WO2014115085A1

WO2014115085A1 - Coupler

Info

Publication number: WO2014115085A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/058463
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christiaan Rudolf OOSTHUIZEN
Original assignee: Oosthuizen Christiaan Rudolf
Priority date: 2013-01-23
Filing date: 2014-01-22
Publication date: 2014-07-31

Abstract

The invention pertains to a coupler suitable for coupling movement aids together, more specifically for coupling walking aids together and in particular for coupling crutches together. The coupler consists of a unitary body having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first coupling element and the second end having a second coupling element, the first and second coupling elements being removably securable to at least one movement aid and an attachment means attached or attachable to the unitary body, such that, in use, the attachment means facilitates the attachment of ancillary items to the at least one movement aid and the coupler functions to couple at least two movement aids to each other. The coupling elements are in the form of resilient, opposed arcuate jaws the terminal ends of which are spaced apart from each other. Advancement of the shaft of the movement aid, the longitudinal axis of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the terminal ends, pries the terminal ends away from each other to a point whereby the distance between the terminal ends is equal to the diameter of the movement aid shaft. At this point, further advancement of the movement aid shaft causes the terminal ends, through the resilience of the jaws, moving towards each other, the jaw body assuming a fitted association with the periphery of the movement aid shaft, thereby allowing for the removable securement of the coupler to the movement aids. It will readily be appreciated that a reversal of the described process of securing the coupler to the movement aid (and vice versa), allows for the removal of the coupler from the movement aid.

Description

COUPLER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a coupler for coupling movement aids to each other. More particularly the invention relates to a coupler for coupling walking aids to each other and, in particular, the invention relates to a coupler for holding two crutches in a static relationship with respect to each other.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A variety of coupling devices, particularly coupling devices to couple walking aids together, are known in the art. Walking aids such as walking sticks and more particularly crutches are coupled to each other so as to keep the walking aids together. This arrangement leads to greater stability thereby allowing for the walking aids to be rested or leaned against an upright surface by a user when not in use. without falling over. The prior art presents a variety of permanent fixtures which are either attached to or integrally moulded onto the walking aids. As such, these coupling devices may break during use, or in an attempted removal.

Further, the prior art devices are composite products, whereby part of the device is located on one of the walking aids and a complementary part thereof is located on a second walking aid. Interaction of the two parts of the device couple the walking aids to each other. Example embodiments include interacting magnetic elements, Velcro ® (Hook and Pile) elements, peg and loop couplers and keyhole and pin connectors. The disadvantage of such coupling devices is that the coupling elements have to be pre-fitted to the walking aids and hence may not be available for use on existing walking aids. Furthermore, such prior art devices may not be easy to use as the coupling point is predefined and fixed and this does not allow for the coupling of the walking aids together at any point along the length of the walking aids. It is a further disadvantage that the prior art crutch connectors are not configured to allow for the attachment of ancillary items to the crutches. Such attachment means would enable and assist patients in carrying various items whilst carrying or utilising their crutches which would be highly advantageous for patients having reduced mobility.

In addition to the above, the inventor is aware of further prior art which envisages coupling the walking aids together in an inverted position. This may not be easy to use by some users. These walking aids have to be rotated and uncoupled prior to use which may be burdensome.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a coupler for movement aids which, at least in part, obviates the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved coupler for movement aids that is both novel and inventive relative to the prior art.

SUMMARY OF ^"HE INVENTION in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is provided a coupler suitable for coupling movement aids together, the coupler including: - a unitary body having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first coupling element and the second end having a second coupling element: - the first and second coupling elements being removably securable to at least one movement aid; and

- an attachment means attached or attachable to the unitary body, such that, in use, the attachment means facilitates the attachment of ancillary items to the at least one movement aid and the coupler functions to couple at least two movement aids to each other.

The invention may further provide that the first and second coupling elements are integrally moulded to the unitary body.

The invention may further provide that the coupling elements are removably securable to the movement aids by means of a clipping mechanism.

The invention may further provide that the movement aids are walking aids, alternatively skiing poles.

The walking aids are crutches, alternatively walking sticks or further alternatively hiking poles. The invention may further provide that one of either the first coupling element or the second coupling element is fixedly secured to a movement aid

The invention may further provide that the unitary body is resilient and more particularly that the unitary body is a spring. The unitary body may, once applied to at least two movement aids, act as a suspension means to facilitate the suspension of the coupled movement aids from a fixed point. The invention may further provide that the unitary body may define one or more surfaces for the display of information and in particular promotional, decorative or advertisement information.

The invention may further define at least one aperture to receive an additional securement means, which securement means functions, in use, to provide additional support for the coupler when such coupler is secured to at least one of the movement aids.

The invention may further provide that the attachment means is attached or attachable to the unitary body at a single location alternatively that the attachment means is attached or attachable to the unitary body at more than one location.

The invention may further provide that the ancillary items may be suspended from the attachment means and may include but are not limited to a bag for carrying articles to be transported or a cup holder.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention there is provided a coupler suitable for coupling movement aids together, the coupler including:

- a unitary body having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first coupling element and the second end having a second coupling element; - the first and second coupling elements being removably securable to at least one movement aid; an attachment means attached or attachable to the unitary body which facilitates the attachment of ancillary items to the at least one movement aid; and an extendabie member which is extendable away from the unitary body such that, in use, the coupler functions to couple at least two movement aids to each other, the attachment means facilitates the attachment of ancillary items to at least one of the movement aids and the extendabie member functions to enable the movement aids to have stable tripod geometry in a freestanding configuration when such movement aids are not actively in use as movement aids.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coupler in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of the coupler in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the coupler in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention also showing the crutches to which it is to be applied; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the coupler of Figures 1 to 3 showing the coupler in use;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the coupler i accordance with a first embodiment of the invention where a first coupling element is non- removably secured to a crutch; Figure 6 is a side view of the coupler of Figure 1 the coupler having promotional material attached to the surface of the unitary body;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a coupler wherein the unitary body of the coupler is a spring;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a coupler in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is perspective view of a coupler having at least one coupling element which is enlarged in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the coupler of Figure 1 , the coupler having an attachment means extending there from, the attachment means facilitating the attachment of at least one ancillary item and, more particularly a cup;

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the coupler of Figure 1 , the coupler having an alternative embodiment attachment means extending there from, the attachment means facilitating the attachment of at least one ancillary item thereto; is a perspective view of the coupler of Figure 1 1 , in use, the coupler providing for the suspension of a carrying device between the walking aids;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternate example embodiment of the coupler of Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternate example embodiment of the coupler of Figure 1 1 ; and

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the coupler of Figure 1 , the coupler showing points for the addition of an additional securement means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of a non-limiting example. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise indicated.

Referring firstly to Figure 1 , reference numeral (10) generally refers to a coupler suitable for coupling movement aids (12) together. In a first embodiment, the coupler (10) has a unitary body (14) which unitary body (14) has a first end (16) located opposite to a second end (18). The first end (16) has a first coupling element (20) and the second end (18) has a second coupiing element (22). The coupling elements (20; 22) are in the form of resilient, opposed arcuate jaws (not numbered) the terminal ends (as shown in the Figures) of which are spaced apart from each other. Advancement of the shaft of the movement aid (12), the longitudinal axis of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the terminal ends, pries the terminal ends away from each other to a point whereby the distance between the terminal ends is equal to the diameter of the movement aid shaft (24). At this point, further advancement of the movement aid shaft (24) results in the terminal ends, through the resilience of the jaws, moving towards each other, the jaw body assuming a fitted association with the periphery of the movement aid shaft (24), thereby removably securing the coupler (10) to the movement aids (12). It will readily be appreciated that a reversal of the described process of securing the coupler to the movement aid (12) (and vice versa), allows for the removal of the coupler from the movement aid. The resilience of the coupling elements (20;22) allows for ease of removal. In addition to securement via the coupling elements (20;22) the coupler (10) may also define at least one aperture (11 ), which at least one aperture (1 1 ) is able to receive an additional securement device (13) which addition securement device (13) is used to provide for more stable securement of the coupler ( 0) at least one of the movement aids (12). An example of such is given in Figure 1 5. Typically the additional securement device (13) is a cable tie but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a myriad of securement means can be utilised for this purpose. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that more than one aperture (1 1 ) may be defined so as to allow for additional points of securement and so as to allow for securement to both movement aids (1 2). Making reference to the description hereunder in so far as it pertains to anattachment means (26A; 26B) it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the event that the coupler (10) is secured to a movement aid (12) by means of a cable tie such securement will provide additional support for the attachment means (26A, 26B) which will assist in maintaining the stability and structural integrity of the same when such attachment means (26A;26B) is in use.

