| |
| United States Patent
|
6,547,112 |
| Gallagher , et al.
|
April 15, 2003 |
Crutch and cane holder system
Abstract
A crutch and cane holder attachment for attaching to the rear
vertical surface portion, below the seat and preferably just above a
rear deck, of a motorized wheelchair-scooter, of the type used to
transport a disabled person. Such motorized wheelchair-scooters are
typically provided in grocery stores and other retail establishments
for use by disabled persons. The adjustable crutch and cane holder
will accommodate storage of crutches or canes regardless of the
angle of attachment of the holder to the motorized
wheelchair-scooter or the slope of the wheelchair seat-back. This
adjustability provides that the crutches will not hit the user in
the head or interfere with the seat-back when utilizing a seat that
swivels. The low mounting height provides for a minimal distance
above the floor that the crutches or cane must be lifted to
accommodate storage.
| Inventors: |
Gallagher; Charles E.
(Springerville, AZ), Gallagher; Edith L.
(Springerville, AZ) |
| Appl. No.:
|
09/815,107 |
| Filed: |
March 22, 2001 |
| Current U.S.
Class: |
224/407 ;
224/401; 224/553 |
| Current
International Class: |
B60R
11/00 (20060101); B60R 009/00 () |
| Field of
Search: |
224/553,401,407,274 D3/10,11 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent
Documents
Primary Examiner: Cronin; Stephen K.
Assistant Examiner: Brevard; Maerena W.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Stoneman; Martin L.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A holder system, for holding a lower portion of a walking
assistor, having one lower leg, structured and arranged to attach to
a rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a motorized
wheelchair-scooter, having a seat, used to transport a disabled
person, comprising: a) at least one holder, having an upper
aperture, structured and arranged to hold at least one such lower
portion of at least one such lower leg; and b) an attachment
structured and arranged to attach said holder to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; c) wherein said holder system is structured and
arranged so that said upper aperture, when attached to the motorized
wheelchair-scooter, has a height lower than a seat of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; and d) an adjuster structured and arranged to
adjust an angle of said holder when attached to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; e) wherein said holder further comprises at
least one substantially round cylindrical receiver; f) wherein said
upper aperture, when attached to the motorized wheelchair-scooter,
has a height less than about one and one-half feet above the ground;
g) wherein said at least one holder comprises at least two holders,
wherein said at least two holders comprise, i) at least two upper
respective apertures and at least two respective lower apertures,
ii) at least two respective bottoms structured and arranged to
block, respectively, said at least two lower apertures such that the
walking assistors cannot fall through said lower apertures when held
by said upper apertures, and iii) a drain in each of said at least
two bottoms structured and arranged to allow liquids to pass through
said bottoms.
2. A holder system, for holding a lower portion of a walking
assistor, having one lower leg, structured and arranged to attach to
a rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a motorized
wheelchair-scooter, having a seat, used to transport a disabled
person, comprising: a) at least one holder, having an upper
aperture, structured and arranged to hold at least one such lower
portion of at least one such lower leg; and b) an attachment
structured and arranged to attach said holder to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; c) wherein said holder system is structured and
arranged so that said upper aperture, when attached to the motorized
wheelchair-scooter, has a height lower than a seat of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; and d) an adjuster structured and arranged to
adjust an angle of said holder when attached to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; e) wherein said holder further comprises at
least one substantially round cylindrical receiver; f) wherein said
upper aperture, when attached to the motorized wheelchair-scooter,
has a height less than about one and one-half feet above the ground;
g) wherein said holder is substantially rigid; h) wherein said
adjuster comprises an adjustment range from about vertical to about
45 degrees upward and outward.
3. The holder system according to claim 2 wherein said adjuster
further comprises: a) a bolt attachment on a side of at least one
holder; b) at least one slot located adjacent said side of said at
least one holder, each said slot being structured and arranged to
cooperate with one said bolt attachment on said side of said holder.
