Apparatus for Walking Assistance

Abstract

An apparatus for walking assistance to facilitate the movement of individuals who require assistance over short distances for brief periods of time is provided. Specifically, the apparatus allows those having lower limb amputations to move temporarily without a prosthetic device. The apparatus includes a T-shaped cane having a single, adjustable support post with a T-shaped crossbar having two handles. At the base of the cane is a curved support foot with a cushioned contact surface for placement against the floor. The collapsible apparatus includes four primary components; (1) a top receiver bar, (2) a lower receiver bar, (3) a pair of handlebars, and (4) a base platform. The top receiver bar includes a T-shaped cross piece for handlebar insertion. In an alternate embodiment, the top receiver bar comprises a simple cylindrical tube while the handlebar component comprises a T-shaped cross piece. The lower receiver bar telescopes within the top receiver bar at a desired height. The base retains the lower receiver bar and integrates a rigid support plate, a base pad, and a pair of winged plate sections for a rocker type motion during use.

1 . A collapsible walking assistance apparatus to facilitate movement of individuals who require assistance over short distances for brief periods of time, the apparatus comprising:
 a top receiver bar;   a lower receiver bar;   a pair of handlebars; and   a base platform.   
   
   
       2 . The walking assistance apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the top receiver bar further comprises:
 a T-shaped cross piece to receive and retain the pair of handlebars.   
   
   
       3 . The walking assistance apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the top receiver bar further comprises:
 a cylindrical tube to receive and retain the pair of handlebars, wherein the handlebars further include a T-shaped cross piece.   
   
   
       4 . The walking assistance apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the lower receiver bar is constructed to telescope within the top receiver bar and be fixed in position at a desired height. 
   
   
       5 . The walking assistance apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the base platform further comprises:
 an opening designed to receive the lower receiver bar and to securely attach to the same during use;   a rigid support plate having a base pad for contacting the floor; and   a pair of winged plate sections for rocker type motion during use.   
   
   
       6 . A collapsible walking assistance apparatus to facilitate movement of individuals who require assistance over short distances for brief periods of time, the apparatus comprising:
 a T-shaped cane comprising a single, adjustable support post with a T-shaped crossbar having two handles for support; and   a wide curved support foot comprising a cushioned contact surface for placement against the floor and for facilitating a rocker type motion to the user during use.