U.S. patent application number 13/656335 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for self-walking cane.
This patent application is currently assigned to MOBI, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Mobi, LLC. Invention is credited to Jeffrey A. Weber.
Application Number | 20130098412 13/656335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47190146 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130098412 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weber; Jeffrey A. |
April 25, 2013 |
SELF-WALKING CANE
Abstract
Embodiments of the invention include canes and methods related
thereto. In an embodiment, the invention includes a self-walking
cane including a handle, a leg, and an articulating joint
connecting the handle and the leg. Other embodiments are also
included herein.
Inventors: |
Weber; Jeffrey A.; (Golden
Valley, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mobi, LLC; |
Bloomington |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MOBI, LLC
Bloomington
MN
|
Family ID: |
47190146 |
Appl. No.: |
13/656335 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61549846 |
Oct 21, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/66 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2003/0255 20130101;
A45B 2009/007 20130101; A45B 9/00 20130101; A45B 9/04 20130101;
A45B 9/02 20130101; A61H 2201/0165 20130101; A61H 3/0288 20130101;
A45B 7/00 20130101; A61H 3/02 20130101; A61H 2003/0283
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/66 |
International
Class: |
A45B 3/00 20060101
A45B003/00 |
Claims
1. A self-walking cane comprising: a handle, a leg, and an
articulating joint connecting the handle and the leg.
2. The self-walking cane of claim 1, wherein the articulating joint
allows the leg to move in relation to the handle.
3. The self-walking cane of claim 2, wherein the leg pivots up to
45 degrees with respect to the handle.
4. The self-walking cane of claim 2, wherein the leg pivots between
10 and 25 degrees with respect to the handle.
5. The self-walking cane of claim 3, the articulating joint
comprising a pivot limiting mechanism that can be adjusted to limit
the maximum angle that the leg pivots with respect to the
handle.
6. The self-walking cane of claim 2, wherein the leg can be moved
in relation to the handle once a biasing force in the articulating
joint is overcome.
7. The self-walking cane of claim 2, wherein the biasing force is
provided by a structure providing a spring force.
8. The self-walking cane of claim 7, wherein the amount of spring
force is variable based on the degree of pivoting of the leg with
respect to the handle.
9. The self-walking cane of claim 7, the structure comprising a
spring.
10. The self-walking cane of claim 1, further comprising a switch,
the switch configured to prevent pivoting of the articulating joint
when the switch is engaged.
11. The self-walking cane of claim 1, wherein the leg is oval in
cross-section.
12. The self-walking cane of claim 1, further comprising a foot
connected to the leg opposite the handle.
13. The self-walking cane of claim 12, wherein the foot is
configured to provide asymmetric compressibility from a leading
side to a trailing side of the foot.
14. The self-walking cane of claim 12, the foot exhibiting greater
compressibility on the trailing side of the foot than on the
leading side of the foot.
15. The self-walking cane of claim 12, wherein the foot defines a
cavity that is closed on the leading side of the foot and open on
the trailing side of the foot.
16. The self-walking cane of claim 12, wherein the foot has a
C-shape in cross-section.
17. The self-walking cane of claim 1, further comprising a support
cuff, the support cuff defining a channel oriented substantially
perpendicularly to the lengthwise axis of the handle.
18. The self-walking cane of claim 17, the support cuff defining an
aperture.
19. The self-walking cane of claim 17, further comprising a support
cuff pad attached to the support cuff
20. The self-walking cane of claim 19, the support cuff pad
comprising a plastically deformable material.
21. The self-walking cane of claim 1, the handle comprising a
projection extending forward beyond where the articulating joint
connects the handle and the leg.
22. The self-walking cane of claim 21, the projection having a
length of between 0.25 and 3.0 inches.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/549,846, filed Oct. 21, 2011, the content of
which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a cane. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a cane with an articulating joint
and related methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As our population ages, a growing number of people require
the use of a cane or other support apparatus to help them walk.
Canes can be used on a temporary basis, for example during recovery
from surgery or a physical injury, or on a permanent basis as a
result of the user's overall physical condition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Embodiments of the invention include canes and methods
related thereto. In an embodiment, the invention includes a
self-walking cane including a handle, a leg, and an articulating
joint connecting the handle and the leg.
[0005] This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the
present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or
exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details
are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other
aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading
and understanding the following detailed description and viewing
the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be
taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is
defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0006] The invention may be more completely understood in
connection with the following drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a person using traditional
cane.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a person using a cane in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a schematic elevational view of a cane in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a cane in conjunction with a
countertop.
[0011] FIG. 5A is a schematic view of an articulating joint of a
cane in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0012] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a torsion spring in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0013] FIG. 6A is a schematic view of an articulating joint of a
cane in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0014] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a leaf spring in accordance
with various embodiments herein.
