Handholds Patents (Class 135/72)
  • Patent number: 11641914
    Abstract: Two-in-one walking supports and methods of using the walking support. The walking supports include first and second shaft portions and a handle assembly that has first and second handles. A latching mechanism is incorporated into the first and second handles and is configured to releasably couple the first and second handles to form the handle assembly and a single walking support configuration with the first and second shaft portions abutting one another and being configured to decouple the first and second handles and separate the first and second shaft portions to form a two-piece walking support configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Inventive Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Marion Lisenby, Lewis Crenshaw, Preston Burton
  • Patent number: 11206884
    Abstract: A glove includes a main body that defines an interior space that is operable to receive at least a portion of the hand of the wearer. The main body includes an opening that divides the main body into a first portion and a second portion. The glove also includes a hook-and-loop fastener that includes a hook member and a loop member. The hook member and the loop member are operable to removably attach to each other. One of the hook member and the loop member is operably supported on the first portion of the main body, and the other of the hook member and the loop member is operably supported on the second portion of the main body. At least one of the hook member and the loop member is divided into a plurality of respective sections that are separated at a distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Hewitt, Matthew A. Rhoades
  • Patent number: 10905620
    Abstract: The invention relates to a therapy device for the postoperative treatment of body parts and portions thereof, in particular the large toe, having a main part and a moving segment with a support surface for supporting the body part to be treated. The moving segment is mounted on the main part in a pivotal manner about a pivot axis, and the main part is designed to optionally bear an extremity support on the left and right side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: U-Sana Medical AG
    Inventor: Benjamin Hubschmid
  • Patent number: 10835446
    Abstract: A crutch handle is positionably adjustable to a crutch at an offset angle to provide an ergonomic position of a user's hand. The crutch handle has a curved adjustment adapter on both a first and second end of a handle-grip portion of the crutch handle. A fastener slot extends through the first and second adjustment adapters to allow a fastener to extend though and secure the handle to the crutch at an offset angle. The handle-grip has a fastener opening on at least one of the first or second ends to allow the fastener to be positioned along the handle-grip portion of the handle. A conventional crutch may be adapted with this angle adjustable crutch handle with the fasteners being in apertures that are aligned across the crutch support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: First Freedom Financial, Inc
    Inventor: Steven Wanderman
  • Patent number: 10492578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pole handle (1), in particular for trekking poles, Nordic walking poles, Alpine ski poles, or cross-country ski poles, comprising a handle head (2), a handle body (3), and a hook-like device (4) for securing a handling device. A movable, pivotal, or rotatable latching means (5) is arranged in the region of the hook-like device such that a loop-, ring-, or eye-shaped device, which is provided on the handling device and inserted into the hook-like device substantially from above, is fixed in the hook-like device in a self-latching manner. The latching means is designed in the form of a retaining lug which defines a constrained region (7) for the loop-, ring-, or eye-shaped device towards the bottom in the braced position. Additionally, a recess (8) is provided in the handle head and/or handle body from above, wherein a movably and/or rotatably mounted securing block (9) on or in which the engaging means is arranged is arranged in the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: LEKISPORT AG
    Inventors: Eberhard Heim, Marco Hofer
  • Patent number: 9952618
    Abstract: A handlebar grip including an inward portion defining an inward portion outer diameter, an outward portion defining an outward portion outer diameter, and a recessed portion, located between the inward portion and the outward portion, and defining a recessed portion outer diameter that is less than the inward portion outer diameter and the outward portion outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Extreme Steering, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Stewart
  • Patent number: 9867436
    Abstract: A pole grip for walking sticks, trekking poles, alpine ski, cross-country ski, or Nordic walking poles, and an associated hand-retaining device, or a set of said elements. The pole grip has a grip body and a hook-like device for fastening the hand-retaining device. Movable or rotatable locking elements are arranged in the area of the hook-like device in such a way that a loop-shaped device provided on the hand-retaining device and inserted into the hook-like device substantially from above is fastened in the hook-like device in a self-locking manner. The design is characterized in that elements that prevent rotation of a loop-shaped device fastened to the hook-like device about the longitudinal axis of the hook-like device by elements of form closure are provided on the hook-like device, and that corresponding complementary elements are provided on the hand-retaining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: LEKISPORT AG
    Inventors: Klaus Lenhart, Eberhard Heim, Wladimir Kreis
  • Patent number: 9526974
