U.S. patent application number 11/890580 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-12 for multifunctional walking stick with dog deterrent and adaptable base.
Invention is credited to Gloria Carpenter, Sylvia Juslin, Marilyn McCarty.
Application Number | 20090038663 11/890580 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40345336 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090038663 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Juslin; Sylvia ; et
al. |
February 12, 2009 |
Multifunctional walking stick with dog deterrent and adaptable
base
Abstract
A multifunctional walking stick includes a telescopic stem
having an adjustable handle and an interchangeable base. A modular
safety device is detachably attached to the stem. The modular
safety device includes a dog deterrent device, an audible alarm
device and a location tracer device. The dog deterrent device can
issue inaudible ultrasonic sound to deter barking dogs from a user.
The interchangeable base can receive different selectable base
bottoms for different activities i.e. walking, hiking, etc. The
multifunctional walking stick also includes a compass, a flare
compartment and a shock absorber for reducing vibrations caused by
a walking surface.
Inventors: |
Juslin; Sylvia; (Pittsburg,
CA) ; Carpenter; Gloria; (Pittsburg, CA) ;
McCarty; Marilyn; (Pittsburg, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Fidel D. Nwamu
366 Grand Ave, #116
Oakland
CA
94610
US
|
Family ID: |
40345336 |
Appl. No.: |
11/890580 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 3/00 20130101; A45B
9/04 20130101; F41B 15/027 20130101; A45B 2009/007 20130101; F41H
9/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/66 |
International
Class: |
A45B 3/00 20060101
A45B003/00 |
Claims
1. A walking stick for deterring barking dogs from approaching a
user, said walking stick comprising: a handle; a substantially
elongated stem having a proximal end and a distal end, said
proximal end of the substantially elongated stem being attached to
said handle; a base, said base being attached to the distal end of
the substantially elongated stem; an ultrasonic device, said
ultrasonic device being attached to said proximal end of the
substantially elongated stem; and a power supply, said power supply
capable of providing power to the ultrasonic device, said power
supply being communicably coupled to said ultrasonic device, said
power supply being located at said proximal end of the
substantially elongated stem; wherein upon user activation, the
ultrasonic device emits ultrasonic sound with a frequency of at
least 20 kHz, wherein said ultrasonic sound is inaudible to human
ear, and wherein said ultrasonic sound remains audible to barking
or approaching dogs, and is capable causing such dogs to stay in
place, stop or move away from the user.
2. The walking stick according to claim 1 wherein the ultrasonic
device is fixedly attached by mounting said ultrasonic device
inside the substantially elongated stem along with said power
supply.
3. The walking stick according to claim 1 wherein the ultrasonic
device is removably attached by clamping an ultrasonic device
casing to the exterior of the substantially elongated stem, wherein
ultrasonic device can be inserted and release-ably removed from the
ultrasonic device casing.
4. The walking stick according to claim 1 wherein the ultrasonic
device and the power supply are integrated into a single modular
unit.
5. The walking stick according to claim 1 wherein the substantially
elongated stem includes a telescopic stem for adjusting a height of
the walking stick.
6. The walking stick according to claim 5 wherein the telescopic
stem comprises a first stem, a second stem and a third stem,
wherein the first stem is slideable into the second stem and the
second stem is slideable into the third stem.
7. The walking stick according to claim 1 wherein said base further
comprises a base collar; and a detachable base bottom removably
fixed to the base collar.
8. The walking stick according to claim 7 wherein said base collar
has a locking means capable for interlocking with a locking means
of the detachable base bottom.
9. The walking stick according to claim 7 wherein the detachable
base bottom is selectable from two or more available detachable
base bottoms.
10. The walking stick according to claim 9 wherein the available
detachable base bottoms include: a claw detachable base bottom, a
quad-pod detachable base bottom, an ice detachable base bottom, and
a hiking detachable base bottom.
11. The walking stick according to claim 4 wherein the modular unit
further comprises a panic button capable of issuing an audible
alarm of at least 75 dB.
12. The walking stick according to claim 11 wherein the modular
unit further comprises a tracer device capable of determining the
user's location.