[0015] FIG. 7A is a schematic view of an articulating joint of a
cane in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0016] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an elastomer torsion spring
in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0017] FIG. 7C is a schematic side view of an elastomer torsion
spring in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a partial cut-away view of a handle including a
switch in accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0019] FIG. 9A is a schematic side elevational view of a foot in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0020] FIG. 9B is a schematic perspective view of a foot in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0021] FIG. 10A is a side elevational view of a support cuff in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0022] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a support cuff in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0023] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a support cuff pad in
accordance with various embodiments herein.
[0024] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a portion of a cane fitted
with a support cuff pad in accordance with various embodiments
herein.
[0025] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be
understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is
to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The embodiments of the present invention described herein
are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description.
Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others
skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and
practices of the present invention.
[0027] All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby
incorporated by reference. The publications and patents disclosed
herein are provided solely for their disclosure. Nothing herein is
to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled
to antedate any publication and/or patent, including any
publication and/or patent cited herein.
[0028] Traditional cane use poses challenges for the cane user. As
shown in FIG. 1, traditional cane 102 use requires the user 100 to
reach forward, away from the hip 108, extending the hand, wrist
114, forearm 112, elbow 106, upper arm 110, and shoulder 104 to
take a step. This reaching process forces the user 100 out of
balance, compromises the structure of the shoulder and arm, and
forces the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints into a non-neutral
position while loading or applying weight to the cane in order to
take a step forward. By having to move the arm away from one's
center of gravity, the user cannot use the full strength of his or
her body to take a step forward. This type of cane use is unstable
and can inflict damage to the musculoskeletal system, particularly
with continued use over time.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic view of a person 100
using a self-walking cane 202 is shown in accordance with various
embodiments herein. The self-walking cane 202 includes a handle
204, a leg 208, and an articulating joint 206 connecting the handle
204 and the leg 208.
[0030] The self-walking cane 202 enables a user to take advantage
of the full strength of their upper extremity by not having to
reach with the shoulder 104, arm 106 and hand 114. To initiate a
step forward, the user 100 simply needs to lift the self-walking
cane 202 in an upward direction allowing the leg 208 of the
self-walking cane 202 to automatically swing forward in the
direction of arrow 240, then plant the step and repeat the process.
In some embodiments, the lifting of the self-walking cane 202 to
allow it to swing forward can be accomplished simply by the user
shifting weight to the leg farthest away from the cane. In this
manner, the hand and wrist 114 remain in a constant, neutral
position near or aligned with the hip joint 108, maintaining a
constant and neutral position of the forearm 112, upper arm 110 and
shoulder 104. This allows the user 100 to utilize the most
anatomically strong and powerful load bearing and load transferring
orientations.
[0031] The self-walking cane 202 leg 208 can swing forward (the leg
can pivot with respect to the handle) based on spring force in the
articulating joint to a distance approximately equal to the user's
100 stride. The stride length of the self-walking cane 202 can be
adjusted to fit the user's 100 body and particular needs.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3, a non-limiting embodiment of the
self-walking cane 302 is shown. In this view, the self-walking cane
302 of a handle 304 suitable for being engaged by the user's hand,
and a vertically oriented leg 308 having an upper portion 320 and a
lower portion 322 that are telescoping with respect to one another.
The leg 308 extends downward from the handle 304 and is connected
to the handle 304 by an articulating joint 306. At the bottom of
the leg 308 is a foot 324. The leg can be formed of various
materials such as a metal (aluminum, titanium, steel, etc.), a
polymeric material, or a composite.
[0033] The articulating joint 306 between the handle 304 and leg
308 is spring-loaded or biased. This spring-loaded device forces
the leg 308 to swing forward while the handle 304 remains
stationary.
[0034] In this embodiment, the handle 304 is shown to have about
18.5 degrees of articulation 330 with respect to the leg
(alternatively, this can be described as articulation or pivoting
of the leg with respect to the handle). It will be appreciated that
the degree of articulation can vary depending on the user's
strength and needs. In some embodiments, the degree of articulation
can be up to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the degree of
articulation can be from about 5 degrees to about 40 degrees. In
some embodiments, the degree of articulation can be from about 10
degrees to about 25 degrees. In some embodiments, the degree of
articulation can be from about 15 degrees to about 20 degrees. The
degree of articulation can be adjustable by adjusting the
articulating joint 306 between the handle 304 and the leg 308, and,
or alternatively, by adjusting a spring.
[0035] The handle 304, in addition to housing part or most of the
articulating joint 306 elements, can be of any shape or material
that is suitable for being engaged by the hand of a user. To
increase comfort, foam or other compressible materials may be used
to pad the user contact area of the handle 304. The shape of handle
304 may be contoured or otherwise designed to comfortably fit a
user's palm and fingers.
