Cane cover

Abstract

A cover for a cane includes a fabric sleeve having a shaft portion extending along a first axis and a handle portion at least a part of which extends along a second axis intersecting the first axis. The shaft portion is substantially linear and of a length proportioned to be substantially coextensive with a shaft of a monopod cane. The handle portion extends from and is integral with the shaft portion, and is proportioned to be substantially coextensive with a handle of a monopod cane. A first opening is provided at the distal end of the shaft portion, and a second opening is provided at a distal end of the handle portion. A third opening is provided at the intersection of the shaft portion and handle portion.

Description

BACKGROUND

Walking aids such as canes provide increased mobility to the aged, injured or otherwise impaired. Contemporary monopod canes are typically fabricated from aluminum and comprise a shaft and a handle extending from the shaft. The shaft is a vertical cylinder that is typically adjustable in length, while the handle may be a hook or extend in a substantially horizontal manner from the shaft. The handle may include a foam or rubber grip. The distal end of the shaft is commonly provided with a rubber tip for better traction.

While the modern aluminum cane is lightweight and durable, its appearance is utilitarian at best and carries with it in the minds of some a negative association or stigma. Furthermore, people with certain diseases experience discomfort when their skin comes into physical contact with metal. While a cane may be equipped with a foam or rubber grip to protect such a person during normal use thereof, the handling of other portions of the cane remains a problem.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a cover for a cane. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the cane cover is suitable for use with a monopod cane comprising a shaft and a handle.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the cane cover comprises a fabric sleeve comprising a shaft portion extending along a first axis and a handle portion at least a part of which extends along a second axis intersecting the first axis. The shaft portion is substantially linear and of a length proportioned to be substantially coextensive with the shaft of the monopod cane. The handle portion extends from and is integral with the shaft portion, and is proportioned to be substantially coextensive with the handle of the monopod cane. In preferred embodiments suitable for use with a monopod cane having a hook shaped handle, the handle portion is curved to form a hook.

Preferably, a first opening is provided at the distal end of the shaft portion so as to allow a foot of the shaft to protrude from the cane cover. In addition, a second opening is preferably provided at the distal end of the handle portion so as to allow the distal end of the handle to extend there through.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the cane cover includes a third opening located at the intersection of the shaft and handle portions. The third opening is preferably proportioned to substantially match or exceed the length of the handle. One or more fasteners may be provided at the lip of the third opening to secure the cane cover about the cane.

In a most preferred embodiment of the invention, pockets may be included on the shaft portion of the cane cover. The pockets are preferably proportioned to receive predetermined common objects, for example mobile telephones, glasses or keys. Fasteners may also be provided on the pockets to secure the contents therein.

The fabric and shape of the cane cover preferably include decorative aspects. In addition, the fabric may be weatherproof or weather resistant. In other preferred embodiments of the invention, safety elements such as reflectors are incorporated into the cane cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the cane cover of the present invention with a cane received therein; and

FIG. 2 is a back plan view of the cane cover of FIG. 1

DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary cane cover 100 suitable for use with a cane 200.

Cane 200 is monopod type and includes a shaft 200A and a handle 200B. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the handle 200B is a hook shaped extension from shaft 200A. Contemporary canes are typically fabricated from aluminum, but may also be fabricated from wood, steel, or other suitably rigid and lightweight materials. Cane 200 further includes a rubber grip 210 and strap 220 disposed on the distal end of handle 200B, and a rubber foot 230 disposed on the distal end of shaft 200A.

As shown in FIG. 1, cane cover 100 is fitted on and loosely engaged with cane 200. Cane cover 100 comprises a flexible fabric sleeve comprising a shaft portion 100A corresponding to shaft 200A and a handle portion 100B corresponding handle 200B.

The shaft portion 100A is substantially linear and extends along a first axis r. As shown in the figure, shaft portion 100A tapers down slightly towards the distal end and is substantially coextensive with shaft 200A. Namely, it is understood that the length of shaft portion 100A is preferably slightly longer, slightly shorter, or the same length as shaft 200A, such that it covers at least a substantial fraction of shaft 200A.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, shaft portion 100A is slightly longer than shaft 200A, and the distal end of shaft portion 100A is folded up such that shaft 200A protrudes from shaft portion 100A. In this way, the length of the shaft portion 100A may be adjusted to fit canes of different length. Furthermore, as many canes are adjustable in length, this allows the cane cover of the present invention to be employed on a single cane adjusted to various lengths. In a most preferred embodiment, the length of shaft portion 100A is 90%-110% of that of shaft 200A.

The handle portion 100B extends from and is integral with the shaft portion 100A. In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the handle portion 100B at least partially extends along the second axis s intersecting with axis r. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the handle portion 100B is curved to form a hook corresponding to the hook shape of handle 200B. However, it is understood that handle portion 100B may be formed to correspond to handles of various shapes. The handle portion 100B tapers down slightly towards the distal end and is substantially coextensive with handle 200B. Namely, it is understood that the length of handle portion 100B is preferably equal to or slightly longer than that of handle 200B. In most preferred embodiments, the length of handle portion 100B does not exceed the length of handle 200B by more than one inch.