In an alternate example embodiment, as is shown in Figure 9, one of the coupling elements (20;22) may be enlarged. In Figure 9 the first coupling element (20) is illustrated as the enlarged element but it will be readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the second coupling element (22) may alternatively be the enlarged element or that it may be provided that both coupling elements (20:22) are enlarged. The purpose of the enlarged coupling element (20) is to increase the surface area of contact between the movement aid shaft (24) and the coupler (10) thereby making this association more stable. Furthermore, the jaws of the enlarged coupling element (20) will be slightly more resilient thereby also facilitating a tighter fit arrangement between the coupler (10) and the movement aids ( 12).

Through the coupling of the movement aids (12) as described above, the coupled movement aids (12) attain a self stable geometry such that when balanced against a raised or upright surface (such as a wall or table), the coupled movement aids (12) do not fall over. The fact that the movement aids do not fall over when balanced against a surface is highly significant particularly in relation to walking aids such as crutches which typically, when not coupled to each other, become unbalanced when placed against a flat surface and easily fall over. Retrieving crutches can be particularly difficult for patients who are already suffering from a lack of mobility and are often in significant pain after various medical treatments.

It is envisaged that the first and second coupling elements (20; 22) shall be integrally moulded to the unitary body thereby producing a coupler (10) that is entirely unitary, which feature on its own distinguishes the present invention from prior art couplers comprising composite parts. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the coupling elements (20; 22) are typically semi-cylindrical in shape, having dimensions slightly wider than the circumference of a shaft portion (24) of the movement aid (12) which allows coupling elements (20; 22) to be removably clipped to the movement aids (12) as shown in Figure 4.

Making reference to Figures 1 0. 1 1 , 12 and 13. It is envisaged that the coupler (10) shall also provide an attachment means (26A; 26B) for the attachment of ancillary items to the movement aids (12). As is shown in Figure 1 0 the attachment means (26A) may be shaped and dimensioned so as to be able to receive a cup or a glass and thereby to provide for the support of such a cup or a glass (not shown) either between the movement aids (12) when the movement aids (12) are not in use. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that in the event that the movement aids ( 12) are being used to aid movement in a patient, where they are not clipped together, the coupler (10) may still be clipped to one of the movement aids ( 12) so as to facilitate the attachment or suspension of ancillary items there from. In such instance the coupler (10) will be orientated so as to allow the positioning of the attachment means (26A; 26B) in a position which will not disturb the function of the movement aids (12) and will still therefore allow a patient to move without hindrance whilst concomitantly transporting ancillary items such as coffee cups and other ancillary items, as contemplated in Figures 11 to 13. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the ability to carry ancillary items in a hands free manner whilst using walking aids such as crutches is highly advantageous given that such walking aids are utilised by persons having already reduced mobility which reduced mobility in the ordinary course makes it particularly difficult to walk with the assistance of the walking aids and to carry various items at the same time.

