U.S. patent application number 11/544202 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for mobility aid retention clip.
Invention is credited to John David Broadwell, Susan Elizabeth Cassell Broadwell.
Application Number | 20080083798 11/544202 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39274278 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083798 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Broadwell; Susan Elizabeth Cassell
; et al. |
April 10, 2008 |
Mobility aid retention clip
Abstract
A walking cane retention clip that provides convenient temporary
placement of the cane so that the user can perform a two-handed
task. The retention clip provides a garment clasping region for
attachment to a garment such as a waistband, a belt or both. A
mobility aid receiving region is used for releasably retaining a
mobility aid such as a cane or walking staff. The retention clip
comprises a unitary construction that is configured for vertical or
horizontal retention of a mobility aid. The retention clip is
fabricated from high strength materials that are capable of
delivering long-term function without significant risk of wear or
mechanical failure. The retention clip is configured and fabricated
from materials that facilitate cleaning and sanitization of the
retention clip.
Inventors: |
Broadwell; Susan Elizabeth
Cassell; (Wichita Falls, TX) ; Broadwell; John
David; (Wichita Falls, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL PHILIP ARTEMIS
1483 Grendon Way
Gardenrville
NV
89410
US
|
Family ID: |
39274278 |
Appl. No.: |
11/544202 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/269 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0566 20130101;
A61H 2003/007 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101; A45F 5/021 20130101;
A61H 3/00 20130101; A61H 2003/002 20130101; A45B 2009/002
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/269 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. A mobility aid retention clip for releasably retaining a portion
of a user mobility aid when installed on a user garment, said
retention clip comprising: a garment clasp portion including a
resilient leg portion having a top end, a substantially rigid
central support member having a top end, and a web member having
opposite ends that integrally connect to each of the top ends and
mutually space the leg portion and the support member, wherein the
leg portion, the web member, and the central support member
together define a garment clasping region; and a mobility aid
receiving portion integrally formed with the central support
member, the receiving portion further comprising a substantially
resilient curved retention cradle extending away from both the
central support member and the garment clasp portion and providing
a concave receiving surface for said portion of the mobility aid,
the retention cradle having a distal end with an integrally formed
essentially S-shaped release cusp curving inwardly toward the
central support member and then outwardly thereof, the release cusp
and central support member providing a cradle pinch-point there
between, wherein the retention cradle and central support member
together define a mobility aid receiving region for said portion of
the mobility aid; and wherein the cradle pinch-point is sized to
releasably retain said portion of the mobility aid.
2. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1, wherein the
retention clip is fabricated as a unitary construction.
3. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 2, wherein the unitary
retention clip is fabricated using a thermoplastic polymer.
4. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1, wherein the leg
portion has a bottom end with a garment release flange integrally
formed from therein and extending toward the central support
member, wherein the release flange and support member form a
garment pinch-point there between for releaseably clasping a
confronting garment portion when the clip is installed.
5. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 4, wherein the garment
release flange is formed in an arcuate shape with a convex surface
facing the garment clasping region.
6. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1, wherein the central
support member has a bottom end and wherein the mobility aid
receiving portion is integrally formed from the bottom end of the
central support member, so that the retention cradle extends
generally towards the web member.
7. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1, wherein the central
support member has a first side edge and a second side edge; and
wherein the mobility aid receiving portion is integrally formed
from the first side edge of the central support member, so that the
retention cradle extends generally towards the second side
edge.
8. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1, wherein the central
support member has a first side edge and a second side edge; and
wherein the mobility aid receiving portion is integrally formed
from the second side edge of the central support member, so that
the retention cradle extends generally towards the first side
edge.
9. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1, wherein a mobility
aid receiving region longitudinal axis is substantially parallel
with respect to a garment clasping region longitudinal axis.
10. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1, wherein a mobility
aid receiving region longitudinal axis is substantially
perpendicular with respect to a garment clasping region
longitudinal axis.
