Combined And Convertible Patents (Class 135/66)
  • Patent number: 8800578
    Abstract: A multifunctional walking staff, to aid in balance and support on an ice surface, and to function as a survival or a rescue tool in the event of breaking through thin ice into water. Secure traction on ice is attained by a metal tip, which may be further pressed onto the ice by a foot peg, serving also as a grapple hook. Secured onto the ice, the staff affords reliable anchorage to an attached rescue line, which is ordinarily stowed in multiple folds therewithin. An adjustable loop is formed integrally with, or adjoined to the rescue line, which loop may be maneuvred by the staff to facilitate engagement with the rescuee. A buoyant projectile linked to the loop is releasably disposed within a top section of the staff, and is of such weight that it and the loop may jointly be cast the full extent of the rescue line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Donald William Jackson
  • Patent number: 8794252
    Abstract: A portable, foldable, and multifunctional mobility aid apparatus that assists a user in standing, sitting, and/or walking process. The apparatus has an integrated power source and is based on 4 wheels. Users can stand on it and drive it as an electric mobility device, or disable it and use it as a passive walker. The apparatus has a pair of supporting beams with adjustable width to be placed under the user armpits and support the user in standing up, sitting down, and/or moving around. The apparatus can be controlled by a control panel mounted on a pair of handles, and its functions can be controlled by the user with no need for help from another person. The apparatus can be minimized by a combination of multiple telescopic vertical minimization mechanisms and multiple folding mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Ahmad AlSayed M. Alghazi
  • Publication number: 20140205979
    Abstract: A hand-held cane or walking staff, with a lower end pedestal positioned on the ground or a floor so that a low profile cross piece is located in front of one of the user's feet, stimulating the brain of the user to accommodate the lifting of the user's foot, followed by stepping over the cross piece and additional steps thereafter, while carrying the staff in one hand by grasping an upper handle of the walking staff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Lynn M. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20140196757
    Abstract: A system method and device, the system including a gait device for facilitating a gait of a person over a surface and one or a plurality of crutches to provide support over the surface the gait device, each of said one or a plurality of crutches including a locomotion facilitator to enhance locomotion of that crutch over the surface and a mechanism to modify the locomotion of that crutch over the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Argo Medical Technologies Ltd
    Inventor: Amit GOFFER
  • Publication number: 20140190536
    Abstract: Cognitive orthotics. More specifically, assistive ambulation systems and methods, including systems that can detect a person who uses an assistive ambulation device (such as a walker) and produce a signal in response to the detection, which signal is designed to encourage or motivate the person to use the device. They system may also stop the signal when the person engages the device and/or produce an additional signal or a different signal when the person engages the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: SCOTT & WHITE HEALTHCARE
    Inventor: Paul A. Friedman
  • Publication number: 20140190535
    Abstract: An adjustable gait trainer bar that includes a telescoping stem with a first end, a second end, a first portion and a second portion and a joint clamp coupled to the first end of the stem, the joint clamp includes a clamp, a first lock clip, a first joint lock and a first threaded aperture. The adjustable gait trainer bar also includes a joint claw coupled to the second end of the stem, the second push button locking clip includes a claw, a second lock clip, a second joint lock, and a second threaded aperture and a fastener configured to selectively extend through a first respective aperture of the first portion and an aperture of the second portion, whereby to selectively position a length of the telescoping stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: George E. Antoun
  • Patent number: 8770212
    Abstract: A method of operating a portable, foldable, and multifunctional mobility aid apparatus that assists a user in standing, sitting, and/or walking process. The apparatus has an integrated power source and is based on 4 wheels. Users can stand on it and drive it as an electric mobility device, or disable it and use it as a passive walker. The apparatus has a pair of supporting beams with adjustable width to be placed under the user armpits and support the user in standing up, sitting down, and/or moving around. The apparatus can be controlled by a control panel mounted on a pair of handles, and its functions can be controlled by the user with no need for help from another person. The apparatus can be minimized by a combination of multiple telescopic vertical minimization mechanisms and multiple folding mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Ahmad AlSayed M. Alghazi
  • Patent number: 8770211
    Abstract: A walking cane includes a length of flexible material forming at least a portion of a closed loop, the loop freestanding above the grip portion of the cane handle when unstressed. The loop has a perimeter defining an opening capable of receiving the hand of a user inserted through the loop to grasp the grip portion of the handle. The end portions of the loop extend below the cane handle and enable the handle to be securely positioned on a surface when the cane is temporarily not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: William M. Murray