Figures 11 to 13 show a coupler (10) having a hook type attachment means (26B) integrally moulded therewith. The hook type attachment means (26B) facilitates the suspension of ancillary items from the movement aids (12). It will be appreciated that more than one hook type attachment means (26B) may be included, as shown in Figure 14. it is envisaged that carrying devices (28A; 28B) such as carrying bags, hand bags, laptop bags and bags for supporting files may be suspended from the hook portion of the attachment means (26B). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that such carrying devices (28A: 28B) may be attached to the movement aids (12) both when the movement aids (12) are attached to each other, the coupler (10) being fitted as explained above to bring about such attachment, and when the movement aids (12) are separate and being used by a patient. Such dual use is facilitated through the fitment of the coupler (10) to a single movement aid and the rotation thereof to a position wherein the hook is located to allow for the suspension of ancillary items from the movement aid (10) whilst ensuring that such ancillary item is not located in a position which will hinder the use of the movement aids (12) for the purposes of walking. When in the movement aids (12) are attached to each other, as shown in Figure 13, there is provided that apertures (30) defined within the shafts (24) of the movement aids (12) may provide for an additional attachment point for the attachment of ancillary items to the movement aids (12). Such, additional attachment merely provides for additional support. It will be appreciated these apertures (30) may also provide for additional attachment points even where the coupler (10) is attached to a single movement aid (12), where the coupler (10) is functioning primarily as an attachment means (26) so as to allow for the l i concomitant use of the movement aids (12) for walking and for the hands free transport of ancillary items.

The attachment means (26) is shown as a component which is integrally moulded to the coupler (10) in the drawings. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the attachment means (26) may be a separate component which is attachable to the coupler (10). Such a configuration would allow for the selective us of the attachment means (26) in various scenarios. In a second embodiment, it is envisaged that one of the coupling elements (20;22) is permanently associated with one of the movement aids (12) and is thus not removably securab!e, as shown in Figure 5.

The coupler (10) is typically small in size and compact and will remain attached to one of the movement aids (12) whilst retaining removable securement of a second movement aid to this first movement aid. The invention contemplates that such a permanently attached coupler (10) may allow for additional functionality such as providing a protrusion from which a hand bag can be suspended or an attachment point for other functional items, such as but not limited to, a coffee cup holder, by way of non-limiting example. It will also be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an attachment means (26) such as that shown and described in relation to the first embodiment of the invention may also be attached to the coupler (10) where the permanently attached coupler does not itself serve to act as a point for the suspension of ancillary items from the movement aids (12).

The unitary body ( 14) may be made from a suitable polymer, dependant on intended application, such as HDPE and the like, or may be a resilient structure made from a rubber compound, as shown in Figure 7. This may include a spring which functions to resiliently couple the movement aids (12) to each other. It is also envisaged that the unitary body (14) may, in a coupled configuration as shown in Figure 4, act as a suspension means to facilitate the suspension of the coupled movement aids (12) from a fixed point. This feature would allow for the storage of many pairs of movement aids (12) from a fixed point such as a storage rail for example. This type of storage is particularly useful in an application having many pairs of crutches (for example in a hospital) which facilitates efficient storage of crutches.

The unitary body (14) may further provide one or more surfaces for the display of information, one embodiment of which is shown in Figure 6. In particular promotional or advertisement information (26), such as brand advertising for various pharmaceutical/medical companies can be readily seen from the coupler (10) and may provide broader exposure within a hospital and/or outpatient setting. In the outdoor setting the unitary body (14) would provide a surface for the attachment of advertising material applicable to various outdoor products and stores. It is also envisaged that the unitary body (14) can be a number of different colours and may have various information printed thereon including animations for younger users.

The movement aids (12) are typically walking aids such as crutches, as shown in the appended drawings, and walking sticks. However, it is envisaged that the coupler (10) of the invention may also find application with respect to the coupling together of hiking poles (not shown) or skiing poles (not shown), thereby making it easier to keep such sporting equipment together for ease of storage. It is also envisaged that the coupler (10) may be used to couple fins to each other to provide more effective storage and organisation of fins into pairs.