11. A mobility aid retention clip for releasably retaining a
portion of a user mobility aid when installed on a user garment,
said retention clip comprising: a garment clasp portion including a
resilient leg portion having a top end, a substantially rigid
central support member having a top end, and a web member having
opposite ends that integrally connect to each of the top ends and
mutually space the leg portion and the support member, wherein the
leg portion, the web member, and the central support member
together define a garment clasping region; and a mobility aid
receiving portion integrally formed with a bottom edge of the
central support member, the receiving portion further comprising a
substantially resilient curved retention cradle extending away from
both the central support member and the garment clasp portion, so
that the retention cradle extends generally towards the web member,
and providing a concave receiving surface for said portion of the
mobility aid, the retention cradle having a distal end with an
integrally formed essentially S-shaped release cusp curving
inwardly toward the central support member and then outwardly
thereof, the release cusp and central support member providing a
cradle pinch-point there between, wherein the retention cradle and
central support member together define a mobility aid receiving
region for said portion of the mobility aid; and wherein the cradle
pinch-point is sized to releasably retain said portion of the
mobility aid.
12. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 11, wherein the
retention clip is fabricated as a unitary construction.
13. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 12, wherein the
unitary retention clip is fabricated using a thermoplastic
polymer.
14. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 1 1, wherein the leg
portion has a bottom end with a garment release flange integrally
formed from therein and extending toward the central support
member, wherein the release flange and support member form a
garment pinch-point there between for releaseably clasping a
confronting garment portion when the clip is installed.
15. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 14, wherein the
garment release flange is formed in an arcuate shape with a convex
surface facing the garment clasping region.
16. A mobility aid retention clip for releasably retaining a
portion of a user mobility aid when installed on a user garment,
said retention clip comprising: a garment clasp portion including a
resilient leg portion having a top end, a substantially rigid
central support member having a top end, and a web member having
opposite ends that integrally connect to each of the top ends and
mutually space the leg portion and the support member, wherein the
leg portion, the web member, and the central support member
together define a garment clasping region; and a mobility aid
receiving portion integrally formed with a first side edge of the
central support member, the receiving portion further comprising a
substantially resilient curved retention cradle extending away from
both the central support member and the garment clasp portion, so
that the retention cradle extends generally towards a second side
edge, and providing a concave receiving surface for said portion of
the mobility aid, the retention cradle having a distal end with an
integrally formed essentially S-shaped release cusp curving
inwardly toward the central support member and then outwardly
thereof, the release cusp and central support member providing a
cradle pinch-point there between, wherein the retention cradle and
central support member together define a mobility aid receiving
region for said portion of the mobility aid; and wherein the cradle
pinch-point is sized to releasably retain said portion of the
mobility aid.
17. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 16, wherein the
retention clip is fabricated as a unitary construction.
18. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 17, wherein the
unitary retention clip is fabricated using a thermoplastic
polymer.
19. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 16, wherein the leg
portion has a bottom end with a garment release flange integrally
formed from therein and extending toward the central support
member, wherein the release flange and support member form a
garment pinch-point there between for releaseably clasping a
confronting garment portion when the clip is installed.
20. The mobility aid retention clip of claim 19, wherein the
garment release flange is formed in an arcuate shape with a convex
surface facing the garment clasping region.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the art of canes, walking
sticks and staffs. More particularly, the invention relates to a
waist-mounted cane retention clip having improved holding
capability and ergonomic functionality.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Throughout history people have used canes, walking sticks
and staffs to facilitate personal mobility. Canes, walking sticks,
hiking staffs, trekking poles, and walking umbrellas may commonly
be referred to as "mobility aids." There are many reasons why a
person may require the use of a mobility aid, such as to overcome a
physical disability, increase balance, or conserve energy. The use
of a mobility aid assists a person to walk straighter, in natural
and proper body alignment, which in turn minimizes stress and
strain upon joints and muscles. By using a mobility aid, people are
able to participate and enjoy various daily activities that
otherwise would have been difficult without the use of such an
aid.
