US 5,954,074 AGranted

Universal adjustable walking crutch and/or cane

OwnerEvert C. Mattsoninventor

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Abstract

This disclosure relates to combination adjustable crutches and/or canes that can be converted from a crutch to a cane or vice versa. The present invention includes a main single support shaft made of lightweight-ridged square tubing. A unique handle that clamps onto said square support shaft. Additionally, a novel underarm support cradle with stem that telescopes inside said square support shaft to be adjusted up or down. Also, a novel way and means to provide auxiliary forearm support. Patient's hand wrist, forearm and upper arm then being in a natural ergonomic position, without twisting or bending of patient's hand, wrist and upper arm. Fatigue, discomfort, and pain then being minimized or eliminated. Also, a crutch/cane that can be firmly set aside, out of the way, in an upright position on a horizontal surface when not in use.

An adjustable, universal walking crutch/or cane, comprising:

(a) a single main support shaft made of straight, rigid, square tubular material;
(b) said support shaft having an upper end and a lower end;
(c) said support shaft having a square tubular cross section of sufficient in size and strength to safely support the body weight of a heavy human being;
(d) an adjustable underarm cradle incorporating a concave shaped cradle bed with a square shaped cradle stem extending downward from said cradle bed telescoping inside said upper end of said square tubular support shaft;
(e) a cradle cap made of soft cushion-like material and slip fitting over said cradle bed providing an underarm cushion;
(f) a crutch handle with a body encasing said square support shaft;
(g) said crutch handle having clamping means for attachment to said support shaft, said clamping means including a substantial rectangular flange protruding perpendicular from said handle body;
(h) said crutch handle having a round tubular handlebar centered laterally on said support flange and perpendicular to said support flange and said support shaft;
(I) said handlebar being mounted on a true horizontal plane parallel to a face of said cradle bed;
(j) said handlebar being adapted to be centrically located directly below shoulder mass of user extending outward from said support shaft;
(k) said handlebar being located in line with a center line of said underarm cradle;
(l) a handle grip made of soft cushion-like material and slip fitting over said handlebar providing user with a removable hand cushion;
(m) a crutch handle being adjustable up or down to accommodate position of user's hand in operation of said crutch or cane;
(n) a predetermined length of round plastic foam tubing slip fitting over said support shaft above said crutch handle for providing means of forearm support for a user;
(o) a resilient rubber tip fitting over said lower end of said support shaft.

12 more elements

Abstract

Claims16