  • Publication number: 20140183831
    Abstract: A foldable seat for a walking aid. The foldable seat includes a rigidly affixed leg for added stability. The foldable seat is further configured to move from a use position in a support area of the walking aid to a storage area that minimizes the interference of the foldable seat with a user in the support area. The foldable seat moves in such a manner that the seat remains substantially parallel to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Nanyang Polytechnic
    Inventors: Zulkifli Bin Mohd Din, Chow Toon Keh, Hock Lai Ng
  • Publication number: 20140157650
    Abstract: A telescopic wading staff with a full size, integral fishnet is disclosed. The preferred embodiment includes a retractable, extensible pole that can be moved between a first, fully compacted (retracted) configuration for transport or storage and second, fully extended configuration for wading, especially when traversing a stream or riverbed for fly-fishing. Other embodiments include a hook extension from the lower staff end for retrieving tangled lines, lures and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Blood, Carl Caylor
  • Patent number: 8746265
    Abstract: A foldable seat for a rollator or a wheelchair includes a first plate and a second plate. The plates are rotatably moveable between an unfolded position and a folded position. A hinge pivotally connects said first plate to said second plate. An exemplary hinge includes at least a first cylinder integral with said first plate and at least a second cylinder integral with said second plate. The seat further includes a locking/unlocking system configured to be actuated by the user so as to lock, respectively unlock, said first and second plates into, respectively from, said unfolded position and/or said folded position. The locking/unlocking system being at least partially lodged inside said first and/or said second cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Invacare International Sarl
    Inventors: Tobias Nilsson, Joseph Van Houtem
  • Patent number: 8746264
    Abstract: An illuminated apparatus for assisting movement is provided that is able to illuminate surface areas upon which one walks, hikes, skis, skates, runs, reads from, signals, examines or studies. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may provide both broad and focused illumination. The device may ensure safe footing, solid purchase, and stable load bearing by providing illuminated assistance for foot, ski and skate placement, as well as the placement of singular and multi-pole fixtures used for activities such as hiking, climbing, skiing, skating, running, and walking. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may be compact and lightweight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Illumipath LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Gorey, Scott William Schultz
  • Patent number: 8714170
    Abstract: A mobility assistance retrieval system to help users grab objects out of reach featuring a cane, walker, or scooter, a grabber, and one or more clips for attaching the grabber to a leg shaft of the cane, walker, or scooter. The user can unclip the grabber from the cane, walker, or scooter and obtain an object without having to reach or bend for the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: William K. Bonne, Erin M. Bonne
  • Patent number: 8714171
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for attachment to a walker which facilitates a user rising from a seated position or returning to a seated position. The device includes a clamp, a primary support region, an angular support, and a foot. The clamp further includes a perimeter dimensioned for receipt of a vertical support of a walker. The clamp further includes a mechanical fastener assembly for secure joinder to the first end of a primary support. The primary support includes a rigid length of material extending distally from the first end. The second end of the primary support is coupled to a first end of an angular support, the angular support extends away from the primary support where its second end is joined to a foot. The foot includes a bottom surface configured to bear load and transfer load to a seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Gary E. Haygood
  • Patent number: 8707487
    Abstract: A cane holder comprising one or more horizontal perpendicular plates, optionally one or more horizontal parallel plates, and a pair of support members for holding a cane, wherein the distance between the support members can be adjusted to fit the length of the cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Universal World LLC
    Inventor: F. Marc Kullman
  • Patent number: 8695616
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Jerry Huggins
  • Patent number: 8695617
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cane with a novel handle assembly. The handle assembly includes, among other components, an inner frame, an outer cover, and a resilient filler that is positioned between the inner frame and the outer cover to provide the handle assembly with a measure of resiliency to increase the user's comfort during use. In one embodiment of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the handle assembly may include a fluorescent material to facilitate location of the cane in poorly lit, or dim, areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Drive Medical Design & Mfg.
