CANE TIP

Abstract

A cane tip having a body incorporating a resilient shock-absorbing member which has radial projections extending to the surface of the cane tip. The cane tip includes a bore defining a bore axis. The bore is configured to receive the shaft of a cane. Vertical ribs protrude radially into the bore and extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the bore axis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/008,235, filed Dec. 20, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a resilient tip which may be utilized in conjunction with canes, walkers, crutches, or the like. Such tips are commonly utilized in conjunction with devices supporting individuals who encounter mobility difficulties and who need ancillary support.

2. Description of the Related Art

The conventional cane tip is commonly formed of rubber or polymeric materials which are subject to flow and deformation and which are designed to obtain a maximum frictional grip on a supporting surface and to absorb, in part, the shock loads which are imposed upon the hands or arms of an individual utilizing a supporting means having a tip or tips thereupon.

The conventional tip has a centrally located bore adapted to receive the lower extremity of a cane, or the like, and has its extreme end portion engagable with the adjacent supporting surface. The bore is generally configured to engage with the cane when disposed on the lower extremity thereof. However, in some instances, the engagement between the cane tip and the cane may loosen to allow the cane tip to inadvertently fall off the cane. Furthermore, such conventional tips are commonly formed with a rounded extremity which, under certain conditions, such as slippery or wet surfaces, is not particularly adequate and frequently tends to slip or slide, causing the individual depending thereupon to fall with, sometimes, serious consequences.

In addition, conventional tips are commonly fabricated from rubber or polymeric materials and provide a certain shock-absorbing function which mitigates the shock load imposed upon the user of the cane or other implement(s) incorporating the tip. However, such shock-absorbing function of conventional tips is relatively limited.

A drawback with many existing canes tips is that they may not provide a tread that disperses liquids that the cane tip may come into contact with on surfaces, as well as those liquids temporarily adherent within the geography of the tread design itself. Consequently the tread may not maintain sufficient friction between the cane tip and the ground surface, which could create the potential for a hydroplaning effect. An important physical property of liquids is that they cannot be compressed and, when constricted under pressure, liquids tend to act as a lubricant eliminating the rolling friction necessary for adherence between the cane tip and the ground surface. Since many existing cane tips do not include treads which disperse liquids, the stability of the cane tip may be compromised, which may cause injury to the consumer.

Another problem with existing canes and cane tips relates to their usage in dark environments. For instance, it may be difficult to use a cane in a dark room or during the evening hours. If the walkway is not sufficiently illuminated, it may be difficult for the user to see where he/she is walking. Furthermore, the darkness may make it difficult for others to see the user. Some canes address this deficiency by including various forms of illumination. However, in most cases, the light source is provided by a mechanical and/or electrical supply, which may be costly and complicate their fabrication and manufacturing.

As is apparent from the foregoing, there exists a need in the art for a cane tip to be configured to sufficiently engage a cane to remain thereon after repeated usage thereof. There is also a need for a cane tip having improved shock-absorbing abilities and traction, as well as light-emitting qualities. The present invention addresses these particular needs, as will be discussed in more detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Provided is a cane tip having a tread design that allows for the dispersal of liquids that the cane tip may come into contact with on surfaces, as well as those liquids temporarily adherent within the geography of the tread design itself, thereby providing superior traction and safety for the consumer. This property of the tread helps to maintain sufficient friction between the cane tip and the ground surface through dispersal of any liquids collected within the tread which could create the potential for a hydroplaning effect. An important physical property of liquids is that they cannot be compressed and, when constricted under pressure, liquids act as a lubricant eliminating the rolling friction necessary for adherence between the cane tip and the ground surface. The dispersal property of the cane tip greatly enhances the stability of the cane tip, thereby effective preventing injury to the consumer.