[0036] The embodiment of FIG. 3 shows a two-part telescoping leg
308, with a length adjusting mechanism to accommodate a variety of
heights. The two parts of the leg can be fixed with respect to one
another to adjust to a particular overall length through any of a
number of mechanical approaches such as the use of pins, button
fixtures, clamping mechanisms, shims, bolts, screws, and the like.
Other embodiments of leg 308 are contemplated, such as a single
element leg, a folding leg, an ergonomically curved or non-linear
leg, and the like. The leg 308 can be made of any material suitable
for use in a cane or other walking or supporting device, such as
steel, fiberglass, wood, composite materials, and the like. In
various embodiments, the leg can be oval in cross-section. However,
it will be appreciated that the leg can also take on other shapes
in cross-section.
[0037] Embodiments of the self-walking cane can be configured to
allow it to rest easily on the edge of a counter, on the surface of
a table, or lean against a wall. By way of example, referring now
to FIG. 4, the self-walking cane 402 can include a projection 440
extending forward beyond where the articulating joint 406 connects
the handle 404 and the leg 408. The projection can be of various
lengths. In some embodiments, the projection can have a length of
between 0.25 and 3.0 inches. In some embodiments the bottom surface
of the projection can be substantially flat. In some embodiments,
the bottom surface of the projection can curve downward (such as
toward the foot).
[0038] Embodiments of canes herein can include a structure that
provides a spring force. In some embodiments, this structure can be
a spring. In other embodiments, this structure can be something
other than a spring that nonetheless provides a spring force.
Various amounts of spring force can be provided for. In some
embodiments the spring force can be from about 2 pounds to about 20
pounds of force in order to overcome the bias and result in the
handle pivoting in relation to leg. In some embodiments the spring
force can be about 7 pounds of force in order to overcome the bias
and result in the handle moving downward in relation to leg. In
various embodiments, the structure to provide spring force used in
the articulating joint can be adjustable to provide a range of
spring forces as needed, depending, for example, on the user's
physical condition or the environmental conditions.
[0039] In some embodiments, the amount of spring force can be
variable depending on the degree to which the leg has pivoted with
respect to the handle (or alternately stated depending on the
degree to which the handle has pivoted with respect to the leg).
For example, in some embodiments, the structure providing a spring
force can be configured to provide a variable degree of spring
force depending on the degree of pivoting. In some embodiments, the
amount of spring force provided by the structure can vary by at
least 25 percent when comparing the leg at the start of pivoting
with respect to the handle versus at the end of pivoting with
respect to the handle. In some embodiments, the structure providing
a spring force can also provide dampening. By way of example,
movement of the leg with respect to the handle can be dampened the
greater the distance it has moved. Dampening can be provided
through a state of configuration of the structure providing a
spring force or can alternately be provided through a separate
mechanism such as a fluid-based dampener or the like.
[0040] It will be appreciated that the spring or biasing force can
be manifested through a variety of different structures. For
example spring force can be provided by compression springs,
tension springs, torsion springs, clock springs, leaf springs, and
the like. Referring to FIGS. 5A-B, an embodiment of a cane 500 is
shown utilizing a coiled torsion spring. The cane 500 includes a
handle 504, a leg 508, and a coiled torsion spring 502 to provide
the spring force associated with the articulating joint. Referring
to FIGS. 6A-B, an embodiment of a cane 600 is shown utilizing a
leaf spring. The cane 600 includes a handle 604, a leg 608, and a
leaf spring 602 to provide the spring force associated with the
articulating joint. Referring to FIGS. 7A-C, an embodiment of a
cane 700 is shown utilizing an elastomer torsion spring. The cane
700 includes a handle 704, a leg 708, and an elastomer torsion
spring 702 to provide the spring force associated with the
articulating joint. In some embodiments, an elastomer torsion
spring can also provide dampening. The elastomer torsion spring 702
includes an inner ring 754, and outer ring 752, and an elastomeric
structure in between the two. With rotation of one of the rings
relative to the other, an amount of potential energy is stored in
the elastomeric structure, which can then be released providing a
spring force. Beyond these exemplary structures, it will be
appreciated that other types of structures that provide spring
force can also be used.
[0041] In various embodiments, a switch (lever or button) can be
included that serves to lock the leg of the cane in place with
respect to the handle. This feature can be useful should a
particular patient prefer that the leg stay stationary relative to
the handle such as when on an escalator or under other
circumstances. Referring now to FIG. 8, a partial cut-away view is
shown of a handle 804 including a switch 842 in accordance with
various embodiments herein. The switch 842 is configured to prevent
pivoting of the articulating joint when the switch is engaged. In
this particular embodiment, the switch 842 pivots about a
connection point 844 or pin such that a projection 846 engages an
axle within the articulating joint 806 and/or the spring 822, such
that the articulating joint 806 cannot move. However, it will be
appreciated that there are many different ways of providing this
functionality.
