Canes, Sticks, Crutches, And Walking Aids Patents (Class 135/65)
  • Patent number: 9510992
    Abstract: A rehabilitation device with pace pattern projecting function and seat structure and a control method thereof are provided. The rehabilitation device includes a body with a moving module, a projection device, a first sensor and a control system. The projection device projects pace patterns on a walking plane. The first sensor detects a walking situation of a user on the walking plane. Based on the walking situation detected by the first sensor, the control system adjusts a distance between the rehabilitation device and the user by controlling the moving module and adjusts a position of the pace patterns on the walking plane by controlling the projection device. Moreover, a movable seat mechanism is also disposed on the rear of the rehabilitation device. The user can sit down on the movable seat mechanism and towards the front of the rehabilitation device to rest moderately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Li-Chen Fu, Cheng-Hsien Lin, Chung-Dial Lim, Chia-Ming Wang, Shih-Huang Tseng
  • Patent number: 9504623
    Abstract: An exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, includes an exoskeleton trunk connected to first and second leg supports at respective hip joints, which allow for flexion and extension about respective hip axes. A counterweight device including an auxiliary mass is connected to the exoskeleton trunk through an actuator such that the auxiliary mass extends in a position behind the exoskeleton trunk. A front load is supported by the exoskeleton through a load bearing device including a load shifting device for selectively operating powered reel mechanisms to raise or lower the front load with respect to the exoskeleton trunk. The auxiliary mass can be selectively shifted with respect to the exoskeleton trunk to balance the moment created about the hip axes by the auxiliary mass and the moment created by a downward force of the load on the load bearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ekso Bionics, Inc.
    Inventors: Russdon Angold, Adam Zoss, Jon Burns, Kurt Amundson, Nathan Harding
  • Patent number: 9408740
    Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to relieving neck pain. For example, neck pain relieving devices as well as methods for making and using neck pain relieving devices to provide relief from chronic or acute neck pain by providing support to the back of the head are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventor: Mark A. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 9375377
    Abstract: A hands-free crutch assembly allows a user's foot to float suspended over an artificial foot, while transferring at least a portion of the walking load to the upper leg and permitting more natural knee flexion and extension while walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Amanda Marie Edwards
  • Patent number: 9345297
    Abstract: A walker standing assist device for aiding the user of a walker or a wheeled mobility device to stand or arise from a seated position. Most walkers have their hand grips that are too high for normal users to utilize in the standing process. The users hands are directed to an area that locates their position to the walker's support frame members and thus within the center of gravity of the walker. The walker standing assist device generally includes a hand platform disk that is rotatable and pivotable to the users changing hand position in the arising or standing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Brady
  • Patent number: 9254021
    Abstract: The present cane and grabber device can be a cane component and a grabber component. The grabber component can be housed within the cane component or can be unsheathed from the cane component and utilized to grab one or more objects. In an embodiment, the cane component can provide support to a user both while housing the grabber component and while the grabber component has been unsheathed. In an alternative embodiment, one or more grabber components can be housed by a walker or other similar support providing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventors: George A. Paybins, Sara M Paybins
  • Patent number: 9132056
    Abstract: A crutch with wheels has a frame structure comprising a straight front frame part, a curved rear frame part and a strut extending between the straight front frame part and the curved rear frame part. A handle is provided in the upper part of the front frame part and a wheel is provided in the lower part of the front frame part. The upper part of the rear frame part is connected to the front frame part and a pair of wheels is provided in the lower part of the rear frame part. A tubular part is fixed to the lower part of the handle, which tubular part is detachably insertable into or over the upper end of the front frame part and in that a lower part of the tubular part is designed for connection to a ferrule when the handle is withdrawn from the front frame part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: HÄLSO OCH LASERSPECIALISTERNA MÄLARDALEN KB
    Inventor: Hans Westerlund
  • Publication number: 20150075575
    Abstract: A mobility assistance apparatus includes first and second frames positioned on left and right sides of a user; a hinge arm mechanism coupled to the first and second frames; and a harness or a walking seat coupled to the frames to transfer at least a portion of the user's body weight from the legs and to transfer weight through the user's hip or pelvis to the first and second frame enabling the user to stand or walk for an extended period without requiring the user's arms to hold the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Robert J. Karlovich