The cane may also include a shock-absorbing means in the form of a gel-filled or fluid-filled PVC capsule incorporated as an integral part of the cane tip structure located between the receiving bore end of the cane tip and the lower tread area of the cane tip base. Columns or straps formed in the tip body may be distributed equidistantly around the capsule, effectively connecting the cane tip base, the capsule section, and the receiving portion of the cane tip. The capsule, constructed of PVC or other material, incorporates a gel-like elastic polymer or a pocket of air which dampens the effects of the kinetic energy inherent with each impact of the cane tip on the ground.

A cane tip may be provided for installation on a cane shaft defining a lower end portion. The cane tip may include a body having an upper body portion, a lower body portion, and a shock absorbing portion disposed between the upper body portion and the lower body portion. The upper body portion may include a bore defining a bore axis. The bore may be configured to receive the lower end portion of the cane shaft along the bore axis. The shock absorbing portion may include a cavity and a plurality of columns in spaced relation to each other and extending between the upper body portion and the lower body portion. The cane tip may further include a plurality of ribs protruding from the upper body portion radially into the bore. Each vertical rib may extend longitudinally in a direction that is substantially parallel to the bore axis. The plurality of vertical ribs may be configured to frictionally engage the cane shaft. The cane tip may further include a shock-absorbing capsule located in said cavity and having a plurality of radial accurate segments protruding between adjacent ones of the plurality of columns.

The cane may further include a cane tip having no external ridges, shoulder areas, skirts, or plateaus. The upper extremity of the cane tip may create a completely flush intersection between the cane and cane tip, thereby reducing the potential of the cane surface from becoming caught within or against obstacles such as furniture legs and the like.

The cane may include a slightly curved or rounded outer edge of the base adjacent to the tread area of the cane tip. This slightly rounded edge, in conjunction with the tread and the shock-absorbing means, may present a greater tread area of the cane tip to the ground surface.

The vertical ribs of the cane tip may be equidistantly arranged within the bore section of the cane tip, wherein the base of the tubular cane-apparatus or other such component(s) used with the current invention is inserted. The design component is a significant design improvement in the manufacture of the cane tip as well as a means of securing said cane-apparatus to the cane tip.

This arrangement of the vertical ribs may further improve shock absorbency of the cane through the application of shock absorbing inserts at the base of the bore component of the cane tip and the interfaces with the rubber and/or elastomeric-polymer used in the fabrication of the cane tip body. The cane tip energy dissipation may be facilitated by means of shock absorbing material and the interfaces that further dissipate energy through its friction mechanisms.

In addition, it may be desirable to incorporate luminescent materials that may glow-in-the-dark to help in the placement and location of the device and thereby reduce incidents of falls and/or injury. The cane tip may include inherent luminescent i.e. the emission of light produced by means other than heat incandescence, e.g. by phosphorescence, fluorescence, or bioluminescence. Light reflective materials may be incorporated within the body of the cane tip such that the consumer may be noticed while walking outside during dusk or the darkness of night.

The tip may be configured for use as the foot of a shower chair, such as those used by the geriatric and disabled. The tip may allow for the drainage of water from within its tread, thereby reducing the potential for the growth of fungi. Thus, it may also contribute to a more hygienic environment. The tip may also be used with other consumer goods, such as commodes, where the collection of liquids within a standard rubber tip base might cause the production of bacterial growth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing the cane/crutch/multipurpose tip of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical section taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a partial second view of the cane tip's initial ground engagement; and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an alternative tread configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIG. 1 thereof, a cane tip 10 is shown on the lower end of a cane 11. The cane 11 may be of any desired construction, such as a metal tube of shaft 12 having its lower end portion closed by a plug 13 (see FIG. 2). The relative sizes of the tip 10 and cane 11 are for the purpose of showing the details of the tip 10 and, of course, the tip 10 can be of any size. In addition, although the tip 10 is described as utilized in conjunction with a cane 11, it can be used with a wide variety of auxiliary supports such as ambulatory walkers, shower chairs and commodes, multi-footed walking devices or canes, or any legged object utilized where support on wet surfaces is desired.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the cane tip 10 has a generally cylindrical body 14, which may be formed of elastic polymer, latex, a rubber-like material, or other materials known by those skilled in the art. The cane tip 10 includes an upper body portion 16, a lower body portion 17, and a shock-absorbing portion 36 disposed between the upper body portion 16 and the lower body portion 17. The cane tip 10 may include a generally cylindrical bore 15 extending into the upper body portion 16 toward the lower body portion 17 about a bore axis 38. As shown in FIG. 2, the bore 15 extends only partially into the body 14. At the base of the receiving bore 15, there may be a disk made of polyester, nylon, or metal which may provide a foundation for the base of the cane to rest upon. The bore 15 may be concentrically located within the body 14 and may be configured to frictionally engage with an end portion of the cane shaft 12 when the shaft 12 is inserted into the bore 15. In this manner, the bore 15 may define a shape that is complimentary to the shaft 12. Therefore, in the case of circular or cylindrical shafts, the bore 15 may define a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft 12, or is expandable to a diameter that is slightly larger than the shaft 12.

