GB2638765A

GB2638765A - A handle for a mobility device

Info

Publication number: GB2638765A
Application number: GB2402992.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Denise Wilkie Erin
Original assignee: My Stick Style Ltd
Current assignee: My Stick Style Ltd
Priority date: 2024-03-01
Filing date: 2024-03-01
Publication date: 2025-09-03
Also published as: GB202402992D0

Abstract

A handle 100 for a mobility device, such as a walking stick (200, fig.2A), comprising a grip member 110 configured to receive a user’s hand, and a shell structure 120 coupled to the grip member and extending from a first end to a second end of the grip member to form a wall portion 122, preferably curved in a dome shape, on an outer side of the grip member, such that when the hand is in place the wall portion covers at least partially a dorsal side of the hand. The wall portion may form a curved lip 124 to support the user’s wrist in use, on which a cuff portion (324, fig.3A), which may be formed of a stretchable material, may receive the user’s wrist in use. A flexible cover may removably attach to the shell structure via fastening means (T1, T2, fig.4A, B1, B2, fig.4B). The handle may be made of a biomaterial or may be made using additive manufacturing. The grip may be secured to a leg member (210, fig.2A) of the mobility device. A kit of parts may include the handle and the leg member.

Description

A HANDLE FOR A MOBILITY DEVICE

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a handle for a mobility device. The disclosure also relates to a mobility device provided with such a handle.

Background

Mobility devices, also referred to as mobility aids including walking sticks, are essential for individuals who require assistance in walking due to age, injury, or disability.

Even though many users do get instructions in how to use a walking stick, many fall into bad habits, which can lead to injuries. For instance, if a user gets into a habit of holding the walking stick with the wrist extended, the pressure in the carpal tunnel increases which can lead to both temporary and permanent adverse effects.

Traditional designs of mobility aids may provide some support for movement but often overlook the ergonomic aspects of the handle, which plays a crucial role in user comfort and effectiveness of the aid.

Conventional handles may force the user's wrist into unnatural positions while walking. The pattern of how a person walk is referred to as the person's gait. For some users, particularly for those with an asymmetric gait, this can cause discomfort, strain, and even long-term musculoskeletal issues due to spinal misalignment.

Conventional handle designs may not fit a user's biomechanical characteristics and limit the effectiveness of known mobility aids in supporting natural gait patterns and reducing the risk of falls.

It is an object of the disclosure to address one or more of the above mentioned limitations.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a handle for a mobility device, the handle comprising: a grip member configured to receive a user's hand, the grip member extending between a first end and a second end; and a shell structure coupled to the grip member and extending from the first end to the second end of the grip member to form a wall portion on an outer side of the grip member, so that when the hand is in place the wall portion covers at least partially a dorsal side of the hand.

Optionally, the wall portion is curved outwardly to form a dome shape.

Optionally, the wall portion forms a curved lip configured to support the user's wrist.

Optionally, the handle further comprises a cuff portion attachable to the wall portion, the cuff portion being adapted to receive the user's wrist.

Optionally, the cuff portion is formed and arranged to fit onto the curved lip.

Optionally, the cuff portion has a semi-open shape.

For instance, the cuff portion may form a C shape aperture to receive the wrist. The cuff portion may be configured to guide the user's wrist into neutral position.

Optionally, the cuff portion is made of a stretchable material.

For instance, the cuff portion may be made of a soft and stretchable material. For example, the material may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

Optionally, the grip member and the shell structure are integrally formed.

Optionally, the grip member comprises a first region configured to receive the user's palm; and a second region configured to be held by an index and a thumb.

For instance, the grip member may be shaped to follow a natural curve of the palm, to distribute weight evenly over a relatively large area while ensuring a neutral position of the hand.

Optionally, the shell structure comprises an inner surface and an outer surface.

Optionally, the inner surface has a profile configured to follow a general curve or shape of the dorsal side of a hand.

Optionally, the handle comprises a removable cover adapted to cover an outer surface of the shell structure.

Optionally, the cover is made of a flexible material.

Optionally, the shell structure comprises fastening means for attaching the cover to the outer surface of the shell structure. For instance the fastening means may include a plurality of protrusions or hooks.

Optionally, the grip comprises a securing mechanism configured to secure the handle to the mobility device.

For instance, the securing mechanism may be a releasable mechanism configured to attach and detach the handle.

