U.S. patent application number 11/160377 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for walking aid.
Invention is credited to Paul C. Russo.
Application Number | 20070000531 11/160377 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37588062 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070000531 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Russo; Paul C. |
January 4, 2007 |
WALKING AID
Abstract
A walking aid includes a vertical shaft, a housing member
disposed at a bottom of the shaft, a plurality of vertical leg
members extending downwardly relative to the housing member, an
electrical component on the walking aid, and control circuitry for
the electrical component disposed on the housing member.
Inventors: |
Russo; Paul C.; (Hayward,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHITE, REDWAY & BROWN LLP
1217 KING STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
37588062 |
Appl. No.: |
11/160377 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/66 ;
135/910 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2003/0205 20130101;
A45B 9/02 20130101; A61H 3/02 20130101; A45B 9/04 20130101; A45B
3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/066 ;
135/910 |
International
Class: |
A45B 3/00 20060101
A45B003/00 |
Claims
1. A walking aid, comprising: a vertical shaft; a housing member
disposed at a bottom of the shaft; a plurality of vertical leg
members extending downwardly from the housing member; an electrical
component on the walking aid; and control circuitry for the
electrical component disposed on the housing member.
2. The walking aid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical
component comprises at least one of a light, an alarm, a monitor, a
sensor, a communication device, and a display.
3. The walking aid as set forth in claim 2, wherein the monitor is
adapted to monitor a characteristic of a user's health.
4. The walking aid as set forth in claim 2, comprising a handle
disposed at a top end of the shaft, wherein a sensor is disposed
proximate an end of the handle.
5. The walking aid as set forth in claim 4, wherein the sensor is
disposed inside the handle.
6. The walking aid as set forth in claim 4, wherein the sensor
functions together with a heart rate monitor.
7. The walking aid as set forth in claim 6, wherein the monitor is
a heart rate and oximetry monitor.
8. The walking aid as set forth in claim 2, wherein the sensor
comprises a level sensor adapted to sense when the shaft is
misaligned from a vertical orientation.
9. The walking aid as set forth in claim 8, wherein the sensor is
associated with a timer and an alarm that broadcasts an alarm
message when the shaft is misaligned from the vertical orientation
beyond a predetermined period of time.
10. The walking aid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the control
circuitry includes a battery.
11. The walking aid as set forth in claim 1, comprising at least
one switch for operating the electrical component.
12. The walking aid as set forth in claim 11, comprising a handle
disposed at a top end of the shaft, wherein the at least one switch
is disposed sufficiently proximate the handle so that a user can
operate the at least one switch while the user's hand remains on
the handle.
13. The walking aid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the electrical
component includes a plurality of lights, at least one light being
mounted for illuminating an area approximately 1-4 meters ahead of
the walking aid, and at least one light being mounted for
illuminating an area directly in front of the walking aid.
14. The walking aid as set forth in claim 1, comprising a sleeve
attachable around the shaft, the sleeve having a different
appearance than the shaft.
15. The walking aid as set forth in claim 1, comprising a storage
compartment.
16. The walking aid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the walking
aid is a cane.
17. (canceled)
18. The walking aid as set forth in claim 12, wherein the
electrical component comprises at least one of a light, an alarm, a
monitor, a sensor, a communication device, and a display.
19. The walking aid as set forth in claim 12, wherein the
electrical component includes a plurality of lights, at least one
light being mounted for illuminating an area approximately 1-4
meters ahead of the walking aid, and at least one light being
mounted for illuminating an area directly in front of the walking
aid.
20. A walking aid, comprising: a vertical shaft; a handle disposed
at a top end of the shaft; a health monitor including a sensor
disposed sufficiently proximate the handle so that a user's hand
can contact the sensor while the user's hand also remains on the
handle wherein the health monitor comprises a heart rate/oximetry
monitor.
21. The walking aid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the housing
comprises substantially horizontal top and bottom portions
connected by substantially vertical wall portions.
