Tips Patents (Class 135/77)
  • Patent number: 11672339
    Abstract: A glide assembly that can be selectively inserted into a variety of furniture items, including chairs, to protect the user from undesirable sound and vibration upon movement, and to protect the floor surface in contact with the furniture item. In some embodiments, the glide may include a surface floor contact member and a dampener isolator made from materials with noise and vibration reduction characteristics. Each of the components may further include ribbed members to facilitate attachment to the furniture leg. Each of the glide components may further include flanges on an end so that components are not lost upon insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: FCC Commercial Furniture, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Douglas Crowe, Matthew Joshua Brooks
  • Patent number: 11666503
    Abstract: A walking aid accessory that is an aesthetic glider for a walker and a method of manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Steven James Ayre
  • Patent number: 11641915
    Abstract: A roofing walking stick for providing stability during navigation on the roof of a structure, the system providing a roofing walking stick having of a handle, elongated shaft, one or more joint couplings, and a base; wherein the one or more joint couplings are configured to allow the elongated shaft to rotatably articulate relative to the base; wherein the base provides grip when in contact with the roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Hope M Smith
  • Patent number: 10925359
    Abstract: A walking stick and a method of its use are described. A broad, flat, rigid base with a non-slip material adhered and/or affixed to the broad, flat, rigid base that extends out from a pivoting point. This pivoting point rotates 180 degrees around each of the three geometric axes, X, Y and Z. The broad, flat, rigid base can thus adjust to any angle in any direction, allowing it to conform upon contact and to lay flat against a sloped surface such as a pitched roof. A handle/support extends up from the pivoting point. A walker holds, controls and moves the roofing walking stick using the handle/support. With each movement, the broad, flat, rigid base with non-slip material adhered and/or affixed to the broad, flat, rigid base conforms upon contact and lays flat against the sloped surface giving the walker who is controlling the handle/support stability and traction while negotiating even a steep sloped surface such as the pitched roof of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Hope Marcelle Smith
  • Patent number: 10738427
    Abstract: A retrieving tip for a cane or walking stick that provides the user a means to retrieve objects from a walking surface. The device employs a single moveable finger contained within the tip that can be extended for use with the user's foot. The finger when extended may be guided by the user to slip beneath an object to be retrieved and secured between the finger and tip body when the cane or walking stick is pushed downward against the walking surface. The tip may be furnished on new canes and walking sticks or as a replacement tip on existing canes or walking sticks. No maintenance or adjustments are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Kenneth Herman Raihala
  • Patent number: 10716729
    Abstract: A walking assistance device includes: a base frame; two front wheels, the two front wheels on a traveling side of the base frame; and one rear wheel. An operation frame including a holding grip for an operator is height-adjustably attached to the base frame. A first axle support with the axle of the front wheels fixed is attached to the base frame, whereby the front wheels retain in contact with the ground even when the operation frame tilts. The axle of the front wheels is positioned on the traveling direction side with respect to the leading end in the traveling direction of the base frame. Providing a gap and a stopper above the rear wheel and downward pressing against the holding grip allows the stopper to come into contact with the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Asahi Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Akihide Hashimoto, Noboru Fujitate, Masahiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10157635
    Abstract: A tolerance ring can be disposed between an inner component and an outer component, the inner and outer components defining stepped sidewalls. In an embodiment, a preassembly can include an outer component defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, an inner component having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring adapted to be disposed between the inner component and the bore. In an embodiment, an assembly can include an outer component defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, an inner component having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring disposed between the inner component and the bore. In an embodiment, a hard disk drive preassembly can include an actuator arm defining a bore having a stepped inner sidewall, a pivot having a stepped outer sidewall, and a tolerance ring adapted to be disposed between the pivot and the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS RENCOL LIMITED
    Inventors: Benjamin Nias, Andrew R. Slayne, Simon A. Hughes, Robert Winter
  • Patent number: 9717306
