Separable Handle Patents (Class 135/76)
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Patent number: 10690771Abstract: The present device is an object detection device for assisting individuals with visual impairments to detect objects in front of him or her when walking or riding a bike. The device preferably includes an assistive device like a cane and an echolocation device coupled to the walking assistive device. When a user signals for the echolocation device to do so, the echolocation device uses a parametric array to generate a sound beam. If an object is in front of the user, the audible narrow sound beam reflects off of the object creating a strong, clear echo sound beam toward the user's ear. Because the user is preferably trained in echolocation, he or she is able to determine the distance, position, and possibly the type of object.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Sondare Acoustics Group LLCInventors: Michael J. Biffignani, Robert Stretch, Tim Chen
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Patent number: 10380850Abstract: A virtual cane (1) wherein a handheld sensor (2) determines a position of the user's hand in relation to the ground and/or to the user's body. The handheld sensor mimics the feel of a conventional cane providing sensory feedback to the user to prevent dizziness or vertigo.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Inventor: Adam A. Zuber
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Patent number: 10163368Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for acoustic representations of environments. A processor can execute an acoustic representation service. The processor can receive a request to provide acoustic representation data to a device. The processor can obtain input data from the device. The input data can include captured data. The processor can analyze the input data to recognize an object represented in or by the input data and a path associated with the object. The processor can generate acoustic representation data representing the object and the path, and provide the acoustic representation data to the device.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2017Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: AT&T Intelllectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Randolph Wohlert, Milap V. Majmundar, Aaron Bangor, James H. Pratt, Guido Corona
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Patent number: 8776810Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventors: Jeh-Kun Lah, Jang-Ho Wang
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Patent number: 8695616Abstract: The present invention relates to a walker. The walker includes a first front leg, a first rear leg; and a first handle disposed between and connecting the first front leg to the first rear leg. The walker further comprises a trough region formed in a top surface of the first handle. The trough region has a hole formed therein. The walker further includes a cane having a grip region and a body portion. The body portion of the cane is removably received within the hole and the grip region of the cane is removably received within the trough region.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: Jerry Huggins
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Publication number: 20130298953Abstract: Embodiments of walking aids, which may comprise a handle, a shaft, and a base, are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventor: Leela J. Amladi
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Patent number: 8528577Abstract: A trekking pole assembly includes a trekking pole and a handle assembly mounted to the trekking pole. The handle assembly includes a handle housing with an interior cavity and a shock absorbing member secured within the interior cavity. The handle housing has a top end and a bottom end, an opening defined in the bottom end, and at least one lateral opening. The shock absorbing member is positioned in the handle housing and interposed between the handle housing and the trekking pole. A portion of the shock absorbing member is displaceable through the at least one lateral opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Easton Technical Products, Inc.Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Ross M. Hinschberger
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Patent number: 8517555Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Inventor: Francis E. LeJeune
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Patent number: 8496017Abstract: A walking stick has a shaft and a hand guard at one end of the shaft, the hand guard being detachedly secured to the shaft so that it can be removed, inverted, and reattached. The hand guard has a yoke shape with two arms with spaced apart ends for receiving an elastic band therebetween. The hand guard is positionable with the arms of the yoke extending away from the shaft so as to comprise a slingshot.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Inventor: Richard Y. Haddad
