GB1096547A - Improvements in or relating to walking-aids - Google Patents

Abstract

1,096,547. Wheeled walking-aid. C. HORNBY. Nov. 8, 1966 [Nov. 13, 1965], No. 48273/65. Heading A6M. A walking-aid comprises two tubular side frames 8, 9, 10, one of which is shown in side view in the figure, rigidly united back and front at a common level by at least one pair of cross members; sprag elements 26 slidably mounted one on each side-frame and spring urged to positions clear of the floor; and a pair of handles 23 slidably mounted one on each side frames and adapted to actuate the sprag elements to contact the floor when the handles are depressed, so that the walking aid is stabilised between forward movements of the user. The lower ends of the handles may engage telescopically with the sprag elements and operate them with compression springs 30 and 31, the handles being adjustable for length by clamping together telescopic sections thereof, so that even at the upward limit of its adjustment a vertical line through the handle grip falls within the wheelbase of the appliance. The handle may comprise an inner tube 18 carrying grip 22 and outer tube 17 clamped with screw 20 to a V-groove in the inner tube so that the height of the handle can be adjusted and relative rotation of the inner and outer tubes is prevented. The inner tube may slide and rotate in lug 24, the line of action of handle and sprag may be rearwardly inclined at 10 to 18‹ and outwardly splayed at 3 to 7‹ to the vertical. An abutment 33 may engage housing 25 to prevent further depression of the handle after the sprag 26 has contacted the floor, and the bridge 38 with underside 39 of a notched cam profile can engage the pin 32 when the handle is heavily depressed and rotated about its axis so that the handle and sprag element are locked against return movement upwards. One pair of cross members may be at such a height that they can be used to support a tray for a seated person, and the rear limbs 10 of the side-frames may be rearwardly raked, as at 5, so that the lower pair of two pairs of cross-members will clear the legs of a seated person using a tray on the upper pair of cross members.