    Abstract: A combination of a handle and a strap of a ski pole, the strap adapted to be between a hand of a person and the handle, and the combination allowing a quick uncoupling/re-coupling of the strap with the hand from/to the pole handle. The handle includes a handle body fixed on the pole, a locking base fixed in the body, a slide movable in respect to the body and locking base, an unlock lever communicating with the slide while shifted in respect to the body; and a pin having a first end with a widening and a second end fixing the pin to the strap in a predetermined area thereof. The strap is shaped to enclose by contact and extend around a palm and a wrist and between a thumb and forefinger by tightening. The predetermined area of the strap is centrally within the strap, between the thumb and forefinger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: ONE WAY SPORT OY
    Inventors: Andreas Bennert, Lauri Kettunen, Antti Nikkola
  • Patent number: 9358177
    Abstract: A medical crutch includes a supporting member having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes an upper end having an arm support area and a handle area. The lower portion includes an adjustable system and a shock absorbing system. The pneumatic shock absorbing system is configured for removable attachment to an adjustable shaft. The pneumatic shock absorbing system is configured to provide a dampening means. The pneumatic shock absorbing system further includes a shock absorbing coupler to provide removable attachment of the shock absorber unit to the shock absorbing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Hoogenboom
  • Publication number: 20150007862
    Abstract: A tubular crutch including a tubular crutch body, a cantilever handle and a ground engaging extension is described. The cantilever handle includes a curved base plate, a plurality of bolts, a tubular member, a plurality of locking nuts, a key, and a contoured component. The tubular crutch also includes a ground engaging extension with a spring loaded button that is received at the bottom of the tubular elongated member. The tubular crutch body includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element, a first concave curve adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element, a second convex curve proximate to the first concave curve, a third concave curve proximate to the second convex curve and a tubular elongated portion adjacent to the third concave curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: CAREBORNE, LLC
    Inventor: Philip William Dickerson, II
  • Patent number: 8925563
    Abstract: A robotic cane may include a grip handle, a cane body extending from the grip handle at a first end, a motorized omni-directional wheel coupled to a second end of the cane body, a balance control sensor, and a controller module. The balance control sensor provides a balance signal corresponding to an orientation of the robotic cane. The controller module may receive the balance signal from the balance control sensor and calculate a balancing velocity of the motorized omni-directional wheel based at least in part on the balance signal and an inverted pendulum control algorithm. The controller module may further provide a drive signal to the motorized omni-directional wheel in accordance with the calculated balancing velocity. The calculated balancing velocity is a speed and direction of the motorized omni-directional wheel to retain the robotic cane in an substantially upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ota, Masaru Ryumae, Keiichi Sato, Shin Sano
  • Publication number: 20150000718
    Abstract: A tubular crutch including a tubular crutch body, a cantilever handle and a ground engaging extension is described. The tubular crutch body includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element, a first concave curve adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element, a second convex curve proximate to the first concave curve, a third concave curve proximate to the second convex curve and a tubular elongated portion adjacent to the third concave curve. The cantilever handle includes a curved base plate, a bolt, a tubular member, a nut and a contoured component. The tubular crutch also includes a ground engaging extension with a spring loaded button that is configured to be received at the bottom of the tubular elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: CAREBORNE, LLC
    Inventor: Philip William Dickerson, II
  • Patent number: 8800579
    Abstract: An improved hand grip for an ambulatory crutch. The improved handgrip is offset from the plane of the crutch with the forward end of the grip lower than the rear end of the grip, and with the rear end offset larger than the forward end. The handgrip has a curve outward from the plane of the crutch and preferably is made of or molded over with an ergonomically shaped weight bearing material and/or air bladder. The combination of offsets and angles provides significantly improved wrist/arm orientation compared to conventional crutch handgrips resulting in less fatigue and usage injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Propel Mobility
    Inventors: Keith Severson, John Russell Stump
  • Publication number: 20140166061
    Abstract: An articulated grip pad is disclosed which includes a vertical supporting member that has a generally spherical bottom end. The crutch also includes a gripping pad having a bore. The generally spherical end of the vertical support is securely received into the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Millennial Medical Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Brad J. Larson, Ken Lester
  • Patent number: 8720458