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Patent number: 8439056Abstract: An easily detachable stick has an umbrella installed therein. The stick includes a grip element having a root portion extending therefrom, the root portion having a platform along an axis direction and a leaf spring installed on the platform, the leaf spring having one end fixed to the platform and the other end being a free end; and a supporting pole having a hollow cavity installed therein, the cavity having an opening at one end thereof, into which the root portion is inserted, a sliding groove disposed in the opening along an axis direction of the cavity, a sliding button embedded in the sliding groove, an elastic element installed in the sliding groove between the sliding button and the opening of the cavity, and an inner flange inward protruding from the opening of the cavity, allowing the free end of the leaf spring to be supported by the inner flange.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Inventor: Shing Hae Shyu
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Patent number: 8393342Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Kineticane, LLCInventors: Ronald M. Goldberg, Joseph Goldberg
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Publication number: 20120204919Abstract: An easily detachable stick has an umbrella installed therein. The stick includes a grip element having a root portion extending therefrom, the root portion having a platform along an axis direction and a leaf spring installed on the platform, the leaf spring having one end fixed to the platform and the other end being a free end; and a supporting pole having a hollow cavity installed therein, the cavity having an opening at one end thereof, into which the root portion is inserted, a sliding groove disposed in the opening along an axis direction of the cavity, a sliding button embedded in the sliding groove, an elastic element installed in the sliding groove between the sliding button and the opening of the cavity, and an inner flange inward protruding from the opening of the cavity, allowing the free end of the leaf spring to be supported by the inner flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventor: Shing Hae SHYU
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Patent number: 8186367Abstract: A foldable walker includes upstanding legs arranged in a generally square pattern, each of which is capped by a fixed joint member and each of which has a slider member slideably disposed on it. Two forward legs are interconnected by two rigid links arranged in a scissors arrangement with the uppermost end of each link pivotally connected to a fixed joint member and the lowermost end of each link pivotally connected to a slider. Each forward leg is interconnected to its associated rearward leg in the same way. Each pair of rigid links is interconnected to one another by a pivot pin. The linkage enables the width and the depth of the walker to be reduced to a very small space and telescoping legs reduce the height dimension of the walker. Handles are folded when the walker is stored and pivoted into their operable position when the walker is deployed.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Tuan Le tran, Sukru Gokcek
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Patent number: 8136542Abstract: A hiking stick including a first section, which includes: a first shaft and a male joining piece attached to the shaft, and extending away from the shaft. The male joining piece has an uncut portion and a beveled portion. The bevel is formed by a plane cut at the end of the joining piece at an angle with a long the axis of the hiking stick. A second section includes a second shaft having a hollow end configured for receiving the male joining piece, such that an inner wall of the end of the second shaft has a radial cross section which is narrower than a radial cross section of the widest portion of the male joining piece. The male joining piece is configured for being inserted into the end of the second section, and for being radially compressed by the end of the second section.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Inventor: Bruce Arthur Warren
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Patent number: 8082936Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Kineticane, LLCInventors: Ronald M. Goldberg, Joseph Goldberg
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Patent number: 8079379Abstract: The invention relates to a baby walking stick which facilitates and accelerates the transition from crawling to walking in a physiologically appropriate manner. In addition, the invention prevents the accompanying adult from adopting unsuitable postures and the design of the stick provides increased safety by connecting the adult and the baby. The invention comprises a folding stick having an upper curved section which curves around the baby's erect head. The upper end of the stick is provided with a T-shaped handle for the adult and the centre of the stick, at the height of the baby's arms, is provided with handlebars with which the baby can hold himself/herself upright. The lower end of the stick is provided with two wheels so that the stick slides as the baby and adult walk, which wheels are in contact with the ground and joined by an axle parallel to the above-mentioned handle and handlebars, all of said components being disposed in parallel to the direction of movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Inventor: Antonio Vilar Peron
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Patent number: 8069869Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Miao-Yuan Huang