13. The walking stick according to claim 12 wherein the modular
unit further comprises a navigational compass.
14. A multifunctional walking stick comprising: a handle; a
substantially elongated stem having a proximal end and a distal
end, said proximal end of the substantially elongated stem being
attached to said handle, wherein said substantially elongated stem
includes a telescopic stem capable of adjusting a height of said
multifunctional walking stick; an interchangeable base, said
interchangeable base being attached to the distal end of the
substantially elongated stem; and a modular safety device that is
detachable, said modular safety device consisting of a power
supply, a dog deterrent device, an audible alarm device and a
location tracer device, said modular safety device being attached
to said proximal end of the substantially elongated stem.
15. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 14 wherein
the telescopic stem comprises a first stem, a second stem and a
third stem, wherein the first stem is slideable into the second
stem and the second stem is slideable into the third stem.
16. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 15 wherein
the first stem has a first spring loaded pin, wherein the second
stem has an aperture for receiving the first spring loaded pin,
wherein the second stem has a second spring loaded pin, wherein the
third stem has an aperture for receiving the second spring loaded
pin.
17. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 14 wherein
the interchangeable base includes a base collar and a detachable
base bottom removably fixed to the base collar.
18. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 17 wherein
said base collar has a female thread capable of interlocking with a
male thread of the detachable base bottom.
19. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 17 wherein
the detachable base bottom is chosen from a group consisting of: a
claw detachable base bottom, an ice base bottom, a quad-pod
detachable base bottom and a hiking detachable base bottom.
20. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 14 wherein
the dog deterrent device issues ultrasonic sound that is inaudible
to humans but audible to barking or approaching dogs, and wherein
the ultrasonic sound is capable of deterring dogs from approaching
a user.
21. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 14 wherein
the audible alarm device is capable of issuing audible sounds of at
least 75 dB.
22. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 14 wherein
the location tracer device is capable of determining the location
of a user by employing a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS).
23. The multifunctional walking system according to claim 14
wherein the modular safety device further comprises a compass.
24. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 14 wherein
the handle is adjustable between two or more positions.
25. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 14 wherein
the substantially elongated stem further comprises a flare
compartment for storing flares and glow sticks.
26. The multifunctional walking stick according to claim 14 further
comprising a fluorescent strip mounted on said substantially
elongated stem, said fluorescent strip being highly visible from
distances of between and 10 ft-50 ft away.
27. The multifunctional walking stick according claim 14 further
comprising shock absorbers for reducing vibrations caused by a
walking surface.
28. A method of for using a multifunctional walking stick to deter
barking dogs from approaching a user, said method comprising:
providing a multifunctional walking stick having a handle, an
adjustable elongated stem having a proximal end and a distal end,
said proximal end of the adjustable elongated stem being attached
to said handle, and a base, said base being attached to the distal
end of the adjustable elongated stem; an ultrasonic device, said
ultrasonic device being attached to said proximal end of the
adjustable elongated stem, and a power supply, said power supply
capable of providing power to the ultrasonic device, said power
supply being communicably coupled to said ultrasonic device, said
power supply being located at said proximal end of the adjustable
elongated stem; adjusting, if necessary, the adjustable elongated
stem to a desired height; when the user becomes aware of the
barking dog, activating the ultrasonic device to emit ultrasonic
sound with a frequency of at least 20 kHz, wherein said ultrasonic
sound is inaudible to human ear, and wherein said ultrasonic sound
remains audible to the barking or approaching dog, and is capable
causing said dog to either stop, stay in place or move away from
the user.
29. The walking stick according to claim 28 wherein the ultrasonic
device is detachable from the adjustable elongated stem.
30. A multifunctional walking stick comprising: means for holding
said multifunctional walking stick; substantially elongated stem
means having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end of
the substantially elongated stem means being attached to said means
for holding, wherein said substantially elongated stem means
includes a telescopic stem means capable of adjusting a height of
said multifunctional walking stick; base means, said base means
being attached to the distal end of the substantially elongated
stem means; and modular safety means, said modular safety means
consisting of a power supply means, a dog deterrent means, an
audible alarm means and a location tracer means, said modular
safety means being attached to said proximal end of the
substantially elongated stem means.