    Abstract: A tubular crutch including a tubular crutch body, a cantilever handle and a ground engaging extension is described. The tubular crutch body includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element, a first concave curve adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element, a second convex curve proximate to the first concave curve, a third concave curve proximate to the second convex curve and a tubular elongated portion adjacent to the third concave curve. The cantilever handle includes a curved base plate, a bolt, a tubular member, a nut and a contoured component. The tubular crutch also includes a ground engaging extension with a spring loaded button that is configured to be received at the bottom of the tubular elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Careborne, LLC
    Inventor: Philip William Dickerson, II
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8714170
    Abstract: A mobility assistance retrieval system to help users grab objects out of reach featuring a cane, walker, or scooter, a grabber, and one or more clips for attaching the grabber to a leg shaft of the cane, walker, or scooter. The user can unclip the grabber from the cane, walker, or scooter and obtain an object without having to reach or bend for the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: William K. Bonne, Erin M. Bonne
  • Patent number: 8695617
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cane with a novel handle assembly. The handle assembly includes, among other components, an inner frame, an outer cover, and a resilient filler that is positioned between the inner frame and the outer cover to provide the handle assembly with a measure of resiliency to increase the user's comfort during use. In one embodiment of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the handle assembly may include a fluorescent material to facilitate location of the cane in poorly lit, or dim, areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Drive Medical Design & Mfg.
    Inventor: Harvey Diamond
  • Publication number: 20140096804
    Abstract: A leg supporting crutch apparatus includes a crutch having an underarm support structure, a support surface engagement structure, and a hand grip. A central portion of a torso engaging structure, which is between first and second end portion thereof, is attached to the central portion of the crutch at a location between the underarm support structure and the hand grip. A leg support assembly is attached to the central portion of the crutch at a location between the hand grip and the support surface engagement structure. The leg support structure includes a platform on which a lower leg portion of a person using the leg supporting crutch apparatus can be supported while the torso engaging structure is secured to a torso of the person and the underarm support structure is positioned under an armpit of the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: James Arnold Keck
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8627774
    Abstract: A ground lock is formed of a main shaft having a first latching structure near its upper end and a ground fastener at its lower end. A mating member provides a cooperative latching structure and slides on the main shaft between raised and lowered positions. In one of the raised or lowered positions, the two latching structures are latchable, allowing the mating member to drive the main shaft to engage or disengage the ground fastener. In the other of the raised or lowered positions, the second latching structure is non-latchable with the first latching structure such that the main shaft is disabled from driving the ground fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Cordell Pearce
  • Publication number: 20130319489
    Abstract: A novel crutch comprising a series of elements angled with respect to each other so as to provide a stable platform for supporting a user's weight while reducing injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: David Dalury
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130291913
    Abstract: A support for a walking aid such as a crutch, a walker or a cane is disclosed. The support is configured for providing enhanced balance on adverse terrain that may contain obstacles and/or have slippery spots. In an embodiment of the present invention, the support comprises a flat bottom and an upwardly angled slit that provides an upper and a lower section configured for contorting in a manner as to enhance friction with the walking terrain thus reducing the probability of slippage. In an alternate embodiment, the support comprises an oval shaped bottom and a downwardly angled slit. This support is configured facilitating walking and providing support in rough terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Michael M. Soletski, Robert Patrick Limoni
  • Publication number: 20130276845
    Abstract: An anti-slip foot assembly for a strut is disclosed. An embodiment of the anti-slip assembly includes a heel pad adapted to resist normal forces applied by the strut, a plurality of independently flexible toes adapted to resist the lateral forces that tend to cause slipping. A foot assembly with retractable cleat system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Egg Design, LLC
    Inventor: Reynolds E. Moulton
  • Publication number: 20130263901
    Abstract: An improved hand grip for an ambulatory crutch. The improved handgrip is offset from the plane of the crutch with the forward end of the grip lower than the rear end of the grip, and with the rear end offset larger than the forward end. The handgrip has a curve outward from the plane of the crutch and preferably is made of or molded over with an ergonomically shaped weight bearing material and/or air bladder. The combination of offsets and angles provides significantly improved wrist/arm orientation compared to conventional crutch handgrips resulting in less fatigue and usage injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Keith Severson, John Russell Stump
  • Publication number: 20130180558
    Abstract: A crutch having a first side direction, a second side direction opposite the first side direction, a third side direction perpendicular to the first side direction and a fourth side direction opposite the third side direction, the crutch including an elongate leg having a top end, a top portion, a middle portion, a bottom portion, and a bottom end, wherein the elongate leg extends from a saddle to a foot and has a handle disposed on the middle portion, wherein the saddle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the handle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the third side direction of an axis extending between the leg and the foot, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the first side direction of an axis extending between the top end of the elongate leg and the bottom end of the elongate leg; and wherein the handle is cantilevered and has a
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: MOBI, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Weber, Shawn Monitor, Michael Grider
  • Publication number: 20130146111
    Abstract: A set of ergonomic handgrips and arm pads make the use of crutches or other walking assist devices more comfortable and less likely to cause repetitive stress injuries. A metacarpal protrusion of the each handgrip is angled outward at about 5 to 25 degrees from front to back when installed to place the user's wrists at a more ergonomic angle (approximately 15 degrees inward rotation). The metacarpal protrusion produces a substantially flat surface with a downward slope. Each handgrip spreads the load out over the hand of the user eliminating pressure. The handgrips can be fitted on crutches, a walker, a cane, or another walking assist device. The arm pad has a pair of protrusions that produce a recess on the side facing away from a user's chest which engages a user's arm and keeps the crutch top positioned correctly while the crutch is in use by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: LIGHTBULB, LLC
    Inventor: LIGHTBULB, LLC
  • Patent number: 8439057
    Abstract: A walking stick (10) having a shaft (12) having a first portion (34) and a second portion (36) received within the first portion (34) such that the second portion (36) can slide relative to the first portion (34). A first transverse handle (18) is provided at an upper end of the shaft (12) and a second handle (20) is provided pivotable between a retracted position in which the second handle (20) is generally parallel to the shaft (12) and an extended position in which the second handle (20) extends transversely to the shaft (12). A spring member (48) is provided for biasing the second portion (36) of the shaft (12) to slide outwardly from the first portion (34) and a locking mechanism is provided having a trigger (38) adjacent the first handle (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas Parry, Edward Joseph Khoury
  • Patent number: 8418705
    Abstract: A robotic cane may include a grip handle, a cane body extending from the grip handle at a first end, a motorized omni-directional wheel coupled to a second end of the cane body, a balance control sensor, and a controller module. The balance control sensor provides a balance signal corresponding to an orientation of the robotic cane. The controller module may receive the balance signal from the balance control sensor and calculate a balancing velocity of the motorized omni-directional wheel based at least in part on the balance signal and an inverted pendulum control algorithm. The controller module may further provide a drive signal to the motorized omni-directional wheel in accordance with the calculated balancing velocity. The calculated balancing velocity is a speed and direction of the motorized omni-directional wheel to retain the robotic cane in an substantially upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ota, Masaru Ryumae, Keiichi Sato, Shin Sano
  • Patent number: 8418706
    Abstract: A method for upgrading a crutch, comprising the steps of providing a crutch having a leg, a first saddle, a first handle and a first foot; providing a second saddle different from the first saddle; removing the first saddle from the leg; and attaching the second saddle to the leg, wherein the first saddle has an upper surface that is symmetric about two planes and wherein the second saddle has an upper surface that is symmetric about only one plane, and certain crutches to use therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mobi, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Weber
  • Patent number: 8381748
    Abstract: A combined walking and pickup stick includes a shaft, pickup mechanism and actuator assembly. The actuator assembly controls configuration of the stick as either a walking stick or a pickup stick and also controls operation of the pickup stick. The stick has an adjustable length, but adjustment of the length does not affect operation of the pickup mechanism. The stick also folds for easy storage or transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Richard Selwyn Jebson
    Inventor: Shanon Matthew Martin
  • Patent number: 8342196
    Abstract: A crutch having a first side direction, a second side direction opposite the first side direction, a third side direction perpendicular to the first side direction and a fourth side direction opposite the third side direction, the crutch including an elongate leg having a top end, a top portion, a middle portion, a bottom portion, and a bottom end, wherein the elongate leg extends from a saddle to a foot and has a handle disposed on the middle portion, wherein the saddle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the handle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the third side direction of an axis extending between the leg and the foot, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the first side direction of an axis extending between the top end of the elongate leg and the bottom end of the elongate leg; and wherein the handle is cantilevered and has a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mobi, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Weber, Shawn Monitor, Michael Grider
