STABILITY CANE

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein relates generally to mobility assistive device and more particularly walking canes.

BACKGROUND

The use of walking canes is especially common with mobility compromised individuals such as stroke patients, those with hip implants and any other disability requiring the use of a walking aid. Walking canes are widely used by individuals with mobility impairments to provide support, balance, and stability. Despite their essential role in enhancing mobility, improper use or lack of ergonomic design in traditional walking canes can contribute to a significant number of accidents, including falls, injuries, and, in some cases, fatalities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults in the United States. Each year, millions of adults aged 65 and older experience a fall, with about 36 million falls reported annually. Of those falls, more than 32,000 result in death, and approximately 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries. Walking aids, including canes, are often associated with these incidents, particularly when the design fails to offer a secure and reliable grip.

SUMMARY

Current walking cane designs, while functional, often lack ergonomic considerations that can improve the user's ability to maintain a secure grip and balance. This can lead to unintentional slips or falls, especially in situations where a user must quickly switch hands or adjust their grip. It would be desirable to provide a cane with features that greatly enhance its stability and facilitate safe ambulation by a user. The present invention seeks to address these issues by providing an improved cane handle that incorporates a swiveling finger cradle with one or more finger slots. This design allows users to easily adjust their grip based on which hand they are using, while also offering adjustable inserts to fit a range of finger sizes, ensuring a more secure and ergonomic grip and better overall balance. By improving grip security and adaptability, the invention aims to reduce the risk of cane-related falls and injuries, offering a safer and more comfortable solution for those with mobility challenges. The cane can assist users with getting in and out of a car and is ideal for those suffering arthritis pain.

The finger cradle rotationally pivots, allowing the user to adjust the orientation of the slot(s) depending on which hand is holding the cane and can rotate 180 degrees, providing easy adjustment for both left and right-handed use. The user can rotate the finger slot holder/cradle to the left side of the cane handle for use with the left hand, or to the right side for use with the right hand. The rotational adjustment operates smoothly through a ball-bearing mechanism or other rotational means, ensuring stability in any position.

Additionally, the vertical finger cradle is equipped with interchangeable inserts for the one or more slots to accommodate different finger sizes. The inserts are made of soft, flexible materials such as silicone or rubber, and are designed to fit snugly into the slot/cradle. Users with smaller fingers can insert a thinner insert into the slot/cradle, providing a more secure fit, while users with larger fingers can use the slot/cradle without the insert or with a larger-sized insert. This customization improves comfort and ensures that users of all hand sizes can maintain a firm grip on the cane.

In some implementations the cane handle may feature a dual slot finger cradle one finger slot positioned on either side of the handle. This configuration allows the user to insert their index finger into the appropriate slot/cradle without needing to adjust the holder. Each slot retains the use of interchangeable inserts, offering a secure grip for a variety of finger sizes. The rotational adjustment mechanism is secured using a locking mechanism, such as a screw-down fastener or adjustable pin, which allows the user to lock the holder in the desired position, preventing unintended movement during use. Each finger slot is constructed from a durable plastic or aluminum tube, designed to allow the index finger to slide in comfortably. Because the dual slot finger cradle includes finger slots offset by 180 degrees, it is possible that in some implementations, the finger cradle position may be fixed.

Ergonomic cane handle (101) is coated with a non-slip material, such as textured rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), to further improve grip and prevent accidental slipping and is coated with a textured material for enhanced grip, ensuring that the cane remains comfortable and stable in the user's hand, even in wet conditions.

In a first example implementation, an enhanced stability cane includes a topmost handle, an upper post extended from the handle and a position adjustable finger cradle including at least one finger slot adapted for finger insertion of the hand gripping the topmost handle. The cane handle's non-slip material adds another layer of safety, making it reliable in various conditions, such as rainy weather or uneven surfaces. By improving the user's grip and reducing the likelihood of falls or slips, the invention increases overall confidence and independence for people with mobility challenges.

In a first aspect combinable with any other aspect described herein, the enhanced stability cane includes a flexible foot at an end of the post.

In a second aspect combinable with any other aspect described herein, the cane includes a spring loaded second handle mounted to the cane between the topmost handle and the flexible foot.

In a third aspect combinable with any other aspect described herein, the adjustable finger cradle can be rotatably adjusted about the cane to accommodate fingers from the left or right hand. In a fourth aspect combinable with any other aspect described herein, the flexible foot includes a base portion with a gripping surface capable of maintaining a planar disposition relative to a floor surface when the cane is held at a 45° angle.

In a fifth aspect combinable with any other aspect described herein, the second handle when no force is being applied, has a normal in-line position with the cane post but can be manually pivoted to be generally transverse the cane post.

In a sixth aspect combinable with any other aspect described herein, the foot has an exterior with a relatively low durometer shore value compared to a core within which is made of a firmer rubber.

In a seventh aspect combinable with any other aspect described herein, the stability cane handle can include a front facing light, a rear facing light or both.

In an eighth aspect combinable with any other aspect described herein, some implementations may include various sized sleeves adapted for insertion into the slot portion of the finger cradle to accommodate various finger sizes.

In some implementations, the finger cradle may include two slots.