31. The walking stick according to claim 30 wherein said base means
further comprises a base collar; and a detachable base bottom
removably fixed to the base collar.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to walking sticks and more
specifically to a multifunctional walking stick and method of
use.
[0002] Demand for movement assistive devices such as walking sticks
and the like is expected to increase commensurate with current
increase in elderly population. Many such elderly users employ
walking sticks for stability when they walk or when they exercise.
Walking sticks are also used by healthy lifestyle individuals for
lifestyle activities such as hiking and the like.
[0003] Briefly, walking sticks typically include an elongated 3
ft-5 t shaft (or stem) having an attached handle and an affixed
rubber base. A user can employ this walking stick by gripping the
attached handle and placing the affixed attached base on the
ground. The walking stick is placed adjacent to the user for
support as the user proceeds. This process continues and is
repeated until the walking activity is concluded.
[0004] Elderly users usually exercise by engaging in daily and
nightly walks. Assume that during one such activity, an elderly
user with a conventional walking stick is approached by a barking
dog. Instinctively, the user attempts to protect against the
barking dog by prodding or swinging the walking stick. This results
in loss of balance causing the user to fall. Unfortunately, not
only does the user now incur injuries from falling, the user also
sustains dog bites inflicted by the barking dog. The same can also
be said when users are approached by assailants. They may sustain
injury from falling and/or from such assailants.
[0005] Assume that this elderly user is a healthy lifestyle
individual. Also assume that this individual now wishes to engage
in a hiking activity. This user then begins by switching from the
walking stick to a purposefully designed hiking stick since walking
sticks are not designed for hiking. After hiking for several hours
and over fairly difficult terrain, the user is now fatigued and/or
lost. The user is unable solve this problem without proper
equipment separate and apart from the hiking stick.
[0006] There is a need to address one or more of the foregoing
disadvantages associated with conventional walking sticks and the
present invention meets this need.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Various exemplary embodiments can be found in a walking
stick of the present invention. In one embodiment, a dog deterrent
walking stick is disclosed. This walking stick includes an
elongated stem (shaft) with an attached handle and an attached
base. Unlike conventional systems, the dog deterrent walking stick
of the present invention includes an ultrasonic device incorporated
into the elongated stem. In one aspect, the ultrasonic device is
incorporated by mounting the device within the elongated stem with
an activation button positioned fairly close to the user's hands.
In another aspect, it is incorporated by detachably fixing it to
the exterior of the elongated stem.
[0008] The ultrasonic device can issue inaudible ultrasonic sound
with at least a 20 KHz frequency. This causes approaching or
barking dogs to stay in place, stop or move away from the user.
Unlike conventional systems, elderly users need not carry a
separate ultrasonic device as it is incorporated with the walking
stick. They need not use this walking stick for prodding or
swinging at approaching dogs thus jeopardizing their stability.
They can simply activate the ultrasonic device while maintaining
their stability. Ultrasonic sound, moreover, presents a more humane
dog deterrent unlike conventional walking stick pepper spray cans
that can injure animals.
[0009] A further embodiment of the present invention discloses a
multifunctional walking stick. This multifunctional walking stick
includes an elongated stem having an attached handle and an
attached interchangeable base. Unlike conventional walking sticks,
the interchangeable base of the present invention has a selectable
base bottom. The base bottom might be selected from a walking
(quad-pod) base bottom, a hiking base bottom, an ice traversing
base bottom and a claw base bottom, for example. Thus, healthy
lifestyle individuals can use this multifunctional walking stick
for both walking and hiking, for example, by switching between the
walking base bottom and the hiking base bottom. With the present
invention, users need not maintain multiple sticks for different
activities. A portion of the elongated stem is also telescopic for
adjusting the walking stick height.
[0010] The multifunctional walking stick of the present invention
further includes a detachable modular safety device. This safety
device is attached by clamping a safety device casing around the
elongated stem exterior so that the modular safety device can be
inserted and removed (by latch release) from the safety device
casing.