22. The walking aid as set forth in claim 21, wherein the
horizontal bottom portion has a greater horizontal area than the
horizontal top portion.
23. The walking aid as se forth in claim 1, wherein the control
circuitry comprises a microprocessor.
24. The walking aid as set forth in claim 23, wherein the
microprocessor stores an onboard program in nonvolatile memory and
executes code on power-up.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0001] The present invention relates generally to walking aids and,
more particularly, to walking aids including controllable
electrical features.
[0002] It is known to provide items such as lights on walking aids
such as canes, safety canes, and walkers to assist users in finding
their way around in the dark. Typical walking aids reflect a
general lack of consideration to various design features of walking
aids, such as how lights should be focused to for practical use, or
where controls for electrical equipment on walking aids should be
located on the walking aid. It is desirable to provide a walking
aid that is designed in view of the actual uses and purposes for
the walking aid.
[0003] The typical walking aid, largely made of aluminum tubing,
has a rather generic appearance. It is desirable to provide a
walking aid that can be personalized.
[0004] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a
walking aid comprises a vertical shaft, a housing member disposed
at a bottom of the shaft, a plurality of vertical leg members
extending downwardly relative to the housing member, an electrical
component on the walking aid, and control circuitry for the
electrical component disposed on the housing member.
[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a walking aid comprises a vertical shaft, a handle disposed at a
top end of the shaft, an electrical component on the walking aid,
and at least one switch for operating the electrical component, the
at least one switch being disposed sufficiently proximate the
handle so that a user can operate the at least one switch while the
user's hand remains on the handle.
[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a walking aid comprises a vertical shaft, a handle disposed at a
top end of the shaft, and a health monitor including a sensor
disposed inside the handle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The features and advantages of the present invention are
well understood by reading the following detailed description in
conjunction with the drawings in which like numerals indicate
similar elements and in which:
[0008] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and rear perspective views of a
walking aid according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0009] FIGS. 2A and 2B are top and bottom perspective view of a
base portion of a walking aid according to an embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0010] FIGS. 3A and 3B are partially broken perspective views of a
handle portion of a walking aid according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] A walking aid 21 according to an embodiment of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The walking aid 21 includes
a vertical shaft 23, a base, i.e., a generally horizontal base
housing case member 25 disposed at a bottom 27 of the shaft, and a
plurality of vertical leg members 29 extending downwardly relative
to the horizontal member. As seen in greater detail in FIGS. 2A and
2B, the base housing case member 25 can be in the form of an extra
strong and durable injection-molded housing that allows integration
of mechanical support, positioning and securing of components, and
protection from the elements for equipment such as electrical
equipment. Its position at the base distributes the weight at a low
center of gravity to enhance the stability of the cane which
resists tipping over.
[0012] The legs 29 can be in any suitable form, and may include or
be in the form of rubberized solid core feet 30 or caps to enhance
friction between the floor and the floor-contacting portions of the
walking aid 21. The legs 29 and feet 30 may be detachable from the
remainder of the walking aid 21. The feet 30 can be replaceable,
non-slip, solid core, balanced, elliptical grips which provide
positive traction. The feet 30 can be constructed with a centered
threaded bolt (not shown) so the user can unscrew the feet from a
threaded female portion (not shown) of the base housing case member
25. The walking aid 21 illustrated is in the form of a safety cane,
however, it will be appreciated that the present invention has
application in connections with other types of walking aids, such
as walkers, and forms of canes other than safety canes. For
example, components that are mounted to the base housing case
member 25 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B can be mounted
elsewhere, such as along the shaft of a regular cane.
[0013] The shaft 23 can be made of carbon composite resin. This
affords both strength and lightness of weight. The shaft 23 will
ordinarily be hollow to allow flexible circuit wiring harnesses to
be contained within, thus affording a more cosmetic appearance as
well as easy addition of custom decorative applications. The shaft
23 can be made of a non-conductive material to minimize the
possibility of shorting out the wires to the shaft.