    Abstract: An athletic shoe comprising an upper portion; a sole; and a cleat assembly comprising a base for coupling to the sole, wherein the cleat assembly includes a post assembly having a biasing member; and a cleat body, wherein the cleat body is disposed on the post assembly; wherein the post assembly has 360° tiltability, relative to the sole; wherein the cleat body also has 360° tiltability, relative to the sole. A cleat assembly for an athletic shoe is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Hernan Sanchez, Laurence Piturro
  • Patent number: 9644827
    Abstract: A light-emitting tip disposed at the bottom end of a crutch includes a sleeve fitted around the bottom end of the crutch; a sleeve holder coupled to the sleeve to receive the bottom end of the crutch; a base coupled to a bottom end of the sleeve holder to form a receiving space; at least one light-emitting component fixed to the base from above and disposed between the sleeve holder and the base to emit light continuously or flashes to give an alert or provide illumination to protect users against danger in darkness; and a control component coupled to the at least one light-emitting component to determine whether to turn on and turn off the at least one light-emitting component, wherein the bottom end of the sleeve holder is made of a transparent material penetrable by any light ray emitted from the at least one light-emitting component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventors: Li-Sheng Chien, Chien-Chang Ho
  • Patent number: 9586129
    Abstract: A power and stabilizing apparatus for rolling or sliding-based recreational activities is disclosed. The apparatus may include a shafted body coupled to a biased member. The biased member may be a bowed biased member or any other biased member configured to store and release energy during use of the apparatus. The apparatus may also include a shoe coupled to the biased member opposite the body, the shoe having a traction element coupled thereto. The body may be a shafted telescoping body configured to lock in an extended position and lock in a retracted position. The body may be coupled to the bowed biased member with a coupling member having a first leg coupled to the body and a second leg coupled to the bowed biased member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: BRAAP, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Henrie, Shawn Wheeler
  • Patent number: 9526975
    Abstract: A power and stabilizing apparatus for rolling or sliding-based recreational activities is disclosed. The apparatus may include a shafted body coupled to a biased member. The biased member may be a bowed biased member or any other biased member configured to store and release energy during use of the apparatus. The apparatus may also include a shoe coupled to the biased member opposite the body, the shoe having a traction element coupled thereto. The body may be a shafted telescoping body configured to lock in an extended position and lock in a retracted position. The body may be coupled to the bowed biased member with a coupling member having a first leg coupled to the body and a second leg coupled to the bowed biased member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: BRAAP, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Henrie, Shawn Wheeler
  • Patent number: 9528292
    Abstract: A canopy includes a frame assembly having a perimeter frame portion, a central frame portion and multiple legs. The frame assembly also includes one or more overhang frame portions, each of which can include a main overhang frame member and a strut. Each overhang frame portion can extend diagonally from the associated corner of the frame assembly. The canopy also includes a cover, which can be a fabric or flexible material cover capable of collapsing along with the preferably collapsible frame assembly. The cover can include a central portion located substantially within an area defined by the perimeter frame portion and an overhang portion, which surrounds or circumscribes the central portion of the cover. The overhang frame portions can support an overhang portion of the cover, which extends outwardly from the perimeter frame portion. A support of the canopy can be configured to leave a logo imprint on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Bravo Sports
    Inventors: Jack B. Lovley, II, Mark Groenhuyzen, Joseph C. Klingl
  • Patent number: 9259063
    Abstract: An anti-slip foot assembly for a strut is disclosed. An embodiment of the anti-slip assembly includes a heel pad adapted to resist normal forces applied by the strut, a plurality of independently flexible toes adapted to resist the lateral forces that tend to cause slipping. A foot assembly with retractable cleat system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: RW Truland I, LLC
    Inventors: Reynolds E. Moulton, III, Stephen Hewett Rode
  • Patent number: 9144275
    Abstract: A shoe for the sticks canes and crutches having a base member with four outwardly extending pads and a central flat portion. A frustoconical top member mounted above the base member is joined to a cup member for receiving the distal end of a cane or crutch member. The junction between the top member and the cup member define a waist portion that is flexible and resilient mimicking the movement of a human ankle when a person walks. Irregularities on the bottom of the pads 24 and underside 22 enhance the traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Bernardo Birnbaum