  • Patent number: 8974232
    Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to receive sensor data measurements associated with usage of a mobility aid device and extract sensor feature parameters from the sensor data measurements. The computer readable storage medium further includes executable instructions to derive a usage state corresponding to the usage of the mobility aid device, based on the sensor feature parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Christian Behrenbruch, William Kaiser, Majid Sarrafzadeh, Maxim Batalin
  • Publication number: 20150000719
    Abstract: A cane includes a shaft portion having a first end and a second end. A handle is pivotably coupled proximate to the first end of the shaft portion. An elongate member is pivotably attached to the handle and extends generally parallel to the shaft portion. A spring biases the elongate member toward the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: David KENEALY, Travis Buchanan, Kevin CHRYSTIE
  • Patent number: 8875724
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates an improved mechanism for adjusting a telescoping member. The telescoping member includes at least two sections including a first pole member having an outer diameter and an inner diameter; and a second pole member having a second pole inner diameter larger than the first pole outer diameter; a collet having a top portion securely coupled to the inner diameter arranged on a lower portion of the first pole member and a bottom portion extending beyond a lower end of the first pole member, the collet further comprising an external thread; and a handle member arranged on top of the first pole member, the handle member comprising an actuator button coupled to an internal spring coupled to a rod extending through the first pole member, the rod terminating in a plunger end, the plunger end extending through the collet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jeremy Nootenboom
  • Patent number: 8858401
    Abstract: A training apparatus for a Nordic walker has an elongated pole whose lower end carries at least one wheel having a freewheel permitting rolling of the wheel on the surface only in a forward travel direction. A forearm rest is freely pivotal on an upper end of the pole and defines with the pole an angle increasing on forward rolling of the wheel from a position behind the athlete to a position in front of the athlete as the arm in the rest swings forward in the travel direction. A handgrip fixed on a front end of the forearm rest is gripped by a hand of the forearm in the rest and pivots with the forearm rest. A spring braced between the rest and the pole and pivotally biases the rest so as to increase the inclination angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Georg H. Kaupe
  • Publication number: 20140290708
    Abstract: A removable cover or sleeve for an assisted walking device includes a body and an engagement feature configured to retain the sleeve on the assisted walking device. The body includes a tubular side panel defining an open end, and a closed bottom end with an outer surface. The body defines a hollow interior volume configured to receive a bottom end of the assisted walking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Briana N. CROWLEY, Long H. Dinh
  • Publication number: 20140261590
    Abstract: An adjustable-length walking aid provides a hollow tubular body having a top and a bottom. A spring-biased gripper arm at the bottom is connected to a tension gripper actuator filament that is spooled around a flywheel spool. A lamp housed in the base of the body is connected to a power supply in the handle by a conductive filament that is also spooled around the flywheel. The tension on the gripper actuator and conductive filaments is maintained by the flywheel regardless of the length to which the cane is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Nikolai B. Riemer
  • Publication number: 20140265199
    Abstract: An apparatus having an upper frame adapted to at least partially encircle a person; a lower frame; a scissor mechanism for coupling the upper frame to the lower frame, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame can be varied by adjusting the scissor mechanism; and a telescoping rod coupled to the scissor mechanism for locking the scissor mechanism, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame is locked by the telescoping rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Entropy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: KOUROSH BAGHERI
  • Publication number: 20140261587
    Abstract: A device for assisting a person to climb up or down a stairway. A pair of frame rails extend longitudinally parallel with each other and spaced apart by a distance wide enough to receive a person's knee on a leg support member suspended by the frame side rail members and a front member of the frame extending transversely of the frame. Front legs of the device are shorter than rear legs so that the frame side rail members are horizontal when the device is on a stairway with the rear legs on a step lower than the step supporting the front legs. A forward extending stabilizer member extends above the next step above the one on which the front legs are placed, and a handle is supported above one of the side rails at a convenient height for use in lifting the device from step to step and as an object to support the user's weight during use of the device. The device may also be used to assist a person in climbing into or down from a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Denis D. Price
