Current state-of-the-art solutions are only partially suitable for everyday use.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a forearm crutch, in particular a medical forearm crutch, which offers the user improved comfort while taking into account the user's limited mobility. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This object is achieved by a forearm crutch according to claim 1. Further embodiments, configurations, and advantages emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a forearm crutch comprises a support tube with a central axis, an upper end and a lower end, a handle, and a forearm support, which are arranged offset from one another at the upper end of the support tube. A floor support element is arranged at the lower end of the support tube. The forearm crutch further comprises a holding device for generating a negative pressure between the floor support element and a floor when the forearm crutch is placed on the floor with the floor support element, in order to keep the forearm crutch free-standing on the floor and to secure it against falling over, wherein the holding device comprises a pump and an actuatable element for actuating or activating the pump. The holding device can have a volume open to the floor on which the forearm crutch is placed during use.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a forearm crutch, in particular a medical forearm crutch, is provided, wherein the forearm crutch has a first tube with a central axis, an upper end, and a lower end. Furthermore, the forearm crutch comprises a second tube, the upper end of which is inserted into the lower end of the first tube, a handle and a forearm support, which are arranged offset from one another at the upper end of the first tube, and a floor support element arranged at a lower end of the second tube. The forearm crutch comprises a holding device for independently holding the forearm crutch on a floor. The holding device can generate a negative pressure. Upon actuation of an actuatable element of the holding device, the holding device is activated to generate a negative pressure. The first tube and the second tube together can form the support tube.

[0010] The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying figures and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the principles described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, as well as from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0011] The invention is explained in more detail below using embodiments, without these being intended to limit the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0012] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The elements of the drawings are relative to one another and are not necessarily to scale. Like reference characters designate similar or identical parts. Figure 1shows a view of a medical forearm crutch according to an embodiment. Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a medical forearm crutch according to an embodiment. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a medical forearm crutch according to an embodiment. Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a medical forearm crutch according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The principles described in this disclosure enable a forearm crutch to be held independently on a floor by generating a negative pressure such that the forearm crutch is sucked onto the floor or the forearm crutch is pressed onto the floor. This generates a holding force that is sufficiently large to reliably fix the forearm crutch to the floor so that it can stand on its own, i.e., without further support from the user or an assistive device, and can be released by a user without the forearm crutch falling over. Smaller forces and / or moments acting on the forearm crutch from the outside, such as a weak gust of wind, cannot cause the forearm crutch to fall when a holding device with acting negative pressure is activated.

[0014] The forearm crutch according to one embodiment comprises, in particular, a first tube and a second tube for insertion into the first tube, such that the first tube and the second tube have a common coaxial central axis. A "tube" within the meaning of the present disclosure refers, in particular, to an elongated hollow body, wherein the elongated hollow body may have a circular cross-section. Other cross-sections are also conceivable. In some embodiments, the second tube can be designed to be displaceable relative to the first tube in such a way that height adjustment is possible.According to some embodiments, the second tube has an outer diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the first tube, wherein the outer diameter of the second tube may be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first tube to allow the user to move the second tube within the first tube as needed without additional tools. The first tube and the second tube together may form the support tube.

[0015] The forearm crutch further comprises a handle and a forearm support, which are arranged offset from one another at an upper end of the first tube. The handle is designed such that a user can support themselves with their full weight on it, with the forearm partially enclosing the forearm, for example, slightly below the elbow. For this purpose, the forearm support has, for example, a half-shell-shaped receptacle into which the user inserts their forearm when grasping the handle.

[0016] The handle and the forearm support can be rigidly connected to each other, for example, by a bar or a tube. This mechanical connection between the handle and the forearm support can be slightly inclined relative to the first tube, so that the mechanical connection runs slightly backward, i.e., slightly away from the handle, so that an angle of more than 90° is formed between the handle, and thus the user's hand, and the mechanical connection, and thus the forearm encompassed by the forearm support.