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Publication number: 20110139201Abstract: A walking stick has a shaft and a hand guard at one end of the shaft, the hand guard being detachedly secured to the shaft so that it can be removed, inverted, and reattached. The hand guard has a yoke shape with two arms with spaced apart ends for receiving an elastic band therebetween. The hand guard is positionable with the arms of the yoke extending away from the shaft so as to comprise a slingshot.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventor: Richard Y. Haddad
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Publication number: 20110073145Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: KINETICANE, LLCInventors: RONALD M. GOLDBERG, JOSEPH GOLDBERG
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Publication number: 20110073144Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: KINETICANE, LLCInventors: RONALD M. GOLDBERG, JOSEPH GOLDBERG
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Patent number: 7896013Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Inventor: Bo Lerner
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Patent number: 7891708Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: GABEL S.r.l.Inventor: Paolo Panizza
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Publication number: 20100288319Abstract: A climbing crutch comprises an upper flexibly hollow tubular section, a lower flexibly hollow tubular section, and an outer rod with a predetermined diameter, wherein the upper tubular section includes a first upper tubular end with a predetermined length having outer threads formed on the first upper tubular end, and further includes a second upper tubular end with a predetermined length having a coupling member disposed on the second upper tubular end, the coupling member includes first inner threads formed therein; the lower tubular section includes a first lower tubular end having a screwing segment extending from the first lower tubular end to be screwed with the first inner threads of the coupling member of the upper tubular section, and the lower tubular section further includes an anti-slip portion mounted thereon; the outer rod includes a first rod end having second inner threads formed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2009Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventor: ZHAN-HUA LUO
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Publication number: 20100051077Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating walking and a method of using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a pole member, at least a first grip member and a second grip member, the first grip member is arranged to allow a user of the apparatus to move stably and the second grip member is arranged to allow a user of the apparatus to participate in a rigorous activity, and one or more ground contact members. The grip members are removably connectable to the pole member at a first end of the pole member, and the one or more ground contact members are removably connectable to the pole member at a second end of the pole member. The method includes the steps of participating in one or more diagnostic activities by an individual to generate data and selecting one or more walking-improvement activities that involve use of the apparatus based on the data obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: INTERCHANGEABLE MEDICAL WALKING STICKS LLCInventors: Brian McGann, Gregory Foweraker, Shaye McGann, Kate Dulac
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Patent number: 7665769Abstract: A pole grip, especially for canes, trekking poles, downhill skiing poles, cross-county skiing poles, and Nordic walking poles. The pole grip includes a grip member and a hand-retaining device in the form of a hand strap or a glove. The hand-retaining device is equipped with a substantially band-shaped element which is provided with an end that is fixed inside the recess in the area of the top wall on the grip member.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Lekisport AGInventor: Klaus Lenhart
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Patent number: 7654275Abstract: The present invention is a Cane/walking aid that provides the user with many security features along with mobility support. The cane/walking aid can be placed under the doorknob to secure the door(s) as a door-jamming device. The cane/walking aid will provide balance and mobility support. Life-saving medical alert information (identification, illnesses and medications) will be readily available inside the cane/walking aid. A safety alarm will sound if the user pulls the alarm string, which is to be wrapped around the user's wrist. This high-decibel alarm will also sound if the user becomes separated from the cane/walking aid. It also has a flashing safety light and a built in flashlight. The cane will have mace, an alarm, and/or other personal self-defense devices within. A G.P.S. device or a talking G.P.S. is provided for navigation. The cane/walking aid can accommodate an electronic insect repellent device.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Inventors: Derek Marlow Ewell, Jenny Diane Watters