  • Publication number: 20140251395
    Abstract: An accessory device for a cane includes complementary pieces that collectively include at least one of an upward- and/or downward-extending prong positioned to be spaced from the cane's body. These pieces are securable to a shaft of a cane body, e.g., by fastening the pieces to one another by an adjustable strap or bolts/nuts. The downward-extending prong(s) enable the cane to be hooked over and hung from a pocket etc. of the user to free the user's hands from having to support the cane. The upward-extending prong(s) enable another object, such as a bag or purse, to be hung from the cane/accessory device, and thus frees the user's hands from having to carry the bag, etc. while the cane, etc. is in use. Alternatively, the prongs may be formed integrally with the cane, walker, etc. A cane and walker including such prongs are provided also.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin BAILAR
  • Patent number: 8803699
    Abstract: When the sight impaired become mobile, they often bump their heads on unseen objects and/or hazards that could result in injury. The object detection device uses signal emitting proximity sensors that alert the user to unseen objects. The object detection device notifies the user of detected objects. Stimulators contact the user to warn the user that an object has been detected and the distance between the object and the user. Each stimulator contacts the user at a specific contact point. The stimulator finger contacting the user at a specific contact point informs the user of the distance between the user and the detected object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: George Brandon Foshee, Timothy Allen Zigler
  • Publication number: 20140205979
    Abstract: A hand-held cane or walking staff, with a lower end pedestal positioned on the ground or a floor so that a low profile cross piece is located in front of one of the user's feet, stimulating the brain of the user to accommodate the lifting of the user's foot, followed by stepping over the cross piece and additional steps thereafter, while carrying the staff in one hand by grasping an upper handle of the walking staff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Lynn M. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8776810
    Abstract: A stick is provided in which a gripping tube is fixed to a front end portion of an upper connection tube having a large diameter and a circular-arc engagement portion formed by a front-end cut portion of the gripping tube is tightened or loosened with the operation of a cam lever so that the outer periphery of a lower connection tube is fixed in a pressurized and gripped state or the pressurizing force is released, wherein a contracted tube portion is formed in the outer periphery of the lower connection tube at the portion with which the circular-arc engagement portion comes into contact when the lower connection tube is pressed into the upper connection tube so as to reach a shortened position, and when the cam lever is locked at the shortened position, the circular-arc engagement portion comes into contact with the contracted tube portion having a small outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Jeh-Kun Lah, Jang-Ho Wang
  • Patent number: 8778031
    Abstract: Disclosed are limb prostheses for use when normal use of the lower leg is temporarily or permanently lost due to lower leg injury or disease, including below-knee amputation. Disclosed prostheses provide full body weight support and allow a wearer to maintain the use of the hands and arms during ambulation. In addition, a wearer can maintain use of their own knee to flex and extend during ambulation, thereby better controlling the prosthesis during motion and providing a more normal gait as compared to previously known devices. In the event of permanent loss of the lower leg due to below-knee amputation, the disclosed prosthesis provides an alternative to socket-type prosthetic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: Robert A. Latour, Jr., Stephen L. Martin
  • Patent number: 8746264
    Abstract: An illuminated apparatus for assisting movement is provided that is able to illuminate surface areas upon which one walks, hikes, skis, skates, runs, reads from, signals, examines or studies. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may provide both broad and focused illumination. The device may ensure safe footing, solid purchase, and stable load bearing by providing illuminated assistance for foot, ski and skate placement, as well as the placement of singular and multi-pole fixtures used for activities such as hiking, climbing, skiing, skating, running, and walking. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may be compact and lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Illumipath LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Gorey, Scott William Schultz
  • Patent number: 8714172
    Abstract: A pole grip for a skiing pole, trekking pole or walking pole, with a fastening mechanism allowing a hand loop to be fixed with variable length. The hang grip is characterized in that the fastening mechanism comprises a triggering element pivotably mounted in a recess in the head region of the grip about a pivot axis that is transverse to the pole axis, the recess is a through-opening aligned at an acute angle to the pole axis, the hand loop is inserted into the recess through a lower opening of the recess, the hand loop has a first end portion being fastened to the triggering element, and a second end portion, in a securely clamped state, is guided between an inner wall and a retaining region of the triggering element, and is guided through an upper opening of the recess, and is clamped in a positive and/or a non-positive locking manner, the clamping is released by a tilting of the triggering element, and the second end portion can be moved upward and downward to adjust the length of the hand loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Eberhard Heim