In one embodiment, the cane tip 10 includes securement means for securing the cane tip 10 to the shaft 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the internal surface of the bore 15 is provided with flexible vertical ribs 18 protruding radially within the bore 15 and extending longitudinally in a direction that is substantially parallel to the bore axis 38. The vertical ribs 18 may provide a more secure coupling or fit between the cane 11 and the cane tip 10. The vertical angle of the ribs 18 may provide a unique environment, with superior surface friction beyond an annular elastomeric ring or other such member as a groove, to maintain a secure interface between the two separate components. The ribs 18 may alternate with internal vertical indentations 19 within the wall of the bore 15 which allow the vertical ribs 18 to be compressed and slightly displaced upon the insertion of the cane shaft 11. This helps to achieve firm frictional engagement of the bore 15 with the cane 11, while enabling the cane 11 to be removed, when desired.

The vertical ribs 18 may be equidistantly arranged within the bore 15. This arrangement of the vertical ribs 18 may further improve shock absorbency of the cane 11 through the application of shock absorbing inserts at the base of the bore 15 of the cane tip 10 and the interfaces with the rubber and/or elastomeric-polymer used in the fabrication of the cane tip body 14. The cane tip 10 energy dissipation may be facilitated by means of shock absorbing material and the interfaces that further dissipate energy through its friction mechanisms.

According to one embodiment, the exterior of the cane tip body 14 is generally smooth, having no external protuberances. The body 14 may taper upwardly, as at 20, to achieve a smooth, streamlined exterior surface. The streamlined design may provide a smooth transition between the cane tip 10 and the cane 11 to reduce the possibility of the cane tip 10 becoming entangled in objects such as the legs of furniture.

In another implementation of the invention, shock-absorbing means is incorporated in the shock absorbing portion 36 of the cane tip body 14 to mitigate the shock load imposed on a user. Although the phrase “shock absorbing portion” is used to identify a portion of the cane tip 10, it is understood that other portions of the cane tip 10 may also absorb shock. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the shock-absorbing means includes a capsule 21, which may be fabricated from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or other synthetic plastic or the equivalent. The capsule 21 may be filled with air, or other fluids, to enhance the shock-absorbing ability of the capsule 21. The capsule 21 differs in its shock-absorbing characteristics from the body 14 of the crutch tip 10 in that it deflects and absorbs shock loads more effectively than the remainder of the body 14. This permits the tread to self-adjust to surface irregularities.

The shock absorbing portion 36 of the body 14 may define a cavity or opening for the capsule 21. The shock absorbing portion 36 may additionally include a plurality of columns 24 extending between the upper body portion 16 and lower body portion 17. The columns 24 may be spaced equidistantly about the periphery of the cane tip 10.

The capsule 21, as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, is of generally cylindrical configuration but may incorporates a plurality of perimetrical indentations 22 which define radial accurate segments 23 protruding between columns or straps 24 formed integrally with the body 14 of the cane tip 10. A resilient or elastic disk of the same size and configuration can be substituted for the capsule 21. The columns or straps 24 may serve as additional structural support for the capsule 21 and as structural connections between the lower body portion 17 and the upper body portion 16 of the body 14.