[0017] A ground support element is located at the lower end of the second tube. The ground support element can, for example, include grooves to make it more flexible and allow smaller loose elements on the ground, such as dust and stones, to remain stable.

[0018] Forearm crutches differ from other crutches in that they have a forearm support that rests on the forearm and partially surrounds it, providing support when the user grasps the handle. The forearm support is therefore offset from the handle and, when used as intended, is located above the handle. This fixates the user's forearm relative to the forearm crutch, thus relieving strain on the user's wrist, as securing the forearm above the handle prevents the wrist from bending.

[0019] The forearm crutch also comprises the holding device for generating the negative pressure for independently holding the forearm crutch on the floor with an actuatable element, wherein the actuatable element activates the holding device when actuated to generate the negative pressure. The negative pressure can be generated in a volume within the forearm crutch and / or holding device, wherein the volume in which the negative pressure is generated relative to the environment is flush with the floor when the forearm crutch is placed on the floor as intended. The holding device is essentially arranged within cavities of the forearm crutch in such a way that an external visible geometry of the forearm crutch remains essentially unaffected by the holding device.

[0020] The actuatable element can be, for example, a button, a lever, or a similar element that can be actuated manually by the user, for example, using a finger or thumb when the user's hand grasps the handle. Actuation of the actuatable element activates the holding device to generate the negative pressure. In the context of the present disclosure, the term "activation" is understood to mean the immediate generation of the negative pressure and / or the preparation of the holding device for the imminent generation of the negative pressure.

[0021] In some embodiments, the actuatable element can be provided on a front side of the handle. This ensures that the user does not inadvertently actuate the actuatable element while using the forearm crutch. Furthermore, the user's thumb can reach the actuatable element particularly easily, even if the user's weight remains on the forearm crutch and the user grips the handle.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the center of gravity of the forearm crutch can lie on the central axis of the first or second tube or the support tube. For example, corresponding counterweights can be arranged on and / or within the forearm crutch for this purpose. Since the center of gravity of the forearm crutch is not necessarily on the central axis due to the external shape of the entire forearm crutch, the center of gravity of the mass distribution can be modified by the (additional) counterweights so that the center of gravity is at least close to the central axis. If the center of gravity of the forearm crutch lies on or close to the central axis, the forearm crutch always stands independently on a flat surface when no external forces or moments act on the forearm crutch.

[0023] In some embodiments, the floor support element can have a circular floor support surface with a diameter between 50 mm and 80 mm, in particular 50 mm to 70 mm, preferably 50 mm and 60 mm, and in particular between 52 mm and 58 mm. It is also possible for the diameter to be between 60 mm and 80 mm, for example between 65 mm and 80 mm. It has been found that a floor support element with a diameter in one of the above-mentioned ranges makes it easier for the forearm crutch to stand independently. At the same time, it is ensured that the floor support element is not too large and is located in the user's walking path, thereby interfering with the movement of the legs or feet.In combination with a design in which the center of gravity of the forearm crutch is also located on or near the central axis, this combination has been shown to improve the ability of the forearm crutch to stand independently. This can be advantageous on unfavorable surfaces for generating negative pressure and / or when the forearm crutch is subjected to significant external forces. Furthermore, a smaller pressure difference from the surroundings may be sufficient for the forearm crutch to stand independently.

[0024] In some embodiments, the negative pressure can be created by sucking air out of the volume. The volume preferably has a relatively large opening toward the bottom to generate the greatest possible contact pressure when a negative pressure prevails in the volume. For example, the volume can be formed by a cavity open toward the bottom.

[0025] In embodiments, the negative pressure can be generated by at least one pumping motion. For example, air can be expelled from the volume through a valve by a reduction in volume caused by the pumping motion. The valve can prevent air from flowing back into the volume if the volume is increased again. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term "valve" also includes valve circuits and / or multiple individual valves. The size of the volume can be variable, for example, if the volume itself is part of a pump. However, the size of the volume can also be constant and, for example, be formed by a cavity open to the bottom if the air is expelled from the volume by a separate pump.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the at least one pumping movement can be performed electromechanically. For example, the holding device of the forearm crutch can comprise an energy source and an electrically operated pump. The electrically operated pump can, for example, displace and / or extract air from the volume as soon as the holding device is activated.