  • Publication number: 20150144166
    Abstract: A foot 200 for attachment to a leg 180 of a trolley frame 100 designed to assist a user of reduced mobility move about a floor 120. The foot 200 has a first state in which the foot presents a contact surface 224 having a frictional resistance that facilitates slidable contact between the foot 200 and the floor 120 when attached to the leg 180 and when in use, and a second state in which the foot presents an enhanced contact surface 252 having an increased frictional resistance between the foot and the floor to resist said slidable contact. The foot 200 is transferrable between the first and the second states in dependence on a downwardly directed force 190 being exerted by the user on the foot through the leg of the trolley frame to allow the trolley frame 100 to be slid or to resist sliding depending upon the state of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: John Turner, Stephen Carnelly, Jarred William Harris Evans, Ashley Edward Bryant
  • Patent number: 8936033
    Abstract: A walker for aiding locomotion comprises a frame structure including: a first and second side frame comprising (i) a first and second anterior frame portion, (ii) a first and second posterior frame portion, and (iii) a first superior frame portion connecting an upper end of the first anterior frame portion with an upper end of the first posterior frame portion, and (iv) a second superior frame portion connecting an upper end of the second anterior frame portion with an upper end of the second posterior frame portion. The first posterior frame portion of the first side frame comprises a first upper posterior collar and the second posterior frame portion of the second side frame comprises a second upper posterior collar. A first and second rotatable hand-rail are connected pivotally to the first and second upper posterior collar of the first and second posterior frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Arvin Jay D. Velarde
  • Publication number: 20140373887
    Abstract: A cane tip is provided for use with a cane or other walking assistive device. The cane tip includes a core for receiving a portion of the walking device. A plurality of helix shaped ribs extend from the core and form a pentagonal shaped perimeter. A softer material may be bonded to the ribs to provide a tread for gripping surfaces of the cane tip. The upper and lower members include a generally inner concave portion that is above the tread or bottom of the ribs. The concave portion and ribs provide cushioning while a user provides a down force to the cane tip during a standard use thereof. The cane tip also provides for self-supporting of the cane tip on generally level surfaces, as well as maintaining continual contact with the surface of the ground throughout the user's gait, unlike existing cane tips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Joel Gray, David Buckley, Hayley Philippault, Nicholas Camilleri, Tara Marie Arnold, Alan Yefsky
  • Patent number: 8863764
    Abstract: Solid metal components welded together result in Strong and Versatile Spike Attachments for Walking Sticks and Canes, Retrieving Sticks, and Miscellaneous Walking Assistance Devices design, which coupled with the semi-flexible attachment design and with several sizes being available, may be attached to existing walking and retrieving sticks, canes, crutches, walkers, etc. Since a precise fit is not necessary, the user can make or have made a customized walking or retrieving stick or a cane as to a desired size, overall length, curvature, texture, twist, weight, etc., from readily available materials. This spike and spike attachment invention should be very beneficial for snow and ice conditions or steep and slippery slopes for avid hikers, all walkers, and especially for people that are not secure on their feet without some assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventors: Andris Zarins, Markus Daniels Zarins
  • Patent number: 8858401
    Abstract: A training apparatus for a Nordic walker has an elongated pole whose lower end carries at least one wheel having a freewheel permitting rolling of the wheel on the surface only in a forward travel direction. A forearm rest is freely pivotal on an upper end of the pole and defines with the pole an angle increasing on forward rolling of the wheel from a position behind the athlete to a position in front of the athlete as the arm in the rest swings forward in the travel direction. A handgrip fixed on a front end of the forearm rest is gripped by a hand of the forearm in the rest and pivots with the forearm rest. A spring braced between the rest and the pole and pivotally biases the rest so as to increase the inclination angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Georg H. Kaupe
  • Patent number: 8851094
    Abstract: A cane that can efficiently use a rubber tip (60) is provided from the aspect of ecology. The cane comprises a grip part (10) located at the upper end of a first cane body (20), the rubber tip (60) located at the lower end of the first cane body (20), and a button (52) and holes (36a-36d) for rotating the grip part (10) and rubber tip (60) in four steps, wherein the button (52) and holes (36a-36d) also serve as a fixing part for fixing the grip part (10) and rubber tip (60) after those have been rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: MARUFUJI, Inc.