4. A holder system, for holding a lower portion of a walking
assistor, having one lower leg, structured and arranged to attach to
a rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a motorized
wheelchair-scooter, having a seat, used to transport a disabled
person, comprising: a) at least one holder, having an upper
aperture, structured and arranged to hold at least one such lower
portion of at least one such lower leg; and b) an attachment
structured and arranged to attach said holder to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; c) wherein said holder system is structured and
arranged so that said upper aperture, when attached to the motorized
wheelchair-scooter, has a height lower than a seat of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; and d) an adjuster structured and arranged to
adjust an angle of said holder when attached to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; e) wherein said at least one holder comprises at
least two holders, having at least two upper apertures, each said
upper aperture being structured and arranged to receive at least one
such lower portion of at least one such walking assistor; f) wherein
said attachment further comprises a mechanical attachment comprising
at least two screws structured and arranged to connect said holder
to said rear substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter.
5. A holder system, for holding a lower portion of a walking
assistor, having one lower leg, structured and arranged to attach to
a rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a motorized
wheelchair-scooter, having a seat, used to transport a disabled
person, comprising: a) at least one holder, having an upper
aperture, structured and arranged to hold at least one such lower
portion of at least one such lower leg; and b) an attachment
structured and arranged to attach said holder to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; c) wherein said holder system is structured and
arranged so that said upper aperture, when attached to the motorized
wheelchair-scooter, has a height lower than a seat of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; and d) an adjuster structured and arranged to
adjust an angle of said holder when attached to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; e) wherein said at least one holder comprises at
least two holders, having at least two upper apertures, each said
upper aperture being structured and arranged to receive at least one
such lower portion of at least one such walking assistor; and f) a
motorized wheelchair-scooter having a seat and attached with said
holder.
6. A holder system, for holding a lower portion of a walking
assistor, having one lower leg, structured and arranged to attach to
a rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a motorized
wheelchair-scooter having a seat, used to transport a disabled
person, comprising: a) at least one holder, having an upper
aperture, structured and arranged to hold at least one such lower
portion of at least one such lower leg; b) an attachment structured
and arranged to attach said holder to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; and c) an adjuster structured and arranged to
adjust an angle of said holder when attached to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; d) wherein said adjuster further comprises, i) a
bolt attachment on a side of at least one holder, ii) at least one
slot located adjacent said side of said at least one holder, each
said slot being structured and arranged to cooperate with one said
bolt attachment on said side of said holder, and iii) an adjustment
range from about vertical to about 45 degrees upward and outward.
7. The holder system according to claim 6 wherein said adjustment is
set at about 40 degrees.
8. The holder system according to claim 6 wherein said at least one
holder comprises at least two holders, having at least two upper
apertures, each said upper aperture being structured and arranged to
receive at least one such lower portion of at least one such walking
assistor.
9. The holder system according to claim 7 wherein said holder
further comprises at least one substantially round cylindrical
receiver.
10. The holder system according to claim 9 wherein said holder
further comprises at least one cane receiver structured and arranged
to hold at least one cane at a fixed angle of about a 20-degree
angle upward and outward from vertical.
11. The holder system according to claim 8 further comprising a
motorized wheelchair-scooter having a seat and attached with said
holder.
12. A holder system for holding a lower portion of a walking
assistor having one lower leg structured and arranged to attach to a
rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a motorized
wheelchair-scooter having a seat, used to transport a disabled
person, comprising: a) a first cylindrical receiver; b) a left end
structured and arranged to attach to the rear substantially-vertical
surface portion of a motorized wheelchair-scooter and to said first
cylindrical receiver; c) a second cylindrical receiver; d) a
cane-holder portion structured and arranged to attach to said first
and second cylindrical receivers and comprising a cane-holder; and
e) a right end structured and arranged to attach to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of a motorized
wheelchair-scooter and to said second cylindrical receiver; and f) a
set of adjusters structured and arranged to adjust an angle of at
least one said cylindrical receiver from about vertical to about 45
degrees upward and outward.