  • Publication number: 20140090677
    Abstract: A suspension walker which may be weighted or unweighted is provided. The suspension walker includes a sole plate having a rocker bottom, a yoke portion and an extension leg attached to the yoke portion. A boot received by a patient's foot is operably coupled to the yoke portion by a first fastener and to an upper portion of the extension leg by a second fastener. An extension leg may be operably coupled at a hinge axis to an upper hinged portion. The hinge axis is configured to be aligned with the knee. A below the knee collar operably and securely couples the boot to the extension leg and the yoke portion. An above the knee collar operably secures the upper hinged portion to the patient's thigh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Barry A. Butler
  • Patent number: 8678020
    Abstract: A grip handle adapted to be fixed to the end of a pole for use in an outdoor activity, such as skiing or hiking, including a body and a support member affixed to the body and projecting from a transverse wall of the body, the support member being arranged to support the thumb of a user holding the handle. The support member includes a structure to selectively modify and lock its position with respect to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Gilles Renaud-Goud, Stéphane Latruffe
  • Publication number: 20140041702
    Abstract: Provided is a cane that has a sufficient impact-resistant strength; and is excellent in safety, durability and repairability and also lightweight but has a high stiffness. Such a cane has a shaft (4) and a grip, the shaft (4) comprising a high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31) and a carbon-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (32), the high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31) being integrally laminated onto each of the outside and inside surfaces of the carbon-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (32), the shaft (4) comprising a glass-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (33a) on the inner side of the innermost high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31a), the shaft (4) comprising a glass-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (33b) on the outer side of the outermost high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: KOSUGE & CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Kosuge, Akito Miyazaki, Kouki Doi
  • Publication number: 20140031176
    Abstract: Example ambulation aid apparatus and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed and described herein. An example ambulation aid apparatus includes an ambulation aid body formed as a integral part, the integral part formed in monocoque construction to provide support for mobility of a user through the integral part, the integral part providing a plurality of grippable areas to facilitate user movement and support through the integral part. Another example ambulation aid apparatus includes a primary panel formed in monocoque construction to provide support for and assist in mobility of a user through the skin of the monocoque primary panel, the primary panel formed to interrelate with one or more subassemblies to provide an integrated monocoque part to assist in providing support for and improved mobility of the user through the integrated monocoque part. Example methods of manufacture are also disclosed and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Empathium Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Frank Knopow, Jennifer R. Harris
  • Publication number: 20140014148
    Abstract: A sports or fitness training pole, such as a pole used in Nordic walking, roller skating or skiing, including a pole shaft, a grip fixed to the top end of the pole shaft, and a ring construction fixed to the bottom end of the pole shaft, where the pole shaft includes two curved parts curving in opposite directions. The first curved part is in the central region of the pole and the second curved part is between the first curved part and the grip, and with respect to a straight line passing through the first curved part and the grip, the pole shaft above the first curved part is located on the rear side of the straight line, while the grip is in a forward tilted position with respect to the straight line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Kari Halonen, Timo Bygden
  • Publication number: 20140014149
    Abstract: A multifunctional walking staff, to aid in balance and support on an ice surface, and to function as a survival or a rescue tool in the event of breaking through thin ice into water. Secure traction on ice is attained by a metal tip, which may be further pressed onto the ice by a foot peg, serving also as a grapple hook. Secured onto the ice, the staff affords reliable anchorage to an attached rescue line, which is ordinarily stowed in multiple folds therewithin. An adjustable loop is formed integrally with, or adjoined to the rescue line, which loop may be manoeuvred by the staff to facilitate engagement with the rescuee. A buoyant projectile linked to the loop is releasably disposed within a top section of the staff, and is of such weight that it and the loop may jointly be cast the full extent of the rescue line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Donald William Jackson
  • Publication number: 20130327367
    Abstract: A hiking staff having one or more hollow interiors shaped to support a user's body weight when hiking. Survival gear, such as first aid supplies, a tent, and/or provisions for defense or food gathering needs, can be stored within the hollow interiors of the hiking staff. End caps enclosing the open ends of the hiking staff can be selectively removed to access the survival gear. A knife can be coupled with an end of the hiking staff for storage and/or use of the hiking staff as a spear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Crolie E. Lindsay, JR., Rodney A. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 8596288
    Abstract: An improved crutch assembly and walking aid is provided. The crutch assembly can be retrofitted to an existing walking aid and provides spring assisted motion. The assembly includes a ball-in-socket joint and a spring operably connecting the joint to a walking aid shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Core Consulting, LLC
    Inventor: Jesse Daily
  • Patent number: 8590552
    Abstract: A walking cane used to transport, display and immobilize objects, such as rings, is disclosed. The primary object is to provide an improved form of walking cane adapted to securely immobilize, transport and present objects, such as rings. The walking cane contains a compartment with an inlay used to immobilize, display and transport said objects, wherein the inlay contains slots designed to allow the objects to remain in an upright manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Shianne Stitely
  • Patent number: 8581747
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pedestrian support system that supports the movement of a pedestrian through the use of tags. This pedestrian support system comprises: a plurality of tags having an information storage unit and that are placed on a cable that extends over a traveled path; a guide device that is held by a pedestrian that is traveling along a sidewalk and that is capable of non-contact communication with the tags, and a central control device, comprising a database in which tag map information is recorded, that uses that tag map information to creates path information having tag IDs that are in the order of tags that are located along a path from a starting location to a destination location and directly or indirectly sets that path information in the guide device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kazuo Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 8555907
    Abstract: A retractable, non-slip tip system for support devices such as canes and crutches is provided. The system includes a hollow body having openings on each of a proximal end and a distal end. The body is configured to slide over the shaft of a support device and affix to the support device in either an extended position, wherein the distal end of the body extends beyond a terminal end of the support device, or a retracted position, wherein the terminal end of the support device extends beyond the distal end of the body. Suitably placed apertures in each of the body and the support device facilitate the attachment of the body to the support device in the extended and retracted positions. When the body is in the extended position, gripping protrusions on the distal end of the body are exposed and provide extra traction for the support device on soft slippery surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence Jay Kutz
  • Publication number: 20130263902
    Abstract: A cane that can efficiently use a rubber tip (60) is provided from the aspect of ecology. The cane comprises a grip part (10) located at the upper end of a first cane body (20), the rubber tip (60) located at the lower end of the first cane body (20), and a button (52) and holes (36a l -36d) for rotating the grip part (10) and rubber tip (60) in four steps, wherein the button (52) and holes (36a-36d) also serve as a fixing part for fixing the grip part (10) and rubber tip (60) after those have been rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Shigehito Kuma
  • Patent number: 8523376
    Abstract: A cane or similar walking aid incorporates a concealed electrical self-defense device having electrodes located at the tip region of the cane, and may also incorporate an annular light source to aid the user. A grip is attached to a support shaft which terminates in a tip that is fabricated of an elastomer and incorporates electrodes for the electrical deterrent. The tip electrodes can be fabricated from a conductive elastomer to avoid scratching or marring floor surfaces as well as to provide resistance to slipping. When the shaft has both tip electrodes and side electrodes positioned along the exterior surface of the support shaft, the separation of the side electrodes can be adjusted to provide preferential arcing between the side electrodes to provide a visual and audible deterrent and to avoid premature deterioration of the conductive elastomer tip electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: John D. Motyka, Bruce E. McCoy
  • Patent number: 8517555