    Inventor: Shigehito Kuma
  • Publication number: 20140290708
    Abstract: A removable cover or sleeve for an assisted walking device includes a body and an engagement feature configured to retain the sleeve on the assisted walking device. The body includes a tubular side panel defining an open end, and a closed bottom end with an outer surface. The body defines a hollow interior volume configured to receive a bottom end of the assisted walking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Briana N. CROWLEY, Long H. Dinh
  • Patent number: 8844548
    Abstract: A support for a walking aid such as a crutch, a walker or a cane is disclosed. The support is configured for providing enhanced balance on adverse terrain that may contain obstacles and/or have slippery spots. In an embodiment of the present invention, the support comprises a flat bottom and an upwardly angled slit that provides an upper and a lower section configured for contorting in a manner as to enhance friction with the walking terrain thus reducing the probability of slippage. In an alternate embodiment, the support comprises an oval shaped bottom and a downwardly angled slit. This support is configured facilitating walking and providing support in rough terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Michael M Soletski, Robert Patrick Limoni
  • Publication number: 20140251398
    Abstract: An anti-slip foot assembly for a strut is disclosed. An embodiment of the anti-slip assembly includes a heel pad adapted to resist normal forces applied by the strut, a plurality of independently flexible toes adapted to resist the lateral forces that tend to cause slipping. A foot assembly with retractable cleat system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: RW Truland I, LLC
    Inventors: Reynolds E. Moulton, III, Stephen Hewett Rode
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140209134
    Abstract: An end piece for a pole and a pole including such end piece, the end piece including a basket comprising a housing for receiving a distal end of a shaft of the pole, as well as a locking ring for surrounding at least a portion of the housing. The housing is demarcated by a wall supporting at least one catch provided, at a first end, with a nub configured to extend within the housing, the catch being capable of assuming a plurality of configurations corresponding to various radial positions of the nub. The ring is shaped to limit the radial displacement of the first end of the catch outward of the housing when the ring is assembled to the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Thierry DONNADIEU, Eric GIRAULT
  • Patent number: 8789547
    Abstract: A glider for attachment to a hollow lower portion of a walker leg, comprising a ground engaging base; a first pair of stem portions extending from and attached to the base; a top portion comprising a frustoconical main body to engage the first pair of stems and having a shape so that an outer surface of the main body engages an inner surface of a stem; a second pair of stem portions extending from and attached to the top portion; and a mechanism for drawing the main body in between the pair of stem portions to flex the stems outwardly. Securing the glide comprises inserting the attachment and a fastener into the walker leg; the fastener extending through a base aperture into a top portion aperture and fastening the fastener to engage each stem portion causing the stems to extend outwardly and engage an inner surface of the hollow walker leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Yunga Tart LLC
    Inventor: Kareem Reda
  • Publication number: 20140202508
    Abstract: There is provided a tip configured for removable attachment to a walking aid device. The tip includes a base member, a shaft, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs. The shaft includes a bore therein extending upwards from a central portion of an inner surface of the base member to accept a distal end of a walking aid device. The plurality of spaced apart ribs extends from an outer rim of the base member to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: American Ventures LTD
    Inventors: Jerry A. Vasilatos, Anastasios J. Vasilatos
  • Patent number: 8739807
    Abstract: A protective glide for medical walker legs is disclosed in the present invention. Said protective glide comprises a wear disk for smooth walker moment on surfaces and a shield to cover said wear disk to prevent users from stepping on said wear disk and to prevent dirt and debris from collecting on the unit. The wear disk comprises an attached core containing gripping flanges and o-ring to snugly fit into the medical walker tubing. The present invention attaches easily to standard-size tubing of medical walker legs, without the use of tools. The rounded shape of the wear disk allows it to easily maneuver over rough and uneven surface and in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Darrell Taylor, Michael Phillip Taylor
  • Patent number: 8720459
    Abstract: An anti-slip foot assembly for a strut is disclosed. An embodiment of the anti-slip assembly includes a heel pad adapted to resist normal forces applied by the strut, a plurality of independently flexible toes adapted to resist the lateral forces that tend to cause slipping. A foot assembly with retractable cleat system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: RW Truland, I, LLC
