Single Handed Walker

The solution

The client initially expected to have a 4-wheeled walker, but when I took her and her husband out to the ‘CareCo’ shop in Maybush, Southampton, it was clear that a 4-wheeled walker was too unstable for her, and she purchased a 2-wheel (+ 2 legs) walker.

A crossbar was manufactured to ft between the handles.  This is permanently attached and on the left side but free to rotate on the handle, and the walker is fitted with a locking attachment on the right handle for safe retention.  Thus the bar enables single-handed use of the walker, but the crossbar may be part-detached and folded back so the client may still use the walker as a seat.

The crossbar is placed between the two handles of a two-wheeled walker. One side is free to rotate on the handle, in order that it may be moved out of the way when seated on the walker. It is retained between two collars attached to the handle. The other end of the crossbar is slotted so it may be swung away from the handle, or placed on the
handle and retained by a locking bar. The crossbar end is located by a collar and the locking bar mount. The locking bar has a sprung fixing to the mount, in order to securely locate it and retain the crossbar when locked, but allow easy detachment of the crossbar from the handle.  Please refer to photos below.

General View

Walker Folded

Viewed from front, note crossbar cover is cleared for sweep of locking bar to the right.

Hinged captive side of handle

RHS of handle, unlocked

RHS of handle, unlocked and raised

Handle rotated to allow seating access

The collars and the locking bar mounting piece are all fixed in place to the handles using Loctite 270 adhesive; this is a strong ‘stud and bearing’ adhesive and is appropriate for use without any further mechanical fixings. On the left hand site handle, the front collar is first attached and adhesive partially set, the crossbar end is then carefully slid on after some thin oil was placed in its area on the handle, then some more adhesive is applied to the handle and the rear collar is slid on –
it is critical that the crossbar end is not locked in place by the adhesive, and also that the fitting area for the second collar is not contaminated by oil! Afterwards, some more adhesive was applied to the collar area to allow it to run into the joint if needed. The crossbar ends are similarly attached to the crossbar using Loctite 270.
The centreline of the crossbar fixings locate it approximately 50mm in front of the ends of the original handles, so roughly in line with the centre of the original handle grips

Handlebar grip:
Using foam handle bar grips, after cutting one part to length of crossbar less clearance for locking bar sweep at one end, wet the crossbar with a mixture of water with some washing up to ease fitting, and work the cover down the handlebar. It may initially feel too loose on the bar, but soon the cover tightens on the bar as it drys, to feel fixed.
Pieces cut from the second handlebar grip supplied in the purchased pack are used with the supplied end caps to cover the bare ends of the original handles.

Features and instructions
 The walker has been fitted with a crossbar to assist you to walk safely with onehanded support.
 The crossbar may be detached from the right handle by unlocking the locking bar, so you can still use the walker as a seat.
 In use, as a walker, the crossbar must be locked in position by turning the plastic locking bar to hold it in the closed position. See pictures on the next page.

Maintenance
 The crossbar and walker may be cleaned with warm water and detergent; please avoid the use of harsh abrasives and solvent cleaners
 If the crossbar hinge is stiff, it may need lubrication using light oil.

Safety
 Before using, ensure the locking bar is in the correct position, so that the crossbar cannot detach from the right side handle of the walker.

Servicing and repair
 If any repair or servicing is required, please contact Remap immediately, using any of  the telephone numbers given at the top of this page.

Receipt of instructions
I acknowledge receipt of these instructions, which have also been fully explained to me.
Signed:………………………………………..
Date………………………………………………

The benefit

The client was able to use her walker with one hand.

The Remap member who designed and manufactured this case was  Martin Whittle