Yieldable Material Patents (Class 135/86)
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Patent number: 10813421Abstract: An end cap structure for a cane/crutch/trekking pole includes a main body, an elastic interlayer, and a bottom layer. The elastic interlayer is disposed between the main body and the bottom layer to ensure the structural strength of the end cap. When the user swings the cane/crutch/trekking pole in all directions, the whole underside of the bottom layer is kept in contact with the ground due to the elastic interlayer to ensure that the anti-slip function is not affected, thereby improving the safety of the product when in use.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: VISION SPORTS ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lee
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Patent number: 10231542Abstract: A furniture pad including a body having a floor engaging surface portion and a peripheral edge portion at least partially surrounding the floor engaging surface portion. The peripheral edge portion has a first density and the floor engaging surface portion has a second density, the first density being greater than the second density. The peripheral edge portion extends away from the floor engaging surface portion such that the peripheral edge portion does not contact an associated supporting surface when the floor engaging surface portion is in contact with the associated supporting surface, whereby the peripheral edge portion has a relatively more durable surface as compared to the floor engaging surface portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.Inventors: Tianzhe Wang, Jason Sharratt, Andrew Byron Logar
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Patent number: 10206467Abstract: An ambulatory aid, such as a walking cane, including an elongate shaft, a handle at a first, upper end of the shaft, and a foot piece at a second, lower end of the shaft opposite the first end. The cane shaft can be adjustable at a top end, middle, a bottom end, or any combination thereof. The top of the cane shaft is aligned at a more posterior angle then the bottom of the shaft. The handle of the cane is elongated and extends posterior and anterior to the shaft. In a particular embodiment, a posterior portion of the handle is longer, and optionally larger in surface area than an anterior portion of the handle such that the handle is configured so that when the person's hand is gripping the handle, the handle will be offset over the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Aligned As Designed, LLCInventor: Linda Smith Swerdlow
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Patent number: 10179080Abstract: A guide device providing a dimensional and ornamental guide that, engaging a leg of an ambulatory assist device used by a person, provides walking assistance, including a boot leg or sleeve for joining about a portion of the leg of the ambulatory assist device and receiving a resilient body axially for dimensional extents and receiving a guide member having a bottom glide surface for contact with a floor surface. A method of facilitating guidance of an ambulatory assist device is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Walker Buddezz Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Chad Dollarhide
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Patent number: 9770384Abstract: A dual-mode cane includes a tip. The tip includes a low-friction surface that contacts a walking surface when the tip rests on the walking surface at an angle less than or equal to a transition angle. The tip includes a high-friction surface that contacts the walking surface when the tip rests on the walking surface at an angle greater than or equal to the transition angle.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Inventor: Martin Seymour Osman
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Patent number: 8910647Abstract: The present invention relates to a tip assembly for a mobility device such as a cane or walking stick, for example. The tip assembly including a specially shaped extension for enhanced gripping of the surface upon which the associated mobility device is being used. The tip assembly also generally includes a dampening element to assist in dissipating the reverberations of contacting the tip assembly with hard surfaces over time.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Inventor: Matti W. Palo
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Publication number: 20140299168Abstract: An example can include an apparatus for aiding walking along a surface. The example can include a foot to interface with the surface, the foot being rigid to resist bending during walking. The example can include a bendable puck fixed to the foot at an edge of the bendable puck. The example can include a handle coupled to a center portion of the bendable puck. In the example, the foot can be spaced apart from the handle, with the puck being elastically bendable to permit movement of the handle with respect to the foot during walking.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2013Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: martFIVE LLCInventor: Christopher Crowhurst
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Patent number: 8820339Abstract: Walking aids are described which are of simple construction but which allow for both resilience, i.e. the part of the walking aid which is gripped by the user and the ground-engaging end (3) can be resiliency pressed together, as well as a degree of angular flexibility so that the end (3) stays aligned with the ground even if the stick, crutch or the like (1) is angled relative thereto. This is achieved in particular by the use of a bellows structure (2) between the shaft (1) of a walking aid and a ground-engaging foot (3).Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Flexyfoot LimitedInventor: David Malcolm Goodwin
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Patent number: 8800580Abstract: A pole, in particular a Nordic walking pole, is described, having a pole body (1) at the lower end of which a buffer (2) with a tip (19) is provided, wherein the tip (19) and/or a lowermost portion (28, 36) of an inner sleeve (3) secured to the pole body (1) are arranged passing through a central opening (18) of the buffer (2), wherein the buffer (2) is mounted such that it can be moved and secured in an axial direction in this central opening (18), and wherein the buffer (2) can be secured in at least two axially different positions in relation to the pole body (1) via a form-fit connection.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Lekisport AGInventor: Eberhard Heim
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Publication number: 20140209135Abstract: The present invention relates to a tip assembly for a mobility device such as a cane or walking stick, for example. The tip assembly including a specially shaped extension for enhanced gripping of the surface upon which the associated mobility device is being used. The tip assembly also generally includes a dampening element to assist in dissipating the reverberations of contacting the tip assembly with hard surfaces over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventor: Matti W. PALO
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Publication number: 20140202508Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: American Ventures LTDInventors: Jerry A. Vasilatos, Anastasios J. Vasilatos
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Patent number: 8746266Abstract: An apparatus for establishing dynamic ground contact is disclosed. A ground contact tip is attached to one end of an elongate member. The ground contact tip contains a connecting portion and a base portion that is opposite the connecting portion. A flexible core connects between the base portion and the connecting portion. At least one limiting ring is positioned on the flexible core. The elongate member is permitted to rotate through a range of angles while the flexible core allows the base portion to remain flat against the ground. At the maximum allowable angle, the limiting rings allow the ground contact tip to cease flexing and become rigid, so that the user can push against the ground at an angle, while the base portion remains flat against the ground.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Towzer Sports, LLCInventors: William Palmer, Paul Reeder
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Patent number: 8720459Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: RW Truland, I, LLCInventor: Reynolds E. Moulton
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Patent number: 8684019Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Ambutech Inc.Inventors: Gordon Hudek, Christopher Schwill
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Patent number: 8678021Abstract: 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 extends upward 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 extend from an outer rim of the base member to the shaft and are configured to flex in response to a downward compressive force on the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Inventors: Jerry A. Vasilatos, Anastasios J. Vasilatos
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Patent number: 8671962Abstract: An articulating glide assembly for use on the leg of a walker includes an adapter with a sleeve having an open end to receive the free end of the walker leg. A base at the bottom end of the sleeve supports the downward force exerted by the walker. A hole in the base receives an upwardly directed pin extending from an articulating foot that is movably engaged with the base. The worn foot may be easily pulled from the base and replaced with a new foot as required.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Inventor: Rodney Dodson
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Patent number: 8662094Abstract: Embodiments of walking aids, which may comprise a handle, a shaft, and a base, are described.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Inventor: Leela J Amladi
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Patent number: 8528577Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Easton Technical Products, Inc.Inventors: Christopher T. Pietrzak, Ross M. Hinschberger
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Patent number: 8408224Abstract: A walking assistance device is disclosed that includes a support member having a first end and a second end. Attached to the support member is a hand grip, and attached to the second end is a base member. The base member includes a rounded surface that is configured to rotatably pivot relative to a walking surface as a user walks. The base member may further include a foot portion that has a toe and a heel. The toe and the heel may be the same length, or alternatively they may have varying lengths. Additionally, a pad is optionally attached to the foot portion and may be configured with tread to engage the walking surface in a way that provides traction to the walking assistance device.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventors: Mario Ozuna, Adam Ozuna
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Publication number: 20130074893Abstract: An apparatus for establishing dynamic ground contact is disclosed. A ground contact tip is attached to one end of an elongate member. The ground contact tip contains a connecting portion and a base portion that is opposite the connecting portion. A flexible core connects between the base portion and the connecting portion. At least one limiting ring is positioned on the flexible core. The elongate member is permitted to rotate through a range of angles while the flexible core allows the base portion to remain flat against the ground. At the maximum allowable angle, the limiting rings allow the ground contact tip to cease flexing and become rigid, so that the user can push against the ground at an angle, while the base portion remains flat against the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventor: William Palmer