[0011] The detachable modular safety device includes a power
supply, a dog deterrent device, an audible alarm device and a
location tracer device. The modular safety device may also include
a navigational compass, a flare compartment for storing flares and
glow sticks and a fluorescent strip that is highly visible from
distances of between and 10 ft-50 ft away. Users are therefore
provided with highly desired safety devices or measures
incorporated into the multifunctional walking stick of the present
invention, and they can easily access these devices in the event
they are lost, fatigued, attacked by assailants or when they need
help.
[0012] An understanding of the nature and advantages of the present
invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining
portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further
features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the
structure and operation of various embodiments of the present
invention, are described in detail below with respect to the
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers
indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a walking stick in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a handle according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 1B illustrates a handle according to another exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a walking stick according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a walking stick according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of
the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to these
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description
of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in
the art that the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well known methods,
procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in
detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates walking stick 100 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Walking stick 100 broadly consists of three main components
namely handle 102, stem 104 and base 106. Stem 104 is an elongated
substantially square-shaped shaft connecting handle 102 and base
106. Although not shown, these components can be connected directly
or indirectly by known methods such as screwing, riveting, forging,
etc.
[0021] In use, briefly, walking 100 may be employed for walking,
hiking, etc. A user begins by adjusting the walking stick height.
This is done by manipulating telescopic stem 118 until a
comfortable height is attained. Once a desired height is obtained,
the user can then use walking stick 100 by grasping handle 102 at
waist high level while placing base 106 on the ground. Walking
stick 100 is then leaned upon to provide partial support as the
user takes another step forward. This process continues and is
repeated until the walking activity is concluded.
[0022] The user can also depress as necessary one or more safety
buttons attached to stem 104. For example, dog deterrent button 12a
can deter approaching barking dogs or the like from the user.
Unlike conventional devices, the walking stick of the present
invention incorporates a dog deterrent device providing users with
much needed comfort and protection from aggressive type animals.
Other safety buttons described with reference to FIG. 3 can also be
depressed in an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] In FIG. 1, in more detail, handle 102 is ergonomically
designed to maximize productivity by reducing user fatigue and
discomfort. The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows affixed handle 102
having upper grip 108 and lower grip 110. Upper grip 108 and lower
grip 110 are continuous extensions of stem 104, over which grip
material such as polyurethane, plastic, fiber resin and the like is
molded to form the grips. Alternately, upper grip 108 and lower
grip 110 can be separately formed or molded. The separately formed
handle can then be fixedly attached to stem 104 using screws,
riveting or the like.
[0024] The embodiment of FIG. 1 also illustrates a non-curved
handle 102. Here, the longitudinal axis of upper grip 108 is
substantially perpendicular to that of lower grip 110. Some users
may prefer this substantially non-curved handle 102 to other handle
types. For increased comfort, grips 108 and 110 can be made of soft
comfortable material such as foam and the like. Preferably, the
foam is substantianly square shaped to conform to the shape of stem
104, and can also have indentations for comfortable gripping. The
foam interior is dimensioned so it is slideable over stem 104.
Preferably the lengths of upper grip 108 and lower grip 110 are 5''
and 5'', respectively. The grip sizes can be at least three
standand sizes namely small, medium and large.
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates handle 102 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] In FIG. 1A, the user can adjust handle 102 between position
A and position B, as shown. In position A, the longitudinal axis of
upper grip 108 is substantially perpendicular to that of lower grip
110. This position is preferable for some users particularly when
they are engaging in walking activities as they can easily grasp
upper grip 108. In position B, upper grip 108 is substantially
continuous with lower grip 110, with a single longitudinal axis
running through both upper grip 108 and lower grip 110. This
position is preferable for other users particularly when they are
engaging in activities such as hiking and the like.
[0027] The user can depress handle button 111 to adjust handle 102
between position A and position B. This allows a lock mechanism
(not shown) to release upper grip 108 from its current fixed
position. Once the desired position is selected, upper grip 108 is
again locked into position by depressing handle button 111. Upper
grip 108 and lower grip 110 are coupled by hinge mechanism 109 such
that upper grip 108 is rotatable around the hinge mechanism 109
axis.
