Ergonomic Cane

Abstract

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.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application 61/044,937, filed Apr. 15, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Walking 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 INVENTION

Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an ergonomic cane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic cane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a close up front view of the handle portion shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic cane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic cane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic cane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic cane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a close up side view of a handle portion with a wired ear piece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a close up side view of a handle portion with a wireless ear piece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an adjustable ergonomic cane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic cane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a close up side view of a handle portion of an ergonomic cane according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

Referring to FIG. 1, an ergonomic cane 100 comprises a handle portion 105. A plurality of finger holes, 112, 114, 116 and 118 respectively are provided to allow a user to insert their fingers in each hole. The user is provided with an ergonomically comfortable grip that provides sure support. A cane portion 140 is firmly connected to handle portion 105 to provide contact with the surface. A cap 150 is provided to optimize the gripping power of cane portion 140. Cap 150 may be a rubber cap or other resilient material as is known in the art. A strap 130 is attached to a strap hole 120 disposed within handle portion 105 and is used to secure cane 100 to the hand of the user. A rubber or rubber like material may be used to coat and insulate handle portion 105 to protect the user's hand from cold and vibration.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, an ergonomic cane handle 205 is shown in detail having four finger holes 212, 214, 216 and 218 respectively. As discussed above, the user places fingers within the holes to provide a comfortable and ergonomic grip. In the embodiment shown, handle 205 includes a media player built in to allow the user to listen to audio content such as radio or music. A cane portion 240 projects downward to provide support as discussed above. A speaker 210 may be included. Additionally, an ear piece connector 250 is provided to allow the user to connect an ear piece. Control buttons 225 and 230 are provided to control media player as is known in the art. Additionally, in the embodiment with the radio, button 230 selects the desired frequency.

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.

Now referring to FIG. 4, an ergonomic cane 400 is shown having an alternate handle portion 405 with a plurality of finger holes 412, 414, 416 and 418 respectively provided to provide griping portion as discussed above. A cane portion 440 projects downward and a strap 430 is attached to strap hole 420 which is disposed in handle portion 405.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an ergonomic cane 500 is shown having an alternate handle portion 505 with a plurality of finger holes 512, 514, 516 and 418 respectively provided to provide griping portion as discussed above. A cane portion 540 projects downward and a strap 530 is attached to strap hole 520 which is disposed in handle portion 505.

With reference to FIG. 6, an ergonomic cane 600 is shown having an alternate handle portion 605 with a plurality of finger holes 612, 614, 616 and 618 respectively provided to provide griping portion as discussed above. A cane portion 640 projects.

Referring to FIG. 7, an ergonomic cane 700 is shown having an alternate handle portion 705 with a plurality of finger holes 712, 714, 716 and 718 respectively provided to provide griping portion as discussed above. A cane portion 740 projects downward.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an earpiece 810 is provided to allow the user to listen to selected media such as music or radio as discussed above. In the embodiment shown, earpiece 810 is connected to handle portion 205 with a wire portion 820 and connector 830 which fits within connector 250 disposed within handle portion 205.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a wireless earpiece 910 is provided to wirelessly connect 930 with the media player disposed within handle portion 905. A wireless receiver 920 is disposed within handle portion 905 to provide connectivity as is known in the art. Connection 930 is a Bluetooth connection. Of course other wireless systems are usable as long as they are suitable for short distance transmission.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an adjustable ergonomic cane 1000 comprises an upper cane portion 1040 that slips around a lower cane portion 1070. A tightening nut 1060 is provided to lock in place once the desired height had been selected. A tip portion 1050 is attached to the bottom of lower cane portion 1070.

Referring now to FIG. 11, an ergonomic cane 1100 is shown comprising a handle portion 1105 with a finger hole 1112 and a multiple finger slot 1114. In use, the user placed the pointing finger in finger hole 1112 and the rest of the fingers in slot 1114. This provides a sure, ergonomic grip that helps stabilize cane 1100 in use. A cane portion 1140 is attached to the bottom of handle portion 1105.

Now referring to FIG. 12, an ergonomic cane 1200 comprises a handle portion 1205 with two finger holes 1212 and 1214 respectively and a finger slot 1216. In use, the user places the first two fingers in holes 1212 and 1214 respectively and the remaining two in slot 1216. Again as discussed above, the finger holes 1212 and 1214 provide a comfortable and ergonomically correct positioning of the fingers while using the crane. A cane portion 1240 is attached to the bottom of handle 1205 to provide the support.

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.