  • Publication number: 20120318313
    Abstract: A tubular crutch including a tubular crutch body, a cantilever handle and a ground engaging extension is described. The tubular crutch body includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element, a first concave curve adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element, a second convex curve proximate to the first concave curve, a third concave curve proximate to the second convex curve and a tubular elongated portion adjacent to the third concave curve. The cantilever handle includes a curved base plate, a bolt, a tubular member, a nut and a contoured component. The tubular crutch also includes a ground engaging extension with a spring loaded button that is configured to be received at the bottom of the tubular elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Philip William Dickerson, II
  • Publication number: 20120255589
    Abstract: An articulated grip pad is disclosed which includes a vertical supporting member that has a generally spherical bottom end. The crutch also includes a gripping pad having a bore. The generally spherical end of the vertical support is securely received into the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Brad J. Larson, Ken Lester
  • Publication number: 20120060879
    Abstract: A hand grip is disclosed. The hand grip has a cross-sectional profile and an axial extent delimited by opposing ends thereof, in which a resilient extension portion is provided at one side of the cross-sectional profile, and which extends substantially the length of the axial extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Emily Webb
  • Patent number: 8082936
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Kineticane, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald M. Goldberg, Joseph Goldberg
  • Patent number: 8079617
    Abstract: A stick handle (1) is described, in particular for walking sticks, trekking sticks, alpine ski sticks, cross-country sticks and Nordic walking sticks, with a handle body (14) and with a device (8-11, 15) for the self-latching fastening of a hand-holding device (25), in particular in the form of a hand loop or a glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Lekisport AG
    Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
  • Patent number: 8069869
    Abstract: A crutch has a standing unit, an armpit rest and a grip unit. The standing unit has a top, a foot and multiple positioning holes defined between the top and the foot. The armpit rest is mounted on the top of the standing unit. The grip unit transversally attached to the standing unit has a grip, two positioning bases and two pins. The grip has two ends each having a recess, a pin hole and a limiting portion. Each positioning base has two insertions each having a limiting notch and a hook. When the positioning base engages the recess, the limiting notches combine with the limiting portions and the pin inserts into one corresponding positioning hole. When the positioning base is released from the recess, the limiting notches disengage from the limiting portions, the pin disengages from the positioning hole, and the hook combines with the limiting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Miao-Yuan Huang
  • Publication number: 20110290290
    Abstract: A crutch has a standing unit, an armpit rest and a grip unit. The standing unit has a top, a foot and multiple positioning holes defined between the top and the foot. The armpit rest is mounted on the top of the standing unit. The grip unit transversally attached to the standing unit has a grip, two positioning bases and two pins. The grip has two ends each having a recess, a pin hole and a limiting portion. Each positioning base has two insertions each having a limiting notch and a hook. When the positioning base engages the recess, the limiting notches combine with the limiting portions and the pin inserts into one corresponding positioning hole. When the positioning base is released from the recess, the limiting notches disengage from the limiting portions, the pin disengages from the positioning hole, and the hook combines with the limiting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Miao-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 8047216
    Abstract: There is provided a standing aid comprising a leg engaging means and a handle and wherein the standing aid is adapted such that, in use, a user can brace the leg engaging means against a leg and pull on the handle so that the user is aided to move from a seated position to a standing position. Also provided is a method of using the aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Liverpool John Moores University
    Inventor: Ilsa Parry
  • Publication number: 20110240077
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assistive mobility device, for example a walking stick or a crutch, for ergonomically assisting its user to traverse both urban and more challenging terrain. The device includes an elongated pole to support the user and a hand grip by which the user grips the proximate end of the pole. The hand grip is connected to the pole through a user-adjustable damper for absorbing shock. A variety of interchangeable tips are available for the distal end of the pole to adapt the device for a variety of terrains and uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Sarah Doherty, Kerith Perreurlloyd, William Johnson, Gary Moonie, Christopher John Foreman
  • Patent number: 7984723
    Abstract: A walking cane that can be stored in a novel manner is provided. The walking cane may include a non-articulating handle portion and a shaft portion extending from the handle portion. The handle portion is shaped in such a manner as to allow the walking cane to be self-standing when it is inverted and the handle portion is placed on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Stander Inc.