Description
BACKGROUND
This invention relates to providing a system for improved storage of
canes and crutches, particularly in conjunction with motorized
wheelchair-scooters.
Typically, a disabled person who requires the assistance of crutches
or a cane has a need to store these items when they are utilizing a
motorized wheelchair-scooter, such as may be found in many retail
stores and grocery stores. The motorized wheelchair-scooters allow
for the disabled person to be seated and have mobility while
shopping. At the present time, it is customary that canes or
crutches are left at a service desk or carried along on the
motorized wheelchair-scooter with great difficulty. In some cases, a
bag may be attached to the back of the chair portion to accommodate
holding the crutches or cane; however, use of such bags requires
lifting the crutches or cane to a height of several feet, which may
be difficult or impossible for the disabled person to accomplish.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide
a system for holding crutches and canes on a motorized
wheelchair-scooter. It is a further object and feature of the
present invention to provide such a system which is easy to use and
which requires only minimal lifting of the crutches or cane off of
the ground for storage in the holder. Yet another object and feature
of the present invention is to provide such a system which provides
for an adjustable crutch holder accommodating storage of crutches
regardless of the angle of attachment of the holder to the motorized
wheelchair-scooter or the slope of the wheelchair seat-back; this
adjustability provides an advantage in that the crutches will not
hit the user in the head while seated or while using a motorized
wheelchair-scooter with a swiveling seat.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide such a system which is efficient, inexpensive, and handy.
Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent
with reference to the following descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a holder system, for holding a lower portion of a
walking assistor, having one lower leg, structured and arranged to
attach to a rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a
motorized wheelchair-scooter, having a seat, of the type used to
transport a disabled person, comprising, in combination: at least
one holder, having an upper aperture, structured and arranged to
hold at least one such lower portion of at least one such lower leg;
and an attachment structured and arranged to attach such holder to
the rear substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; wherein such holder system is structured and
arranged so that such upper aperture, when attached to the motorized
wheelchair-scooter, has a height lower than a seat of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter. It also provides such a system further
comprising an adjuster structured and arranged to adjust an angle of
such holder when attached to the rear substantially-vertical surface
portion of the motorized wheelchair-scooter. And, it provides such a
system wherein such at least one holder comprises at least two
holders, having at least two upper apertures, each such upper
aperture being structured and arranged to receive at least one such
lower portion of at least one such walking assistor. It also
provides such a system wherein such holder further comprises at
least one substantially round cylindrical receiver.
Further, it provides such a system wherein such upper aperture, when
attached to the motorized wheelchair-scooter, has a height less than
about one and one-half feet above the ground. And, it provides such
a system wherein such at least two holders comprise: at least two
upper respective apertures and at least two respective lower
apertures, at least two respective bottoms structured and arranged
to block, respectively, such at least two lower apertures such that
the walking assistors cannot fall through such lower apertures when
held by such upper apertures; and a drain in each of such at least
two bottoms structured and arranged to allow liquids to pass through
such bottoms. Still further, it provides such a system wherein such
holder is substantially rigid. And, it provides such a system
wherein such adjuster comprises an adjustment range from about
vertical to about 45 degrees upward and outward.
Even further, it provides such a system wherein such attachment
further comprises a mechanical attachment comprising at least two
screws structured and arranged to connect such holder to such rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter. It also provides such a system wherein such
adjuster further comprises: a bolt attachment on a side of at least
one holder; and at least one slot located adjacent such side of such
at least one holder, each such slot being structured and arranged to
cooperate with one such bolt attachment on such side of such holder.
And, it provides such a system further comprising a motorized
wheelchair-scooter having a seat and attached with such holder.