    Inventor: Harvey Diamond
  • Patent number: 8689811
    Abstract: An improved device is disclosed wherein the device includes an elongated body, a movable arm coupled to the elongated body, a power source, and a first sensor, and wherein the first sensor is capable of detecting an orientation of the device and producing an electronic signal based on the orientation, and wherein the electronic signal is capable of at least partially causing a movement of the movable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Gary L. Schroeder, Frank Sivo, Wang Su
  • Publication number: 20140083475
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for holding a cane upright when the cane is not in use, the mechanism enclosed in a housing that can be fitted inside or attached onto a cane and providing a button that, when operated, releases a pair of props that spring out and spread apart so that rubber surfaces on the props will enable the cane to lean against a vertical surface, such as a wall, or hang from a horizontal surface, such as a table, the props subsequently able to be closed together and tucked into the housing where the same button that released them also latches them inside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Kent D. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20140060598
    Abstract: A walking stick chair includes a main stick, a seat unit, a support unit, and a linking unit. The seat unit includes a sleeve member connected in a fixed position to the main stick, and a seat member connected pivotally to the sleeve member and operable between a folded state and an unfolded state. The support unit is connected pivotally to the main stick. The linking unit is connected pivotally to the support unit and the seat member. When the seat member is at the unfolded state, the walking stick chair serves as a chair, and when the seat member is operated from the unfolded state to the folded state, the walking stick chair is converted from the chair to a walking stick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Boris Pao
  • Publication number: 20140053887
    Abstract: A length adjustable cane for assisting a user with mobility on surfaces having different heights includes a cylindrical outer tube and a cylindrical core member configured to be received in the outer tube and telescopically movable between retracted and extended configurations relative thereto. A handle is connected to an upper end of the core member. An actuator lever is coupled to the handle and accessible to a hand of the user, the actuator lever being movable between actuated and released configurations. A latching mechanism is situated in the outer tube proximate the open end thereof. A drawbar having an elongate configuration is positioned in an interior of the core member. The drawbar includes a first end coupled to the actuator lever and a second end operatively coupled to the latching mechanism. Operation of the actuator lever operates the latching mechanism to selectively allow length adjustment of the cane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Lanny Ray Lee
  • Publication number: 20140058559
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, automatically, remotely, and/or non-manually delivering treats to an animal via a dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Michael N. Haynes
  • Publication number: 20140034097
    Abstract: A walking stick chair includes a main stick, a seat unit, a support unit, and a linking unit. The seat unit includes an upper slider member connected slidably to the main stick and movable between first and second positions, and a seat member connected pivotally to the upper slider member. The support unit is connected pivotally to the main stick. The linking unit is connected pivotally to the support unit and the seat unit. When the upper slider member is at the second position, the walking stick chair is at an unfolded state. When the upper slider member moves from the second position to the first position, the walking stick chair is converted from the unfolded state to a folded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Boris Pao
  • Publication number: 20140034098
    Abstract: A walking stick chair includes a main stick, a seat unit, a support unit, and a linking unit. The seat unit includes an upper slider member connected to the main stick and movable between first and second positions, and a seat member connected to the upper slider member. The support unit is connected to the main stick. The linking unit is connected to the support unit and the seat unit. The walking stick chair is at an unfolded state when the upper slider member is at the second position, and is converted from the unfolded state to a folded state when the upper slider member moves from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Boris Pao
  • Publication number: 20140031176
    Abstract: Example ambulation aid apparatus and associated methods of manufacture are disclosed and described herein. An example ambulation aid apparatus includes an ambulation aid body formed as a integral part, the integral part formed in monocoque construction to provide support for mobility of a user through the integral part, the integral part providing a plurality of grippable areas to facilitate user movement and support through the integral part. Another example ambulation aid apparatus includes a primary panel formed in monocoque construction to provide support for and assist in mobility of a user through the skin of the monocoque primary panel, the primary panel formed to interrelate with one or more subassemblies to provide an integrated monocoque part to assist in providing support for and improved mobility of the user through the integrated monocoque part. Example methods of manufacture are also disclosed and described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Empathium Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Frank Knopow, Jennifer R. Harris