[0003] However, mobility aid users frequently encounter a
predicament upon arrival at a chosen destination, that being a
convenient way to temporarily store the mobility aid while
performing a two-handed task. Examples of such tasks may include,
checking out at a cash register, pumping gasoline, taking field
notes, or making copies in an office environment. As a result, many
mobility aid users will clumsily attempt to hold the aid while
performing the two-handed task. Some disadvantages of holding the
aid during the task are the risk of dropping the aid, taking
excessive time to perform the task, interference with performing
the task or generally feeling inept. Frequently, some users may
lean the mobility aid against a counter, surface or object for
temporary placement while performing the two-handed task. However,
this presents an opportunity for the mobility aid to fall to the
ground. With the mobility aid now on the ground, a user is required
to bend down and retrieve the aid. In doing so, depending on the
user's agility, the user may suffer discomfort, injury,
muscle/joint strain, or loss of balance.
[0004] Additionally, using a mobility aid quite often has negative
connotations that represent a loss of independence, nuisance,
awkwardness, and geriatric predisposition. These factors can
discourage the consistent use of a mobility aid or discourage the
use of a mobility aid altogether.
[0005] There have been several attempts to provide a convenient way
to temporarily secure a mobility aid while performing a two-handed
task. One device comprises a lanyard that is worn around the user's
neck. Attached to the lanyard is a preformed rubber-type loop into
which a mobility aid may be inserted. While useful to some extent,
this design has the drawback of dangling the mobility aid across
the user's torso. This makes performing the desired task more
difficult because the dangling mobility aid is directly in front of
the user and may strike or swing into the user. There is also the
possibility of the user tripping while storing the mobility aid
using this device, particularly if the task requires lower body
movement, because the aid may become entangled between the user's
legs. Additionally, cleaning and sanitizing the loop is difficult
because the loop is made of a porous rubber-type material. The
ability to clean and sanitize a mobility aid and its associated
hardware is extremely important in healthcare settings and
rehabilitation facilities. Furthermore, this device does not place
the mobility aid in a "ready-to-use" position or at a safe and
proper height where the user may instinctively reach for and use
the aid.
[0006] Another device that attempts to provide a hands-free
mobility aid retention device comprises a leather strap configured
in a double loop or "FIG. 8" shape. One loop is secured with a belt
to the user's waist, the other loop is for sliding the mobility aid
within. Although useful, this design has disadvantages such as:
requiring the user to hang the mobility aid such that the aid could
drag the ground, the lengthy second loop may catch on environmental
objects such as tables and chairs, and the leather-type material is
difficult to clean or sanitize.
[0007] In other waist mounted devices, these generally comprise a
holster or scabbard type configuration that requires the user to
lift the bottom of the mobility aid to waist level and then insert
the aid through an opening in the device and slide the aid into the
device lengthwise (similar to inserting a sword into a sheath).
While useful, this design requires extensive movement of the
mobility aid and does not provide for quick subsequent retrieval of
the aid in case of an emergency. Also, these devices are typically
fabricated from cloth or leather and are difficult to clean or
sanitize.
[0008] Additionally, there are other devices that provide a
retractable tether or leash that is attached to the mobility aid.
One teaching of a mobility aid retention device with a retractable
tether is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,730 to Carpenter, the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The '730
Patent teaches the use of a waist mounted spring-loaded pulley with
a retractable tether that is attached to the mobility aid. Although
this design may be beneficial when the mobility aid is dropped, by
providing a way to retrieve the aid without bending down, it
requires that the aid be attached to the tether and this limits
freedom of movement. Additionally, while the user is walking
constant energy is required to keep the mobility aid from being
retracted or pulled into a non-stable position by the device. Also,
due to the multi-part construction of the device cleaning and
sanitization are difficult to perform.
[0009] Another teaching of a mobility aid retention device with a
retractable tether is found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,385 to Simon,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The
'385 Patent teaches the use of a wrist-mounted spring-loaded
retractable tether. Although somewhat useful, this wrist mounted
device hinders the "hands-free" objective of providing the user
with a way to temporarily store the aid while performing a
two-handed task. Also, since the mobility aid is attached to the
user's wrist, it is likely that the aid will interfere with the
task at hand. This device also requires that a tether be attached
to the mobility aid and with its multi-part construction may prove
difficult to clean or sanitize.
[0010] Additionally, the teaching of U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,722 to
Hutchinson et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference, provides a cane holder that attaches to the user's
clothing and prevents the cane from falling to the ground. Although
this device does permit a user to temporarily store a mobility aid
at their side, it requires that a tether be attached to the aid by
way of a hook-and-loop fastener and its multi-part construction may
prove difficult to clean or sanitize.
[0011] Against this background of innovation, currently available
mobility aid retention devices still suffer from severe
deficiencies in providing: a readily accessible means for temporary
placement; a retention device that does not require affixing
anything to the aid; an aid retention device that is ergonomically
positioned; a device constructed of high strength materials durable
enough to withstand long-term, repeated, daily use; an easily
sanitized device; or a device that produces positive perceptions
surrounding use of a mobility aid. Correspondingly, current
mobility aid retention devices have not met with significant
success to date.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention is a mobility aid retention clip
enabling the user to instinctively store and naturally retrieve the
mobility aid without attaching anything to the aid and further
providing for easy cleaning and sanitizing of the clip.
[0013] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a mobility aid
retention clip for releasably retaining a portion of a user
mobility aid when installed on a user garment. The retention clip
has a garment clasp portion and a mobility aid receiving
portion.
[0014] The garment clasp portion includes a resilient leg portion
having a top end, a substantially rigid central support member
having a top end, and a web member having opposite ends that
integrally connect to each of the top ends and mutually space the
leg portion and the support member. The leg portion, the web
member, and the central support member together define a garment
clasping region.
[0015] The mobility aid receiving portion is integrally formed with
the central support member. The receiving portion includes a
substantially resilient curved retention cradle extending away from
both the support member and the garment clasp portion. The
receiving portion provides a concave receiving surface for a
portion of the mobility aid. The retention cradle has a distal end
with an integrally formed essentially S-shaped release cusp curving
inwardly toward the support member and then outwardly thereof. The
release cusp and support member providing a cradle pinch-point
there between, wherein the retention cradle and central support
member together define a mobility aid receiving region for a
portion of the mobility aid. The cradle pinch-point is sized to
releasably retain the portion of the mobility aid.
[0016] The invention may further comprise a mobility aid retention
clip that is fabricated as a unitary construction. The unitary
construction may be fabricated from a thermoplastic polymer.
[0017] In another embodiment, leg portion has a bottom end with a
garment release flange integrally formed from the bottom end and
extending toward the central support member. The release flange and
support member form a garment pinch-point there between for
releaseably clasping a confronting garment portion when the clip is
installed. The garment release flange may be formed in an arcuate
shape with a convex surface facing the garment clasping region.
[0018] Another embodiment includes a central support member that
has a bottom end and wherein the mobility aid receiving portion is
integrally formed from the bottom end of the central support
member, so that the retention cradle extends generally towards the
web member.
[0019] In one embodiment, the central support member has a first
side edge and a second side edge; and the mobility aid receiving
portion is integrally formed from the first side edge of the
central support member, so that the retention cradle extends
towards the second side edge. Conversely, in another embodiment,
the mobility aid receiving portion may be integrally formed from
the second side edge of the central support member, so that the
retention cradle extends towards the first side edge. In this way
the, the retention clip may accommodate either left or right handed
users.
[0020] In another embodiment, there is established a mobility aid
receiving region longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel
with respect to an established garment clasping region longitudinal
axis. In contrast, another embodiment has a mobility aid receiving
region longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular with
respect to a garment clasping region longitudinal axis.
[0021] The invention enables a person to conveniently and
effortlessly store a mobility aid at their waist. The mobility aid
retention clip provides an intuitive and easy way to temporarily
store a mobility aid without any complex attachments or devices.
