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[0001] The present invention is directed to a support device for a crutch or a cane. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a support device for a crutch or cane which keeps the crutch or cane from toppling over when the crutch or cane is leaned against an edge or a curved surface, or even an inclined flat surface, while the bottom end thereof is resting on the ground.
[0002] Around the world, hundreds of millions of people at one time or another during their lives injure a leg, and while ambulatory still must rely on at least one crutch or cane for support. People do not use crutches or canes continuously and at times lean them against walls, tables, counter tops, banisters, automobiles or other conveyances, etc. while they attend to activities requiring the use of their hands and arms for purposes other than holding a crutch or cane for support. Not infrequently the crutch or cane topples over and the person must retrieve it. This is no mean feat for a person having only one fully functional leg, and as the person bends over to retrieve the crutch or cane, it is not unusual for them to also topple. Upon toppling, this already injured person may be injured again, perhaps seriously.
[0003] Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms present a considerable challenge to crutch and cane users because vertical walls in these rooms are frequently behind cabinets, counter tops or sinks so that the top of the crutch or cane can not reach a wall to rest thereagainst. Moreover, these rooms have work areas requiring the use of hands. Since it is preferable to have a crutch or cane nearby so that the person does not have to hop or hobble to retrieve it, the crutch or cane is usually leaned against a counter top or sink with the hard surface of a vertical crutch strut or cane shaft engaging the hard edge of a counter top or sink. A slight nudge can cause the crutch or cane to slide with respect to the counter top or sink, pivot on the floor and fall over.
[0004] Older individuals can be drastically injured by a fall if they break a hip. The hip which is broken may be the hip of their sound leg, leaving them in the unfortunate condition of having two dysfunctional legs, neither of which will support them. This problem is enormous, yet it has not been addressed in a manner which provides a wide spread, inexpensive solution that does not require redesign of the millions of crutches and canes currently in use, as well as redesign of those currently in inventory or under manufacture.
[0005] In view of the aforementioned considerations, the present invention is directed to a support for 1) a crutch having at least one longitudinally extending crutch strut with a bottom end for engaging a walking surface and a top end with at least one under arm support extending laterally from the crutch strut, or for 2) a cane having a bottom end for engaging a walking surface and a top end with a handle extending laterally from the cane shaft. The support comprises a flexible pad having a first surface and a second surface in opposed relation to the first surface. An adhesive area is on at least one of the surfaces of the pad for adhering to the other surface of the pad upon engaging the other surface. The pad forms a tube when folded around the strut or shaft of the crutch or cane, the tube having an interior surface formed by the first side for engaging the crutch strut or cane shaft to mount the tube thereon and an outside surface for frictionally engaging an inclined flat surface, an edge, or a curved surface to keep the crutch or cane supported with the bottom end resting on a horizontal surface such as a floor or the ground. The tube has a length substantially less than that of the strut or shaft.
[0006] In one aspect of the invention the adhesive area on one surface comprises VELCRO® hooks which adhere to VELCRO® loops on the other surface.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the pad is in combination with a crutch or cane and is positioned to extend at least above the center of gravity of the crutch or cane.
[0008] In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the tube is preformed and provided installed on the crutch or cane, or in still another aspect of the invention, a strip of high friction material is applied to the crutch or cane.
[0009] Various other features and attendant advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
[0010] FIGS.
[0011]
[0012]
[0013]
[0014]
[0015]
[0016] As is seen in FIGS.
[0017] Considering first the crutch
[0018] While a table
[0019] As is seen in
[0020] While FIGS.
[0021] Referring now to
[0022] Since canes are shorter than crutches and are usually no more than hip high, the problem is not as great, however the problem still exists where one might prefer for example to lean a cane against a window shelf or window seal as seen in
[0023] Since manufacturers of crutches and canes almost universally produce crutches and canes with smooth struts and shafts, applicant's support
[0024] As is seen in
[0025] Instead of VELCRO® fasteners configured as strips
[0026] Since the pad
[0027]
[0028] The aforedescribed support device
[0029] In another embodiment of the invention the support device
[0030] While a tube
[0031] From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.