    Inventor: Reynolds E. Moulton
  • Patent number: 8714173
    Abstract: A walking aid for use on a support surface is provided. The walking aid includes an elongated member having an upper end and a lower end and defining an interior cavity and a longitudinal axis, a stopper coupled to the lower end of the elongated member, and a support apparatus for supporting the walking aid. The support apparatus is translatable through the stopper and the interior cavity to a retracted position within the stopper and interior cavity, and to an extended position projecting from the stopper. The support apparatus is also biased radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis, and configured to extend away from the longitudinal axis and contact the support surface in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Howard Rosen
  • Patent number: 8707975
    Abstract: An articulated grip pad is disclosed which includes a vertical supporting member that has a generally spherical bottom end. The crutch also includes a gripping pad having a bore. The generally spherical end of the vertical support is securely received into the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Millennial Medical Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Brad J. Larson, Ken Lester
  • Publication number: 20140090678
    Abstract: A protective glide for medical walker legs is disclosed in the present invention. Said protective glide comprises a wear disk for smooth walker moment on surfaces and a shield to cover said wear disk to prevent users from stepping on said wear disk and to prevent dirt and debris from collecting on the unit. The wear disk comprises an attached core containing gripping flanges and o-ring to snugly fit into the medical walker tubing. The present invention attaches easily to standard-size tubing of medical walker legs, without the use of tools. The rounded shape of the wear disk allows it to easily maneuver over rough and uneven surface and in any direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Kevin Darrell Taylor, Michael Phillip Taylor
  • Patent number: 8684019
    Abstract: A cordlock of a mobility cane is provided including a body having a length greater than the inner diameter, a width less than the inner diameter, a depth less than the inner diameter, and a body opening extending through the depth and sized to accommodate the cord but to prevent passage of the widened portion. The depth of the body sized to accommodate the cord between the body and the inner wall when the cordlock is inserted in the cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ambutech Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Hudek, Christopher Schwill
  • Publication number: 20140041702
    Abstract: Provided is a cane that has a sufficient impact-resistant strength; and is excellent in safety, durability and repairability and also lightweight but has a high stiffness. Such a cane has a shaft (4) and a grip, the shaft (4) comprising a high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31) and a carbon-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (32), the high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31) being integrally laminated onto each of the outside and inside surfaces of the carbon-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (32), the shaft (4) comprising a glass-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (33a) on the inner side of the innermost high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31a), the shaft (4) comprising a glass-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (33b) on the outer side of the outermost high-strength-organic-fiber-reinforced-resin layer (31b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: KOSUGE & CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Kosuge, Akito Miyazaki, Kouki Doi
  • Patent number: 8636306
    Abstract: A street paddle which permits a user of an associated skateboard of similar devise to smoothly stroke with two hands and arms and upper body, rather than using their foot to accelerate or decelerate is disclosed. The street paddle is unique in that is allows a skateboard rider to pull and push their way on the street to accelerate, similar to a stand up paddlers or canoe paddlers on the water. A contact point, blade footing of the street paddle, where the paddle device comes in contact with the ground, connects to the bottom of an elongated shaft of the paddle. The footing comprises form and material that facilitates traction, when applied against a traveled surface, as well as shock dampening action to assist in smoothness and acceleration. As such, the street paddle may also be used to decelerate the speed by dragging the footing on the ground in such a way that the friction of the contact slows the skateboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen L. McBride
  • Publication number: 20130291913