The invention is constructed of high strength materials suitable
for long-term, repeated use.
[0022] The invention further provides a retention clip that is easy
to clean and sanitize, an important factor for users with
disabilities and multiple health conditions who may be at a greater
risk because of compromised immune systems. Correspondingly, viral
and bacterial concerns may be addressed with cold germicidal
methods or steam sterilization of the retention clip in
rehabilitative facilities, medical settings, and long-term care
settings as well.
[0023] Finally, the invention provides increased ease of use in
storing a mobility aid and increases self-confidence, independence,
productivity and usefulness for the user because the user has an
efficient means for temporary placement of the mobility aid while
performing a two-handed task.
[0024] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of
the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing
detailed description and claims, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts or structure throughout the different
views.
[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a mobility aid inserted into
a retention clip, as viewed from above;
[0027] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a mobility aid retention
clip, as viewed from above;
[0028] FIG. 2B is an elevation view of a mobility aid retention
clip, as viewed from the right side;
[0029] FIG. 2C is an elevation view of a mobility aid retention
clip, as viewed from the front;
[0030] FIG. 3A is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of
the mobility aid retention clip, as viewed from above;
[0031] FIG. 3B is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment of
the mobility aid retention clip, as viewed from the right side;
[0032] FIG. 3C is an elevation view of an alternate embodiment of
the mobility aid retention clip, as viewed from the front.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] The invention relates to a cane, walking stick, or staff
retention clip. In the following description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough
description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however,
to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known features and processes have been indicated although not
described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
[0034] Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a retention
clip 100 attached to a garment such as a waist band or belt 102
worn about the waist of an individual. A mobility aid 104 has a
portion 106, such as a handle, secured within the retention clip
100. As used herein, the term "mobility aid" indicates a device
such as a cane, walking stick, hiking staff, trekking pole, walking
umbrella, or other item that a person would use to enhance personal
mobility or involvement in various activities. Additionally, the
term "garment" as used herein is defined as an article of clothing
such as a waistband, belt or sash that is worn about the waist of
an individual.
[0035] FIG. 2A is an isometric view illustrating the retention clip
100. The retention clip 100 has a garment clasping region 200 and a
mobility aid receiving region 202. As shown in FIG. 2A, the garment
clasping region 200 opening is generally oriented in a downward
direction and the mobility aid receiving region 202 opening is
essentially oriented in an upward direction with respect to the
primary horizontal and vertical axes of the retention clip 100. The
garment clasping region 200 has a longitudinal axis 201 projected
along the clasping region. The mobility aid receiving region 202
has a longitudinal axis 203 projected along the receiving
region.
[0036] FIG. 2B is an elevation view from the right side of
retention clip 100. In this view, the garment clasping region 200
is formed between a resilient leg portion 204, a web member 206,
and a substantially rigid central support member 208. The resilient
leg portion 204 has a top end 204a and a bottom end 204b. The web
member has opposite ends. The central support member 208 has a top
end 208a, a bottom end 208b, and a first side edge 208c and a
second side edge 208d (shown in FIG. 2C). The web member 206
integrally connects and mutually spaces both top ends of the leg
portion 204 and central support member 208 such that the leg
portion 204 and central support member 208 extend in a generally
parallel relationship therefrom.
[0037] A garment release flange 210 is integrally formed from the
bottom end 204b of the leg portion 204 and opposite the web member
206. The garment release flange 210 is substantially quarter
circular in profile. The release flange 210 engages a waist band,
bottom of a belt or both so that the retention clip 100 is securely
attached to the garment. A garment pinch point 216 is formed
between the release flange 210 and the retention cradle 212, and
provides a means for securely engaging a waistband, a belt or
both.