A first opening 130 is provided at the distal end of the shaft portion 100A to allow foot 230 of the cane 200 to protrude from the cane cover. The first opening is preferably of sufficient diameter to allow the distal end of the shaft portion 100A to be folded up several times and still allow both the shaft 200A and the foot 230 of the cane to fit through the resultant opening. As previously noted, folding of the excess length of shaft portion 100A allows easy adjustment of the length of cane cover 100 so as to fit canes with shafts of varying length while maintaining a visually appealing look similar to that of rolled up jeans.

In addition, a second opening 110 is preferably provided at the distal end of the handle portion 10B. The second opening 110 is preferably of sufficient diameter to allow strap 220 to extend there through.

As shown in FIG. 2, in a most preferred embodiment of the invention, cane cover 100 includes a third opening 120 formed at the intersection of shaft portion 100A and handle portion 100B. The third opening is preferably proportioned to substantially match the length of handle 200B so as to allow the cane 200 to be inserted into cane cover 100 through the opening. In this embodiment, when the cane cover 100 is to be fitted on a cane 200, the shaft 200A is first inserted through third opening 120 into shaft portion 100A of the cane cover, and then the handle 200B is pulled through third opening 120 into handle portion 100B. Fasteners 125A and 125B may be provided at the lip of the third opening to secure the cane cover about the cane. Fasteners 125A and 125B may be, for example, buttons, snaps, hooks, or VELCRO®.

It is contemplated that the cane cover of the present invention be provided with pockets of various size and shape. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, pockets 150 and 160 are disposed on the shaft portion 100A of the cane cover 100. In preferred embodiments, the pockets are proportioned to receive predetermined common objects. For example, a first pocket may be proportioned to receive a mobile telephone, while a second pocket may be proportioned to receive an eyeglasses case. Alternately or in addition thereto, a pocket may be provided for holding keys or loose change. Fasteners are preferably provided on the pockets to secure the contents therein, as is well known in the art.

The cane cover of the present invention may be fabricated from any flexible fabric, for example, cotton, denim, or wool. The fabric is preferably sturdy, machine washable, and in embodiments of the invention may be weatherproof or weather resistant. In other embodiments of the invention, safety elements such as reflectors are incorporated into the cane cover.

The fabric and shape of the cane cover of the present invention preferably include decorative aspects. For example, the fabric may be denim of the kind used in blue jeans to give the cane cover a stylish appearance. Patches, needlework and other customizations of the fabric may also be employed.

The cane cover of the present invention provides an easy and inexpensive way to make a cane more attractive. Furthermore, as the fabric sleeve of the cane cover envelops a majority if not all of the exposed aluminum of a contemporary cane, those who experience discomfort when their skin comes into physical contact with metal are able to handle a cane fitted with the cane cover of the present invention without disadvantage. Finally, the easily accessible pockets on the cane cover are of particular value to those with a disability.

While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

Claims

1. A cane cover for a monopod cane including a shaft and a handle, the cane cover comprising:

a fabric sleeve comprising a shaft portion and a handle portion, the shaft portion extending along a first axis, and the handle portion at least partially extending along a second axis intersecting with the first axis.

2. The cane cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle portion is curved.

3. The cane cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first opening at the distal end of the shaft portion.

4. The cane cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a second opening at a distal end of the handle portion.

5. The cane cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third opening at the intersection of the shaft portion and handle portion

6. The cane cover as claimed in claim 5, further comprising at least one pair of fasteners disposed at a lip of the third opening.

7. The cane cover as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a least one pocket disposed on the shaft portion.

8. The cane cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises weather resistant material.

9. The cane cover as claimed in claim 1, further including at least one reflector disposed on the handle portion or shaft portion.

10. The cane cover as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shaft portion is substantially coextensive with the shaft, and the handle portion is substantially coextensive with the handle.

11. A cane and cane cover assembly comprising:

a monopod cane comprising a shaft and a handle; and

a fabric sleeve comprising a shaft portion and a handle portion, the shaft portion extending along a first axis, and the handle portion at least partially extending along a second axis intersecting with the first axis

wherein the shaft portion is substantially coextensive with the shaft and the handle portion is substantially coextensive with the handle.

12. The cane and cane cover assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the handle portion is curved.

13. The cane and cane cover assembly as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a first opening at the distal end of the shaft portion.

14. The cane and cane cover assembly as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a second opening at a distal end of the handle portion.

15. The cane and cane cover assembly as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a third opening at the intersection of the shaft portion and handle portion

16. The cane and cane cover assembly as claimed in claim 15, further comprising at least one pair of fasteners disposed at a lip of the third opening.

17. The cane and cane cover assembly as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a least one pocket disposed on the shaft portion.

18. The cane and cane cover assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the fabric comprises weather resistant material.

19. The cane and cane cover assembly as claimed in claim 11, further including at least one reflector disposed on the handle portion or shaft portion.

20. The cane and cane cover assembly for a cane as claimed in claim 11, wherein the shaft portion and handle portion are integral.