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Publication number: 20130061894Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Inventor: Stephen Liu
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Patent number: 8371320Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventor: Mary Ellen C. McKenna
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Publication number: 20130032185Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventor: Shinya SATO
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Publication number: 20120132240Abstract: 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 extends upward 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 extend from an outer rim of the base member to the shaft and are configured to flex in response to a downward compressive force on the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: AMERICAN VENTURES LTDInventors: Jerry A. Vasilatos, Anastasios J. Vasilatos
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Patent number: 8176927Abstract: This invention discloses a walking stick including a main body, a pivot connector and a socket. The main body is of the shape of stick and connects to the socket through the pivot connector. A sphere is inside the pivot connector. A sliding-proof elastic element locates between the bottom of the main body and the sphere. The sliding-proof elastic element and the sphere are mounted inside the pivot connector. A bottom of the sphere reaches the socket through the pivot connector. The sphere rotates inside the pivot connector as the socket moves, while being urged against the sliding-proof elastic element. The sliding-proof elastic element has characteristics of sliding proof, elasticity and wear resistance. Thereby the walking stick of the invention offers all-round support for the user in use. Especially the sliding proof effect of the sliding-proof elastic element restrains the instant movement of the sphere, and its elasticity offers an effect of shock resistance.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Inventor: King-Chang Wu
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Publication number: 20120067386Abstract: Flexible foot apparatuses and methods of using the same are disclosed. In one aspect a flexible foot apparatus is disclosed which can attach to and/or frictionally engage a standard crutch tip. The apparatus can include upper, lower, and intermediate body portions. The intermediate body portion can pivot during crutch assisted walking and can have a diameter smaller than diameters of the upper and lower body portions. The pivoting motion of crutch assisted walking can increase the amount of surface area available to engage a floor by pressing a bottom surface of the apparatus against the floor. Thus, stability at the crutch to floor interface can be improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Kyle Joseph Giannatasio, Jeremy Dale Taylor, Lucas Adrian Parker, Joseph Allan Henderson, David G. Hudson
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Publication number: 20110094550Abstract: A compressible wheel tip for a walking aid that restricts rolling when a force is applied down on the walking aid. The tip may have a compressible wheel configured to deform under an applied pressure and thereby restrict shifting or rolling of the wheel. The compressible wheel may include rigid spokes and a compressible material forming an arcuate perimeter between the spokes to define a wheel shape. The compressible material may be a resilient elastomeric material adapted to deform under an applied force and return to its original shape when the force is no longer applied. The spokes may be formed of plastic or metal, or formed of the same material as the spokes and structured to better resist deformation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: STANDER, INC.Inventor: F. Troy Miller
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Publication number: 20100313925Abstract: A base structure for a walking stick comprises a body including a connecting support and a plurality of extending legs, the connecting support including a retaining chamber formed around an inner wall thereof to receive a post, and the extending legs extending radially from a bottom end of the connecting support, each of the extending legs including an arcuate arm and a block, and one end of the arcuate arm connected on the bottom end of the connecting support so as to obtain flexibility, the block being located on another end of the arcuate arm and including a plane to abut against the ground; and a washer secured in a bottom surface of the retaining chamber to bias against a bottom end of the post.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventor: Jin Shan Jiang
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Patent number: 7802581Abstract: The invention describes a buffer (2) for a stick (1), in particular for a walking stick or a trekking or Nordic-Walking pole. The buffer (2) has means (10) for being attached to a stick tube (Ia), in particular in the form of a recess, at its upper end (4) and a rolling surface (5) at its lower end. In this case, the rolling surface (5) is of substantially flat or only slightly convex design in a transverse direction (22) in relation to the rolling motion but in a longitudinal direction (21) which is perpendicular thereto is convexly curved in such a way that it forms a rolling surface on a base surface (3) during the pushing-off movement with the stick when the user of the stick (1) moves.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Lekisport AGInventor: Eberhard Heim