[0038] Also in FIG. 2B, the mobility aid receiving region 202 is
essentially semicircular in profile and is formed between a curved
retention cradle 212 and the substantially rigid central support
member 208. Although the mobility aid receiving region 202 is shown
in circular shape, other appropriate shapes include ovals or other
suitable geometric shapes for retaining a mobility aid. The central
support member 208 provides a supportive structure with sufficient
rigidity to allow the leg portion 204 and retention cradle 212 to
independently deflect and thus permit releasable retention of a
garment and a mobility aid, respectively. The retention cradle 212
tangentially extends from the bottom edge 208b of support member
208 and opposite the web member 206. In one specific example, the
retention cradle 212 is approximately 1'' in diameter or similar
size to adequately accommodate a portion 106 of a mobility aid.
[0039] A curved retention cradle release cusp 214 tangentially
extends from the distal end of retention cradle 212 inversely
curving away from the central support member 208. The release cusp
214 allows deflection of the retention cradle 212 away from the
central support member 208 for insertion of a portion 106 of a
mobility aid 104.
[0040] A cradle pinch point 218 is formed between the retention
cradle release cusp 214 and the central support member 208 and
provides a means for releasably retaining a mobility aid within the
receiving region 202. The cradle pinch point 218 is sized such that
the cradle pinch point 218 is smaller than the diameter of
retention cradle 212 and the cradle pinch point 218 is sufficiently
spaced from the central support member 208 to facilitate receipt of
a portion 106 of a mobility aid 104 upon minimal resilient
deflection of retention cradle 212. For example, the diameter of
portion 106 of the mobility aid 104 is about 1'', the diameter of
the retention cradle 212 is about 1'' and the distance defined by
the cradle pinch point 218 is about 0.75''.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2C, the garment clasping region
longitudinal axis 201 and mobility aid receiving region
longitudinal axis 203 are arranged in a substantially parallel
orientation with respect to each other. Additionally, in these
views retention cradle 212 is shown extending from the bottom edge
208b of the central support member 208 to beyond the mid-point of
the central support member 208. It is contemplated that the height
and width of the retention clip 100 is sized sufficient to provide
adequate support for releasable retention of a mobility aid. For
example, the height is preferably about 2'' to 2.5'' and the width
is preferably between approximately 1'' to 1.5''.
[0042] The garment clasping region 200 and mobility aid receiving
region 202 are preferably formed such that they will releasably
retain a garment and a mobility aid respectively. This
functionality is accomplished when the supporting structure for
each cavity has some resiliency or residual spring tension. In this
way, the supporting structure can be momentarily deflected to
permit insertion of an item and then the structure returns to the
pre-deflected position when released as a result of the residual
spring tension or material resiliency.
[0043] The retention clip 100 is fabricated from several known
types of materials. Some examples of suitable construction
materials are: thermoplastic sheet, thermoformed polymers,
thermoset polymers, fiber reinforced composites, metals, alloys,
plastics, epoxies or resins. These materials provide a vast variety
of textures, patterns, colors and aesthetic appearance options. The
construction material should provide high strength, durability,
resiliency, flexibility (semi-rigid), low-porosity, elastomeric
memory, spring tension, and lubricious glide characteristics. The
finished thickness of the construction material is approximately
0.125'' and should provide sufficient support and flexibility for
releaseable retention of a mobility aid and a garment waistband or
belt. The actual minimum thickness may diverge from the 0.125''
dimension depending on the specific material characteristics. For
example, a thermoplastic polymer may require 0.125'' thickness to
provide adequate support and flexibility; however, if a fiber
reinforced polymer is used a thickness of 0.060'' may prove
sufficient.
[0044] There are several well known manufacturing processes that
are suitable to produce the structure of the present invention.
Some examples of various processes are: injection molding, thermal
forming, vacuum forming, composite lay-up, casting, extrusion or
machining. These manufacturing processes are well known and not
described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
[0045] It is contemplated that the structure and components are
formed using injection molding techniques and a resilient
thermoplastic polymer such as: filled and unfilled polyetherimide,
acrylic-polyvinyl chloride alloy, or other high performance
engineering polymers. There are many other plastics and variations
available that provide a vast array of suitable material
properties. The specific material properties can be adjusted or
modified by the addition of dissimilar materials. These dissimilar
materials may include fiberglass, carbon fibers, metal flake and
pigments to name a few.
[0046] In operation, the retention clip 100 is attached to a
waistband, a belt or both. By momentarily deflecting the leg
portion 204, this permits the garment clasping region 200 to expand
and encompass a waistband, belt or both. Upon release, the internal
spring tension of the leg portion 204 will snugly clasp the
waistband. The deflection is effectuated by placing the waistband
at the entrance to the garment clasping region 200 adjacent to the
garment pinch point 216 and applying a downward force to slide the
retention clip 100 onto the waistband.
[0047] Now with the retention clip 100 adequately attached at the
user's waist, the user can conveniently store a mobility aid within
the retention cradle 212. By positioning a portion 106, such as the
handle, of the mobility aid 104 in the receiving region 202 and
using a pinching or squeezing motion between the mobility aid and
the bottom of the retention cradle 212, the mobility aid receiving
region 202 will slightly expand and permit the mobility aid to seat
within the retention cradle 212. To remove the mobility aid 104
from the retention clip 100, the user applies an upward force on
the handle of the mobility and an opposing force on the central
support member 208, thus causing the mobility aid receiving region
202 to expand and release the mobility aid from the retention clip.
Alternately, the user can momentarily deflect (expand) the
retention cradle 212 by depressing the release cusp 214 in a
generally outward direction away from the central support member
208 and then simultaneously applying an upward force on the
mobility aid.
[0048] An alternate embodiment for the retention clip 300 is shown
in FIGS. 3A-3C where the mobility aid receiving region longitudinal
axis 203 is arranged in a substantially perpendicular orientation
with respect to the garment clasping region longitudinal axis 201.
In this embodiment the manufacturing processes, materials and
operation are essentially similar to the embodiment previously
described and are not repeated to avoid undue prolixity.
[0049] FIG. 3B is an elevation view from the right side of
retention clip 300. In this view, the garment clasping region 200
is formed between a resilient leg portion 204, a web member 206,
and a substantially rigid central support member 208. The resilient
leg portion 204 has a top end 204a and a bottom end 204b. The web
member has opposite ends. The central support member 208 has a top
end 208a, a bottom end 208b, a first side edge 208c and a second
side edge 208d. The web member 206 integrally connects and mutually
spaces both top ends of the leg portion 204 and central support
member 208 such that the leg portion 204 and central support member
208 extend in a generally parallel relationship therefrom.
[0050] A garment release flange 210 is integrally formed form the
bottom end 204b of the leg portion 204 and opposite the web member
206. The garment release flange 210 is substantially quarter
circular in profile. The release flange 210 engages a waist band,
bottom of a belt or both so that the retention clip 100 is securely
attached to the garment. A garment pinch point 216 is formed
between the release flange 210 and the central support member 208,
and provides a means for securely engaging a waistband, a belt or
both.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, the mobility aid receiving region
202 is essentially semicircular in profile and is formed between a
curved retention cradle 212 and the substantially rigid central
support member 208. Although the mobility aid receiving region 202
is shown in circular shape; other appropriate shapes include ovals
or other suitable geometric shapes for retaining a mobility aid.
The central support member 208 provides a supportive structure with
sufficient rigidity to allow the leg portion 204 and retention
cradle 212 to independently deflect and thus permit releasable
retention of a garment and a mobility aid, respectively. The
retention cradle 212 tangentially extends from the first side edge
208c of central support member 208 and generally towards the second
side edge 208d of central support member 208. In one specific
example, the retention cradle 212 is approximately 1'' in diameter
or similar size to adequately accommodate a portion 106 of a
mobility aid.
[0052] A curved retention cradle release cusp 214 tangentially
extends from the distal end of retention cradle 212 inversely
curving away from the central support member 208. The release cusp
214 allows deflection of the retention cradle 212 away from the
central support member 208 for insertion of a portion 106, such as
the shaft, of a mobility aid 104.
