Walking aid foot device

Description

[0001] This invention relates to foot devices for walking aids such as walking sticks, crutches or the like of the kind wherein a mounting member of the device forfitting to the lower end of a walking stick, crutch or like leg has a ball and socket connection with a foot member to permit their relative angular movement in a universal manner whereby greatly increased resistance to slipping of the foot member on the ground, or a floor or similar surface is obtained even when a walking stick, crutch or other walking aid fitted with the device is at a considerable angle to the ground or floor, (DE-A-3004028).

[0002] The object of this invention is to provide improved constructions and arrangements of such a device of a simple and highly effective nature.

[0003] According to this invention a foot device of the kind referred to for a walking aid such as a walking stick, crutch or the like comprising a mounting member having a socket for securely receiving therein the lowerend ofthewalking aid and having a ball shaped member extending therefrom by a shank and being retentively received by a co-operating socket of an anti-slip foot member for their relative universal angular movement, is characterised in that the mounting member is of resilient material; the ball shaped member extends from an integral disc-like head located in the mounting member at the inner end of the socket therein for direct contact with the lower end of the walking aid whereby weight on the walking aid is transmitted directly to the ball and socket connection; and the lower end of the mounting member is provided with a depending yieldable skirt of resilient material which protectively encloses the ball and socket connection, the resilience of said skirt being such that it urges the foot member to the axially aligned position relative to the mounting member.

[0004] Practical examples of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in whcih:-

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of one form of the device shown fitted to a walking stick,

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged scale axial plane sectional detail view of the foot device, and

FIGURES 3 to 7 are axial plane sectional views similar to FIGURE 2 but each showing developments or modifications.

[0005] Like parts are referred to by the same or similar reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0006] Referring to FIGURE 1 the foot member 1 of the device is in the nature of a disc having an anti-slip face 10 at its underside and formed or provided with a socket 12 at its upperside for relatively receiving a ball shaped lower extremity or projection 20 of mounting member or ferrule having a socket 23 which has a tight push fit on the lower end of a walking stick 3.

[0007] The ball and socket connection 20,12 provides a considerable extent of universal pivotal movement of the mounting member 2 and hence angular movement of the stick 3, relative to the foot 1 in any direction. The facing of the underside of the foot 1 preferably has a tread formation or pattern 100 on its underface at 10 for anti-slip contact with the floor, ground or with similar surfaces such as on stairways.

[0008] The action of the device is such that despite considerable inclination of the stick 3 relative to the floor F the anti-slip underside 10 of the foot 1 remains flatly in full face contact with thefloorFfor maximum resistance to slipping e.g. under the weight of a person adopting a leaning attitude on the stick. Practical tests have established that an effective anti-slip action is obtained even on smooth surfaces such as tiled or similar floors.

[0009] The full contact obtained and maintained by means of the device according to this invention is provided in a self accommodating manner by the universal pivotal action of the ball and socket connection 20,12. Furthermorethestick3 isableto turn or swivel about its axis relative to the foot 1 so that freedom of movement is afforded i.e. when a person using the fitted stick 3 changes direction in which he or she is facing.

[0010] As shown in FIGURE 2 the mounting member 2 is moulded or otherwise produced in rubber, plastic or other suitable resilient material so as to have a gripping push fit on the lower end of a walking stick 3 or leg of a crutch. The socket 23 of the mounting member 2 is also shown provided with raised formation at 230 for gripping engagement about the stick 3 or leg.

[0011] Located in an annular groove 22 at the base of the socket 23 of the mounting member 2 or preferably moulded therein is a head or disc 220 from which the ball shaped projection 20 depends by a shank 200. The arrangement is such that the lower end of the stick 3 or leg directly contacts the disc 220 so that the weight of a person on the stick or crutch is directly transmitted to the ball 20 and foot 1.

[0012] The foot 1 is also moulded or otherwise produced in rubber or the like and is directly formed with the anti-slip face 10 at its underside. The foot 1 contains an insert 120 of harder wear resistant material e.g. nylon providing the socket 12 which receives the ball 20 with a retentive snap fit. The insert 120 is moulded in the foot 1 and is shown of conical form for retention therein.

[0013] The tread projections 100 of the anti-slip underface 10 are shown of taper form to facilitate moulding and also for ease of cleaning.

[0014] The lower end of the mounting member 2 is shown provided with a yieldable depending member or skirt 21 which abuts the upper inclined face of the foot 1. In addition to imparting a neat appearance to the device and protectively enclosing the ball and socket engagement 20, 12 from dirt, the skirt 21 tends to maintain the foot 1 axially aligned with the mounting member 2 and stick 3 yet readily permits relative inclination as required under conditions of use. In particular the skirt 21 prevents or minimises undue pivotal movement of the foot 1 when it is raised from the ground during walking and ensures that the foot 1 is in a suitable attitude for further anti-slip contact with the ground.