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Patent number: 7621288Abstract: A hand based weight distribution system which utilizes a knuckle support platform and knuckle support surface to allow the user to place his or her knuckles on said surface, preferably concurrently grasping a handle and thereby support part or all of the weight of the user without placing undue pressure on the hand of the user or the handle of the body support apparatus. Included are a knuckle support platform, knuckle support surface, support structure with a first end disposed to engage the ground.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Inventor: Jeffrey D. Evans
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Publication number: 20090235967Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2007Publication date: September 24, 2009Inventor: Bo Lerner
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Patent number: 7591275Abstract: The invention is for a handle body for a crutch used to aid a person in walking on a walking surface. The handle body includes a generally cylindrical palm grip about which a user wraps his hand to grip the handle assembly, a generally vertical front post, a generally vertical rear post, a web upon which the web of the hand of the person rests when the person grips the handle body, and a thumb rest upon which the person positions a thumb to more securely grip the handle body and to physiologically and psychologically encourage the person to refrain from engaging in twisting and rolling motions of the hands and wrist. The thumb rest is a contoured ridge integrally formed on a side of the handle body.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Inventor: William H. Baker
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Publication number: 20090159106Abstract: A mobility aid having interchangeable features is disclosed. A plurality of handles, shafts, and/or tips are provided of different shapes, sizes, and materials so that different users can select different features based on preference or changing support needs. Each handle and each tip is connectable to each of the provided shafts so that a user may switch out handles or tips as desired. Also disclosed is a shaft for a mobility aid having an upper portion and a lower portion with a telescoping relationship and a locking device, such as a rocking or rocker switch, interposed therebetween. The locking device allows the mobility aid to be locked into a fully expanded position, released for a semi-collapsed position, or released into a fully collapsed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Lee Schulz, Mark Koehneke, Carol Pritzlaff Voss, Bob Unkel, David Singer
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Patent number: 7540296Abstract: A comfort cane includes a cane shaft having an upper end and lower end thereof, and a two-piece handle affixed to the upper end of the cane shaft. The handle includes a rigid body portion substantially defining a profile of the handle in a top view of the handle, and a top portion attached to the body portion. The top portion is soft and resilient with respect to the body portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: AMG Medical Inc.Inventors: Daniel Seth Meyers, Cristian Boar
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Patent number: 7445016Abstract: A shock absorbing cane, including a shaft and a handle, the shaft having a self propelling and repositioning forward motion when compressed handle is lifted by user. The shaft extends from the handle and the handle is shock-absorbing for absorbing impact when the shaft strikes against an unyielding surface. The handle includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a dampening assembly. The fixed portion is affixed to the shaft and the movable portion is movably mounted to the fixed portion. The dampening assembly includes a tension spring disposed in the fixed portion of the handle, with one leg thereof extending into the shaft to preload the tension spring by biasing against the shaft, and with the other leg thereof extending via a rod into and affixed to the movable portion of the handle, thereby allowing the movable portion of the handle to resiliently move relative to the shaft and absorb impact when the shaft strikes against the unyielding surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Inventor: Ralph O. Ortiz
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Patent number: 7188634Abstract: A cane comprising a shaft, an ergonomic handle that includes multiple storage/retention zones, an emergency assist handle, and an ergonomically enhanced tip, or foot. The emergency assist handle, when inserted into one of two sleeves located in the shaft, provides a user with a means for rising from the ground after a fall. The ergonomic handle of the present invention includes a compartment, or retention zone, into which any number of small, hand-held devices and may be inserted and is formed with an external, textured material that helps the cane to resist falling over when leaned against virtually any vertical surface at angles not precisely perpendicular to the ground. The elongated foot of the present invention is radically different in size, length, and configuration and, thereby increases the area in contact with the surface being traversed by a user by up to 200%, without changing the “feel” of the cane.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: John A. Coakley, Sr.