    Inventors: Chester E. Seivert, F. Troy Miller
  • Publication number: 20110168218
    Abstract: A crutch having a first side direction, a second side direction opposite the first side direction, a third side direction perpendicular to the first side direction and a fourth side direction opposite the third side direction, the crutch including an elongate leg having a top end, a top portion, a middle portion, a bottom portion, and a bottom end, wherein the elongate leg extends from a saddle to a foot and has a handle disposed on the middle portion, wherein the saddle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the handle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the third side direction of an axis extending between the leg and the foot, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the first side direction of an axis extending between the top end of the elongate leg and the bottom end of the elongate leg; and wherein the handle is cantilevered and has a
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: MOBI, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Weber, Shawn Monitor, Michael Grider
  • Publication number: 20110108075
    Abstract: A method for upgrading a crutch, comprising the steps of providing a crutch having a leg, a first saddle, a first handle and a first foot; providing a second saddle different from the first saddle; removing the first saddle from the leg; and attaching the second saddle to the leg, wherein the first saddle has an upper surface that is symmetric about two planes and wherein the second saddle has an upper surface that is symmetric about only one plane, and certain crutches to use therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: MOBI, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Weber
  • Publication number: 20110094551
    Abstract: A novel crutch comprising a series of elements angled with respect to each other so as to provide a stable platform for supporting a user's weight while reducing injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: David F. Dalury
  • Patent number: 7896013
    Abstract: This invention refers to a stick (1) intended for use by a person moving in a forward direction on a surface, comprising an elongated stick shaft (2) and a handle component (12). The handle component is angled in relation to the stick shaft (2). The invention also refers to a handle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Bo Lerner
  • Patent number: 7891708
    Abstract: The invention is a device for coupling and releasing the wrist strap to/from the handgrip of a pole for sporting activities, comprising: a buckle associated with the wrist strap; a seat obtained in the handgrip to house the buckle; means for coupling the buckle comprising an elastic tab that projects from the body of the buckle and a support surface obtained in the seat that cooperate by mutual contact when the buckle is constrained to the handgrip; means for coupling the buckle that can be maneuvered by the user. The releasing means comprise a release lever that can be maneuvered by the user and is housed inside the seat, wherein in said release lever it is possible to identify a central core with a rotation pin, a maneuvering end that can be reached by the user and a release end that cooperates by contact with the elastic tab to move it away from the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: GABEL S.r.l.
    Inventor: Paolo Panizza
  • Publication number: 20100236590
    Abstract: An improved mobility device for assisting in the movement of the limbs is set forth. The device includes an arm support section. A vertical shaft is also provided. A handgrip section connects the arm support section to an upper angled section of the vertical shaft. The handgrip section is angled below a vertical plane perpendicular to the shaft. The handgrip section is substantially centered over the vertical shaft. A method of forming an improved mobility device is also set forth. The method includes the following steps. First, a tubular aluminum bar is provided. Next, the bar is bent outwardly, away from a central plane of a shaft of the bar to form an upper angled shaft portion. The bar is then curved back toward the central plane of the bar at an angle below a plane perpendicular to the central plane to form a handgrip section, wherein the handgrip section is substantially centered over the shaft. The bar is then bent to form an arm support section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: R. Gary Diaz
  • Publication number: 20100236591
    Abstract: Aspects of the inventive technology include, in various embodiments, novel ambulation assistance apparatus with upper and lower force absorbers, perhaps with different displacement per force rates, novel crutches or canes that are convertable and/or foldable, and novel axilla area force receivers that may conform to part of a user's thorax, for use as part of a crutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Steven A. DeLacé