    Abstract: A support for a walking aid such as a crutch, a walker or a cane is disclosed. The support is configured for providing enhanced balance on adverse terrain that may contain obstacles and/or have slippery spots. In an embodiment of the present invention, the support comprises a flat bottom and an upwardly angled slit that provides an upper and a lower section configured for contorting in a manner as to enhance friction with the walking terrain thus reducing the probability of slippage. In an alternate embodiment, the support comprises an oval shaped bottom and a downwardly angled slit. This support is configured facilitating walking and providing support in rough terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Michael M. Soletski, Robert Patrick Limoni
  • Publication number: 20130276845
    Abstract: An anti-slip foot assembly for a strut is disclosed. An embodiment of the anti-slip assembly includes a heel pad adapted to resist normal forces applied by the strut, a plurality of independently flexible toes adapted to resist the lateral forces that tend to cause slipping. A foot assembly with retractable cleat system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Egg Design, LLC
    Inventor: Reynolds E. Moulton
  • Patent number: 8555907
    Abstract: A retractable, non-slip tip system for support devices such as canes and crutches is provided. The system includes a hollow body having openings on each of a proximal end and a distal end. The body is configured to slide over the shaft of a support device and affix to the support device in either an extended position, wherein the distal end of the body extends beyond a terminal end of the support device, or a retracted position, wherein the terminal end of the support device extends beyond the distal end of the body. Suitably placed apertures in each of the body and the support device facilitate the attachment of the body to the support device in the extended and retracted positions. When the body is in the extended position, gripping protrusions on the distal end of the body are exposed and provide extra traction for the support device on soft slippery surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Lawrence Jay Kutz
  • Publication number: 20130263902
    Abstract: A cane that can efficiently use a rubber tip (60) is provided from the aspect of ecology. The cane comprises a grip part (10) located at the upper end of a first cane body (20), the rubber tip (60) located at the lower end of the first cane body (20), and a button (52) and holes (36a l -36d) for rotating the grip part (10) and rubber tip (60) in four steps, wherein the button (52) and holes (36a-36d) also serve as a fixing part for fixing the grip part (10) and rubber tip (60) after those have been rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: Shigehito Kuma
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8544486
    Abstract: An adapter for use with a walker is disclosed. The adapter has a mesh that includes a running surface for engaging soft surfaces such as sand, dirt, and the like, into which conventional walker legs generally sink. A post on the adapter is configured to lockingly engage an end portion of one of the walker legs. Optionally, each adapter has two posts that are separated from each other by a distance that is substantially equal to a distance between end portions of two legs of a walker. In use, the adapter is positioned lateral to a user's feet, substantially outside of the space defined by a walker handrail, to avoid the user stepping on or tripping over the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Eryk Hardwick
  • Publication number: 20130206195
    Abstract: A walking aid for use on a support surface is provided. The walking aid includes an elongated member having an upper end and a lower end and defining an interior cavity and a longitudinal axis, a stopper coupled to the lower end of the elongated member, and a support apparatus for supporting the walking aid. The support apparatus is translatable through the stopper and the interior cavity to a retracted position within the stopper and interior cavity, and to an extended position projecting from the stopper. The support apparatus is also biased radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis, and configured to extend away from the longitudinal axis and contact the support surface in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Howard Rosen
  • Publication number: 20130199588
    Abstract: Solid metal components welded together result in Strong and Versatile Spike Attachments for Walking Sticks and Canes, Retrieving Sticks, and Miscellaneous Walking Assistance Devices design, which coupled with the semi-flexible attachment design and with several sizes being available, may be attached to existing walking and retrieving sticks, canes, crutches, walkers, etc. Since a precise fit is not necessary, the user can make or have made a customized walking or retrieving stick or a cane as to a desired size, overall length, curvature, texture, twist, weight, etc., from readily available materials. This spike and spike attachment invention should be very beneficial for snow and ice conditions or steep and slippery slopes for avid hikers, all walkers, and especially for people that are not secure on their feet without some assistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Andris Zarins, Markus Daniels Zarins
  • Publication number: 20130199587