[0027] In some embodiments, the at least one pumping movement can be carried out manually. For example, the user can carry out the pumping movement themselves by hand to create a negative pressure. In embodiments, the at least one pumping movement can be carried out by at least one relative movement between a pumping tube and a slide (piston or stamp) arranged coaxially and on the inside of the pumping tube. For example, the slide can be configured such that the slide displaces air from the pumping tube and, at the same time, the slide can be configured to prevent air from flowing into the pumping tube. The pumping tube and / or the slide can have a circular cross-section. Other cross-sections are also conceivable. The pumping tube can be flush with the floor when the forearm crutch is placed on the floor and / or with the floor support element.For example, the pump tube can be routed through the base support element. The pump tube can widen toward the base to create the volume in which the negative pressure is to be generated.

[0028] In some embodiments, the slide can be arranged on the actuatable element in such a way that the relative movement is carried out upon actuation of the actuatable element. For example, the relative movement can be carried out along the longitudinal direction of the handle. For example, the actuatable element can be arranged on the end face of the handle. In embodiments, the actuatable element is designed as a slide with a return element, e.g. a spring. Actuation of the actuatable element can, for example, generate a negative pressure by the slide arranged on the actuatable element displacing air from the pump tube, e.g. via a valve. The return element can move the actuatable element back to its original position so that the volume from which the air was displaced is increased without air being able to flow into the volume. In this way, the negative pressure can be generated.

[0029] For example, repeated actuation of the actuatable element can increase the generated negative pressure. A valve can be provided that prevents air from flowing in while simultaneously allowing air to continue to be expelled from the volume.

[0030] In some embodiments, the pump tube can be arranged coaxially with the central axis and radially inward relative to the second tube, so that the relative movement is carried out along the central axis. This can enable a larger stroke, so that a single pumping movement generates a comparatively large vacuum to independently hold the forearm crutch. For example, the slider can be arranged on the handle and / or on the forearm support.

[0031] In embodiments, the pump can be arranged in the support tube and have a slider movable within a pump tube. A pumping operation can be performed manually by the user by pressing the handle toward the base support element, thereby creating a relative movement between the pump tube and the slider. For example, by shifting weight onto the handle, the user can move the slider within the pump tube, thereby displacing air from the pump tube. A return element then moves the slider back against the pumping direction, thereby creating a vacuum in the pump tube and thus in the base support element.

[0032] In embodiments, the pump tube and / or the slide can be connected to at least one return element. The return element can, for example, return the slide and / or the pump tube to an original position after the relative movement has been performed.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the actuatable element can release a safety device in the actuated state so that the relative movement along the central axis is released.

[0034] In some embodiments, the holding device may further comprise a bottom sealing element configured to seal against the bottom. For example, the bottom sealing element is made of an elastically deformable sealing material. In some embodiments, the bottom sealing element may be connected to the pump tube.

[0035] In embodiments, the bottom sealing element can be designed to be axially displaceable. For example, in an unactuated state of the actuatable element, the bottom sealing element can be axially spaced from a bottom support surface of the bottom support element. In some embodiments, the pump tube can be designed to be axially displaceable together with the bottom sealing element.

[0036] In particular, reference is made below to embodiments of the disclosure, some examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Each example is intended to illustrate the disclosure, not to limit it. For example, features illustrated or described as part of embodiments may be used with other embodiments to yield further embodiments.

[0037] Figure 1 shows a forearm crutch according to some embodiments. The forearm crutch comprises a support tube 100 with an upper end and a lower end, a handle 130 and a forearm support 140 arranged offset from one another at the upper end of the support tube 100, and a floor support element 150 arranged at the lower end of the support tube 100. The handle 130 and the forearm support 140 are rigidly connected to one another via a web 145.

[0038] The forearm crutch further comprises a holding device for generating a negative pressure between the floor support element 150 and a floor when the forearm crutch is placed on the floor with the floor support element 150, in order to keep the forearm crutch freestanding on the floor and secure it against falling over. The holding device comprises a pump 270 and an actuatable element 210 for actuating or activating the pump 270.

[0039] The floor support element 150 can be pushed onto the lower end of the support tube 100 and have a base body made of an elastic material, for example, rubber. A cavity 155 open to the floor is formed in the floor support element 150 and is fluidly connected to the pump 270. By activating the pump 270, a negative pressure can be created in the cavity 155 when the forearm crutch is placed on the floor with the floor support element 150. This holds the forearm crutch on the floor and prevents it from tipping over. The cavity 155 forms the volume in which the negative pressure is generated.

[0040] The web 145 and the forearm support 140 extend obliquely relative to the central axis of the support tube 100 to allow the user to use the forearm crutch in an anatomically adapted manner. The handle 130 extends approximately perpendicularly from the central axis. This results in a center of gravity of the forearm crutch that does not coincide with the central axis and prevents the forearm crutch from standing freely.

[0041] To support the fixation of the forearm crutch to the ground and to enable free standing, the forearm crutch can have one or more counterweights 160. These can be integrated, for example, into the handle 130 and / or into the forearm support 140. The counterweights 160 serve to adjust the center of gravity of the forearm crutch so that the center of gravity lies close to the central axis defined by the support tube 100. In particular, the center of gravity is adjusted so that it lies in a circular area with a small diameter around the central axis. Assuming that the ground support element 150 has a circular ground support surface with a diameter, then the center of gravity of the forearm crutch lies in an area around the central axis with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ground support surface.Preferably, the diameter of the circular area is less than half the diameter of the ground contact surface, placing the center of gravity relatively close to the central axis. Particularly preferably, the center of gravity of the forearm crutch is located on the central axis.

[0042] Figure 2shows a forearm crutch according to some embodiments schematically in a sectional view. The forearm crutch comprises a first tube 110 with a central axis 101, an upper end 111 and a lower end 112, and a second tube 120, the upper end of which is inserted into the lower end 112 of the first tube 110. The second tube 120 can be moved relative to the first tube 110 and secured with a locking element 121 in order to block any relative axial movement of the first tube 110 and the second tube 120. By removing the locking element 121, a height adjustment, for example in steps, can be carried out by a user. Once the appropriate height has been set, the locking element 121 can be reinserted by the user.

[0043] The first tube 110 and the second tube 120 together form the support tube 100, and can therefore also be used in the Figure 1The two-part design of the support tube 100 allows for easy adjustment of the height of the handle 130, thus adapting the forearm crutch to the respective user.

[0044] The forearm crutch further comprises the handle 130 and the forearm support 140 (only partially shown here) and the web 145, which are arranged offset from one another via the web 145 at the upper end 111 of the first tube 110. The floor support element 150 is arranged at a lower end of the second tube 120. The floor support element 150 can be made of rubber, for example, to prevent the forearm crutch from slipping. Furthermore, the floor support element 150 can have one or more grooves 151. The diameter of the floor support element 150 can be 50 mm to 80 mm, in particular 50 mm to 70 mm or 60 mm to 80 mm.

[0045] The forearm crutch has a holding device 200 for generating a negative pressure for automatically holding the forearm crutch on a floor 102. The holding device 200 comprises an actuatable element 210, which activates the holding device 200 when actuated to generate the negative pressure. The actuatable element 210 is arranged on an end face of the handle 130, for example, as shown in Figure 1 The forearm crutch is designed in such a way that its center of gravity is on the central axis 101. For this purpose, the Figure 1 The balancing weights 160 shown can, for example, be integrated into the forearm support 140.

[0046] The Figure 2The forearm crutch shown comprises a slider 220, which can be designed, for example, as a plunger. The slider 220 is connected to the handle 130. The slider 220 has a sealing element 221 that seals against a pump tube 230, in particular against an inner side of the pump tube 230. The pump tube 230 can be mounted coaxially to and in the first tube 110. A bottom sealing element 240 is arranged at a lower end of the pump tube 230. Furthermore, a valve 250 is arranged on the pump tube 230. A dust protection seal 260 can be applied against an outer side of the pump tube 230 in order to prevent loose elements from the bottom 102 from penetrating the first tube 110 and / or the second tube 120. The pump tube 230 is arranged so as to be axially displaceable together with the bottom sealing element 240. In particular, the pump tube 230 can be mounted axially displaceably on the second tube 120 so that the height adjustment remains possible.

[0047] The floor sealing element 240 is arranged in the floor support element 150 and can be considered part of the floor support element 150. The floor sealing element 240 is slidably arranged within the floor support element 150 along the central axis 101. During normal use, the floor sealing element 240 is axially retracted from the floor 102 and does not come into contact with the floor 102. The user's load rests on the floor support element 150 surrounding the floor sealing element 240.

[0048] If the forearm crutch is to be stored freestanding, the pump tube 230, together with the base sealing element 240, is moved axially toward the base 102 until the base sealing element 240 comes into contact with the base 102. Air is then forced out of the pump tube 230 through the slide 220 and escapes, for example, at the base 102. After the slide is released, the slide 220 moves back to its original position, creating a negative pressure within the pump tube 230, which acts against the base 102 through the base sealing element 240.

[0049] At the Figure 2For this purpose, a safety device 211 can be released in the forearm crutch shown by actuating the actuatable element 210. This activates the holding device 200 for generating the negative pressure in preparation for generating the negative pressure. If the safety device 211 is released, the user can exert a force, e.g., on the handle 130, which moves the slider 220 along the central axis 101 toward the floor 102. The sealing element 221, the pump tube 230, and / or the slider 220 can be designed such that the force initially displaces the pump tube 230 with the floor sealing element 240 axially toward the floor 102 until the floor sealing element 240 rests against the floor 102. If force continues to be applied, the slide 220 eventually moves relative to the pump tube 230 and thereby pushes air at the bottom or through the valve 250 into the environment.The volume in the tube is limited by the pump tube 230, the sealing element 221, the bottom sealing element 240 and the bottom 102.

[0050] A return element 280 can then be provided on the slide 220, on the pump tube 230 and / or on the handle 130, for example a spring surrounding the slide 220, which is supported on the one hand on the pump tube 230 and on the other hand on the handle 130. The return element 280 can increase the volume in the pump tube 230 again by performing a relative movement in the opposite direction to the pumping movement, without the pump tube 230 being retracted. For example, the user can also perform the relative movement in the opposite direction manually. Since the base sealing element 240 seals against the base 102, no air can flow into the increasing volume. A negative pressure is created, so that the base sealing element 240 remains pressed against the base 102. In preferred embodiments, the return element moves the handle 130 back into a secured position, i.e.into the position in which the fuse 211 can be extended again without the pump tube 230 being moved back.

[0051] The relative movement in the opposite direction may, for example, require a lower force than the relative movement towards the bottom 102. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a special sealing element 221 and / or an adapted bearing of the pump tube 230.

[0052] To release the forearm crutch from the floor 102, the user can, for example, pull the forearm crutch from the floor 102 or tilt the forearm crutch. For example, a further reset element can be provided to re-establish an axial distance between the floor sealing element 240 and the floor 102 after the negative pressure has been equalized. Alternatively, no reset element is provided for this purpose. Reset can, for example, be achieved solely through the axial displaceability and standard use of the forearm crutch.

