US H2,138 H1
Custom fit carbon fiber composite forearm crutch
David Pullman, Piqua, Ohio (US); Vernon T. Bechel, Beavercreek, Ohio (US); Steven L. Donaldson, Beavercreek, Ohio (US); and John D. Camping, Huber Heights, Ohio (US)
Assigned to The United State of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, D.C. (US)
Filed on Sep. 07, 2001, as Appl. No. 9/950,241.
Claims priority of provisional application 60/267237, filed on Feb. 08, 2001.
Int. Cl. A61H 3/02 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 135—71 4 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A custom fit carbon composite forearm crutch for use by persons having lower extremity disability, comprising:
(a) first, second and third tubes of respective lengths selected according to the physical dimensions of the intended user, each of said tubes consisting of respective continuous lengths of a carbon fiber composite;
(b) a generally T-shaped unitary metallic fitting interconnecting said first, second and third tubes, said unitary metallic fitting defining an angle greater than 90° between said first and second tubes in the assembled condition, said unitary metallic fitting configured to yield predictably prior to failure of either of said first, second and third tubes;
(c) a cuff attached to the upper distal end of said first tube for receiving the arm of the user;
(d) wherein said first tube is selected in length according to forearm dimension of the intended user, and wherein said second tube is a handle of selected length for gripping by the intended user and wherein said third tube is of length selected according to the height of the user to extend to a walking surface for support of the user; and
(e) an adhesive bonding said first, second and third tubes to said fitting and bonding said cuff to said first tube in order to maximize the strength of the joints between said fitting and said first, second and third tubes and between said cuff and said first tube, whereby a substantially unitary structure without wear joints is defined by said fitting and said tubes.