    Abstract: A walking cane apparatus provides an elongated translucent or transparent shaft and a handle fitted to an upper end portion of the shaft, the handle having an extended open ended bore that is sized and shaped to fit the outside surface of the shaft. A flashlight is removably connectable to the combination of handle and shaft and in the bore of the handle, wherein an illuminated end portion of the flashlight registers upon the upper end portion of the shaft. Illumination from the flashlight shines downwardly to the lower end portion of the shaft where an exposed illuminating surface receives light from the flashlight for projecting to a walking surface. A part of the flashlight extends from the handle for switching the flashlight on or off or for removing the flashlight so that it can be used separate from the cane to illuminate a door lock or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Francis E. LeJeune
  • Patent number: 8500609
    Abstract: An attachable weight assembly having separable sections for attachment to a pole used in exercising. The weight assembly includes a elongated main body having a first end and a second end and a bore running through the first end, second end and elongated main body. The bore is sized to fit over a shaft. The first and second ends each have a storage area for secure storage of a molded weight. The elongated main body is separable into at least two main body sections. The main body sections are attached together using an attachment mechanism. A user attaches the weight assembly to the shaft for use during exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Andrea Williams
  • Patent number: 8499776
    Abstract: A stick that is excellent in shock absorption and is also excellent in stability is provided. A stick body is provided with a telescopic extension pipe formed by fitting an outer tube and an inner tube together in a nesting manner. Inside the extension pipe, a velocity-dependent damper that damps the relative sliding movement between the outer tube and the inner tube, and a compression coil spring that concentrically fits onto the damper and urges the extension pipe so as to be extended are connected in parallel. According to such a stick, the shock transmitted to the hand can be mitigated as the compression coil spring contracts upon landing. Also, since the damper suppresses unwanted vibration of the extension pipe, the length of the stick quickly becomes stable after landing, allowing the user to keep stable balance with the stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: NCC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiki Ban
  • Publication number: 20130192651
    Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment, a walking aid including multi-handles is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Stuart Miles Goldman
  • Patent number: 8496343
    Abstract: A walking stick structure with an LED light inside the stick body has a holding part, a footing, joint holding parts, LED illumination components, and reflecting devices. The stick body is a highly translucent glass fiber inner tube with combination of a hollow external tube, and the hollow external tube is configured with a plurality of translucent parts. A battery seat and a battery are provided. The LED illumination component is connected on either end of the battery seat, and the battery seat is combined with a switch to turn on/off the LED illumination component. The reflecting device is configured inside the glass fiber inner tube and opposite to the irradiation direction of the LED. The light beams from the LED can be reflected by the reflecting device and go out from the translucent parts. Thus, the intensity and scope of illumination is considerably enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 8479755
    Abstract: An ambulatory aid is revealed. The ambulatory aid includes a hollow main rod and a hollow support pole connected with each other, and a cushion unit therebetween. The main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit all have insertion holes, aligned with each other. By insertion pins inserted into the insertion holes, the main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit are assembled with each other. The structure of the assembly of the main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit is more firm and tighter. When the ambulatory aid is pressed by a larger pressure, the assembly will not come loose and move around and the unstable walking stick makes the users fall down due to a loss of support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Gentry Way Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Wei Hung
  • Patent number: 8465056
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a telescoping pole to help direct a longboard comprising a first and second portion. The first portion includes a first end, a second end and a first tubular shaft. A first handle is positioned at the first end, while a second handle is positioned along the first tubular shaft between the first and second end. The second portion also has first end, a second end, and a second tubular shaft (having a diameter less than the first tubular shaft). The first end of the second portion is attached to the first portion through a first coiled spring. A wheel assembly having a spinning wheel is affixed to the second end of the second portion having a third tubular shaft having diameter less than the second tubular shaft. A second coiled spring is placed over the third tubular shaft, which engages the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Weir, Nicholas Fredella
  • Publication number: 20130146110
    Abstract: The invention relates to a damping device (1) for a pole, in particular a trekking, ski, hiking, or Nordic walking pole, having an attaching sleeve (4) by means of which the damping device (1) is attached to a first tube segment (11, 44) by inserting and attaching therein, and having an attaching element (3) by means of which the damping device (1) is attached to a pole handle (5) or a second tube segment (43) having a larger inner diameter than the first tube segment (11, 44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: LEKISPORT AG