  • Patent number: 8631810
    Abstract: A telescopic wading staff with a full size, integral fishnet is disclosed. The preferred embodiment includes a retractable, extensible pole that can be moved between a first, fully compacted (retracted) configuration for transport or storage and second, fully extended configuration for wading, especially when traversing a stream or riverbed for fly-fishing. Other embodiments include a hook extension from the lower staff end for retrieving tangled lines, lures and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: SilverCreek Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Blood, Carl R. Caylor
  • Patent number: 8631811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tray for use with a walker. The tray includes a generally rigid tray base having an essentially rectangular shape with a front long side, a back long side, a first short side and a second short side, and wherein the tray has a length that extends to or past the essentially horizontal support member; a ridge extending along the sides of the tray, wherein the ridge has a height of at least about a ½ inch; a strap having a hook and loop fastener wherein the strap is positioned at or near the back long end; and a first hinge and a second hinge, the first and second hinges are positioned, when the tray is in use, at or near the front leg of the first and second support, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Salem State University Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Alice McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20140014149
    Abstract: A multifunctional walking staff, to aid in balance and support on an ice surface, and to function as a survival or a rescue tool in the event of breaking through thin ice into water. Secure traction on ice is attained by a metal tip, which may be further pressed onto the ice by a foot peg, serving also as a grapple hook. Secured onto the ice, the staff affords reliable anchorage to an attached rescue line, which is ordinarily stowed in multiple folds therewithin. An adjustable loop is formed integrally with, or adjoined to the rescue line, which loop may be manoeuvred by the staff to facilitate engagement with the rescuee. A buoyant projectile linked to the loop is releasably disposed within a top section of the staff, and is of such weight that it and the loop may jointly be cast the full extent of the rescue line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Donald William Jackson
  • Patent number: 8627839
    Abstract: A mobility system for the visually impaired has a removable data processing module attached to a generally elongated collapsible pole. The pole has a proximity sensor located close to a pole first end and a second proximity sensor located a pole second end. The pole has a fingerprint scanner located close to the pole first end. The system has a data processing module that has a microprocessor, a power switch, a power supply, a charging port, a data port, a microphone, and a speaker located within the module housing. The microprocessor has a global positioning system component. The data processing module can be attached to the collapsible pole or carried by the user via a strap or a clip. The fingerprint scanner can turn on or off the system based on the fingerprint of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: Jose M. Martinez
  • Patent number: 8607809
    Abstract: The invention is a multi-legged walking cane where each leg operates independently of each other by employing compressible legs, enhancing stability thru the complete gait cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ranjam, LLC
    Inventors: James D. Jordan, Randy G. Misenheimer, Shyh Min Chen
  • Publication number: 20130327367
    Abstract: A hiking staff having one or more hollow interiors shaped to support a user's body weight when hiking. Survival gear, such as first aid supplies, a tent, and/or provisions for defense or food gathering needs, can be stored within the hollow interiors of the hiking staff. End caps enclosing the open ends of the hiking staff can be selectively removed to access the survival gear. A knife can be coupled with an end of the hiking staff for storage and/or use of the hiking staff as a spear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Crolie E. Lindsay, JR., Rodney A. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 8602185
    Abstract: A combined luggage bag and walker assembly having side frame elements. Forward wheels are affixed to the bottom each of the side frame elements. Handles are coupled to the top end of the side frame elements. Two leg elements are pivotably connected to the side frame elements at pivot connections. The leg elements are free to rotate about the pivot connections between a closed configuration and an open configuration. Linkages lock the leg elements into their open configuration. Rearward wheels are coupled to each of the leg elements proximate its free end. A luggage bag is attached between the side frame elements. A confined area exists behind the luggage bag. The confined area is defined by the luggage bag in front and the leg elements on either side. A person needing the assistance of a walker stands and walks in the confined area while grasping the handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Joan White
  • Publication number: 20130312796
    Abstract: A walking stick or cane can become an effective personal defense deterrent by providing a means of attaching a standard bayonet, such as a M7-M9 bayonet. The use of a bayonet lug as an integral part of the walking stick/cane, when combined with a precision machined steel handle, allows a bayonet to be firmly and securely attached. By allowing the bayonet to be detached, the cane becomes useful for walking assistance, is non-threatening to the surrounding public, and can be transported in any jurisdiction, including those that may not allow an assembled device of this nature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy Jon Dietz