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Patent number: 7637274Abstract: An articulating glide assembly for use on a walker that assists disabled individuals to walk comprises an adapter having a sleeve for engaging a leg of the walker and a base for supporting the downward force exerted by the walker. The base defines a hole for receiving a portion of an articulating foot that is movably engaged with the base. A replaceable glide is affixed to a lower portion of the foot.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventor: Rodney Dodson
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Publication number: 20090308420Abstract: An improved walker leg tip having a felt nap is provided. The walker leg tip has an arcuate shaped shell with the shell having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has an aperture at least partially therethrough, the aperture dimensioned to accept an end portion of the walker leg. The felt nap covers at least part of the bottom portion of the arcuate shaped shell. In some instances, the arcuate shaped shell is spherically shaped and can be made from a polymer, vulcanized rubber and the like. Optionally, a sleeve can extend from the top portion of the shell, the sleeve having a sleeve aperture that is in alignment with the aperture of the top portion and dimensioned to fit at least partially over an end portion of a walker leg. A removable insert can also be included, the insert having an outer diameter dimensioned to fit at least partially into the aperture of the top portion and an inner diameter dimensioned to fit at least partially onto the end portion of the walker leg.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2008Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventor: Margaret Galanty
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Publication number: 20090288693Abstract: Provided is an anti-slip crutch tip apparatus comprising: at least one vent opening, located on the side wall of a generally cylindrical section of a crutch tip body and extending into the tip body, so that the vent opening is surrounded by structure forming a portion of the generally cylindrical section of the tip body; and wherein the at least one vent opening is in physical communication with a portion of at least one channel formed into a surface contact portion of the tip body, so that an unbroken fissure in the tip body resides as a structural breach extending between the side-wall entrance of the at least one opening and the physically communicative association of the at least one vent opening with the portion of the at least one channel. A corresponding method of preventing slipping of a support device tip is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2008Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventor: James E. Lasota
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Publication number: 20090242008Abstract: An ambulatory support and traction device used as a flexible foot (1) added to a walking aid, such as a cane or crutch (6), is provided. The flexible foot (1) includes a bendable coil or spring (3) that allows angulation of a walking aid shaft (4) relative to the foot (1) without the loss of adherence of the foot to a ground surface (19). The allowance of angulation of the walking aid shaft (4) improves ambulatory support and balance when leaning on the walking aid or when traversing an inclined surface and can assist the user in rising from a sitting position to a standing position without repositioning of the foot. The flexible foot (1) has a rigid base (2) for structural support and a traction sole (17) to adhere to surfaces both indoors and outdoors and on different surfaces and environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Michael R. Thibodeau, Phyllis Fowhand
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Publication number: 20090078296Abstract: A walker glide having a hollow body with a substantially semi-spherical shape, a top opening and a removable bottom element that are arranged along a common axis. A sleeve is arranged in the hollow body so as to extend from the top opening toward the bottom element. A mounting element is attached to an upper side of the bottom element and is releasably attachable to a lower end of the sleeve whereby the bottom element is replaceable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Harvey Diamond
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Patent number: 7481233Abstract: A crutch equipped with double shock absorbers is provided. The crutch of the current invention has an air shock absorber vertically combined with a spring shock absorber in one base shaft. A rubber shoe receives bottom of the spring shock absorber. The crutch of the current invention absorbs the shock of stepping ground firstly with the spring shock absorber and then reduces the impact with the air shock absorber. The double shock absorbing mechanism provides a smooth feeling of stepping the ground to a user. The strength of the resilient force of the crutch can be adjusted for each user, based on weight of a user, by medical doctor's characterization.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Inventor: Dae Shik Park
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Patent number: 7367347Abstract: A portable stabilizer apparatus is provided for a standing passenger who is standing below a ceiling in a mass transit vehicle; and the portable stabilizer apparatus includes a handle assembly which includes a hand grip region, a finger-operated latch member, and an finger-operated actuator switch. Telescopic units are connected to the handle assembly actuation and are controlled by the finger-operated latch member. The telescopic units include an end extension unit, and the end extension unit includes a suction cup for attaching to the ceiling of the vehicle. A ceiling-attachment release mechanism is housed within the telescopic units and is connected between the finger-operated actuator switch and the suction cup for releasing the suction cup from the ceiling. Extension power, either manual or mechanical, is used for extending the telescopic units toward the ceiling of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Inventor: Ross Field