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,
there is provided a holder system, for holding a lower portion of a
walking assistor, having one lower leg, structured and arranged to
attach to a rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a
motorized wheelchair-scooter having a seat, of the type used to
transport a disabled person, comprising, in combination: at least
one holder, having an upper aperture, structured and arranged to
hold at least one such lower portion of at least one such lower leg;
an attachment structured and arranged to attach such holder to the
rear substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter; and an adjuster structured and arranged to
adjust an angle of such holder when attached to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such adjuster
further comprises: a bolt attachment on a side of at least one
holder; at least one slot located adjacent such side of such at
least one holder, each such slot being structured and arranged to
cooperate with one such bolt attachment on such side of such holder;
and an adjustment range from about vertical to about 45 degrees
upward and outward; and wherein such adjustment is set at about 40
degrees. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least
one holder comprises at least two holders, having at least two upper
apertures, each such upper aperture being structured and arranged to
receive at least one such lower portion of at least one such walking
assistor. And, it provides such a system wherein such holder further
comprises at least one substantially round cylindrical receiver.
Also, it provides such a system wherein such holder further
comprises at least one cane receiver structured and arranged to hold
at least one cane at a fixed angle of about a 20-degree angle upward
and outward from vertical. And, it provides such a system further
comprising a motorized wheelchair-scooter having a seat and attached
with such holder.
According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a holder system for holding a lower
portion of a walking assistor having one lower leg structured and
arranged to attach to a rear substantially-vertical surface portion
of a motorized wheelchair-scooter having a seat, of the type used to
transport a disabled person, comprising, in combination: a first
cylindrical receiver; a left end structured and arranged to attach
to the rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a motorized
wheelchair-scooter and to such first cylindrical receiver; a second
cylindrical receiver; a cane-holder portion structured and arranged
to attach to such first and second cylindrical receivers and
comprising a cane-holder; and a right end structured and arranged to
attach to the rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a
motorized wheelchair-scooter and to such second cylindrical
receiver. It also provides such a system further comprising a set of
adjusters structured and arranged to adjust an angle of at least one
such cylindrical receiver from about vertical to about 45 degrees
upward and outward.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorized wheelchair-scooter with
the crutch and cane holder system attached, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the crutch and cane holder according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the crutch and cane holder
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a front view, partially in section, of the crutch and cane
holder according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the crutch and cane holder according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the crutch and cane holder according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view through the section 7--7 of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motorized wheelchair-scooter 20
with the crutch and cane holder 22 attached, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred
embodiment, the crutch and cane holder 22 is preferably utilized by
being attached to a motorized wheelchair-scooter 20. Such motorized
wheelchair-scooters 20 are typically provided in grocery stores and
other retail establishments for use by disabled persons. Typically,
motorized wheelchair-scooters 20 do not provide for storage of
crutches 24 or canes 36 (each embodying herein a walking assistor
having one lower leg). Storage of these items is customarily
accomplished by leaving them at a service desk or other storage
area. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the present preferred embodiment,
the crutches 24 are stored away in two round cylindrical receivers
(each having an upper aperture, as shown), a left cylindrical
receiver 28, and a right cylindrical receiver 26 (embodying herein a
first cylindrical receiver and a second cylindrical receiver). The
receivers 26 and 28 are adjustable in angle such that when the
crutches 24 are stored in the receivers 26 and 28, they will not
interfere with the seat-back 30. Some models of motorized
wheelchair-scooters 20 have adjustable and swivel-type seats, which
would hit the crutches 24 if the receivers 26 and 28 were always in
a fixed vertical position. Preferably, the crutch and cane holder 22
is attached to a rearmost substantially-vertical surface 32 of the
motorized wheelchair-scooter 20, slightly above the rear deck 31,
and below the seat 19, as shown (this arrangement embodying herein
wherein such holder system is structured and arranged so that such
upper aperture, as shown, when attached to the motorized
wheelchair-scooter, has a height lower than a seat of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter). Preferably, the rear deck 31 is used in
conjunction with the crutch and cane holder 22 to prevent the
crutches 24 or cane 36 from falling through the crutch and cane
holder 22. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the receivers 26
and 28 have an opening 23 large enough to accept the crutch 24 leg
diameter at the top 21 (this arrangement embodying herein at least
two holders, having at least two upper apertures, each such upper
aperture being structured and arranged to receive at least one such
lower portion of at least one such walking assistor) and an opening
25 (embodying herein at least two respective lower apertures) at the
bottom 27, also large enough to accept the crutch 24 leg diameter.