Optionally, the mobility device comprises a leg member and the securing mechanism is configured to secure the handle to the leg member.

For instance, the securing mechanism may comprise a coupling member adapted to form an interference fit with a receiving portion of leg member.

Optionally, the handle is made at least in part of a biomaterial.

Optionally, at least one of the grip member and the shell structure is manufactured from an additive manufacturing process.

For instance, the additive manufacturing process may be a three dimensional (3D) printing process such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing polymer process.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a mobility device comprising a handle according to the first aspect.

Optionally, the mobility device comprises a leg member coupled to the handle.

For instance, the leg member may have an adjustable length. The leg member may include a shaft, such as a metallic shaft.

Optionally, the mobility device is a walking stick.

According to a third aspect of the description, there is provided a kit of parts comprising a handle according to the first aspect, and a leg member.

Description of the drawings

The disclosure is described in further detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1A is a first profile view of a handle for a mobility device; figure 1B is second profile view of the handle of figure 1A; figure 1C is a top view of the handle of figure 1A; figure 1D is a bottom view of the handle of figure 1A; figure 1E is a front view of the handle of figure 1A; figure 1F is a rear view of the handle of figure 1A; figure 1G is a profile left side view of the handle of figure 1A; figure 1H is a left side view of the handle of figure 1A; figure 2A is a perspective view of a walking stick provided with the handle of figure 1; figure 2B is an exploded view of the walking stick of figure 2A; figure 3A is first profile view of the handle of figure 1 provided with an additional cuff portion; figure 3B is second profile view of the handle of figure 3A; figure 3C is a top view of the handle of figure 3A; figure 3D is a bottom view of the handle of figure 3A; figure 3E is a front view of the handle of figure 3A; figure 3F is a rear view of the handle of figure 3A; figure 3G is a right side view of the handle of figure 3A; figure 3H is a left side view of the handle of figure 3A; figure 31 is a profile left side view of the handle of figure 3A; figure 4A is a view of the handle of figures 3 provided with a cover or external skin; figure 4B is another view of the handle of figures4A; figures 5A, 5B and SC illustrate the forearm and the hand of a user in an extension position, a neutral position, and a flexion position respectively; figures SD and SE show radial and ulnar deviation of the hand/wrist respectively.

Description

Figure 1A is first profile view of a handle for a mobility device. Figure 1B is second profile view of the handle of figure 1A. The handle 100 includes a grip member 110 for receiving a user's hand and a shell structure 120 coupled to the grip member 110. The grip member 110 extends between a first end and a second end. The shell structure 120 extends from the first end to the second end of the grip member via projection members 125 and 126, to form a wall portion 122 on an outer side of the grip member 110. The wall portion 122 is curved outwardly to form a dome shape or shield. The dome shape provides a space allowing the hand to move such that the user will not touch the inner surface of the shield when gripping the grip member 110.

The wall portion 122 extends upwards from the grip member 110 so that when the user holds the grip member 110, the wall portion 122 covers at least partially the back of the hand also referred to the hand's dorsal side. The wall portion 122 may also be designed to form a curved lip 124 to support the user's wrist. In use the curved lip will support the posterior side of the user's wrist.

The shell structure 120 has an inner surface 120a and an outer surface 120b. The inner surface 120a may have a profile designed to follow a general curve or shape of the dorsal side of a hand. A human hand has a general natural curve and the inner surface 120a may be designed to replicate that general shape. The shell structure 120 may be provided in different sizes, for instance small, medium, and large to provide the best possible fit for the user.

In general, the shell structure 120 may designed to provide sufficient space 30 between the grip member 110 and the wall 122 such that in use the dorsal side of the user's hand does not touch the inner surface 120a. The inner surface 120a may also be customized for a specific user. In this scenario both the profile of the inner surface 120a and the grip member 110 may be designed to the morphology and measurements of the specific user.

A coupling member 130 extends from a low side of the grip member 110 for coupling the handle 100 to a mobility device such as a walking stick. In this example the coupling member 130 has a frustrum conical shape.