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Patent number: 7069940Abstract: A crutch has an adjustable crosspiece between two upright tube portions thereof, which includes a main body having tunnels lengthways extending along two end portions, two engaging pins respectively in the tunnels, springs for making the pins project out from the tunnels, two control members positioned next to and movable along the end portions of the main body, and two linearly displaceable bars on lateral sides of the main body, each of which connects a respective one of the pins to a respective one of the control members such that the pins are displaceable together with the control members; immediately after the control members are moved further away from each other, the pins will be retreated into the tunnels and disengaged from the uprights, and the crosspiece is adjustable; after the crosspiece is moved to a new position, the control members are released for the pins to engage the upright tubes.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventor: Mu-Chang Tsai
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Patent number: 6851437Abstract: The invention relates to a cane handle comprising a hand strap attached to the top end of the handle. Said strap forms a loop which has an adjustable length and can be fixed by means of a clamping device placed in the top end of the handle. Said clamping device comprises a clamping element which is placed in the top end of the handle and encircled by the loop. In order to adjust the hand strip more easily and to reduce the number of components required, the clamping element with the encircling section of the loop is set between an upper and a lower bearing surface, is placed in such a way that it pivots around an approximately horizontal axis, and has a clamping area which is eccentric in relation to the swivelling axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Inventor: Klaus Lenhart
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Patent number: 6820628Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for versatile object manipulation devices that allow a user to manipulate objects. The devices may be used to place an object and to retrieve an object. This is achieved by placing an object retrieval mechanism at one end region of a shaft and placing two or more handles at an opposite end region of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: Paul Fredolpf Larson
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Publication number: 20030098052Abstract: The invention relates to a detachable hip or thigh support mounted on top of a conventional forearm or elbow crutch instead of the crutch handle, which is removed and used on a strut attached to the crutch tube. The preferred embodiment of the invention uses a bicycle saddle as support. The user sits on the saddle much in the same manner as he would sit on a bicyle. He may rest his foot on an additional foot rest at the tip of the crutch. The invention allows a fully non-weightbearing gait which requires far less strength, especially in the arms, than the three-point gait with conventional crutches. The user controls the crutch tube of the device with the handle and the foot rest. It is recommendable to use an additional conventional crutch on the unaffected side for better control of balance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2001Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventor: Peter Fismer
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Patent number: 6520194Abstract: A holder for canes, umbrellas and similar accessories comprising a tubular member to which a high-friction textured contact surface is attached is disclosed. When the holder is attached to the accessory the user may hang the accessory on a table or other horizontal surface with a reduced possibility that the accessory will slip.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventor: John K. Frazier
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Patent number: 6491050Abstract: A leg support for attachment to a crutch for supporting the affected leg of a user, and having a cushioned upper surface. The support is preferably adjustable to a variety of heights on the crutch, and adjustable to position the cushioned upper member at one or more preselected angles for enhanced comfort.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Inventor: Joe L. Whiddon
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Publication number: 20020170587Abstract: Stick structure which is resiliently extensible and adjustable in length. The adjustment of length of the stick can be easily achieved by both right-handed and left-handed users. The stick includes multiple fitting tubes nested in each other and an adjusting/locating device and a resilient extensible device disposed at the fitting sections of the fitting tubes. When clockwise or counterclockwise rotating any of the fitting tubes, the rotary body is rotated along therewith to forcedly stretch apart the damper to tightly abut against the inner circumference of another fitting tube so as to easily adjust the length of the stick and fix the stick. In addition, in accordance with different using environments, the stick is freely resiliently extensible to a certain extent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Shinichi Uemura
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Patent number: 6401738Abstract: An orthopedic walker having a rear crossbar which is pivotally mounted to two side frames allowing for sequential movement of one side frame forward relative to the other to facilitate walking. A pair of wrist guards are positioned at the top of each frame and the frames provide a smooth transitioning of a number of handholds to aid in standing from a seated position. A pair of climbing members are also positioned on ribs along a left side frame and a right side frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Larry Rush Alexander
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Publication number: 20010032661Abstract: A leg support for attachment to a crutch for supporting the affected leg of a user, and having a cushioned upper surface. The support is preferably adjustable to a variety of heights on the crutch, and adjustable to position the cushioned upper member at one or more preselected angles for enhanced comfort.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventor: Joel L. Whiddon