[0028] FIG. 1B illustrates handle 102 according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] In FIG. 1B, handle 102 is curved as shown, for users
preferring curved handles rather than. Specifically, upper grip 108
of handle 102 possesses a semi-circular axis or curvature. Lower
grip 110 of handle 102 is also substantially rounded in this case.
In fact, walking stick 100 has a substantially rounded and circular
stem 104 from which lower grip 110 is continuously formed. Handle
102 includes three different handle choices namely sport, hiking
and walking.
[0030] Referring back to FIG. 1, stem 104 also includes dog
deterrent system 112 that can emit high pitched ultra-frequency
sounds to force aggressive animals (particularly barking dogs and
the like) to keep their distance from the user. Dog deterrent
system 112 is fixedly incorporated within stem 104 preferably
immediately below handle 102 so that proximity to the user's hands
is maintained. Alternately (not shown), dog deterrent system 112
may be located within upper grip 108 so that its button is easily
manipulable by the user's thumb.
[0031] Dog deterrent system 112 includes button 112a with metal
contact 112b. Button 112a is spring loaded (not shown). Depressing
button 112a causes metal contact 112b to close switch 112c thus
completing and activating this dog deterrent system circuitry.
Switch 112c is coupled to ultrasonic device 112d, which is fixedly
mounted to the interior wall of stem 104. Ultrasonic device 112d is
dimensioned to fit within stem 104, which itself has exterior
dimensions of up to 3.5'' by 3.5'' (or up to 3.5'' diameter when
the stem is substantially rounded).
[0032] Dog deterrent system 112 also includes power supply 112e for
supplying power to ultrasonic device 112d. Power supply 112e
comprises batteries located also within interior of stem 104 and
opposite ultrasonic device 112d. A slideable door (not shown) is
also provided so batteries can be replaced. Power supply 112e is
communicably coupled to ultrasonic device 112d via wires 112f.
[0033] The high pitched ultra-frequency sounds that can be emitted
by depressing button 112a have frequencies above 20 kHz that are
inaudible to human ears. Preferably, the emitted sound is most
effective when the canine is 15 ft or closer but is also operative
up to 75 ft away. The ultrasonic output startles the approaching
dog and causes most dogs to stop, move away or stay in place. An
advantage of ultrasonic sound is that it is not physically harmful
to canines and is a humane substitute for other deterrent types
like pepper spray. It is also advantageous because ultrasonic sound
is inaudible to human ears thus avoiding public disturbance that
can be created by loud audible beeper or horn type devices.
[0034] Stem 104 further includes telescopic stem 118, which
consists of external stem 120 and internal stem 122. The user can
adjust the height of walking stick 100 by adjusting telescopic stem
118. As shown, internal stem 122 is slideable into external stem
120. Spring loaded pins (not shown) attached to the exterior wall
of internal stem 122 can lock into apertures or security notches
(not shown) cut out in external stem 120. The user can adjust to a
desired height by depressing a spring loaded pin to release
exterior stem 120, and pulling exterior stem 120 and interior stem
120 in opposite directions so stem 104 is extended to the desired
length; a spring loaded pin then clicks into a desired exterior
stem 120 aperture to lock stem 104 in place.
[0035] Stem 104 is preferably made of sturdy light weight material
such as aluminum or comparable alloys although other materials
consistent with the present invention can be employed. For example,
plastic, polyurethane or fiber resin may be used. Stem 104
including its telescopic stems can resist breakage pressure of up
to 500 lbs. Preferably, stem 104 weighs such that that walking
stick 100 weighs no more than 2.5 bs. Stem 104 height can range
from 2'-5' and its diameter can be up to 3.5''. Stem 104 is also
waterproof and ice-proof capable of withstanding extreme cold and
heat. The walking stick of the present invention itself,
tentatively dubbed Prostick.TM. can come in various color choices
with a futuristic and modern/spacey look.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, walking stick 100 also includes base
106, consisting of collar 124 and walking base bottom 126. Collar
124 is a raised horizontal molding encircling stem 104. Preferably,
its interior is treaded to receive exterior threads of walking base
bottom 126. Preferably, walking base bottom 126 can be rubber or
other elastomeric material. In an alternate embodiment, walking
base bottom 126 is selectable from various available base
bottoms.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates walking stick 200 according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] In FIG. 2, walking stick 200 permits the user to detach dog
deterrent system 212. This dog deterrent system emits inaudible
ultrasonic sound when button 218 is depressed. Upon detachment, the
user can utilize ultrasonic device 216 independent of walking stick
200. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1, dog deterrent system 212 can
be conveniently detached since it is modular with its own power
supply 218. As shown, dog deterrent system 212 is removably coupled
to walking stick 200 by clamping mechanism 222 having strap 226 and
jacket 224.
[0039] The user can detach ultrasonic device 216 by opening cover
214, unlatching the device and then removing ultrasonic device 216
in the direction shown. After the device is detached, an empty
jacket 224 remains. The user can also reinsert ultrasonic device
216 by reversing the insert process. Cover 214 is first opened.
Next, ultrasonic device 224 is inserted into jacket 224. Upon being
inserted, ultrasonic device 216 is locked in place and can then be
activated by using button 218. Therefore, unlike conventional
systems, the present embodiment allows ultrasonic device 216 to be
employed with or without walking stick 200.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates walking stick 300 according to another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] In this embodiment, not only can walking stick 300 generate
audible alarms that force dangerous assailants to flee from the
user, it can also include real time tracking to determine the
user's location. As in prior embodiments, walking stick 300 also
includes a dog deterrent device. Unlike conventional devices, the
present invention incorporates all of these features into a modular
safety device 303 detachably enclosed within exterior casing 325.
This allows the user to detach and employ safety device 303
independent of walking stick 300. Safety device 300 has exterior
dimensions preferably up to 3'' by 3'' by 1'' and weighs no more
than 2.5 lbs.
[0042] In FIG. 3, exterior casing 325 is detachably coupled to
elongated stem 304 with clamp bracket 307. Exterior casing 325
encloses safety device 303 and incorporates deterrent button 309,
panic button 311 and tracer button 313 as shown.
[0043] In use, when safety device 303 is seated within exterior
casing 325, dog deterrent device 312 is activated by depressing
deterrent button 309. This in turn contacts button 319 to activate
dog deterrent device 312. An advantage of the present invention is
that when removed from exterior casing 325, dog deterrent device
312 remains operable using button 319. In this manner, safety
device 303 is usable with or without walking stick 300.
[0044] Similarly, when safety device 303 is seated within exterior
casing 325, panic device 313 is activated by depressing panic
button 311. This in turn contacts button 321 to activate panic
device 313. An advantage of the present invention is that when
removed from exterior casing 325, panic device 313 remains operable
using button 321. In this manner, panic device 313 (and safety
device 303) is utilizable with or without walking stick 300.
[0045] Further yet, when safety device 303 is seated within
exterior casing 325, tracer device 315 is activated by depressing
tracer button 313. This in turn contacts button 323 to activate
tracer device 315. An advantage of the present invention is that
when removed from exterior casing 325, tracer device 315 can be
activated by depressing button 323. In this manner, tracer device
315 is employable with or without walking stick 300. Unlike the
embodiment of FIG. 1, safety device 303 is modular and detachable
since its own power supply 317 is incorporated. Power supply 317
includes an aperture (not shown) for replacing batteries as proves
necessary.
[0046] In FIG. 3, safety device 303 is detached by opening exterior
casing cover 301 and disengaging the safety device using a release
mechanism (not shown). Safety device 303 is thereafter removed in
the direction shown by the arrow. Empty exterior casing 325 remains
after safety device 300 is removed. Safety device 303 can also be
reinserted by opening exterior casing cover 301, inserting and
locking it in position.
[0047] In FIG. 3, dog deterrent device 312 functions in a similar
manner as described with reference to prior embodiments. Panic
device 313 can issue an audible alarm preferably between 90-120 dB.
