Custom fit carbon fiber composite forearm crutch

Abstract

A durable, lightweight carbon composite forearm crutch is described that in its essential components includes three graphite/epoxy composite tubes consisting of a main support tube, a handle tube and a cuff support tube, all adhesively bonded to a single central substantially T-shaped metallic, preferably aluminum, fitting configured to dispose the handle and cuff support tubes at a comfortable angle for the user greater than 90° and preferably about 101° to 103°, a cuff attached to the upper end of the cuff support tube for receiving the arm of a user, and a slip resistant foot member at the distal end of the main support tube.

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.  
 
   
   
     2. The crutch of  claim 1  wherein said angle between said first and second tubes is in the range of 101° to 103°. 
   
   
     3. The crutch of  claim 1  further comprising slip resistant material on the distal end of said third tube for contacting a walking surface by the user. 
   
   
     4. The crutch of  claim 1  wherein said metallic fitting comprises aluminum.