[0042] In various embodiments, the self-walking cane includes a
foot that is connected to the leg on the opposite side of the leg
from the handle. The foot of the cane can take on many different
shapes. In some embodiments, the foot can be rounded or curved, so
that it rolls as the self-walking cane articulates through the
walking gait process. In such embodiments, the foot can be of any
shape and material which enables a rolling motion.
[0043] Materials can include rubber or other traction-providing
material to stabilize the self-walking cane on slippery surfaces.
Foot can include protrusions such as grooves or treads on the
ground-contacting surface of the foot to further enhance the user's
stability.
[0044] In some embodiments, the foot is configured to provide
asymmetric compressibility from a leading side to a trailing side
of the foot, such that it is easier to compress the foot on the
trailing edge than it is on the leading edge. Referring now to
FIGS. 9A-B, the lower portion of a cane 902 is shown including part
of the leg 908 and a foot 924. The foot defines a cavity 930. The
cavity 930 is closed on the leading side 926 of the foot 924 and
open on the trailing side 928 of the foot 924. This unique
configuration allows the foot 924 to exhibit greater
compressibility on the trailing side 928 of the foot 924 than on
the leading side 926 of the foot 924. The foot 924 can have a
C-shape in cross-section. In other embodiments the foot can have an
O-shape in cross-section.
[0045] In various embodiments, the cane can include a support cuff.
The support cuff can be attached to the cane and can be configured
to engage with a user's forearm in order to provide further support
and increase the effective amount of weight that the user can
support with their arm. The support cuff can be formed of a
semi-flexible material. The support cuff can be formed of various
polymers, metals, composites, or the like. FIG. 10A is a side
elevational view of a support cuff 1042 in accordance with various
embodiments herein. The support cuff 1042 can be attached to the
handle 1004 of the cane 1002 (this view also shows the top portion
of the leg 1008). FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a support cuff
in accordance with various embodiments herein. The support cuff
1042 can include a first side 1046 (or lobe) and a second side 1046
and can define a channel 1048 between the sides 1046 that is
oriented substantially perpendicularly to the lengthwise axis of
the handle. The support cuff 1042 can also define an aperture 1044.
In some embodiments the aperture can be left open. In other
embodiments the aperture can be spanned by a material such as a
breathable fabric or a polymeric mesh or grid.
[0046] In some embodiments, the cane can include a support cuff
pad. By way of example, a given support cuff may not be a perfect
size for every user. Some users have larger forearms than others.
Beyond physical differences, some users may desire a tighter fit
than others. A greater number of sizes and preferences can be
accommodated through the use of a support cuff pad in conjunction
with the support cuff. Referring now to FIG. 11A, a perspective
view of a support cuff pad 1152 is shown in accordance with
embodiments herein. The support cuff pad 1152 can include a first
side 1156 (or lobe) and a second side 1156 and can define a channel
1154 between the sides 1156 that is oriented substantially
perpendicularly to the lengthwise axis of the handle. A portion of
the arm of a user can fit within the channel 1154.
[0047] The support cuff pad 1152 can be made of various materials.
By way of example, in some embodiments the support cuff pad 1152
can be made of a fabric lining with a compressible filling material
inside. In some embodiments, the support cuff pad can be made of an
elastomeric polymer. In some embodiments, the support cuff pad can
be made of a material that is plastically deformable at high
temperatures (thermoplastic) but non-plastically deformable yet
flexible at temperatures encountered during actual use. In such
embodiments, the support cuff pad can be heated up to a temperature
where it is plastically deformable, then fitted to the arm of a
user, then cooled back down for actual use.
[0048] It will be appreciated that there are many different ways of
mounting the support cuff pad to the support cuff. In some
embodiments, the support cuff pad can simply be adhesively mounted
to the support cuff. In other embodiments the support cuff pad can
be mechanically attached to the support cuff. In some embodiments,
the support cuff pad can be snapped into place within an aperture
formed by the support cuff. Referring now to FIG. 11B, a
perspective view of a portion of a cane 1102 fitted with a support
cuff pad 1152 is shown.
[0049] It should be noted that, as used in this specification and
the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the"
include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing
"a compound" includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should
also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense
including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0050] It should also be noted that, as used in this specification
and the appended claims, the phrase "configured" describes a
system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or
configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular
configuration to. The phrase "configured" can be used
interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and
configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and
arranged, and the like.
[0051] All publications and patent applications in this
specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the
art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent
applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same
extent as if each individual publication or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated by reference.
[0052] The invention has been described with reference to various
specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it
should be understood that many variations and modifications may be
made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *