Rocking Crutch
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This concept adapts a curved sole to produce a rocking movement when used. More surface contacts the ground to increase stability and grip. The curve also eases the task of going up and down stairs. Another major feature is the X-shaped underarm support designed to increase stiffness. The “Rocking Crutch” was designed with the image of modern sports equipment; to suggest it as a tool to enhance human physical ability. This is to break away from the stereotype impression that people with disabilities are lesser than abled people.
Comments welcomed: especially from crutch users.
| by: Wai Lam Wong & Tham Ming Yoong licence: Copyright / All rights reserved tags: crutch disabled sport design for all innovation nike |
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When I was twelve I broke my leg skiing and was on crutches for what seemed like forever. Stairs were especially hard. This looks like a huge improvement! I don’t think enough design is done for people who have lost a function–disabled, whatever the term you’re supposed to use these days. Bravo for even thinking of the idea!
my mom’s foot was amputated and i would be way worried that it wouldn’t go with her or she’d slip or something.
how heavy is it? crutches aren’t all that great in the first place but it sort of seems dangerous to me
I could see these just getting addicting …
I was on crutches for over 10 weeks the Dr’s wouldn’t let me use under-the-arm crutches as it can damage some of the nerves and for females they rub against bra straps making them thoroughly uncomfortable to use! However I think it is is SO much better then what is currently availible!
The concepts sounds good, but am I the only person who thinks it’s REALLY ugly? I’m sory, but it doesn’t look appealing in ANY way.
Disabled since birth, crutches are a daily way of mobility for me. I’m also a heavy person who would like to become more active but up to this point, have only been able to exercise aquaticly due to the strain on my armpits and shoulders that walking and other ‘pavement’ type activities produce. I’ve had both aluminum and wood crutches. At my weight, the aluminum ones crack on the armpit because they’re made of plastic so wood is the obvious choice for me. Most people pitch aluminum, but I would choose wood anyway: you don’t get burned from hot aluminum in the summer or frozen aluminum in the winter. In addition to the strength of the crutch, weight of the crutch is a factor too. For me, I prefer a little weight to let me ‘feel’ the swing of the crutch and when it makes contact with the pavement. I have to wonder what the engineered weight of Wong’s crutches are? Are they a help or a hinderance? See, I’ve learned over time to translate the amount of impact the crutch makes with the surface to what kind of surface I’m actually standing on without having to look down. For instance, I can tell if I’m on grass, gravel, mud, etc., simply by the way the weight of the crutch lifts and moves down into the next step. Weight helps me to be aware of the surface I’m walking on so I can slow down, speed up, take smaller or bigger steps and yes, be confident in my stride, but most importantly it keeps me alert from falling or slipping. As with any new pair of shoes, I imagine Wong’s crutches would require some getting used to, but it looks like something I’d try. As for someone’s comment about them being ugly, these do seem to look like a sports item to me and this look could sway the average “I just broke my leg” crutch user from trying the product out. However, for someone who uses crutches for daily mobility, as I do, Wong’s crutches could very well change a person’s lifestyle by helping them to become more active. Does anyone know when these will be available?
these would rock as the arm brace type crutches too, and maybe even the foot for prosthetics? looks brilliant.
I always wondered about that…the cushioning for the underarm…why not plush that way the hell out? Maybe even have it so the inner side of the torso takes up some of the force?
That’s a great idea! you should get in touch with firms to sell the concept! fast!