[0015] The skirt 21 may be of rubber or like resilient material and is shown formed integrally with the modulated mounting member 2.

[0016] In FIGURE 3 the skirt 21 is shown inwardly directed or curved where it abuts the upperside of the foot 1 in order to prevent or minimise gapping of the skirt 21 from the foot 1 on their relative inclination. The base of the insert 120 is shown flanged for retention in the foot 1.

[0017] The diameter of the foot 1 may be varied according to requirements, a larger size being normally used on a crutch compared with that for a walking stick.

[0018] Instead of being directly formed with an anti-slip face 10 at its.underside the foot 1 may receive a cap of rubber or like material with a retentive engagement or snap fit to provide an anti-slip underface, which cap can be readily removed or peeled off when worn for replacement by a new cap or an alternative form of cap. Thus a cap (or foot) having a spiked underside may be provided for use as necessary on very slippery surfaces such as on ice covered surfaces.

[0019] The foot device shown in FIGURE 4 is generally similar to that of FIGURE 3 except that the mounting member 2 is of locally increased diameter in the vicinity of the head or disc 220. The latter is also shown provided with an upstanding central spike 223 for locating engagement with the lower end of a wooden walking stick 3 or with a plug of similar material provided in the end of a tubular leg of a crutch. A further feature of the arrangement of FIGURE 4 is the provision of a sleeve or gaiter 4 of rubber or other resilient material about the shank 200, an outwardly flared lower part 40 of the gaiter 4 protectively closing the top of the socket 12 in the insert 120 and ball 20 therein in order to directly seal the ball and socket engagement from ingress of dirt yet readily permit their relative angular movement in any direction. The spike 223 may be provided in any of the arrangements shown in FIGURES 1 to 3 and the gaiter 4 in the arrangement of FIGURE 3.

[0020] In FIGURE 5 the arrangement is again generally similar to those already described however the gaiter 44 has a stronger resilient action and bears on the top of the socket insert 120 to not only provide sealing against dirt but also to urge the foot 1 back to the axially aligned position after relative inclination of the stick 3 or crutch and as the foot 1 is raised from contact with the ground. The need for the skirt 21 to perform this function is no longer necessary and is shown of shorter form with a clearance between it and the upperside of the foot 1. The skirt 21 in this instance is able to flex to permit pronounced inclination of the stick 3 or crutch relative to the foot 1.

[0021] Referring to FIGURE 6 a gaiter 440 of flared form and again having a stronger resilient action is shown for urging the foot 1 to the axially aligned position and also seal the ball and socket engagement 20, 12. In this example the skirt 21 is virtually dispensed with.

[0022] In an alternative arrangement of resiliently providing the axial alignment and sealing of the ball and socket engagement 20,12 an upward tubular piece or extension 14 of the rubber or similar foot 1 enters an underside recess 24 of the socket member 2 about the shank 200 and bears against the underface of the disc or head 220 with a resilient yielding action. The inner wall of the recess 24 or skirt 210 so provided abuts the exterior of the tubular extension 14 with a resilient action on pronounced inclination of the stick 3 or crutch relative to the foot 1.

[0023] In FIGURES 6 and 7 the disc head 220 is shown perforated at 222 for positive moulding into the rubber of the mounting member 2. Such perforation may be provided in the disc heads 220 of the arrangements shown in FIGURES 1 to 5.

[0024] Further in the interests of stability and in all the embodiments of the invention described, the centre of the ball and socket connection is situated close to the underside 10 of the foot 1 and hence to a floor or similar surface F on which it bears in use.

[0025] The effective anti-slip action obtained ensures more positive and safer support of a person using a stick or sticks or crutches fitted with the device especially in the case of a crippled or disabled person and gives the latter a much greater degree of confidence. The device can be inexpensively produced and can also be of compact, unobtrusive form of adequate strength and durability to withstand hard usage.

Claims

1. A foot device for a walking aid such as a walking stick, crutch or the like comprising a mounting member (2) having a socket (23) for securely receiving therein the lower end of the walking aid (3) and having a ball shaped member (20) extending therefrom by a shank (200) and being retentively received by a co-operating socket (12) of an anti-slip foot member (1) for their relative universal angular movement, characterised in that the mounting member (2) is of resilient material; the ball shaped member (20) extends from an integral disc-like head (220) located in the mounting member (2) at the inner end of the socket (23) therein for direct contact with the lower end of the walking aid (3) whereby weight on the walking aid is transmitted directly to the ball and socket connection (20, 12); and the lower end of the mounting member (2) is provided with a depending yieldable skirt (21) of resilient material which protectively encloses the ball and socket connection (20, 12), the resilience of said skirt being such that it urges the foot member (1) to the axially aligned position relative to the mounting member (2).