It should be understood that the features, objects and aspects of the foregoing implementation may be combined with one or more of the various features objects and aspects of other implementations described herein. General and specific aspects may be implemented using a device, system or method, or any combinations of devices, systems, or methods. The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stability cane;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of call-out 1A of (FIG. 1);

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of a the stability cane;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of call-out 3A of (FIG. 3);

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view thereof;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view of one implementation of a flexible foot;

FIG. 7 is another enlarged view thereof;

FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of another implementation of a flexible foot;

FIG. 8B a side perspective view thereof;

FIG. 8C a side perspective view thereof;

FIG. 8D a side perspective view thereof;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of showing the cane foot flexed at an angle while the base maintains contact with a ground surface;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a two-slot type cradle of another implementation of the enhanced stability cane.

REFERENCE LISTING OF THE NAMED ELEMENTS

• • 100 cane
  • 101 handle
  • 102 upper post portion
  • 103 post 104 coupler/tensioner
  • 104 lower post portion
  • 105 post reflector
  • 107 light, front or rear facing
  • 108 light switch
  • 110 spring pin
  • 111 push pin apertures
  • 112 finger cradle
  • 113 adjustment screw/knob
  • 114 finger cradle slot
  • 116 finger cradle attachment member
  • 117 finger slot insert
  • 120 second handle
  • 121 second handle attachment member
  • 122 second handle spring
  • 123 foot
  • 124 foot exterior
  • 125 foot top portion
  • 126 foot base portion
  • 127 foot core portion
  • 128 narrowing portion
  • 129 foot attachment portion
  • 130 stabilizing fins
  • 131 handle pivot pin

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-10, a stability cane (100) includes topmost handle (101), an upper post portion (102) a lower post portion (104) and a finger cradle (112) with one or more slot portion(s) (114) adapted for the insertion of one or more fingers such as the index finger of a user's hand when the thumb and other fingers are employed in gripping the handle. Finger cradle (112) is adjustable and may be rotatably moved about the post to accommodate either the left or right hand of a user. At an end of the lower post portion (104) is a flexible foot (123). In some implementations, flexible foot (123) includes a foot attachment portion (129) with a recess adapted to receive an end of the lower post (104) where it may be fastened thereto by any suitable adhesive or fastener, a top portion (125), a base portion (126) for contact with a walking surface, an interior core portion (127) and an elastomeric exterior portion (124). Exterior portion (124) has a lower Shore A durometer value than the core portion (127) about which it flexes. In a preferred embodiment base portion (126) and top portion (125) are separated by a flexible narrowing portion (128) which permits the cane to be held at an angle relative to a ground surface while still maintaining good base contact with the surface. Upper and lower posts (102, 104) may be telescoped to reach a desirable cane height and secured in position by spring pin (110) engaging with number of apertures (111).

Moving to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the cane shows the top handle (101) including a light (107) located at the front of the handle, a finger cradle (112) including an attachment member (116) which is rotatable about the cane post (102). Slots (114) are adapted to accommodate finger(s), of the hand gripping the handle, e.g., left or right index fingers. A second handle (120) positioned between the topmost handle and the lower half of the cane may be spring loaded (122) and is pivotably retractable to a position in-line with the cane post when not in use. By default, to better illustrate details of the feature, the second handle is shown in the down position. Handle spring (122) may be a torsion type spring or any other suitable type spring mounted circumjacent a handle pivot pin (131) or in any other arrangement that would be appreciated by those having skill in the art.

FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of call-out (1A) of (FIG. 1). While light (107) is shown at the front of the cane handle, in some implementations, handle (101) may include a second rear facing light as well. In some implementations, the finger cradle (112) may accept soft inserts (117) shaped and sized to fit into the slot(s) (114).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the stability cane (100) taken from a different angle than (FIG. 1).

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of call-out (3A) of (FIG. 3) which shows the telescoping elements of the lower and upper posts (102, 104) secured by spring pin (110) which is engageable in apertures (111).

FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view of a top portion of the cane having front and rear facing light(s) (107). Depending on location of the light(s) (107) an on/off switch (108) may be located at the rear of the handle, the side of the handle, or an alternative location that would be appreciated by those having skill in the art. Adjustment screw (113) which may be simply a set screw or include a knob or wingnut (not shown), permits the finger cradle (112) to be loosened and rotated about the upper post (104).

FIGS. 6 and 7 are partial perspective views showing a lower post portion (104) of the cane and an exemplary foot (123).

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D show a preferred implementation cane foot (123) that includes stabilizing fins (130) and a narrowing portion (128) between the top portion (125) and base portion (130). Typically core portion (127) possesses a higher durometer shore A value than the foot exterior (124) and provides a degree of firmness while permitting the outer foot elements to flex as required, such as that shown in (FIG. 9) where the cane is held at an angle relative to a ground surface and the base portion (130) remains in full contact with the ground and the top portion (125) is generally in-line with the lower post portion (104). Narrowing portion (128) permits the base and top portion to depart from normal coaxial alignment when angular forces are applied to the foot.

FIG. 10 shows another implementation including a two-slot finger cradle that like the one-slot cradle, may be rotatably adjusted via set screw (113).

Ramifications Concerning Sustainability

A common issue with traditional canes is that when they become worn, outdated, or no longer suitable for the user, they are often discarded, contributing to unnecessary waste. This invention addresses environmental concerns by incorporating durable, long-lasting materials that are resistant to wear and tear, thus extending the lifespan of the cane. Additionally, the cane's modular design, including the interchangeable inserts and swiveling finger slot holder/cradle, allows for customization and adaptability over time, reducing the need for users to replace the entire cane if needs change. Instead of discarding the cane, users can simply adjust or replace specific components. Hence the present invention promotes sustainability by minimizing waste and encouraging the reuse of functional parts.

It is intended that this disclosure encompass any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and implementations as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure, and falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.