[0014] A latched pivot arrangement (not shown) can be provided to
connect the shaft 23 to the base housing case member 35 to allow
the shaft to be swiveled and locked relative to the base housing
case member in one of multiple positions, such as two positions
180.degree. from side to side. This positioning allows the shorter
side legs of the cane and the narrow section of the base plate to
be positioned closest to the user's legs depending on whether the
user is right-handed or left-handed. A flexible circuit wiring
harness inside the shaft 23 is able to swivel without excessive
mechanical stress.
[0015] The walking aid 21 also includes an electrical component.
Control circuitry 33 (shown in phantom) for the electrical
component is disposed inside the horizontal base housing case
member 25. The horizontal base housing case member 25 can provide a
platform, a cover, and a protective shield for the control
circuitry 33. The control circuitry 33 can include a microprocessor
such as a PIC microcontroller that stores an onboard program in
non-volatile memory, and executes code on power-up. It can be
responsible for processing digital inputs and outputs, and
digitizing analog signals (such as signals from a sensor 41 such as
a heartbeat/oximetry sensor), and detecting a charge level of a
battery 67 (FIG. 2B). Digital inputs can include lights, alarms,
set, up, down, and cancel buttons. The control circuitry 33 can
also get input from a real-time clock. Digital outputs can include
transistor array driven signals for alarms, lights, an LCD
backlight for, e.g., a display, and charge outputs. The control
circuitry 33 can also supply signals to the real-time clock and LED
charge indicator. The control circuitry can be continuously under
power, thus facilitating, e.g., daily reminder alarms.
[0016] The electrical component can be of any desired type. It is
presently contemplated that the electrical component will include
one or more components such as, but not limited to, a light 35, an
alarm 37, a reminder alarm 38, a monitor 39, such as a health
monitor such as a heartbeat and oximetry monitor, a sensor 41, such
as a health condition sensor or a level sensor, a communication
device 50 (such as, to list only several of the possible devices: a
speaker or audio transducer; a microphone; a coded computer chip
programmed to phone emergency numbers; global positioning satellite
sensors to permit location of the walking aid; and the like) and a
display 45, such as a digital and/or video display. The alarm 37
may be used to warn of a dangerous condition, such as that the
walking aid 21 has been in a tipped condition for an excessive
period of time, while the reminder alarm 38 may be used to advise
the user that it is a particular time of day, such as a time to
take medications. Of course, the alarms 37 and 38 can be used for
any desired function. The alarms 37 and 38 will ordinarily make
different sounds. The alarm 37, for example, might emit a loud
wail, while the alarm 38 might emit a softer chirping sound.
[0017] The alarms 37 and 38 may be a single device or two separate
devices. An embodiment of the alarms 37 and 38 in the form of a
single device includes a piezo-electric speaker with integrated
resonant cavity mounted on the top of or in a cutaway or recess
inside of the base housing case member 25 to project the sound. It
can be operated at resonant frequency for an emergency alarm, e.g.,
the alarm 37, outputting greater than 50 dB of sound. The PIC
microcontroller can hit this resonant frequency by sweeping the
generated frequency from below to above the resonant frequency
without the need for exact matching of the components with an
electronic signal. It can be operated off resonant frequency for a
quieter sound (short burst chirp) for a reminder alarm, e.g., the
alarm 38.
[0018] The monitor can be adapted to monitor a characteristic of a
user's health, such as, but not limited to, heart rate,
temperature, respiration, blood sugar, oxygenation, and blood
pressure. The monitor typically comprises several components,
including circuitry that may be part of the control circuitry 33, a
sensor 41, and some form of signaling arrangement, such as an alarm
and/or a display 45, and wiring (not shown) connecting the sensor,
the circuitry, and the display.
[0019] The walking aid 21 typically comprises a handle 47 disposed
at a top end 49 of the shaft 23. The handle 47 is attached to the
top end 49 of the shaft 23 by any suitable means, such as by
providing the handle in the form of a sleeve that tightly fits over
the shaft at the top end.