2. A foot device for a walking aid according to claim 1 wherein the resiliently yieldable skirt abuts the upper part of the foot member (1).

3. A foot device for a walking aid according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the depending resiliently yieldable skirt (21) is inwardly directed or curved where it abuts the upper part of the foot member (1) to minimise gapping therefrom on relative inclination of the mounting member (2) from the foot member (1).

4. A foot device for a walking aid according to any of the preceding claims wherein a sleeve (4, 44 or 440) of resilient material is provided about the shank (200) and bears on the upper part of the foot member (1) for protectively enclosing the ball and socket connection (20, 12).

5. A foot device for a walking aid according to claim 4 wherein the sleeve (4, 44, 440) acts between the mounting member (2) or head (220) therein and the upper part of the foot member (1), and its resilience is such that it urges the foot member (1) to the axially aligned position relative to the mounting member (2).

6. A foot device for a walking aid according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein a tubular extension (14) of the foot member extends upwardly about the shank (200) to at least protectively enclose the ball and socket connection (20, 12).

7. A foot device for a walking aid according to claim 6 wherein the tubular extension (14) acts between the mounting member (2) or head (220) therein and the upper part of the foot member (1), and its resilience is such that it urges the foot member (1) to the axially aligned position relative to the mounting member (2).

8. A foot device for a walking aid according to any of the preceding claims wherein the upperside of the head (200) is provided with an upstanding spike (223) for locating engagement with the lower end of a walking stick (3) or of a crutch or like leg inserted in the socket (23) of the mounting member (2).

Ansprüche

1. Fußvorrichtung für Gehhilfen, wie Spazierstöcke, Krücken oder dgl., mit einem Befestigungselement (2), das eine Muffe (23) zum sicheren Aufnehmen des unteren Endes der Gehhilfe (3) und ein kugelförmiges Element (20) aufweist, das mittels eines Schaftes (200) vom Befestigungselement (2) absteht und das von einer entsprechenden Pfanne (12) eines rutschfesten Fußelementes (1) allseitig relativ zueinander winklig bewegbar und haltend aufgenommen ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Befestigungselement (2) aus elastischem Material besteht, daß das kugelförmige Element (20) sich einstückig von einem scheibenförmigen Kopf (220) aus erstreckt, der im Befestigungselement (2) am inneren Ende der Muffe (23) in unmittelbarer Berührung mit dem unteren Ende der Gehhilfe (3) angeordnet ist, wodurch das Gewicht der Gehhilfe unmittelbar auf die Kugel/Pfannen-Verbindung (20, 12) übertragen ist, und daß das untere Ende des Befestigungselementes (2) mit einer gebundenen, nachgiebigen Schürze (21) aus elastischem Material versehen ist, die die Kugel/ Pfannen-Verbindung (20, 12) schützend umgibt, wobei die Elastizität dieser Schürze derart ist, daß sie das Fußelement (1) in eine mit dem Befestigungselement (2) axial ausgerichtete Lage drängt.

2. Fußvorrichtung für Gehhilfen nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die elastisch nachgiebige Schürze am oberen Teil des Fußelementes (1) anliegt.

3. Fußvorrichtung für Gehhilfen nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die gebundene, elastisch nachgiebige Schürze (21) an dem Bereich, an dem sie am oberen Bereich des Fußelementes (1) anliegt, nach innen gerichtet oder gekrümmt ist, um bei einer Neigung des Befestigungselementes (2) gegenüber dem Fußelement (1) ein Aufklaffen auf ein Minimum zu verringern.

4. Fußvorrichtung für Gehhilfen nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Überschiebemuffe (4, 44 oder 440) aus elastischem Material um den Schaft (200) vorgesehen und am oberen Teil des Fußelementes (1) zum schützenden Umgreifen der Kugel/Pfannen-Verbindung (20, 12) gehalten ist.

5. Fußvorrichtung für Gehhilfen nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Überschiebemuffe (4, 44, 440) zwischen dem Befestigungselement (2) oder dem Kopf (220) und dem oberen Teil des Fußelementes (1) wirkt und daß ihre Elastizität derart ist, daß sie das Fußelement (1) in eine mit dem Befestigungselement (2) axial ausgerichtete Lage trägt.