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Patent number: 7270138Abstract: A joint mechanism for use in a rod for bearing at least a portion of a user's weight and a corresponding flexible tip for contacting a substantially horizontal surface. The joint mechanism includes a spring mechanism, a first bushing, and a second bushing. The spring member has opposed first and second ends. The first bushing is adapted for positioning in a hole in an end of the rod and has a cavity adapted to receive the first end of the spring member. The second bushing is adapted for positioning in a hole in the flexible tip and has a cavity adapted to receive the second end of the spring member.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Inventor: Hsueh-Hu Liao
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Patent number: 7188634Abstract: A cane comprising a shaft, an ergonomic handle that includes multiple storage/retention zones, an emergency assist handle, and an ergonomically enhanced tip, or foot. The emergency assist handle, when inserted into one of two sleeves located in the shaft, provides a user with a means for rising from the ground after a fall. The ergonomic handle of the present invention includes a compartment, or retention zone, into which any number of small, hand-held devices and may be inserted and is formed with an external, textured material that helps the cane to resist falling over when leaned against virtually any vertical surface at angles not precisely perpendicular to the ground. The elongated foot of the present invention is radically different in size, length, and configuration and, thereby increases the area in contact with the surface being traversed by a user by up to 200%, without changing the “feel” of the cane.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: John A. Coakley, Sr.
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Patent number: 7025072Abstract: Walking aid apparatus comprises handle portion and a shaft portion including a ground-contacting ferrule, the shaft portion comprising telescopically-mounted cylindrical spindle and sleeve elements and a spring means acting between seats of said spindle and sleeve elements resiliently to restrain relative axial sliding movement, in which the apparatus includes a sliding friction-reducing means between at least one end of the spring means and the associated seat, whereby the handle portion and the ferrule are axially rotatable to accommodate twisting movement as between the user and the ground in use. The sliding friction-reducing means results in controlled rotation as between the spring means and the spindle and/or elements with considerable benefits to the user in avoiding tortional loading to the twist, elbow and/or shoulder joints which can be especially painful to those who suffer from arthritis.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Inventor: Thomas Francis McGrath
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Patent number: 6877520Abstract: A cane having a base formed from a cup-shaped support having a concave bottom surface and a top surface defined by a circumscribing exterior sidewall having a bottom edge. The concave bottom surface is formed to have a plurality of resilient projections extending therefrom a distance to project slightly beyond the bottom edge of the sidewall. The projections are formed in a spoke-like pattern on the bottom surface such that the density of the projections is greater near the central section of the bottom surface than at the periphery of the bottom surface. The projections are also formed to have a length that varies according to their position on the bottom surface so that a substantially planar contacting edge is presented to a support surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Inventor: James K. Morris
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Patent number: 6802482Abstract: An overboot device is provided for increasing a foot print of a foot portion of a bi-pod firearm support. The overboot preferably comprises a base having a cone projecting therefrom and a cylinder axially extending from the cone. A plurality of fingers axially extend from the cylinder and include a tab radially projecting therefrom. The tabs form a ring which combines with an axially spaced apart annular flange radially projecting from the cone to define a recess therebetween. A removable band nests within the recess so as to constrict the fingers toward one another to reduce the diameter of the cylinder such that the overboot may be secured about the foot portion of the bi-pod assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Inventor: Gerald Harris
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Publication number: 20040173715Abstract: A spiral-wound tip is presented for use on a walking assistance device, a robotic arm or digit, or other device needing a slip-resistant point of contact with its environment. The tip is constructed by winding a sheet of rubber or other elastic material into a spiral plug. The plug can be mounted within a hole at the extremity of a device. Alternatively, the sheet can be wrapped around the exterior of the extremity. The lamina of the spiral-wound plug separate upon impact with an object, increasing the gripping power of the tip.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Inventors: Karl Frederick Frank, Karl Dennison Frank