  • Patent number: 8590440
    Abstract: A firearm support structure comprising a main shaft with a bottom end, a bipod connector unit, a slidable first support that is movable along the main shaft between the handle and the bipod connector unit, a rotatable second support that is situated between the slidable first support and the bottom end of the main shaft, and a walking stick handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Mitch Gallo
  • Patent number: 8590552
    Abstract: A walking cane used to transport, display and immobilize objects, such as rings, is disclosed. The primary object is to provide an improved form of walking cane adapted to securely immobilize, transport and present objects, such as rings. The walking cane contains a compartment with an inlay used to immobilize, display and transport said objects, wherein the inlay contains slots designed to allow the objects to remain in an upright manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Shianne Stitely
  • Publication number: 20130306119
    Abstract: Disclosed is a container carrier that mounts on a walker device or the like to pivot from the interior to the exterior of the device so that the interior of the device is not obstructed, and the required clearance of the device in restricted spaces is not substantially increased. The container carrier has a flexible mounting capacity, accommodates various sizes and shapes of containers, and is assembled from parts that are inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: MICHAEL DENNIS CATCHINGS
  • Publication number: 20130306120
    Abstract: A walking assist apparatus includes a pair of wheels, at least one first driving unit that drives the pair of wheels, a main body that rotatably supports the pair of wheels, and a grip that is disposed at one end of the main body to be able to be gripped. The walking assist apparatus includes a sensor unit configured to detect an angular change in an inclination angle of the main body in a pitch direction, and a first control unit configured and programmed to control an operation of the at least one first driving unit based on an output of the sensor unit such that the angular change of the main body is zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki FUKUNAGA, Arata SUZUKI, Kenichi SHIRATO
  • Patent number: 8581747
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pedestrian support system that supports the movement of a pedestrian through the use of tags. This pedestrian support system comprises: a plurality of tags having an information storage unit and that are placed on a cable that extends over a traveled path; a guide device that is held by a pedestrian that is traveling along a sidewalk and that is capable of non-contact communication with the tags, and a central control device, comprising a database in which tag map information is recorded, that uses that tag map information to creates path information having tag IDs that are in the order of tags that are located along a path from a starting location to a destination location and directly or indirectly sets that path information in the guide device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Kazuo Shirakawa
  • Publication number: 20130274927
    Abstract: An improved walking device is disclosed wherein the walking device comprises an elongated body that is more than one foot in length, a movable arm coupled to the elongated body, a power source, and a first sensor, and wherein the first sensor is capable of detecting an orientation of the walking device and producing an electronic signal based on the orientation, and wherein the electronic signal is capable of at least partially causing a movement of the movable arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Gary L. Schroeder, Frank Sivo, Wang Su
  • Patent number: 8556031
    Abstract: A tether device includes a magnetic base; a pole having a first end attached to the magnetic base; and a connector or clip attached at a second end of the pole, for removably connecting the tethering device to a user. Also, a method for tethering a user to a hull of a vessel including the steps of providing a tether device having a magnetic base, a pole having a first end attached to the magnetic base, and a connector or clip attached at a second end of the pole; connecting the connector or clip to the user; and engaging the magnetic base with the hull of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Arnal, Timothy T. Broderick
  • Patent number: 8544487
    Abstract: The accessorized cane device provides advantages such as the focus on handle comfort. The lower rounded edges of the t-handle add to comfort, as does the t-handle itself. High density memory foam further adds to handle comfort, as does the finger slot. The sprung sliding action of the two sleeves contributes to comfort and function. The release mechanism may provide sprung use and un-sprung use. The spring loaded button is disposed conveniently within the bottom of the t-handle. The clock even provides an alarm and therefore offers further advantage. The light is especially useful, as placing a cane during walking in low light conditions can be extremely hazardous to a user. The stand provides for more secure standing for a user, and also for allowing the cane device to stand by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Sylvia Clinkscales
  • Publication number: 20130247945
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for operating a handheld geophysical locating device, comprising at least one sensor (2), a power supply (4), an operating unit (5), and an interface (6) for wireless data transmissions. According to the invention the components are arranged concealed in and/or at a sports—or general pole element (1), so that the data is transferable to a mobile evaluation—and display unit (1) through the interface (6) for wireless data transmissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: OKM GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Krauss