A further embodiment of a coupler (40) suitable for coupling movement aids (42) together is shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment the coupler (40) includes a unitary body (44) having a first end (46) and a second end (48), the first end (46) having a first coupling element (50) and the second end (48) having a second coupling element (52) the first and second coupling elements (50; 52) being removably securable to at least one movement aid (42) and a telesccpicaliy extendable member (54) which is extendable from the unitary body (44) such that, in use. the coupler (40) functions to couple at least two movement aids (42) to each other and the extendable member (54) functions to enable the movement aids to have stable geometry in a freestanding configuration when such movement aids (42) are not actively in use.

It is envisaged that one of the coupling elements (50;52) may be permanently attached to one of the movement aids (42) as is contemplated in relation to the first embodiment. It will be further appreciated by a person skilled in the art that this embodiment of the invention may also provide for an attachment means similar to the attachment means described in relation to the first and second embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the current description is by no means an exhaustive account of all embodiments failing within the spirit of the invention as described herein and that, as such, the invention should not be limited to the few examples contained in the description.

Claims

A coupler suitable for coupling movement aids together, the coupler comprising: a unitary body having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first coupling element and the second end having a second coupling element: the first and second coupling elements being removably securable to at least one movement aid; and an attachment means attached or attachable to the unitary body, such that, in use,

the attachment means facilitates the attachment of ancillary items to the at least one movement aid and the coupler functions to couple at least two movement aids to each other.

The coupler, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first and second coupling elements are integrally moulded to the unitary body.

The coupler, as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the coupling elements are removably securable to the movement aids by means of a clipping mechanism.

The coupler, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movement aids are walking aids.

The coupler, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movement aids are skiing poles.

The coupler, as claimed in claim 4, wherein the walking aids are selected from the group comprising: crutches, walking sticks and hiking poles.

7. The coupler, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of either the first coupling element or the second coupling element is fixedly secured to a movement aid.

8. The coupler, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the unitary body is a spring.

9. The coupler, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the unitary body defines one or more surfaces for the display of information.

10. The coupler, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the unitary body defines at least one aperture to receive an additional securement means, which securement means functions, in use, to provide additional support for the coupler when such coupler is secured to at least one of the movement aids.

1 1 . The coupler, as claimed in claim 9, wherein the information displayed is promotional, decorative or advertisement information.

12. The coupler, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the attachment means is attached or attachable to the unitary body at a single location.

13. The coupler, as claimed in any one of claims 1 t 10, wherein the attachment means is attached or attachable to the unitary body at more than one location.

14. The coupler, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the ancillary items are suspended from the attachment means. The coupler, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the ancillary item is a bag for carrying articles.

The coupler, as claimed in claim 13, wherein the ancillary stem is a cup holder,

A suspension means for suspending at least two movement aids the suspension means comprising the coupler, as claimed in claim 1 , the coupler being applied to at least two movement aids, in use, the applied coupler acting as the suspension means for the suspension of the movement aids from a fixed point.

A coupler suitable for coupling movement aids together, the coupler comprising: a unitary body having a first end and a second end, the first end having a first coupling element and the second end having a second coupling element; the first and second coupling elements being removably securable to at least one movement aid; an attachment means attached or attachable to the unitary body which facilitates the attachment of ancillary items to the at least one movement aid; and an extendable member which is extendable away from the unitary body such that, in use, the coupler functions to couple at least two movement aids to each other, the attachment means facilitates the attachment of ancillary items to at least one of the movement aids and the extendable member functions to enable the movement aids to have stable tripod geometry in a freestanding configuration when such movement aids are not actively in use as movement aids.

19. A coupler substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the appended diagrammatic drawings.

20. A suspension means substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the appended diagrammatic drawings.