[0053] The forearm crutch may further include ventilation openings and / or vents. These ventilation openings and / or vents may be opened and / or closed upon actuation of the actuatable element 210 and / or upon return of the actuatable element 210 to the unactuated state.

[0054] A separate base sealing element 240 separates the functions. The base support element 150 absorbs the load during normal use. The base sealing element 240, on the other hand, seals the cavity of the pump tube 230. The material of the base support element 150 and the base sealing element 240 can therefore be adapted to their respective functions. For example, the material of the base sealing element 240 can be softer than the material of the base element 150, thus enabling better sealing. Since the base sealing element 240 does not come into contact with the base 102 during normal use and does not serve to absorb the load exerted by the user, the base sealing element 240, which is made of a soft and elastic material, does not wear out. The materials of the base sealing element 240 and the base support element 240 can therefore each be elastic but with different degrees of hardness.

[0055] Figure 3 shows a forearm crutch according to some embodiments schematically in a sectional view. The forearm crutch has, as already described in connection with Figure 2 illustrates a first tube 110, a second tube 120, a handle 130, and a forearm support 140. Furthermore, the forearm crutch includes a floor support element 150 with grooves 151. The floor support element 150 may include the floor sealing element 240.

[0056] The base sealing element 240 can have a lip 156 that is bent around a base support surface of the base support element 150, thereby achieving a particularly good seal between the pump tube 230 and the base 102 (not shown here). The pump tube 230 can seal against a dust protection seal 260. The dust protection seal 260 can be encompassed by the base support element 150.

[0057] The pump tube 230 can be fixedly mounted on the base support element 150 and / or the second tube 120. Displacement of the pump tube 230 relative to the base support element 150 is not provided here. Height adjustment of the support tube is nevertheless possible. For this purpose, the pump tube 230 can be shorter and the slide 220 longer, thus continuing to engage with the pump tube 230. This allows sufficient freedom of movement when the first and second tubes 110, 120 are displaced relative to one another. For height adjustment, the locking element 121 can be inserted into aligned openings in the first tube 110 and the second tube 120.

[0058] In Figure 3A maximum length of the support tube 110 can be seen, at which the second tube 120 is pushed into the first tube 110 only by a minimum length required to maintain stability. If the forearm crutch is to have a lower height, the second tube 110 is pushed deeper into the first tube 120. At the same time, the slider 220 is pushed deeper into the pump tube 230. Since the pump tube 230 is shorter and has approximately only the length of the second pump tube 120, sufficient leeway remains for adjusting the height of the forearm crutch.

[0059] Furthermore, the forearm crutch can be made of Figure 3 the same structure as the forearm crutch Figure 2 have.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a forearm crutch according to some embodiments schematically in a sectional view. The forearm crutch can have the basic structure as in Figure 3 shown embodiment.

[0061] However, this embodiment includes a holding device 200 with an electric pump 270. Upon actuation of the actuatable element 210, the pump 270 generates a negative pressure by sucking air from the pump tube 230. The forearm crutch may have vent holes through which the air sucked out by the pump 270 can escape.

[0062] To release the forearm crutch from the floor 102 again after the negative pressure has been generated, the user can manually pull or tilt the forearm crutch from the floor 102. It is also conceivable that the actuatable element 210 enables pressure equalization upon a second actuation. The second actuation can correspond to an actual second actuation or to another type of actuation, e.g., a step-by-step actuation.

[0063] In the forearm crutch described above, a forearm crutch has been presented with reference to specific examples. It should be appreciated that various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in combinations other than the specific combinations illustrated in the figures. It is understood that various modifications may be made to the aforementioned embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure and the following claims. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0064] 100 Support tube 101 Center axis 102 Base 110 First tube 111 Upper end of the first tube 112 Lower end of the first tube 120 Second tube 121 Locking element 130 Handle 140 Forearm support 145 Web 150 Base support element 151 Grooves 155 Cavity 156 Lip 160 Counterweight 200 Holding device 210 Actuable element 211 Safety device 220 Slide valve 221 Sealing element 230 Pump tube 240 Base sealing element 250 Valve 260 Dust protection seal 270 Pump 280 Reset element