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Publication number: 20010017150Abstract: A self-anchoring beach umbrella comprising an umbrella canopy and an umbrella pole. The umbrella pole having an upper member for supporting the canopy and a lower member for self-anchoring the umbrella into a ground surface. The upper member being an elongated tubular sleeve having a first end communicating with and supporting the umbrella canopy, an axial lumen formed within the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end for receiving a pole standard into the axial lumen. The lower member being a pole standard having a length, a first end formed for insertion into the axial lumen of the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end formed for anchoring into the ground surface. A hammer is fixed to the elongated tubular sleeve, the hammer included for transmitting an axial force applied to the elongated tubular sleeve onto an anvil. The anvil fixed to the pole standard for receiving the axial force from the hammer and transmitting it to the pole standard to anchor the pole standard into the ground surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2000Publication date: August 30, 2001Inventor: Eric K. Doreste
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Patent number: 6279591Abstract: A universal platform support assembly (10) provides for vertical and horizontal adjustment to secure the assembly to a wide array of walker (W) styles and sizes. A forearm receiving member (20) can be pivoted for comfort of the user and a push handle (24) associated therewith may be selectively positioned fore and aft, as well as rotated, for additional fit and comfort. Enlarged knobs (32) that may be conveniently grasped and manipulated secure the various adjustable components together allowing assembly and adjustment to proceed without using tools.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Invacare CorporationInventor: Shane Obitts
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Patent number: 6244285Abstract: The present invention relates to a free standing support device without a base mat, to assist a person to come to a standing position from a sitting or lying position. The device has a base frame to which are attached two and only two, vertical posts each extending about 30 inches above the floor and each having a free end and a fixed end. At least one vertical post has a free end separable from its fixed end. The vertical posts each have a gripping means affixed to the free end.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Inventor: Lawrence W. Gamache
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Patent number: 6203063Abstract: An athletic pole including a handle, a shaft, and a handle-to-shaft transition assembly, the transition assembly adapted for allowing the handle to articulate. The transition assembly includes an enlarged shaft base on the shaft, the shaft base including a handle-base-engaging surface. The transition assembly also includes an enlarged handle base on the handle. The handle base and the shaft base are biased together by a tension force into a mating, coaxially aligned position when any bending forces applied to the pole are insufficient to overcome the tension force, the handle being pivotable to an articulated position relative to the shaft upon the application of a predetermined bending force on the pole sufficient to overcome the tension force.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventors: Edward J. Bujold, Eugene P. Wise
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Patent number: 6076635Abstract: A portable step stool assembly including a step stool having a bottom surface adapted to be supported on a generally horizontal support surface and having a top surface adapted to be stepped on by a person. The assembly further includes an elongate resiliently flexible handle which is sufficiently stiff to remain straight when supported from one of its end portions. One end portion of the handle is attached to the step stool with the handle normally projecting upwardly past its top surface to a position where its opposite end portion can be grasped by a user of the step stool assembly. The handle is resiliently flexible in any direction normal to its longitudinal axis which restricts injury should a person fall against the handle and facilitates storage of the step stool assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventor: Don Dame
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Patent number: 5996602Abstract: A hiking pole comprised with a telescoping staff, a handgrip extending outwardly from the rear of the staff when the staff is in an upright position, the handgrip including an elongated hand engaging section having an outer end and an inner end, the handgrip having a longitudinal axis at an angle of from about 10.degree. to about 45.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the staff, the handgrip inner end being attached to the staff at a position whereby a user's hand is raised to at least the level of the user's chest to grasp the handgrip; and a balance section projecting toward the front of the staff, the balance section having a longitudinal axis at an angle of from about 10.degree. to about 45.degree. relative to the staff longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Mobility Devices, Inc.Inventor: Wayland H. Cato, III
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Patent number: 5924434Abstract: A crutch including an extendible, locking shaft having an upper end and a lower end; a handgrip positioned to the front of the crutch and joined to the upper end of the shaft by a connecting arm; and an underarm at a level below the level of the handgrip, whereby the user's hand is positioned above the level of the user's underarm when using the crutch, to thereby pull upward on the handgrip during forward movement, instead of a pressing downward on the handgrip and underarm support.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Mobility Devices, Inc.Inventor: Wayland H. Cato, III
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Patent number: 5904167Abstract: A walking aid device has a curved handle member designed to conform to the shape of the body which will allow a person to lean on the device when the hands and arms need to be free while standing. The handle member curves downwardly, slightly forwardly and continuing in a downward bow to connect to an appendage or shaft portion. The shaft portion bends slightly inwardly and continues straight down to a foot member. The walking aid device allows a person to walk with the momentum of using a cane and the stability of using a walker.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Inventor: John F. Moye