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Patent number: 6527001Abstract: A stabilizing cane attachment for supporting a user upon sandy and snow covered surfaces. The stabilizing cane attachment includes a support member having a bore extending therethrough and being adapted mount at a bottom end portion of a cane; and also includes a first stopper member being adapted to securely attach about the cane above the support member to prevent the support member from coming off the cane; and further includes a second stopper member being adapted to securely attach about a bottom end of the cane.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Inventors: Richard Saldan, Margaret L. Saldan
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Publication number: 20020170587Abstract: Stick structure which is resiliently extensible and adjustable in length. The adjustment of length of the stick can be easily achieved by both right-handed and left-handed users. The stick includes multiple fitting tubes nested in each other and an adjusting/locating device and a resilient extensible device disposed at the fitting sections of the fitting tubes. When clockwise or counterclockwise rotating any of the fitting tubes, the rotary body is rotated along therewith to forcedly stretch apart the damper to tightly abut against the inner circumference of another fitting tube so as to easily adjust the length of the stick and fix the stick. In addition, in accordance with different using environments, the stick is freely resiliently extensible to a certain extent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2001Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Shinichi Uemura
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Patent number: 6374841Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a tip for stick use without any movable portion and any sliding portion, which is monolithically formed to be flexibly deformable having a restoring function as well as a simple constitution, and a stick shod with the same. The tip is mainly constituted of a lower portion 1 for contacting the ground, an upper portion 2 whereon a hole 6 to be inserted with the stick 3 is opened and a flexibly deformable portion 4 for connecting aforesaid lower portion 1 and upper portion 2 which is equipped with an annular concavity 5 on a peripheral surface. The above-mentioned three portions 1, 2 and 4 constituting the tip are fabricated monolithically from an elastic material.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha DaiwaInventors: Yoshikazu Yamamoto, Yasuo Nomura
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Patent number: 6279592Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a flexibly elastic and light reflective tip for stick use, which improves the safety in use of a stick. In the present invention, this object is attained by providing an irregular reflecting surface on the upper portion of the tip by forming a cylindrical metal having an excellent light reflectivity by plating or pressing, to have a cross-sectionally serrated or wave form for more reflectivity.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha DaiwaInventor: Yoshikazu Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6164306Abstract: An improved walking aid to allow people who walk with canes, crutches and other walking devices to travel over sand, gravel and uneven areas. It consists of a pad made up of layers of flexible material with a non-flexible ring inside the pad. The ring sits around the outer edge for stability. It has a thin rubber layer on the bottom of the pad for traction on smooth surfaces such as pavement. It has a basket attached to the top of the pad which is adjustable for attaching and detaching quickly and easily to the existing walking device that one uses.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Inventor: George K Townsend
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Patent number: 6138699Abstract: An anti-slip base for a crutch including a frustro-conical body having a recess at a bottom end thereof, a ball-shaped housing arranged on a top end of the frustro-conical body, a raised camber formed inside the recess with an anti-slip surface thereon, an outlet passage extending between the ball-shaped housing and the anti-slip surface on the raised camber, and a plurality of radial slots formed in a bottom face of the body.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Max Health CorporationInventor: Dickson Su
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Patent number: 6024110Abstract: A cane which includes a golf club head which acts as a handle, a shaft, and a rubber or other non-slip material tip. The golf club cane can also include, for example, an indentation in the golf club head, and a rubber or other non-slip surface on the base of the head.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Inventor: William L. Renfro
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Patent number: 6003533Abstract: An improved walking aid tip that is easy to use and provides for better support on smooth or slippery surfaces. The tip combines the features of an enlarged base for better stability on sand and gravel, a combination of convex and flat base to provide support for the user when the walking aid is positioned at a wide variety of angles with the ground surface, where the user is walking or standing still, a base made of a non-flexible rubber material so that the cane does not wobble and become unstable when in use and so that the base does not crack easily and have to be replaced frequently, an enlarged rigid support member that entirely covers and supports the rubber base so that the cane is less apt to wobble and so that the base is less likely to crack and have to be replaced prematurely, and a socket, a threaded screw, and a threaded screw hole to allow for easy installation of the tip. The enlarged base also allows people who would normally have to use a more cumbersome quad cane (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Inventor: Matthew E. Midcap