As will be further described below, if no rear deck 31 is present,
another embodiment utilizing an integral bottom blocking element 29
and 33 (shown only in FIG. 5 and embodying herein at least two
respective bottoms structured and arranged to block, respectively,
such at least two lower apertures such that the walking assistors
cannot fall through such lower apertures when held by such upper
apertures) on the crutch and cane holder 22 may be utilized.
Further, there are a variety of such wheelchair-scooters 20
available, and the rearmost vertical surface 32 (embodying herein a
rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a motorized
wheelchair-scooter) may be located in different positions relative
to the seat-back 30 and slightly off vertical. Those skilled in the
art may readily engineer, under appropriate circumstances, other
attachments for the instant device, even where such rear surfaces
are rounded or with other shapes, provided, preferably, that such
rear surface has at least one substantially vertical surface portion
for involvement in such attachment. In addition, as mentioned above,
some wheelchair-scooters 20 have seats 19 (embodying herein a
motorized wheelchair-scooter having a seat) that swivel to allow for
easier loading and unloading by the disabled passenger. For the
above reasons, it is preferable to utilize an adjustable feature,
comprising as shown a bottom slot and nut to set a bottom swivel
distance and an upper nut about which a receiver may swivel (see
FIGS. 3 and 6 and corresponding descriptions, for example), for the
receivers 26 and 28 (embodying herein an adjuster structured and
arranged to adjust an angle of such holder when attached to the rear
substantially-vertical surface portion of the motorized
wheelchair-scooter). Preferably, the receivers 26 and 28 need only
be adjusted from about 0 degrees off the vertical surface 32 to
about 40 degrees outward from the vertical surface 32 (shown in FIG.
6 and embodying herein wherein such adjustment is set at about 40
degrees). More angle than about 45 degrees may cause the crutches 24
to fall out of the receivers 26 and 28, or provide a hazard by
protruding too far a distance out from the wheelchair-scooter 20.
Further, receivers 26 and 28 are made utilizing only a minimal
height required to hold the crutches 24. Preferably, the distance to
lift the crutches 24 for storing them is minimal, preferably less
than one and one-half feet from the ground and no more than about
six and one-half inches from the height of the rear deck 31 (this
arrangement embodying herein that such upper aperture, when attached
to the motorized wheelchair-scooter, has a height less than about
one and one-half feet above the ground).
In addition to holding crutches 24, the crutch and cane holder 22
also provides a middle portion 34 (embodying herein a cane-holder
portion structured and arranged to attach to such first and second
cylindrical receivers and comprising a cane-holder), which is in the
approximate shape of a holster in appearance. Preferably, middle
portion 34 is slightly sloped both in height and in width, as shown.
The preferable slope is about 20 degrees from back 33 to front 35
(embodying herein wherein such holder further comprises at least one
cane receiver structured and arranged to hold at least one cane at a
fixed angle of about a 20-degree angle upward and outward from
vertical), thus typically holding a cane 36 with little or no
adjustment necessary. Preferably, the distance to lift the cane 36
for storing is minimal, preferably less than one and one-half feet
from the ground and no more than about six and one-half inches from
the height of the rear deck 31.
The following discussion is with reference to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. FIG.
2 is a perspective view of the crutch and cane holder 22, according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 further
illustrates the assembled crutch and cane holder 22. FIG. 3 is an
exploded perspective view of the crutch and cane holder 22 and
illustrates the individual parts, which will be explained in greater
detail below. FIG. 4 is a front view, partially in section, of the
crutch and cane holder 22. Preferably, the crutch and cane holder 22
is comprised of five basic parts and connecting hardware. The five
basic parts are a left end 38, a right end 40, a middle portion 34,
and two receivers 26 and 28. The connecting hardware is preferably
comprised of flat head threaded machine bolts (e.g. bolt 60), which
will allow the bolt portion to pass through an aperture, but not the
head of the bolt, and size-matched lock washers 148 and nuts 150,
which will threadably attach to the bolts. Those knowledgeable in
the art will understand and appreciate that, in appropriate
circumstances, other types of suitable connectors may be selected
without detracting from the present invention.