    Inventors: Eberhard Heim, Marco Hofer
  • Patent number: 8459282
    Abstract: An illuminated apparatus for assisting movement is provided that is able to illuminate surface areas upon which one walks, hikes, skis, skates, runs, reads from, signals, examines or studies. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may provide both broad and focused illumination. The device may ensure safe footing, solid purchase, and stable load bearing by providing illuminated assistance for foot, ski and skate placement, as well as the placement of singular and multi-pole fixtures used for activities such as hiking, climbing, skiing, skating, running, and walking. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may be compact and lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Illumipath LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Gorey, Scott William Schultz
  • Patent number: 8453663
    Abstract: A crutch (10) for orthopaedic or similar purposes which can be used with the arms to support the body and/or the legs, the crutch (10) being equipped with a semicircular element (13) which in turn presents two wings (14, 15) facing the front part of the crutch according to the usual forms currently in use, the crutch being fitted, at the ends of the two wings (14, 15) of the semicircular element (13), with a strap (16) of appropriate length and shape to allow the forearm to be restrained in the semicircular support element (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Valter Zordan, Matteo Fioravanzo, Cesare Schiavi
  • Patent number: 8418707
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sports stick with a variable length including an upper tube to which a hand grip is connected, a lower tube adapted to be inserted into and withdrawn from the upper tube, and fixing means adapted to securely fix the lower tube to the upper tube, wherein the fixing means includes: a rod body disposed inside the lower tube at one side periphery thereof in such a manner as to be mounted inside the upper tube at the other side periphery thereof by the sequential formation of a screw thread portion and a flat portion along the outer periphery thereof; a tapered member adapted to be fixed to the flat portion formed along the outer periphery of the rod body and having a tapered surface formed along the outer periphery thereof; and a pressurizing member mounted at the screw thread portion formed along the outer periphery of the rod body in such a manner as to encompass the tapered member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Min Sung Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Se Kim
  • Patent number: 8408223
    Abstract: A removable sanitary cover for a leg extremity of a cane, walker, crutch, and the like, to reduce dirt and contaminants coming into from outdoors or dirty environment into an indoor or sanitary area. The sanitary cover includes a base and at least one sidewall that together form an enclosure having an opening generally opposite of the base. The sanitary cover also includes a closure positioned generally circumferentially about the enclosure at the at least one sidewall near the opening. In use, the sanitary cover is positioned about a distal end of the leg extremity of the cane, walker, crutch, and the like, with the closure keeping the sanitary cover in place relative to leg extremity until the sanitary cover is removed through an external force. The closure may be an elastic band, drawstring or other closure means. An optional skid-resistant material may be added or otherwise incorporated into an outer surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Lemmell F. Brown
  • Patent number: 8408224
    Abstract: A walking assistance device is disclosed that includes a support member having a first end and a second end. Attached to the support member is a hand grip, and attached to the second end is a base member. The base member includes a rounded surface that is configured to rotatably pivot relative to a walking surface as a user walks. The base member may further include a foot portion that has a toe and a heel. The toe and the heel may be the same length, or alternatively they may have varying lengths. Additionally, a pad is optionally attached to the foot portion and may be configured with tread to engage the walking surface in a way that provides traction to the walking assistance device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Mario Ozuna, Adam Ozuna
  • Patent number: 8397737
    Abstract: A linearly adjustable device comprising a main body including at least two body sections each having a longitudinal axis, and a linear actuator. The sections are operatively connected together for linear movement relative to one another in the axial direction. The linear actuator is operatively mounted to the main body for causing the relative axial movement between the body section. The linear actuator includes a drive and a power transmission mechanism operatively connected to the drive. The transmission mechanism includes an elongated threaded member operatively connected to one of the body sections and a cooperating threaded member operatively connected to another of the body sections such that relative rotation between the elongated threaded member and the cooperating threaded member causes relative movement of the body sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Chad Arthur Evans, Warren Phillip Drew