This is effective for use against dangerous animals such as bears
and mountain lions and dangerous assailants. Preferably, the
audible alarm is continuous for three to five minutes with one to
two second intervals. It is deactivated by depressing panic button
311 for a second time.
[0048] Tracer device 315 is a real time tracking device for
determining the user's location. This can be helpful, for example,
during hiking when the user is lost. As with other features of the
present invention, users need not carry separate tracking devices
on their person. The real time tracking device of the present
invention is integral with safety device 303 and is capable of
receiving signals from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites
to accurately determine the user's location. Location data can be
transmitted either automatically or on demand for viewing over maps
or via text reports to email, mobile phone or the like. Although
not shown, another navigational tool that is included in safety
device 303 is a digital compass for use as a navigational tool
during travel and a digital walking monitor for indicating time and
monitoring distance (or steps) traveled during a given
activity.
[0049] In FIG. 3, walking stick 300 further includes removable
flare/glow stick compartment 327 for storing flares and glow
sticks. This compartment may have an apperture and door (not shown)
through which such flares and glow sticks are retrieved.
Preferably, 2-6 inch sized glow sticks and/or flares are storable
in compartment 327. When lost, for example, the user can utilize
these flares/glow stick for distress signaling. Flares storable in
compartment 327 are readily available from Orion.RTM. Safety
Products, Easton Md.
[0050] Although not shown, walking stick 300 includes a fluorescent
strip mounted on stem 304. Its visibility promotes safety for
walking stick users. This fluorescent strip is observable from
distances of between and 10 ft-50 ft away. In this manner, users
and their walking sticks remain highly visible (both during the day
and at nighttime). This can avoid motor vehicle injury to walking
stick users, for example. Preferably, the strip is approximately 1
inch wide and runs the entire length of stem 104.
[0051] Walking stick 300 further comprises telescopic stem 318
having external stem 320, internal stem 322 and inner stem 324. As
shown, inner stem 324 is slideable into internal stem 322 which is
in turn slideable into external stem 320. Stem 320 has security
notch 329; stem 322 has security notch 332 and spring loaded pins
333; stem 324 has spring loaded pins 334. The external dimension of
external stem 320 is preferably 3''-3.5'' while that of inner stem
324 is 2''. Although not shown, walking stick 300 includes a
tilt-able flashlight coupled to stem 304 between inner stem 324 and
interchangeable base 335.
[0052] In use, the height of walking stick 100 is changeable by
adjusting telescopic stem 318. As an example, inner stem 324 can be
slid into internal stem 322 until spring loaded pin 334 is locked
into security notch 332. Similarly, internal stem 322 is slid into
external stein 320 until spring loaded pin 333 locks into security
notch 329 of external stem 320. Preferably, telescopic stem 318 can
adjust the walking height of walking stick 100 between 3 ft and 5
ft. The preferred storage height of telescopic stem 318 is 2 ft
such that walking stick 300 can easily be strapped across a user's
shoulders.
[0053] Walking stick 100 further comprises shock absorber 339. This
assists in absorbing vibrations caused by the walking/hiking
surface. Preferably, the primary component of shock absorber 339 is
a spring mechanism (not shown). Another advantage of the present
invention is interchangeable base 335 having base collar 336 for
receiving a base bottom selectable from different available base
bottoms. As an example, collar 336 can receive base bottom 338 for
walking. Base bottom 338 is preferably made of rubber. Quad-pod
base bottom 342 for walking can also be selected. Quad-pod base
bottom 342 is preferably made of aluminum with rubber tips. Another
option for the user is to select ice base bottom 337 for traversing
ice surfaces. Ice base bottom 337 consists of a rubber body with
serrated metal ends. Also, hiking base bottom 340 (preferably made
of carbide) for hiking may be used as well. Collar 336 is a raised
horizontal molding encircling stem 304. Preferably, its interior is
treaded to receive corresponding male treaded exteriors of the base
bottoms (other interlocking techniques for removably attaching the
base collar and base bottoms may be employed). In the manner, the
user can preferably match base bottoms and walking stick
functionality as proves necessary.
[0054] While the above is a complete description of exemplary
specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are
also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as
limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the
appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
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