Claims

1. A forearm crutch, comprising: a support tube (100) with a central axis (101), an upper end, and a lower end; a handle (130) and a forearm support (140), which are arranged offset from one another at the upper end of the support tube (100); a floor support element (150) arranged at the lower end of the support tube (120); and a holding device (200) for generating a negative pressure between the floor support element (150) and a floor (102) when the forearm crutch is placed on the floor (102) with the floor support element (150), in order to hold the forearm crutch free-standing on the floor (102) and to secure it against falling over, wherein the holding device (200) has a pump (270) and an actuatable element (210) for actuating or activating the pump (270).

2. Forearm crutch according to claim 1, wherein the actuatable element (210) is provided on an end face of the handle (130).

3. Forearm crutch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground support element (150) has a circular ground support surface with a diameter and the center of gravity of the forearm crutch lies in a circular region around the central axis (101) with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ground support surface, wherein the diameter of the circular region is in particular smaller than half the diameter of the ground support surface, wherein the center of gravity of the forearm crutch lies in particular on the central axis (101).

4. Forearm crutch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground support element (150) has a circular ground support surface with a diameter between 50 mm and 80 mm.

5. Forearm crutch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more counterweights (160) are arranged in the handle (130) and / or in the forearm support (140) in order to adjust the center of gravity of the forearm crutch.

6. Forearm crutch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding device (200) and / or the floor support element (150) further comprises a floor sealing element (240) configured to seal against the floor (102).

7. Forearm crutch according to claim 6, wherein the floor sealing element (240) is designed to be axially displaceable, and wherein the floor sealing element (240) has an axial distance from a floor support surface of the floor support element (150) in an unactuated state of the actuatable element (210).

8. Forearm crutch according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the floor support element (150) surrounds the floor sealing element (240).

9. Forearm crutch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support tube comprises a first tube (110) with a central axis (101), an upper end (111) and a lower end (112), and a second tube (120) which is inserted with its upper end into the lower end (112) of the first tube (110); the handle (130) and the forearm support (140) are arranged offset from one another at the upper end (111) of the first tube (110); the floor support element (150) is arranged at a lower end of the second tube (120); and the length of the forearm crutch is adjustable by sliding the second tube (110) within the first tube (110).

10. Forearm crutch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump (270) is arranged in the handle (130) and has a slider displaceable in a pump tube, wherein the pump tube or the slider is connected to the actuatable element (210) for manually generating a first relative movement in the longitudinal direction of the handle (130) between the pump tube and the slider by the user.

11. Forearm crutch according to claim 10, wherein the pump (270) has a return element with which a second relative movement between the pump tube and the slider counter to the first relative movement for returning the pump tube and slider to their starting position in order to enable repeated pumping by actuating the actuatable element.

12. Forearm crutch according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pump is arranged in the support tube and has a slider (220) which can be displaced in a pump tube (230), wherein in particular the pump tube (230) is arranged coaxially to the central axis (101) and radially inwardly with respect to the second tube (120), wherein a pumping process can be carried out manually by the user by pressing on the handle (130) in the direction of the floor support element (150) and thereby a relative movement along the central axis (101) between the pump tube (230) and the slider (220) takes place.

13. Forearm crutch according to claim 12, wherein the relative movement between the pump tube (230) and the slider (220) is blocked by a safety device (211) which can be released by the user through the actuatable element (210) so that the relative movement is released.

14. Forearm crutch according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the pump tube (230) is movably mounted in the second tube (120) and is pushed towards the ground (102) when the handle (130) is pressed in the direction of the ground support element (150) until the body tube (230) comes into contact with the ground (102) via the ground sealing element (240).

15. Forearm crutch according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pump in the handle (130) or in the support tube (110) is an electromechanical pump and the actuatable element (210) is a switch.

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