Preferably, left end 38 comprises a larger first vertical planar
surface 42, resembling a fin, and a smaller second vertical planar
surface 44, which is equal in height and protrudes to the left and
perpendicular to the first vertical planar surface 42, as shown.
Preferably, the second vertical planar surface 44 is a short piece,
preferably about one inch wide, just wide enough to provide holes 46
and 48 for mounting hardware such as screws 46' and 48' (this
arrangement embodying herein a left end structured and arranged to
attach to the rear substantially-vertical surface portion of a
motorized wheelchair-scooter and to such first cylindrical receiver;
and wherein such attachment further comprises a mechanical
attachment comprising at least two screws structured and arranged to
connect such holder to such rear substantially-vertical surface
portion of the motorized wheelchair-scooter). In a preferred
embodiment, larger first vertical planar surface 42 is about six and
one-half inches in height, about four and three-quarters inches long
at the top 50 from back 52 to front 54, and about three and
three-quarters inches long at the bottom 56 from back 52 to front
54. The first vertical planar surface 42 also comprises a bolt
aperture 58 located about one and one-half inches from the top 50
and about one and one-eighth inches from the front 54. Preferably,
bolt aperture 58 is just large enough to accommodate bolt 60 (see
FIG. 3). In addition, the first vertical planar surface 42 also
comprises a slotted bolt aperture 57. Preferably, slotted bolt
aperture 57 is located starting at about one and one-half inches
from the bottom 56, and about one and one-eighth inches from the
front 54, as shown. Preferably, slotted bolt aperture 57 is
elongated in an arc for a distance of about two inches such that it
will allow receiver 28 to be angled up to about 45 degrees
(embodying herein wherein such adjuster further comprises: a bolt
attachment on a side of at least one holder; at least one slot
located adjacent such side of such at least one holder, each such
slot being structured and arranged to cooperate with one such bolt
attachment on such side of such holder; and embodying herein wherein
such adjuster comprises an adjustment range from about vertical to
about 45 degrees upward and outward). Preferably, slotted bolt
aperture 57 will accommodate bolt 59, as shown in FIG. 3.
Preferably right end 40 (embodying herein a right end structured and
arranged to attach to the rear substantially-vertical surface
portion of a motorized wheelchair-scooter and to such second
cylindrical receiver) comprises a larger first vertical planar
surface 62, resembling a fin, and a smaller second vertical planar
surface 64, which is equal in height and protrudes to the right and
perpendicular to the first vertical planar surface 62, as shown.
Preferably, the second vertical planar surface 64 is a short piece,
preferably about one inch wide, just wide enough to provide holes 66
and 68 (shown in FIG. 4) for mounting hardware, such as screws (not
shown at this spot, but an arrangement like that for similar holes
46 and 48 and screws 46' and 48'). In a preferred embodiment, larger
first vertical planar surface 62 is about six and one-half inches in
height, about four and three-quarters inches long at the top 70 from
back 72 to front 74, and about three and three-quarters inches long
at the bottom 76 from back 72 to front 74. The first vertical planar
surface 62 also comprises a bolt aperture 78 located about one and
one-half inches from the top 70, and about one and one-eighth inches
from the front 74. Preferably, bolt aperture 78 is just large enough
to accommodate bolt 80 (see FIG. 3). In addition, the first vertical
planar surface 62 also comprises a slotted bolt aperture 67.
Preferably, slotted bolt aperture 67 is located starting at about
one and one-half inches from the bottom 76, and about one and
one-eighth inches from the front 74, as shown. Preferably, slotted
bolt aperture 67 is elongated in an arc for a distance of about two
inches such that it will allow receiver 26 to be angled up to about
45 degrees. Preferably, slotted bolt aperture 67 will accommodate
bolt 69, as shown in FIG. 3.
