Ergonomic Cane
An ergonomic cane comprises at least one finger hole and at least one elongated finger slot disposed within a handle portion. A cane portion projects downwardly from the handle to support a user when in use. In one embodiment, the handle also provides electronic access to media such as radio or mp3 or other audio formats. A storage interface input is provided such as USB or SD card etc. to allow a user to customize their listening experience. In one embodiment a siren is provided to allow a user to activate a very loud sound in case of an emergency. In another embodiment a light is provided to illuminate a selected area while using the cane.
This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application 61/044,937, filed Apr. 15, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWalking sticks and canes have been used by humans for thousands of years. The first walking sticks were likely branches used to steady travelers over rough terrain and to help tend animals. Users personalized them by carving and selecting special pieces of wood. Exotic materials such as metal, bone and ceramic were also used to create walking sticks and canes. Some canes were decorated with jewels and other ornamental elements.
Another use for canes became apparent when an injury made it difficult for the injured person to walk. The cane provides support to relieve pressure on a weakened leg due to injury or old age. With a cane, the user uses upper body strength to augment locomotion by gripping a handle portion and selectively using the cane to support some of the user's weight as they walk. This can be uncomfortable and cause the hand to fatigue during prolonged use. There is a need for a cane that allows a user to comfortably grip the cane.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOther features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
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In one embodiment, a light 245 is mounted within handle 205 to allow the user to illuminate an area in front of the user. In this embodiment, control button 230 controls light 245. Light 245 is a super bright high output white LED as is known in the art. Of course other light sources would be acceptable such as incandescent and florescent. Additionally, another button (not shown) may be provided to allow additional functionality. In one embodiment, a siren function is included to allow a user to press button 240 to generate a very loud siren sound that can be used to scare off an attacker. The sound is generated electronically and played on speaker 210.
A USB interface 260 is provided to allow the user to port music or other audio to the media player. Additionally, an SD card reader 270 is provided for additional storage options. Other kinds of card reader interfaces such as memory sticks, SDHC, etc may be provided to increase functionality.
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Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. An ergonomic cane comprising:
- a handle portion;
- said handle portion having at least one finger hole wherein a user's finger are inserted therein to provide an ergonomically adapted griping portion;
- said handle portion having at least one elongated opening adapted to receive at least two of said user's fingers;
- a cane portion;
- said cane portion being attached to a bottom portion of said handle portion wherein said cane portion perpendicularly projects downward to provide a support function when placed in contact with a surface; and
- a cap portion disposed on a bottom portion of said cane portion.
2. The ergonomic cane according to claim 1 further comprising an electronic media means disposed within said handle portion adapted to provide access to electronic media.
3. The ergonomic cane according to claim 2 wherein said electronic media means is a radio.
4. The ergonomic cane according to claim 2 wherein said electronic media means is a media player.
5. The ergonomic cane according to claim 2 wherein said electronic means is an alarm.
6. The ergonomic cane according to claim 2 further comprising a speaker in electronic communication with said electronic media means whereby said user can listen to said electronic media.
7. The ergonomic cane according to claim 1 further comprising a light producing means disposed within said handle portion whereby when activated, a light is produced to illuminate a selected area.
8. The ergonomic cane according to claim 6 wherein said light producing means is a high output LED light.
9. The ergonomic cane according to claim 6 wherein said light producing means is an incandescent light.
10. The ergonomic cane according to claim 6 wherein said light producing means is fluorescent light.
11. The ergonomic cane according to claim 2 further comprising an electronic connector means disposed within said handle portion adapted to provide connection to an earpiece.
12. The ergonomic cane according to claim 10 wherein said electronic connector means is a wired input jack.
13. The ergonomic cane according to claim 10 wherein said electronic connector means is a wireless interface.
14. The ergonomic cane according to claim 10 further comprising an earpiece adapted to connect to said electronic connector means whereby said user is able to listen to said electronic media.
15. The ergonomic cane according to claim 1 further comprising a resilient material covering at least a portion of said handle portion.
16. The ergonomic cane according to claim 2 further comprising an electronic storage interface means electrically connected to said electronic media means.
17. The ergonomic cane according to claim 16 wherein said electronic storage interface means is a USB port.
18. The ergonomic cane according to claim 16 wherein said electronic storage interface means is a SD card.
19. The ergonomic cane according to claim 16 wherein said electronic storage interface means is storage card.
20. An ergonomic cane comprising:
- a handle portion;
- said handle portion having four finger holes wherein each one of a user's finger are insertable therein adapted to provide an ergonomic griping portion;
- a cane portion;
- said cane portion being attached to a bottom portion of said handle portion wherein said cane portion perpendicularly projects downward to provide a support function when placed in contact with a surface; and
- a cap portion disposed on a bottom portion of said cane portion.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 15, 2009
Publication Date: Oct 15, 2009
Inventor: Rodney Brown (Los Angeles, CA)
Application Number: 12/423,950
International Classification: A45B 3/00 (20060101); A45B 3/02 (20060101);