The grip member 110 may be shaped to follow a natural curve of the palm, to distribute weight evenly over a relatively large area while ensuring a neutral position of the hand. A neutral position of the hand and wrist is one where no extension, flexion, radial or ulnar deviation is present. In this example the grip member 110 is an elongated member formed of two regions: a first region A configured to receive the palm of the hand; and a second region B configured to be held by an index and a thumb. The two regions meet at a middle region C, also referred to as valley region having the lowest point along the surface of the grip member 110. The grip member 110 can be made of a relatively hard material covered with a softer material. The softer material may have nonslip and/or antibacterial properties. The hard material could be a carbon reinforced material or a thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The soft material could be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, sometimes referred to as thermoplastic rubbers (TPR). For example, NinjaTek 75A Chinchilla may be used.

In use, the shell structure 120 and the grip member 110 maintain the hand in a neutral position by limiting or preventing extension, flexion, radial and ulnar deviation of the hand. Figure 5B, illustrates the hand in a neutral position. The shape of the grip member 110 alleviates the traditional impact area of the palm and outer hand associated with gripping a traditional C shape walking stick handle. The handle 100 ensures that no deviation, extension or flexion of the wrist is necessary in order for the user to feel supported.

The shell structure 120 has three function. Firstly, the shell structure permits to distribute the force applied on the curved lip 124. Secondly, the bottom edge of the wall 122 can touch the finger when the user lets go or loosen the grip on the grip member 110 and can therefore be used as a gentle support when relaxing. Thirdly, the shell structure may be used to fit an outer decorative cover. In addition, the shell structure 120 may provide ID protection from external conditions, for instance from cold weather. The shell structure 120 may also be provided with one or more venting apertures to allow air circulation in warm conditions.

Figure 1C is a top view of the handle of figure 1A.

Figure 1D is a bottom view of the handle of figure 1A.

Figure 1E is a front view of the handle of figure 1A.

Figure 1F is a rear view of the handle of figure 1A.

Figure 1G is a profile left side view of the handle of figure 1A.

Figure 1H is a left side view of the handle of figure 1A.

Figure 2A is a perspective view of a walking stick provided with the handle of figure 1. Figure 2B is an exploded view of the walking stick of figure 2A.

The walking stick 200 is formed of a leg member 210 connected to the handle 100. The leg member 210 extends between a bottom end provided with a cap or ferrule 220, and a top end for receiving the handle.

In this example the top end of the leg member is provided with a hollow region designed to receive the coupling member 130. The coupling member 130 and the top end of the leg member 210 may be designed to form an interference fit. When the coupling member is inserted into the hollow portion of the leg member, the handle is securely attached. Such a mechanism permits attaching and detaching the handle easily. It will be appreciated that other securing mechanisms may be used to secure the handle to the mobility device. In another embodiment the leg member may be adapted to have an adjustable length.

Figure 3A is first profile view of the handle of figure 1 provided with an additional cuff portion. The same reference numerals are used to describe the same components. In this example the lip feature 124 of the wall portion 122 is fitted with a detachable cuff portion 324 adapted to receive the wrist of the user. The cuff portion 324 has a semi-open shape. The shape of the cuff portion 324 is designed to receive the wrist and to provide a light to medium support. The cuff portion 324 also provides a guide to maintain the user's wrist into neutral position, hence limiting or preventing flexion and extension of the wrist.

The cuff portion 324 may be designed to be releasably attachable to the wall portion 122. The cuff portion 324 may be made of a stretchable material that can be pulled over the edge of the shell structure 120. In addition the material may also be chosen to have soft feel to improve comfort of the user. For instance, a material based on thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), sometimes referred to as thermoplastic rubbers (TPR) may be used. For example NinjaTek 75A Chinchilla may be used.

The curved lip 124 is inserted in the back of the cuff portion 324 and then pulled forward over the wall portion 122. The tension between the two positions holds the cuff portion 324 in place. The cuff portion 324 provides a safety feature as the soft front extending out from the wall portion 122 makes it possible for the user to quickly release the handle in case of a fall. The cuff portion 324 may be made in different colours, hence providing a level of customisation of the handle.

Figure 3B is second profile view of the handle of figure 3A.

Figure 3C is a top view of the handle of figure 3A.

Figure 3D is a bottom view of the handle of figure 3A. Figure 3E is a front view of the handle of figure 3A. Figure 3F is a rear view of the handle of figure 3A. Figure 3G is a right side view of the handle of figure 3A.

Figure 3H is a left side view of the handle of figure 3A.

Figure 31 is a profile left side view of the handle of figure 3A.