Preferably, middle portion 34 comprises a U-shaped portion 79,
further comprising a back 80, a left wing 82, a right wing 84, and a
center tapered holster portion 86. The back 80, as shown, is
preferably a solid back of about four and three-quarters inches
wide, and about six and one-half inches in height; it has holes 81,
83, 85, and 87 (shown in FIG. 4) for mounting hardware, such as
screws (not shown at this spot, but an arrangement like that for
similar holes 46 and 48 and screws 46' and 48'). Left wing 82
preferably extends perpendicular from the left end of back 80, with
a preferred dimension of about six and one-half inches in height,
about four and three-quarters inches long at the top 88 from back 90
to front 92, and about three and three-quarters inches long at the
bottom 94 from back 90 to front 92. Left wing 82 further comprises a
bolt aperture 96 located about one and one-half inches from the top
88, and about one and one-eighth inches from the front 92.
Preferably, bolt aperture 96 is just large enough to accommodate
bolt 100 (see FIG. 3). In addition, the left wing 82 also comprises
a slotted bolt aperture 102. Preferably, slotted bolt aperture 102
is located starting at about one and one-half inches from the bottom
94, and about one and one-eighth inches from the front 92, as shown.
Preferably, slotted bolt aperture 102 is elongated in an arc for a
distance of about two inches such that it will allow receiver 26 to
be angled up to about 45 degrees. Preferably, slotted bolt aperture
102 will accommodate bolt 104, as shown in FIG. 3.
Right wing 84 preferably extends perpendicular from the right end of
back 80, with a preferred dimension of about six and one-half inches
in height, about four and three-quarters inches long at the top 106
from back 107 to front 108, and about three and three-quarters
inches long at the bottom 110 from back 107 to front 108. Right wing
84 further comprises a bolt aperture 112 located about one and
one-half inches from the top 106, and about one and one-eighth
inches from the front 108. Preferably, bolt aperture 112 is just
large enough to accommodate bolt 114 (see FIG. 3). In addition, the
right wing 84 also comprises a slotted bolt aperture 116.
Preferably, slotted bolt aperture 116 is located starting at about
one and one-half inches from the bottom 110, and about one and
one-eighth inches from the front 108, as shown. Preferably, slotted
bolt aperture 116 is elongated in an arc for a distance of about two
inches such that it will allow receiver 26 to be angled up to about
45 degrees. Preferably, lotted bolt aperture 116 will accommodate
bolt 118, as shown in FIG. 3.
Preferably, integral to the back 80 is center-tapered holster
portion 86. Illustrated further in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, center-tapered
holster portion 86 is preferably shaped like a holster, open at both
ends, with a slightly sloping top 120. The top 120 preferably slopes
at about a 20 degree angle. In a preferred embodiment, the holster
portion 86 is about one and three-quarters wide at the top 120 along
the back 80 (seen as dimension A in FIG. 4), and about one and
one-quarter wide at the top 120 along the front 122 (seen as
dimension B in FIG. 4). Preferably, the holster portion 86 is about
six and one-half inches in height along the back 80, and about six
and one-quarter inches in height along the front 122. Under
appropriate circumstances, other combinations of slope and size
might suffice to approriately hold the cane 36. Preferably, the
described embodiment will allow for minimal effort to raise the cane
36 in order to utilize the holster portion 86 and store the cane 36.
It should be noted that although the preferred embodiment is to use
a hollow center-tapered holster portion 86, if the motorized
wheelchair-scooter 20 does not have a rear deck 31, then a bottom
blocking element 31' (preferably including a drain 35) would be
preferably installed on the holster portion 86.
