| Crutch handle extension -> Monitor Keywords |
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  Crutch handle extensionRelated Patent Categories: Tent, Canopy, Umbrella, Or Cane, Canes, Sticks, Crutches, And Walking Aids, Separable HandleThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060081280. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to walking aids and assist devices such as crutches, and more particularly pertains to auxiliary attachments for crutches that make them easier and more comfortable in use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] For individuals with lower limb injuries and afflictions such as broken leg bones, leg-muscle strains or sprains, knee injuries, broken foot bones, etc., there contains to be need for support and walking crutches that assist in the recovery from the injury. Modern crutch designs have emphasized such considerations and factors as improved balance, stability and weight bearing capabilities. In addition, crutch designs have been broadened to include dual-use or multi-use functions whereby the crutch can be broken down, disassembled or reassembled to for other uses--often uses unrelated to ambulatory assistance for the individual. However crutch designs still include the standard features of two spaced-apart, generally tubular, support member or crutch arms interconnected by a padded tubular handle, and a single tubular member depending from the crutch arms and having a rubber tipped end for contacting the ground. The upper ends of the tubular members are also interconnected by a padded underarm crosspiece or crossbar. Because of the emphasis on comfort in use and convenience in storage and transportation, the prior art discloses a variety of crutch designs some of which include auxiliary attachments in order to enhance the convenience, comfort and broaden the use of the standard crutch. [0003] For example, the Ferry patent (U.S. Pat. No. 3,710,807) discloses a crutch having a lower telescoping tubular member that provides continuous columnar support throughout the longitudinal extension of the shaft arm of the crutch. [0004] The Lee patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,386,466) discloses a crutch gauge measuring device that includes a slidably adjustable extension leg disposed between and attached to the side members of a crutch and is capable of extending beyond the side members for being properly positioned and then locked in place. [0005] The DiVito patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,291) discloses an auxiliary crutch wherein a u-shaped frame member is slidably and telescopically attached to the spaced support arms of a crutch and the bottom of the u-shaped frame member is radially shaped to assist in ambulation. [0006] The Liu patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,071) discloses a combination crutch that includes a knife integrally attached to the crutch handle and shovel attachable to the lower end of the crutch by a coupling mechanism. [0007] The Richter patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,871,025) discloses a walking stick that includes retaining structure in the handle for holding an item such as a watch or compass, and the handle having a surface structure that massages the user's hands when gripping the handle and using the walking stick. [0008] The Geary patent (U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,766) discloses a convertible crutch system that includes a crutch shaft comprised of three tubular members telescopically arranged and a laterally extending crutch handle. [0009] Nonetheless, despite the ingenuity of the above devices, there remains a need for an attachment for a crutch handle that provides a more comfortable and natural gripping position for the wrist and eliminates any rubbing of the wrist against the arms of the crutch. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] The present invention comprehends a crutch handle extension for positioning and moving the wrist of the individual away from the crutch arms so that the rubbing on the wrists by the crutch arms is eliminated. The crutch handle extension includes at least one pair of extender plates one of which is securable to a crutch arm of each crutch after the removal of the crutch handle. The extender plates are triangular-shaped and manufactured of either wood or aluminum and include through holes that can be aligned with the pre-drilled holes formed on each crutch arm for securing the extender plate to that crutch arm. A portion of the extender plate extends past the vertical plane defined by the spaced-apart crutch arms, and away from the individual, and an extender handle is horizontally mounted to this portion of the extender plate so that when the individual grips the extender handle his or her wrist is spaced outwardly and away from the crutch arms thereby eliminating the rubbing of the wrist on the crutch arms. One or two extender plates can be used with each crutch as desired by the individual. [0011] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a crutch handle extension that projects the wrists away from the crutch arms thereby preventing the rubbing and chafing of the wrists against the crutch arms. [0012] It is another objective of the present invention to provide a crutch handle extension that projects the wrists away from the crutch arms for minimizing wrist and arm soreness by providing a more natural gripping point for the hands. [0013] It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a crutch handle extension that is easy to install on the crutch arms with a minimum of tools and expertise. [0014] It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide a crutch handle extension that is lightweight and portable and can be installed as desired by the individual using the crutch. [0015] Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a crutch handle extension having reversible elements so that the elements can be secured to either the left or the right crutch with no diminution in use or functioning thereof. [0016] These and other objects, features and advantages will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon a perusal of the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the crutch handle extension secured the crutch arms of the right arm crutch; [0018] FIG. 2 is rear elevational view of the crutch handle extension illustrating the securement of one extender plate to the rear crutch arm of the crutch used for the right arm; [0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the crutch handle extension illustrating the securement of the crutch handle extension to the crutch arms of the right arm crutch; and [0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the crutch handle extension illustrating the use of only one extender plate for the right crutch arm. Continue reading... Full patent description for Crutch handle extension Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Crutch handle extension patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Crutch handle extension or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Walking assist device and associated methods Next Patent Application: Portable shelter Industry Class: Tent, canopy, umbrella, or cane ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Crutch handle extension patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.27147 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Canon USA , Celera Genomics , Cephalon, Inc. , Cingular Wireless , Clorox , Colgate-Palmolive , Corning , Cymer , |
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