[0020] The monitor can be disposed in any suitable location on the
walking aid 21, however, it will often be desirable to locate a
sensing portion 41 of the monitor proximate an end 51 of the handle
47. The handle 47 can be in the form of a replaceable non-slip grip
that provides positive traction. It can also have absorptive
qualities, which can be useful to cushion the grip for those with
arthritic or physically painful conditions affecting gripping. The
center of the grip handle 47 and the top end 49 of the shaft 23 can
be hollow to allow the user to insert a finger (F FIG. 3B) into the
sensing portion 41 of the monitor, such as a heartbeat/oximetry
sensor comprising upper and lower PCB boards 41a and 41b, enclosed
within. Placement of the sensing portion 41 of the monitor at the
top of the cane allows easy access from a sitting or standing
position. Placing the sensor inside the tube also allows for light
shielding from optical interference for heartbeat and oximetry
measurements. A heartbeat/oximetry sensor, for example, can be in
the form of a proportional voltage detector 41d of two implemented
frequencies of light as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Light beams L1 and
L2 (FIG. 3A) can emanate from visible red and infrared LEDs 39l1
and 39l2 (FIG. 3A) mounted in connection with the sensing portion
41 of the monitor with the finger interposed between the LEDs and
the detector 41d (FIG. 3B). A contoured finger stop 42 can be
provided inside of the handle 47 and may also form part of the
sensor 41. The finger stop 42 can be shaped to permit a finger with
a long fingernail to be fully inserted into the sensor 41 by
permitting the fingernail to pass over a top of the stop. The
finger stop 42 can be positioned to properly position a finger
relative to components of the sensor 41.
[0021] Ordinarily, a plurality of electrical components are
provided, including lights 35 (FIG. 1A), an alarm 37 and/or a
reminder alarm 38 (FIG. 2A), and a health monitor. Some or, more
typically, all of the electrical components can be controlled by
the user without necessitating removal of the user's hand from the
handle 47 of the walking aid. For example, switches 53 and 55 to
operate the lights 35 and the alarm 37 can be provided on the top
end 49 of the shaft 23 in any suitable location, such as on top of
and on the bottom of the top end of the shaft, forward of the
handle 47. A sensing portion 41 of a monitor in the form of a heart
rate/oximetry monitor can be provided in a manner such that, the
user can insert his fingertip into a recess 61 on the end 51 and
inside of the handle. The sensing portion 41 of the monitor can be
connected by conventional electrical connections (not shown) to
other equipment comprising the monitor that may be disposed
elsewhere, such as on the horizontal portion 25 and equipment
including, for example, a display 45 and/or an alarm 37 for
advising the user of, e.g., the user's heart rate or pulse and
oximetry, or for warning of health conditions in a potentially
dangerous range.
[0022] Various other forms of sensors 41 can be provided, as well,
such as a level sensor 63 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2A) adapted to
sense when the shaft 23 misaligned from a vertical orientation. The
level sensor 63 can be in any suitable form, such as a mercury
switch that is open when the shaft 23 is upright and closed when
the shaft is not upright, and can be associated with a timer 65
(shown in phantom in FIG. 2A) and an alarm 37 that broadcasts an
alarm message when the shaft is misaligned from the vertical
orientation beyond a predetermined period of time. The alarm 37 can
be, but need not be, the same alarm that can be manually activated
by the switch 55 or a separate alarm. An alarm signal can be
emitted by the communication equipment or by separate equipment.
The level sensor 63, timer 65, and alarm 37 arrangement can assist
care providers in determining whether a user has fallen. Alarms 37
can be audible or can transmit electrical signals that are detected
by appropriately tuned receivers that can be monitored from a
distance.
[0023] The display 45 can be an LCD display having a low power,
high contrast, trans-reflective alphanumeric display that is
visible in bright sunlight (or at night by activating a backlight)
and can be activated by a main power switch. An alphanumeric
display can show the date and time, menu options, readings from
sensors 41 such as heartbeat and oximetry readings, and can assist
in setting the date and time as well as daily reminder alarm (chirp
bursts) functions. The illustrated display 45 in FIG. 2A includes a
display panel having a two position platform that can be angled for
convenient user viewing or can be flat for viewing purposes or when
not in use. The two position display panel can be adjusted by any
suitable arrangement, such as a "spring type" pressure sensitive
operating mechanism. The power switch 66 (shown in phantom) can be
in any suitable form, such as in the form of a substantially large
and raised rubberized momentary button with positive feel and click
touch such that a press of the finger or a foot controls it. One or
more power switches 66 can be provided, such as by providing a
switch on one or both of the handle 47 and the base housing case
member 25. It can be used to activate all user controlled functions
including the lighting functions, the date and time displays, and
sensors. A signal (not shown) such as a green LED can turn on when
the power switch 66 is turned on, signifying that the main power
from the battery 67 is active.
[0024] Ordinarily, the control circuitry 33 includes a battery 67
as seen in FIG. 2B. The inventor has recognized that the horizontal
base housing case member 25 or platform typically provided with
safety canes is a desirable spot for components such as batteries
67 and other portions of the control circuitry 33. Nickel metal
hydride batteries are presently considered to be particularly
useful because they are high capacity and lightweight. The reduced
weight of this battery selection affords less physical fatigue to
the user. Other forms of batteries, such as rechargeable coil cell
type lithium batteries, can also be used.
[0025] Charging electronics 100 can be provided for charging the
batteries 67. The charging electronics 100 may be in any suitable
form, such as in the form of a 2.5 mm female barreljack 102
externally on the bottom of the cane and inexpensive 6 volt DC
unregulated power supply with 2.5 mm male barreljack. A signal can
be provided, such as a red LED that is not lit when the charging
power is not connected. The control circuity 33 may include a PIC
microcontroller that monitors the charging state of the batteries
67 during charging, and can provide a signal during the charging
interval, such as by blinking the red LED. The PIC can light the
LED with a steady light when the charging is completed. The PIC can
draw its power from the charging power supply or the main power
supply. The PIC and special drive circuitry can shape the charging
level by pulsewidth modulation, as is necessary for safely charging
the nickel metal hydride batteries. The PIC measures the state of
the charge and adjusts the charging rate accordingly.
[0026] A real-time clock (not shown) can be provided and may
include a single Dallas semiconductor chip controlled by the
control circuitry 33. The real-time clock can store new input time
values, update them in real-time, and supply the time values under
the command of the microprocessor. The real-time clock can draw
power from the battery 67 when the power switch is turned on. When
the power switch is turned off, power can be drawn from an on-board
lithium backup battery. The current draw of the real-time clock can
be measured in nano-amps which allows the clock to run continuously
for a long time.
[0027] The electrical component of the walking aid 21 ordinarily
includes a plurality of lights 35. The lights 35 can be of any
suitable type, although LED lights are presently believed to be
particularly useful in connection with the walking aid 21.
Ordinarily, at least one light 69 is mounted somewhere near a
user's waist level for illuminating an area approximately 1-4
meters ahead of the walking aid, and at least one light 71 is
mounted somewhere near the horizontal platform 25 for illuminating
an area directly in front of the walking aid at or near floor
level. Typically, the lights 69 and 71 will comprise a bank of
LEDS, such as ten LEDs at the top and ten LEDs at the base. While
controls such as switches 53 and 55 and certain sensors such as a
heart rate, pulse sensor, or oximetry sensor are ordinarily best
disposed on the handle 47, electrical components such as certain
lights 35, an alarm 37, portions of the health monitor, a
communication device 50 such as a speaker 43 (FIG. 2A), a display
45, and other larger components are ordinarily most easily mounted
on the horizontal base housing case member 25, although they can be
attached to or disposed inside of other portions of the walking
aid, such as in or on the shaft 23 or at an end of the horizontal
base housing case member 25.
