WALKING CANE |
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申请号 | US12893951 | 申请日 | 2010-09-29 | 公开(公告)号 | US20110073144A1 | 公开(公告)日 | 2011-03-31 |
申请人 | RONALD M. GOLDBERG; JOSEPH GOLDBERG; | 发明人 | RONALD M. GOLDBERG; JOSEPH GOLDBERG; | ||||
摘要 | The present invention includes a walking cane having a handle assembly, a support assembly and foot member. The handle assembly includes first and second generally upright rigid posts. A shaft adaptable for grasping by a user's hand connects to each end of the posts. Pliable mounts dispose between the terminal ends of the shaft and each post. The mounts, biased against the shaft, permit omni-directional movement of the shaft relative to each post. The support assembly connects to the handle assembly and includes three parallel elongated rods spaced apart from one another in a triangular formation. The handle assembly can be adjusted relative to the support assembly by means of two cooperating shims. The foot member connects to the support assembly and contacts the ground. The cane provides a light-weight shaft and a shock absorbing handle assembly to assist in relieving hand, wrist and arm strains. | ||||||
权利要求 | |||||||
说明书全文 | This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/246,776 entitled WALKING CANE, filed on 29 Sep. 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The present invention is generally directed at ambulatory devices. More particularly, the present invention is directed at a walking aid having improved ergonomics, strategic shock absorption properties, and a lightweight multi-structural shaft. Walking is an important function in everyday life, even over short distances. Without the aid of ambulatory devices, many individuals have a difficult, if not an impossible, time of moving one's self even within the confines of their own home. As of 2008, an estimated 12 million people in the United States reported at least some mobility difficulty. Many of these individuals include senior citizens, whose population is ever drastically increasing as “baby boomers” begin to enter their later stages of life. There exist in the prior art numerous examples of ambulatory devices such as walking canes, walking sticks, crutches and the like which aid in providing stability to persons requiring assistance when walking or standing. Generally, though, conventional walking canes contain a fixed design which imposes excessive stress on the user's hands, wrists and triceps, resulting in associated shoulder and back strain caused by gait compensation. Conventional cane shafts also have the deleterious effect of providing stiff repetitive shock to hands and arms as weight is applied to the cane, resulting in painful fatigue through frequent use. Such strains may be exacerbated by the repetitive motion necessary to walk even short distances, as well as the associated impact stresses transmitted through the cane and to the user when engaging the tip with the ground. There presently exists a need in providing a durable walking cane to overcome the aforementioned obstacles. Such a walking aid would diminish excessive stress applied to the hands and wrists during its use, thereby decreasing gait compensation to reduce the occurrence of shoulder and back strain. An object of the present invention would therefore include providing a light-weight cane having an improved shaft and handle construction to achieve the aforementioned goals. The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art in several of its embodiments. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a walking cane or crutch including a non-stationary, shock absorbing handle assembly to assist in relieving hand, wrist and arm strains. In one embodiment, the handle assembly comprises a closed configuration having opposing first and second upright posts. The posts carry a grip biased by first and second pliable mounts held in place under tension by a fastening mechanism. The mounts act as shock absorbers and permit the grip to have limited omni-directional movement relative to each post. In another embodiment, the handle assembly comprises an open configuration having a generally upright post, a grip connectable substantially orthogonal to the post, and a pliable mount engageable with the post and the grip. A fastening mechanism secures the grip and the mount to the post, thereby biasing mount against the grip. The mount acts as a shock absorber and permits the grip to have limited omni-directional movement relative to the post. In another embodiment, a pliable mount is positioned between the handle assembly and a vertical support. The mount acts as shock absorbers and permits the handle assembly to have limited omni-directional movement relative to the vertical support. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a walking cane having a tilting handle assembly so that the handle assembly can be adjusted to produce ergonomically optimized loading positions for the hand and wrist, even on an individualized need. In one embodiment, the handle assembly is selectively positionable relative to a vertical support by providing first and second shims cooperably engaged with on another. The shims are preferably positioned between the handle assembly and the vertical support. The orientation of the handle assembly relative to the vertical support can be modified by selectively positioning either shim relative to the other. Another object of the present invention is to provide an extremely lightweight vertical support, durable enough to withstand the force of a person resting, leaning or using the cane as a means of support. In one embodiment, the vertical support includes three parallel elongated rods spaced apart from one another in a triangular position. Triangular brackets attach to the rods to prevent flexation thereof when a load is applied to the walking device. A first embodiment of a walking cane according to the present invention is generally indicated at 20 in As illustrated in The grip assembly 38 includes a cross member 40 adapted to contain a grip 42. The cross member 40, which is generally cylindrical in shape, preferably includes a layer of composite plastic 44 molded over an inner metallic shaft 46. Terminal ends 48 of the shaft 46 extend beyond the molded layer 44 for supporting pliable mounts or dampeners 50. The mounts 50 are configured to receive the respective terminal end 48 within a recessed cavity 52. Each recessed cavity 52 may include a corresponding shape, in this example hexagonal, to receive the respective terminal end 48 in a specific orientation. It should be noted, though, that alternate shapes of each terminal end 48, and of the corresponding cavity 52 of the mount 50, are within the scope of the present invention and include, but are not limited to, circular, oval, square, pentagonal, heptagonal and octagonal configurations. An opposing frusto-conical or semi-spherical portion 54 of each mount 50 seats within a corresponding cavity 56 contained within each upright post 36, which facilitates in securing the grip assembly 38 to the base 34. The grip 42, preferably constructed from a pliant material such as silicone, includes an inner core 58 disposable over the molded layer 44 for attachment to the cross member 40. The grip 42 may optionally contain a layer of memory foam (not shown) to enhance the comfort thereof when grasped by a user. The grip 42 also contains a webbing support 60 partially extending from an outer surface. To increase comfort, the webbing support 60 is designed to accept a portion of a user's palm, thumb, and the heel and webbing of the hand, to provide greater load-bearing surface area to reduce pressure applied to the user's hand. The webbing support 60 may be configured for a left-handed user, as illustrated in To secure the grip assembly 38 to the base 34, each post 36 contains an aperture 62 for receiving a male threaded fastener 64 therethrough. Each mount 50 contains a corresponding aperture 66 for receiving the fastener 64, and each terminal end 48 of the cross member 40 contains a female threaded internal bore 68. Upon disposing the fastener 64 through the respective post 36 and mount 50, the fastener 64 threadably engages with the corresponding terminal end 48 of the shaft 46. Upon further tightening the fastener 64, each mount 50 seating within the respective post cavity 56 compresses under tension, frictionally engaging the grip assembly 38 to the posts 36 while at the same time allowing limited omni-directional movement of the grip assembly 38 relative to the base 34 and posts 36. By omni-directional it is meant that the grip assembly 38 is permitted limited movement within six degrees of freedom, including heaving, swaying, surging, pitching, yawning and rolling. As illustrated in Connecting the handle assembly 22 to the support assembly 26 is accomplished by means of a neck assembly 76. The neck assembly 76 includes a circular mounting cap 78 which is positionable over and attached to the upper portion 80 of the support assembly 26, wherein a top bracket 30 and the rods 28 preferably seat therein and are adhered to the cap 78. Alternatively, the cap 78 can be configured to have separate apertures (not shown) for receiving the upper terminal end of each rod 28 which are journaled therein. The mounting cap 78 contains a centrally located female threaded aperture 82 for receiving a male threaded fastener 84. The fastener 84 is disposable through an aperture 86 located in the central portion of the base 34 to threadably engage the cap 78, thereby securing the handle assembly 22 to the support assembly 26. The cap 78 may be constructed of a pliant material which further acts as a shock absorber, reducing or eliminating impact stresses transmitted through the tip assembly 24 and support assembly 26 to the handle assembly 22 from contact with the ground. The neck assembly 76 may further include mateable shims 88 which allow for the selectively angled positioning of the handle assembly 22 relative to the support assembly 26. As illustrated in Referring back to In initially setting up the walking cane 20 for a specific user, the user can customize the cane 20 by adjusting its height (if the ability to do so is available), as well as adjust the pitch and yaw of the handle assembly 22 by loosening the fastener 84 and selectively positioning the shims 88. Upon attaining the desired position of the handle assembly 22, the fastener 84 is tightened to lock the handle assembly 22 in place. Selective rotational positioning of the handle assembly 22 can also be accomplished in this manner if a directional foot is used. Referring now to The grip assembly 108 includes a cantilevered member 110 adapted to