6. Fußvorrichtung für Gehhilfen nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine rohrförmige Verlängerung (14) des Fußelementes sich nach oben um den Schaft (200) zum zumindest schützenden Umgeben der Kugel/ Pfannen-Verbindung (20, 12) erstreckt.

7. Fußvorrichtung für Gehhilfen nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die rohrförmige Verlängerung (14) zwischen dem Befestigungselement (2) oder dem Kopf (22) und dem oberen Teil des Fußelements (1) wirkt und daß ihre Elastizität derart ist, daß sie das Fußelement (1) in eine mit dem Befestigungselement (2) axial ausgerichtete Lage drängt.

8. Fußvorrichtung für Gehhilfen nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die obere Seite des Kopfes (200) mit einem nach oben gerichteten Dorn (223) zur zentrierenden Verbindung mit dem unteren Ende des Spazierstockes (3), der Krücke oder dgl. Bein, das in die Muffe (23) des Befestigungselementes (2) eingesteckt ist, versehen ist.

Revendications

1. Dispositif d'embout destiné à un moyen auxiliaire de marche telle qu'une canne, une béquille ou similaire comprenant un élément de montage (2) comportant une douille (23) pour recevoir solidement à l'intérieur de celui-ci l'extrémité inférieure du moyen auxiliare de marche (3) et comportant un élément sphérique (20) s'étendant à partir de celui-ci par une tige (200) et étant repris et maintenu par une douille coopérante (12) d'un élément d'embout anti-dérapant (1) pour leur mouvement angulaire universel relatif, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de montage (2) est en matériau élastique; l'élément sphérique (20) s'étend à partir d'une tête en forme de disque solidaire (220) située dans l'élément de montage (2) au niveau de l'extrémité inférieure de la douille (23) dans celui-ci pour le contact direct avec l'extrémité inférieure du moyen auxiliaire de marche (3) de sorte que le poids reposant sur le moyen auxiliaire de marche est transmis directement à l'articulation à rotule (20, 12); et l'extrémité inférieure de l'élément de montage (2) est munie d'une jupe dépendante (21) pouvant céder élastiquement en matériau élastique qui enserre de façon protectrice l'articulation à rotule (20, 12), l'élasticité de la jupe étant telle qu'elle sollicite l'élément d'embout (1) sur la position alignée axialement par rapport à l'élément de montage (2).

2. Dispositif d'embout destiné à un moyen auxiliaire de marche selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la jupe pouvant céder élastiquement vient en butée sur la partie supérieure de l'élément d'embout (1).

3. Dispositif d'embout destiné à un moyen auxiliaire de marche selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel la jupe dépendante (21) pouvant céder élastiquement est dirigée vers l'intérieur ou incurvée à l'endroit où elle vient en butée sur la partie supérieure de l'élément d'embout (1) pour minimiser l'intervalle à partir de celui-ci sur l'inclinaison relative de l'élément de montage (2) à . partir de l'élément d'embout (1).

4. Dispositif d'embout destiné à un moyen auxiliaire de marche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel un manchon (4, 44 ou 440) en matériau élastique est prévu autour de la tige (200) et s'appuie sur la partie supérieure de l'élément d'embout (1) pour enserrer de façon protectrice l'articulation à rotule (20, 12).

5. Dispositif d'embout destiné à un moyen auxiliaire de marche selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le manchon (4, 44 ou 440) agit entre l'élément de montage (2) ou la tête (220) de celui-ci et la partie supérieure de l'élément d'embout (1), et son élasticité est telle qu'elle sollicite l'élément d'embout (1) sur la position alignée axialement par rapport à l'élément de montage (2).

6. Dispositif d'embout destiné à un moyen auxiliaire de marche selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans lequel un prolongement tubulaire (14) de l'élément d'embout s'étend vers le haut autour de la tige (200) pour enserrer au moins de façon protectrice l'articulation à rotule (20, 12).

7. Dispositif d'embout destiné à un moyen auxi- laire de marche selon la revendication 6, dans lequel le prolongement tubulaire (14) agit entre l'élément de montage (2) ou la tête (220) dans celui-ci et la partie supérieure de l'élément d'embout (1), et son élasticité est telle qu'elle sollicite l'élément d'embout (1) sur la position alignée axialement par rapport à l'élément de montage (2).

8. Dispositif d'embout destiné à un moyen auxiliaire de marche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le côté supérieur de la tête (200) est muni d'une pointe droite (223) pour positionner la venue en contact de l'extrémité inférieure d'une canne (3) ou d'une béquille ou d'une jambe similaire inserée dans la douille (23) de l'élément de montage (2).

Drawing