[0028] The light switch 53 can be a raised rubberized momentary
button with positive feel and click touch. It can be placed on the
upper top side 49 of the shaft 23 and can be operated by a user's
thumb. This placement allows quick and easy access for lighting
while in use without having to release grip to operate the switch.
Both upper and lower situated LED lights 69 and 71 can operate in
tandem with the single switch mechanism, such as by clicking on the
switch 53 a number of times to operate one or both lights.
[0029] The alarm switch 55 can be a raised rubberized momentary
button with positive feel and click touch. It can be placed on the
lower top side 49 of the shaft and can be operated by the index
finger and can be engaged while the cane is in use and without the
user having to release the handle 49. The alarm switch 55 placement
allows a more restricted access to the emergency alarm function.
For example, the alarm 37 may be programmed so that the switch 55
must be pressed twice in succession to activate the alarm avoiding
spurious triggering by accidental pressing of the button.
[0030] The walking aid 21 can include an optional sleeve 73
attachable around the part of the walking aid, such as the shaft
23. The sleeve 73 can provide the shaft 23 with a different
appearance, such as a different color, design, pattern, etc. A
variety of sleeve 73 designs and colors can be provided. The sleeve
73 can be a different color than the shaft 23 and can permit
customization of the walking aid in accordance with a user's
aesthetic preferences. The shaft 23 itself, may, of course, be made
in any desired color or colors. The sleeve 73 can also include
information, such as the name of the owner and any known medical
conditions. The sleeve 73 can be simply manufactured in the form
of, for example, a plastic or metal sheet, tube, or web that is
shaped to define a substantial circle with a longitudinal slot 73s
to facilitate attaching the sleeve over the shaft 23. If the
portion of the walking aid around which the sleeve is attached is
bent, the sleeve can be constructed in a bent form or can be made
in several separate parts that are each attachable around portions
of the walking aid or as a singular tube to fit over the existing
shaft. The sleeve 73 can, itself, be colored, patterned or
otherwise designed, or include printed information, or it can
include an outer, clear protective plastic portion and an inner
portion made of paper or other suitable material that can be
printed in a desired color and/or have printed information provided
thereon.
[0031] In addition to or instead of the components noted elsewhere,
the handle 47 of the walking aid 21 can include an optional and
attachable storage compartment 77 for storing small items such as
keys, money, identification, etc. While the storage compartment 77
can have any suitable structure, it is presently contemplated that
the compartment will extend along part of a length of the shaft 23
or proximate the handle 47.
[0032] As with many walking aids, the walking aid 21 can be
adjustable in height. For example, the shaft 23 can be formed of
telescoping tubular members 23a and 23b, one of which is adapted to
slide inside of the other. The telescoping tubular members 23a and
23b can be locked so that the walking aid 21 is at a desired height
by any suitable arrangement, such as by a set-screw type of lock
81. The lock 81 can have an externally threaded male portion that
extends through an opening and/or an internally threaded nut or
lock ring on an outer one of the tubular members 23b, extends
through a wall of the tubular member 23b and contacts the inner
tubular member 23a or mates with a desired one of a plurality of
holes or detents in the inner tubular member 23a to lock it
relative to the outer tubular member 23b. The sleeve 73 can include
a slot or opening 73o to permit a lock 81 to pass through the
sleeve. To facilitate extension and contraction of the shaft 23,
wiring (not shown) is ordinarily coiled in the shaft between, for
example, buttons and switches on the handle 47 and alarms,
monitors, and lights elsewhere on the walking aid 21.
[0033] In the present application, the use of terms such as
"including" is open-ended and is intended to have the same meaning
as terms such as "comprising" and not preclude the presence of
other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of
terms such as "can" or "may" is intended to be open-ended and to
reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the
failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that
structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that
structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be
essential, they are identified as such.
[0034] While this invention has been illustrated and described in
accordance with a preferred embodiment, it is recognized that
variations and changes may be made therein without departing from
the invention as set forth in the claims.
* * * * *