  • Patent number: 8528577
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Easton Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Ross M. Hinschberger
  • Patent number: 8522907
    Abstract: Provided is a personal mobility device comprising a frame including two side structures. In one embodiment, main mobility wheels are coupled to ones of the side structures, the main mobility wheels configured to contact a surface upon which the mobility device is designed to move. In this embodiment, the mobility device further includes a knee rest rotatably coupleable to the frame, the knee rest being adjustable from a first substantially-vertical position to a second angled position, and further wherein the main mobility wheels are configured such that a kneeling occupant may propel the personal mobility device using the main mobility wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: JGI Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James Graham Irvine
  • Patent number: 8523376
    Abstract: A cane or similar walking aid incorporates a concealed electrical self-defense device having electrodes located at the tip region of the cane, and may also incorporate an annular light source to aid the user. A grip is attached to a support shaft which terminates in a tip that is fabricated of an elastomer and incorporates electrodes for the electrical deterrent. The tip electrodes can be fabricated from a conductive elastomer to avoid scratching or marring floor surfaces as well as to provide resistance to slipping. When the shaft has both tip electrodes and side electrodes positioned along the exterior surface of the support shaft, the separation of the side electrodes can be adjusted to provide preferential arcing between the side electrodes to provide a visual and audible deterrent and to avoid premature deterioration of the conductive elastomer tip electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: John D. Motyka, Bruce E. McCoy
  • Publication number: 20130220392
    Abstract: The invention describes an electronic travel aid (ETA) for blind and visually impaired persons implemented in a detachable handle of a white cane. The device enhances the functionality of the white cane giving the user more detailed information about the environment within a defined corridor of interest in front of the user with an extended range of a few meters up to 10 m. It provides a reliable warning if there is a risk of collision with obstacles including those at trunk or head height, which are not recognized by a conventional white cane. Additional sensors are integrated to delimit the defined corridor during the cane sweeping thereby reducing the amount of information that is transmitted to the user via the tactile interface. Alternatively, the device can be used independently from the cane as an object recognition and orientation aid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: MESA Imaging AG
  • Patent number: 8496343
    Abstract: A walking stick structure with an LED light inside the stick body has a holding part, a footing, joint holding parts, LED illumination components, and reflecting devices. The stick body is a highly translucent glass fiber inner tube with combination of a hollow external tube, and the hollow external tube is configured with a plurality of translucent parts. A battery seat and a battery are provided. The LED illumination component is connected on either end of the battery seat, and the battery seat is combined with a switch to turn on/off the LED illumination component. The reflecting device is configured inside the glass fiber inner tube and opposite to the irradiation direction of the LED. The light beams from the LED can be reflected by the reflecting device and go out from the translucent parts. Thus, the intensity and scope of illumination is considerably enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lee
  • Patent number: 8496017
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Y. Haddad
  • Patent number: 8490637
    Abstract: An improved walking device is disclosed wherein the walking device comprises an elongated body that is more than one foot in length, a movable arm coupled to the elongated body, a power source, and a first sensor, and wherein the first sensor is capable of detecting an orientation of the walking device and producing an electronic signal based on the orientation, and wherein the electronic signal is capable of at least partially causing a movement of the movable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Gary L. Schroeder, Frank Sivo, Wang Su
  • Publication number: 20130180557
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lift to assist in standing and/or walking for persons who have insufficient strength or movement in their legs. The inventive lift walker includes a frame assembly having a lower an upper and lower portion that wheels are provided beneath the lower frame so as to enable the lift to be propelled and maneuvered. A bracing assembly is provided at the upper portion and comprises a supporting platform which is adapted to fit under the forearms of a person, and optional handles for gripping by the user's left and right hands. An elevator assembly is provided which includes lift and stabilization tracks for raising and lowering the supporting assembly in a coordinated, purely vertical fashion, and further includes gas lift means for effectuating the same via use of a remotely switched activation mechanism. There are also anti-tip means for maintaining the stability of the device when contacting uneven ground surface during movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicants: Case Western Reserve University, The United States Government, as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs
    Inventors: The United States Government, as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Case Western Reserve University