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Show Idea: Ben should build 'Interactive' crutches for children when they need them after surgery...

e14 Contributor

Right, I know that this sounds like a weird one, but bear with me.

 

I have recently had major surgery on my leg, and have been using those funky aluminum (note I spelled it the US way?) elbow crutches.

 

When I went to the physiotherapy department, I had to go near the children's ward. It was here I saw some children using the elbow crutches, but obviously a lot smaller than mine.

 

How about a simple show project where Ben gets a pair of these hollow elbow crutches, and adds some 'Benheckery'

 

1. Fabric switches on the grips, so each press gives a different note...

2. Strobing or lightly flashing LEDs 'inside' the hollowed out areas...

3. Replacing the bottom rubbers with semi-clear ones with thump-detecting LEDs (remember L.A. Gear lights trainers from teh 80s?) that flash every time they are made in contact with the ground...

 

and lastly

 

4. A custom laser-cut 'Team Heck' logo on each crutch.....

 

What you guys think, keep the kids happy eh?

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  • Yeah, ideally add a trigger as well that activates a machine gun sound image

     

    Might not be safe, but that really is the best secondary use for these crutches, makeshift toy machineguns!

     

    Even having some lights, and some sound effects triggered as these things are used would be good at the end of the day... being laid up with a broken leg is really boring, anything that detracts from the drudgery would cheer them up.

     

    Imagine lifting the crutch and it making a mechanical robot sound, or a squelchy monster foot sound when it hits the floor, that could be a lot of fun and also encourage kids to use the crutches.  When I broke my ankle when I was 8, I had these horrible, heavy wooden crutches, so horrible and heavy that I couldn't stand using them, and would just walk on my bad leg most of the time.  If my crutches made me sound like a bad ass robot, then I'd definitely be using them, and might not have that weird click in my ankle!

  • in reply to e14 Contributor

    See, I knew I wasnt the only one that thought this would be a great idea.

     

    Granted, lifting the crutch up to emulate a machine-gun isnt the most safe of options, but relieving the stress, boredom and overall 'ah poo, I'm on these things for 6 weeks' feeling is the point I was exactly trying to put across.

     

    I think this would be a great thing for Ben to do, as hospitals from all over the world could invest in production models if it proved popular.

     

    Can you imagine the other kids' faces when this little boy comes into school one day following his skateboard-related mishap with flashing feet (not his, the crutches), sounds, and some cool lighting effects?

     

    I'd be jealous, and I'm 33!

     

    Come on Ben, you gotta do this!

     

    Rob.

  • in reply to e14 Contributor

    Thanks for the idea, it would be cool to create some fun for the kids.

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