The handle as described above with reference to figures 1-3, may be provided with a cover for covering the shell structure or part of it.

Figures 4A and 4B show the handle of figures 3 provided with a cover or external skin. The shell structure includes four points of attachment also referred to as hooks: two at the top labelled T1 and T2, and two at the bottom labelled B1 and B2.

The hooks are used to fit a flexible cover that covers the outer surface of the shell structure 120 below the cuff portion 324. It will be appreciated that other fastening means could be envisaged. The cover may also be implemented as a glove that fits onto the shell structure. The cover is provided for decorative proposes and can have different designs.

Figures 5A to SF are schematic diagrams illustrating the forearm and the hand of a user in different positions. In Figure 5B the forearm and the hand are aligned along a same longitudinal axis, in a so-called neutral position. In Figure 5A the hand has moved along the extension axis and is in a so-called extension position. In Figure 5C the hand has moved along the flexion axis and is in a so-called flexion position. Figures SD shows a radial deviation of the wrist /hand. Figure 5E shows an ulnar deviation of the wrist /hand.

The handle of the disclosure may be manufactured in different ways. The grip member and the shell structure may be integrally formed. The handle may be made at least in part of a biomaterial.

The handle may be manufactured from an additive manufacturing process. For instance, the additive manufacturing process may be Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) -3D printing polymer process. For example, the handle may be made of a thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) such as DSM Arnitel ID2045, which is approved for long term skin contact and has long term thermooxidative stability. Alternatively, the handle may be made of an elastomer material such as Ultrafuse® TPS 90A.

The handle as described above with reference to figures 1 to 5 has a grip member designed to follow the natural curve of the palm, distributing the weight evenly over a relatively large area while insuring the neutral position of the hand. The proposed handle limits or prevents the unintended movement and bad habit of the user, hence reducing the risk of injuries.

It will be appreciated that in all the embodiments presented the shape and size of the shell structure 120 and the shape and size of the grip member 110 may be adapted or customized to the grip and size of the user's hand.

A skilled person will therefore appreciate that variations of the disclosed arrangements are possible without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the above description of the specific embodiments is made by way of example only and not for the purposes of limitation. It will be clear to the skilled person that minor modifications may be made without significant changes to the operation described.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A handle for a mobility device, the handle comprising: D a grip member configured to receive a user's hand, the grip member extending between a first end and a second end; and a shell structure coupled to the grip member and extending from the first end to the second end of the grip member to form a wall portion on an outer side of the grip member, so that when the hand is in place the wall portion covers at least partially a dorsal side of the hand.
2. The handle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wall portion is curved outwardly to form a dome shape. 15
3. The handle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the wall portion forms a curved lip configured to support the user's wrist.
4. The handle as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a cuff portion attachable to the wall portion, the cuff portion being adapted to receive the user's wrist.
5. The handle as claimed in claim 4 when depending on claim 3, wherein the cuff portion is formed and arranged to fit onto the curved lip.
6. The handle as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the cuff portion has a semi-open shape.
7. The handle as claimed in any of the claims 4 to 6, wherein the cuff portion is made of a stretchable material.
8. The handle as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the grip member and the shell structure are integrally formed.
9. The handle as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein the grip member comprises a first region configured to receive the user's palm; and a second region configured to be held by an index and a thumb.
10. The handle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the shell structure comprises an inner surface and an outer surface.
11. The handle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the inner surface has a profile configured to follow a general curve or shape of the dorsal side of a hand.
12. The handle as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a removable cover adapted to cover an outer surface of the shell structure.
13. The handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cover is made of a flexible material.
14. The handle as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the shell structure comprises fastening means for attaching the cover to the outer surface of the shell structure.
15. The handle as claimed in any of the preceding claim, wherein the grip comprises a securing mechanism configured to secure the handle to the mobility device.
16. The handle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the mobility device comprises a leg member and the securing mechanism is configured to secure the handle to the leg member.
17. The handle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the handle is made at least in part of a biomaterial.
18. The handle as claimed in any of the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the grip member and the shell structure is manufactured from an additive manufacturing process.
19. A mobility device comprising a handle as claimed in any of the preceding claims.
20. The mobility device as claimed in claim 19, comprising a leg member coupled to the handle.
21. The mobility device as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the mobility device is a walking stick.
22. A kit of parts comprising a handle as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 18, and a leg member.