    Abstract: A cane has a rectilinear, or approximately rectilinear, shaft, an upper end, including a handle for gripping and support, and a lower end provided with a ferrule having a non-slip function. The ferrule has a widening in the form of a disc that is coaxial with the cane and is intended to form a lever that is able to allow recovery when a pressure is applied. The shaft and handle are made of a lightweight material, and the ferrule contains a ballast so as to move the center of gravity of the cane as close as possible to the lower end, while the ferrule has a convex end wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: DENOVO-INTERACTIVE
    Inventors: Nicolas Reydel, Pascal Ott-Lellig, Daniel Navarro, Bruno Lecerf
  • Patent number: 8424548
    Abstract: A combination ambulatory assistance and electrical shock defensive device includes an elongated body of adjustable length and having a hand grip at one end thereof and a foot pad at a generally opposite end thereof. A high-voltage power unit is associated with the body and actuated by a trigger mechanism. Conductive contacts extend through the foot pad and are conductively coupled to the high-voltage power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Glenn M. Willey
  • Patent number: 8408223
    Abstract: A removable sanitary cover for a leg extremity of a cane, walker, crutch, and the like, to reduce dirt and contaminants coming into from outdoors or dirty environment into an indoor or sanitary area. The sanitary cover includes a base and at least one sidewall that together form an enclosure having an opening generally opposite of the base. The sanitary cover also includes a closure positioned generally circumferentially about the enclosure at the at least one sidewall near the opening. In use, the sanitary cover is positioned about a distal end of the leg extremity of the cane, walker, crutch, and the like, with the closure keeping the sanitary cover in place relative to leg extremity until the sanitary cover is removed through an external force. The closure may be an elastic band, drawstring or other closure means. An optional skid-resistant material may be added or otherwise incorporated into an outer surface of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Lemmell F. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130061894
    Abstract: A ferrule is disclosed which includes a housing having an aperture at a first end which is adapted to receive a leg of an ambulatory aid. The ferrule includes a gliding component having a gliding surface at a second end of the housing. The gliding surface is adapted to slidably engage a floor surface. The ferrule also includes a traction component located at the second end of the housing. The traction component selectively engages the floor surface with a traction surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen Liu
  • Patent number: 8371320
    Abstract: An improved forearm crutch includes an adjustable shaft, a forearm cuff affixed to an upper end of the shaft, a manifold affixed in proximity to the lower end of the shaft, and three legs affixed to said manifold, the legs including an anterior leg, a posterior leg, and a lateral leg, wherein each leg is disposed at an acute angle to the shaft, wherein the anterior and posterior legs are over six inches in length, wherein the lateral leg is at least two inches longer than the anterior and posterior leg, and wherein the lateral leg is flexibly engageable to the ground by means of either flexible legs or gel-type crutch tips engageable to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mary Ellen C. McKenna
  • Publication number: 20130032185
    Abstract: Provided is a cane tip which is difficult to slip, exhibiting excellent shock absorbing properties when contacted with the ground; with which the cane tip will not stick in a crevice of a stone pavement; and further, with which the influence of the supporting surface inclination can be suppressed, whereby the walking stability is assured also for an aged user; and which is also well suited for use in rehabilitation. Cane tip has a cane tip main body with leg segments radially extending from a central part, being arranged in an overall shape substantially analogous to that of the five petals of a five-petaled flower, the central part and each leg segment having an elastic structure part exerting an elastic action, a bolt inserting hole in the central part of the elastic structure part, and a bolt inserted into this bolt hole and protruded from that central part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Shinya SATO
  • Publication number: 20120291829
    Abstract: Sliders or end caps which are secured to the bottom ends of the legs of walkers assist an individual in using the walker on various surfaces, such as rugs, without the danger of the legs of the walker becoming snagged on the carpet and the walker becoming unstable. The sliders or end caps have a concave bottom portion which is designed to always present a “trailing edge” to the outer perimeter of the slider or end cap. This “trailing edge” will be present even as the concave bottom portion wears away from use. Thus, the “trailing edge” will prevent the slider and walker from becoming snagged by a carpet or other surface on which the walker is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Andrew Albury, Nancy Lynn Shields