Receivers 26 and 28 are identical in appearance and comprise two
right round hollow cylinders, as shown. Preferably, receivers 26 and
28 are at least two and one-half inches in inner diameter in order
to accommodate the majority of crutch sizes. Preferably, receivers
26 and 28 are about five and three-quarters inches in height, about
a minimal height required to adequately hold the crutches from
falling out. It should be noted that although the preferred
embodiment is to use hollow cylinders, if the motorized
wheelchair-scooter 20 does not have a rear deck 31, then another
preferred embodiment is to insert or otherwise integrally attach a
bottom blocking element 29 and 33 (shown only in FIG. 5), which
would be preferably installed on the bottom of receivers 26 and 28
along with a drain hole 35 (embodying herein a drain in each of such
at least two bottoms structured and arranged to allow liquids to
pass through such bottoms) in each blocking element 29 and 33.
Receiver 26 has two bolt apertures 124 and 126 along the top 125,
arranged to match-up with bolt aperture 78 and bolt aperture 112. In
addition, receiver 26 preferably has two bolt apertures 128 and 130
along the bottom 132 arranged to match-up with slotted bolt aperture
67 and slotted bolt aperture 116. Receiver 28 has two bolt apertures
134 and 136 along the top 135, arranged to match-up with bolt
aperture 58 and bolt aperture 96. In addition, receiver 26
preferably has two bolt apertures 138 and 140 along the bottom 139
arranged to match-up with slotted bolt aperture 57 and slotted bolt
aperture 102, as shown (embodying herein a set of adjusters
structured and arranged to adjust an angle of at least one such
cylindrical receiver from about vertical to about 45 degrees upward
and outward).
Reference is now made to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 with continued reference
to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a front view, partially in section,
of the crutch and cane holder 22 fully assembled, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view
of the crutch and cane holder 22, also fully assembled. FIG. 5
further illustrates the crutch and cane holder 22 when fully
assembled. The assembly of the crutch and cane holder 22 is
preferably accomplished by inserting the appropriate bolts into the
appropriate apertures and securing the bolts with nuts 150 and
washers 148, as shown. Those knowledgeable in the art will
appreciate the simplicity of the design and easily understand the
assembly. For example, receiver 26 is secured to right end 40 by
inserting bolt 80 through bolt aperture 124 and aperture 80, then
attaching washer 148 and nut 150. It is further attached by
inserting bolt 69 through slotted bolt aperture 130 and slotted bolt
aperture 67, then attaching washer 148 and nut 150. Receiver 26 is
secured to right wing 84 by inserting bolt 114 through bolt aperture
126 and aperture 112, then attaching washer 148 and nut 150 to
secure the bolt 114. It is further attached by inserting bolt 118
through aperture 128 and slotted bolt aperture 116, then attaching
washer 148 and nut 150 to secure the bolt 118. Preferably, receiver
28 is secured to left end 38 by inserting bolt 60 through bolt
aperture 134 and aperture 58, then attaching washer 148 and nut 150.
It is further attached by inserting bolt 59 through slotted bolt
aperture 138 and slotted bolt aperture 57, then attaching washer 148
and nut 150. Receiver 28 is secured to left wing 82 by inserting
bolt 100 through bolt aperture 136 and aperture 96, then attaching
washer 148 and nut 150 to secure the bolt 114. It is further
attached by inserting bolt 104 through aperture 140 and slotted bolt
aperture 102, then attaching washer 148 and nut 150 to secure the
bolt 118. In the above described manner, all five basic parts (left
end 38, a right end 40, a middle portion 34, and two receivers 26
and 28) are connected, as shown.
The preferred overall dimensions of the crutch and cane holder 22 is
about twelve inches wide by about six and one-half inches high, by
about four and three-quarters inches deep. The preferred material
for the five basic parts comprising a left end 38, a right end 40, a
middle portion 34, and two receivers 26 and 28, is aluminum. In
appropriate circumstances, other suitable rigid materials may be
utilized by those knowledgeable in the art (embodying herein wherein
such holder is substantially rigid).
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments
of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of
this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes, sizes
and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as
read in connection with the above specification.
Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and
the below claims.
* * * * *
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