[0053] As best illustrated in FIG. 3B, a cradle pinch-point 218 is
formed between the retention cradle release cusp 214 and the
central support member 208 and provides a means for releasably
retaining a mobility aid within the receiving region 202. The
cradle pinch-point 218 is sized such that the cradle pinch-point
218 is smaller than the diameter of retention cradle 212 and the
cradle pinch point 218 is sufficiently spaced from the central
support member 208 to facilitate receipt of a shaft portion of a
mobility aid 104 upon minimal resilient deflection of retention
cradle 212. For example, in one embodiment the diameter of the
shaft portion of the mobility aid 104 is about 1'', the diameter of
the retention cradle 212 is about 1'' and the distance defined by
the cradle pinch point 218 is about 0.75''.
[0054] Referring to a combination of FIGS. 3B & 3C, the garment
clasping region longitudinal axis 201 and mobility aid receiving
region longitudinal axis 203 are arranged substantially
perpendicular with respect to each other. The mobility aid
receiving region 202 is arranged substantially offset with respect
to the primary vertical axis of the central support member 208.
Additionally, retention cradle 212 is shown extending to beyond the
mid-point of central support member 208. It is contemplated that
the height and width of the retention clip 100 would be sufficient
to provide adequate support for releasable retention of a mobility
aid. For example, the overall height and width is preferably about
2'' to 2.5''.
[0055] Although the retention cradle 212 has been shown extending
from the first side edge 208c generally towards the second side
edge 208d of central support member 208, another embodiment is
configured such that retention cradle 212 extends from the second
side edge 208d generally towards the first side edge 208c. In these
alternate configurations the retention clip 300 accommodates either
left or right handed mobility aid users.
[0056] With this alternate orientation of the garment clasping
region 200 and mobility aid receiving region 202 this embodiment is
well suited for vertically oriented retention of a cane, walking
stick or staff. It is contemplated that this embodiment operatively
engages the mobility aid along a primary shaft. Additionally, this
embodiment is adapted to retain a mobility aid that has an
oversized handle or grip for releasable retention about the shaft
of the aid.
[0057] The mobility aid retention clip invention disclosed herein
provides several advantages not found in known mobility aid
retention devices. Firstly, the invention enables the user to
secure their mobility aid at their waist. Consequently, the aid is
conveniently ready for use and quick access. Secondly, the
invention provides for a very simple device that does not require
any attachments to the mobility aid or complicated adjustments to
the retention clip. Thirdly, the invention provides a retention
platform that is intuitive and natural to use by ergonomically
positioning the clip where the mobility aid may be secured during
normal physical movement. Consequently, the user instinctively
reaches for the mobility aid at their waist, where the aid is
"at-the-ready". Fourthly, the components of the invention are
fabricated from a substantially smooth, non-porous high strength
polymer, durable enough to withstand long-term, repeated daily use.
Fifthly, the physical construction is such that cleaning and
sanitizing are facilitated and non-problematic. Finally, the
invention addresses the user's emotional response and provides the
user with a positive, enabling, experience with a mobility aid that
restores a feeling of usefulness, continued independence,
confidence and increased productivity unlike other mobility aid
retention innovations to date. The increased convenience and ease
of using a mobility aid can promote greater compliance in
restorative and rehabilitative therapies, reducing length of
treatment, medical costs, and possibly reducing dependence upon
public assistance.
[0058] Although the above provides a full and complete disclosure
of the preferred embodiments of the invention, various
modifications, alternate constructions and equivalents will occur
to those skilled in the art. For example, the retention clip may be
configured to clasp another portion of a person's clothing such as
a pocket, a vest, a jacket, or an accessory (such as a waist-level
purse, a backpack, or a satchel shoulder strap). Also, the
retention clip may be a two piece construction where the garment
clasp portion pivots with respect to the mobility aid retention
portion. Additionally, the aesthetic appearance of the invention
may be altered to provide an enhanced fashionable statement such as
incorporating various embellishments like inlay artwork/contouring,
or color coordination with wardrobe items. Therefore, the
disclosure should not be construed as limiting the invention, which
is defined by the claims.
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