Referring back to FIG. 2, occupying the outer perimeter of the base of the cane tip body 14 is a slightly curved edge or periphery 25 which constitutes the outermost portion of the base of the cane tip 10. This structural design, when incorporated with the other components of the cane tip 10, contributes to a more pliable and adherent footing for contact with ground surfaces.

The lower surface of the cane tip 10 is a frictional ground engaging pad or tread 26, which may be generally cylindrical, and is an integral part of the body 14. The lower surface of the tread 26 may include a plurality of depending ribs 27 arranged in adjacent, spaced relation with respect to each other in parallel, as seen in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, the depending ribs 27 are of a generally oblong rectangular configuration and are arranged parallel with the outer edges having a slightly crescent shape conforming to the shape of the body 14 of the cane tip 10. The spaces between the edges 28 of the ribs 27 are shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 as grooves or slots 29 extending inwardly from the lower or outer end surface 25 of the tread 26. These grooves 29 may be unobstructed at either end and, thus, allow for the dispersal of liquids which may either temporarily collect within the grooves 29 of the tread, or for any liquids which are present on ground surfaces. Additionally, the several depending ribs 27 have the flexibility inherent in the rubber-like latex material used in the construction of the general structure of the cane tip 10.

An alternative embodiment of the tread 30 is shown at FIG. 6 as consisting of a plurality of pie-shaped or semi-circular tread segments 32 arranged in adjacent, spaced relationship with respect to each other and in a star-shaped array. The spaces between the tread segments 32 define radial grooves or slots 33 extending inwardly from the curvilinear edge 25 of the tread area and terminating in a common central area 34. The grooves 33 are unobstructed at either end and, thus, allow for the dispersal of liquids in the same manner as the previously discussed tread of FIG. 4.

Because of the provision of the shock-absorbing means provided by the capsule 21, the treads 26 and 30 can be displaced to more effectively adjust to irregularities and other anomalies of the ground surface. The shock-absorbing characteristics of the capsule 21 may cause the surfaces of the treads 26 and 30 to more effectively engage the adjacent ground surfaces.

Typical use is shown in FIG. 5, wherein the cane tip 10 is depicted in the process of dispersing liquid from within the tread 26 as it comes into contact with liquid on the ground surface. Similar dispersal is accomplished by the star-shaped tread 30 of FIG. 6. It will be apparent that the end surface of the tread 26 remains in firm, frictional engagement with the ground surface. Also, the angle of impact is depicted indicating the increased initial surface area the cane tip 10 provides. Although FIG. 5 illustrates the cane tip 10 in use on a wet surface, it is understood that the tip 10 may be utilized effectively on dry surfaces as well.

In addition to the foregoing, it is contemplated that various aspects of the cane tip 10 may be directed toward a light-emitting element. More specifically, it may be desirable to incorporate luminescent materials that may glow-in-the-dark to help in the placement and location of the cane 11 and thereby reduce incidents of falls and or injury.

The cane tip 10 may include inherent luminescent properties, i.e. the emission of light produced by means other than heat incandescence, e.g. by phosphorescence, fluorescence, or bioluminescence. Reflective materials may also be included within the body 14 of the cane tip 10 itself. The light-emitting portion of the cane tip 10 may allow the user to be noticed while walking outside during dusk or the darkness of night.

From the foregoing, it is seen that aspects of the present invention may provide a cane tip 10 which is simple in construction for economy of manufacture, while affording unique functional advantages and being durable and entirely reliable throughout a long, useful life.

Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described in some detail by way of illustrations and example for the purpose of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

Claims

1. A cane tip for installation on a cane shaft defining a lower end portion, the cane tip comprising:

a body having an upper body portion, a lower body portion, and a shock absorbing portion disposed between the upper body portion and the lower body portion, the upper body portion including a bore defining a bore axis, the bore being configured to receive the lower end portion of the cane shaft along the bore axis, the shock absorbing portion having a cavity and a plurality of columns in spaced relation to each other and extending between the upper body portion and the lower body portion;

a plurality of vertical ribs protruding from the upper body portion radially into the bore, each vertical rib extending longitudinally in a direction that is substantially parallel to the bore axis, the plurality of vertical ribs being configured to frictionally engage the cane shaft; and

a shock-absorbing capsule located in said cavity and having a plurality of radial accurate segments protruding between adjacent ones of the plurality of columns.

2. The cane tip according to claim 1 wherein the body and the shock-absorbing capsule have different shock-absorbing characteristics.

3. The cane tip according to claim 1 wherein the radial accurate segments of the shock-absorbing capsule extend the shock-absorbing function of the shock-absorbing capsule to the surface of the body.

4. The cane tip according to claim 1 further comprising a light reflective material disposed on an exterior surface of the body.

5. The cane tip according to claim 1 where the body is formed of a luminescent material configured to glow-in-the-dark.

6. The cane tip according to claim 1 wherein the shock-absorbing capsule is formed from polyvinyl chloride.

7. The cane tip according to claim 1 further comprising a tread connected to the lower body portion.

8. The cane tip according to claim 7 wherein the tread includes a plurality of ribs.

9. The cane tip according to claim 8 wherein the plurality of ribs are substantially parallel to each other.

10. The cane tip according to claim 8 wherein the plurality of ribs are semi-circular in shape.

11. The cane tip according to claim 7 wherein adjacent ones of the plurality of ribs define a groove therebetween.

12. The cane tip according to claim 1 wherein the body is configured to provide a substantially flush intersection with the cane when disposed on the cane.

13. A cane including:

a shaft having a lower end portion; and

a cane tip including: a body having an upper body portion, a lower body portion, and a shock absorbing portion disposed between the upper body portion and the lower body portion, the upper body portion including a bore defining a bore axis, the bore being configured to receive the lower end portion of the cane shaft along the bore axis, the shock absorbing portion having a cavity and a plurality of columns in spaced relation to each other and extending between the upper body portion and the lower body portion; a plurality of vertical ribs protruding from the upper body portion radially into the bore, each vertical rib extending longitudinally in a direction that is substantially parallel to the bore axis, the plurality of vertical ribs being configured to frictionally engage the cane shaft; and a shock-absorbing capsule located in said cavity and having a plurality of radial accurate segments protruding between adjacent ones of the plurality of columns.

14. The cane according to claim 13 wherein the body and the capsule have different shock-absorbing characteristics and the radial accurate segments of said capsule extend the shock-absorbing function of said capsule to the surface of said body.

15. The cane according to claim 13 further comprising a light reflective material disposed on an exterior surface of the body.

16. The cane according to claim 13 wherein the shock-absorbing capsule is formed from polyvinyl chloride.

17. The cane according to claim 13 further comprising a tread connected to the lower body portion.

18. The cane according to claim 17 wherein the tread includes a plurality of ribs.

19. A cane tip for use with a cane, the cane tip comprising:

a body formed out of a luminescent material configured to glow-in-the-dark, the body having an upper body portion, a lower body portion, and a shock absorbing portion disposed between the upper body portion and the lower body portion, the upper body portion including a bore for receiving the lower end portion of said cane shaft, the shock absorbing portion having a cavity and a plurality of columns in spaced relation to each other and extending between the upper body portion and the lower body portion; and

a shock-absorbing capsule located in said cavity and having a plurality of radial accurate segments protruding between adjacent ones of the plurality of columns.

20. The cane tip according to claim 19, wherein the bore defines a bore axis, the cane tip further including a plurality of vertical ribs protruding from the upper body portion radially into the bore, each vertical rib extending longitudinally in a direction that is substantially parallel to the bore axis, the plurality of vertical ribs being configured to frictionally engage the cane shaft.