contain a grip 112. The cantilevered member 110, which is generally cylindrical in shape, preferably includes a layer of composite plastic 114 molded over an inner metallic shaft 116. A proximal end 118 of the shaft 116 extends beyond the molded layer 114 for supporting a pliable mount or dampener 120. The mount 120 is configured to receive the proximal end 118 within a recessed cavity 122. The recessed cavity 122 may include a corresponding shape, in this example hexagonal, to receive the proximal end 118 in a specific orientation. It should be noted, though, that alternate shapes of the proximal end 118, and of the corresponding cavity 122, are within the scope of the present invention and include, but are not limited to, circular, oval, square, pentagonal, heptagonal and octagonal configurations. An opposing frusto-conical or semi-spherical portion 124 of the mount 120 seats within a cavity 126 contained within the upright post 106, which facilitates in securing the grip assembly 108 to the base 104. The grip 112, preferably constructed from a pliant material such as silicone, includes an inner core 130 disposable over the molded layer 114 for attachment to the cantilevered member 110. The grip 112 may also contain a layer of memory foam (note shown) to enhance the comfort thereof when grasped by a user. The grip 112 also contains a webbing support 132 partially extending from an outer surface. To increase comfort, the webbing support 132 is designed to accept a portion of a user's palm and thumb, and the webbing of the hand therebetween, to provide greater load-bearing surface area to reduce pressure applied to the user's hand. The webbing support 132 may be configured for a left-handed user, as illustrated in To secure the grip assembly 108 to the base 104, the post 106 contains an aperture 134 for receiving a male threaded fastener 136 therethrough. The mount 120 also contains a corresponding aperture 138 for receiving the fastener 136, and the proximal end 118 contains a female threaded internal bore 140. Upon disposing the fastener 136 through the post 106 and mount 120, the fastener 136 threadably engages with the proximal end 118 of the shaft 116. Upon further tightening the fastener 136, the mount 120 seats within the post cavity 126 and compresses under tension, frictionally engaging the grip assembly 108 to the post 106, while at the same time allowing limited omni-directional movement of the grip assembly 108. By omni-directional it is meant that the grip assembly is permitted limited move within six degrees of freedom, including heaving, swaying, surging, pitching, yawning and rolling. To permit the omni-directional movement of the grip assembly 108, a small gap 141 exists between the cantilevered member 110 and the inner surface of post 106, as best illustrated in Similar to the first embodiment 20, the handle assembly 102 connects to the support assembly 26 by means of the neck assembly 76. The handle assembly 102 is therefore positionable relative to the support assembly 26 through use of the shims 88 in the same manner as previously described. However, and as illustrated in Turning now to Moreover, the handle 216 is ergonomically designed to provide an optimized gripping surface to further reduce stresses on the hand, wrist, arm and shoulder to relieve pain and fatigue. In so doing, the ergonomic handle 216 moves the primary point of stress and force from the weak, bony parts of the hand and wrist to the strong, “meaty” parts. The ergonomic handle 216 enables the hand, wrist and arm to be oriented in such a way as to provide maximum strength and minimal strains to the forearm, elbow, back and shoulder. The shape of the handle 216 provides surer, more comfortable gripping area for the thumb and forefinger, and also moves the main stress point away from the bony part of the hand to the meatier palm and heel areas. The shaft portion 204 includes a plurality of elongated members 220. Each elongated member 220 may consist of a hollow tube, for example a ¼ inch tube, or a solid rod, for example a ⅛ inch rod. The construction of either the tube or the rod preferably includes a light-weight material exhibiting a high tensile strength. Such suitable materials include, but are not limited to, carbon graphite and aluminum. Preferably three rods 220 are implemented and spaced apart at each terminal end thereof, and at an approximate midsection by a spacer 224. It should be noted, though, that a different number of elongated members 220, or a differing positioning thereof, is well within the scope of the present invention. By providing a plurality of lightweight elongated members 220 exhibiting high tensile strength, the overall weight of the cane 200 is drastically reduced without decreasing, and in some cases increasing, the strength of the cane 200. Positioned at the terminal end of the shaft portion 204 is the tip portion 206. The tip portion 206 includes a member 226 engageable with the ground connected to a rod or tube 228 slidably disposable between the elongated members 220. A flip-lock 230 secures the tip portion 206 relative to the shaft 204 when the tip 226 is at a desired position. The tip portion 206 is thereby positionable to extend or decrease the overall length of the cane 200 to fit the needs of the respective user. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. |