JP2015171452A - Walking aid - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a walking aid that can freely control the centroid point.SOLUTION: A stick 1 comprises a shaft 2 held by a user, and a ferrule 3 disposed at a lower end of the shaft 2. The stick 1 connects a second shaft constituent member 2b to a first shaft constituent member 2a in a slidable manner. Inside the second shaft constituent member 2b, a weight 20 is accommodated in a vertically movable manner. An upper end surface of the weight 20 is connected to one end of a stainless wire rope 21. The another end of the stainless wire rope 21 is led from an upper end part of the first shaft constituent member 2a to the outside of the first shaft constituent member 2a. An engagement ring 21a is fastened to the another end of the stainless wire rope 21. At an upper end part of the first shaft constituent member 2a, a groove part 22 is formed to make the stainless wire rope 21 led to the outside wind about, and a C-shaped engaged part is provided to lock the engagement ring 21a.

Description

  The present invention relates to a walking aid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a walking aid that includes a shaft that is gripped by a user and a stone thrust provided at the lower end of the shaft.

  Conventionally, walking sticks, walking sticks, support bars and the like are known as walking aids of this type. For example, a cane is used for a person without physical strength.

  When the cane is used, it moves like a pendulum with the upper end of the shaft as a fulcrum. In order for the user to walk safely, it is desirable that the landing point of the stone stick be close to the foot to be stepped on. In this case, if the center of gravity of the cane changes, the landing point of the stone bump when the user swings out the cane with the same force also changes, so the landing point matches the stride according to the user's physical strength. As described above, by appropriately setting the center of gravity of the cane, it is possible to provide a safe cane that matches the physical strength of the user.

  However, when the user's physical strength declines with the passage of time, the cane whose center of gravity is initially set at an appropriate position also threatens the safety of the user's walking.

  Therefore, conventionally, there has been a demand for the development of a cane that can change the center of gravity and cope with the change in the user's physical strength.

  Conventionally, for example, a weight-moving self-supporting cane disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known as a cane that can change the center of gravity.

Japanese Patent No. 4565110

  However, in the weight-moving self-supporting cane disclosed in Patent Document 1, all the weights are evenly arranged at the time of use in order to make the feeling of use during walking the same as that of a conventional cane and easy to use. In this state, the weight is substantially uniform over the entire length. In other words, the weight-moving self-supporting cane disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not control the center of gravity freely, and has not yet coped with the decline in the physical strength of the user.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a walking aid that can freely control the center of gravity.

In order to achieve the above object, the configuration of the walking aid according to the present invention includes:
(1) A walking aid including a shaft gripped by a user and a stone thrust provided at a lower end of the shaft,
The shaft is
A weight movable along the axial direction of the shaft;
A weight holding mechanism for holding the weight at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the shaft.

  In the present invention, walking aids include walking sticks used for elderly people and those with weak physical strength, walking sticks used for climbing and hiking, ski sticks, support bars, and the like.

  According to the configuration of the above (1) of the walking aid of the present invention, the weight can be held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the shaft, so that the center of gravity can be freely controlled. Tools can be provided. That is, according to the configuration of (1) of the walking aid of the present invention, it is possible to provide a walking aid capable of fine adjustment of the center of gravity. And according to the structure of said (1) of the walking aid of this invention, since a gravity center point can be freely controlled in this way, the gravity center point of a walking assistance tool is matched with a user's physical strength. By setting it to an appropriate position, it is possible to bring the stone bump landing point near the foot to be stepped on. Therefore, according to the above configuration (1) of the walking aid of the present invention, it is possible to provide a safe walking aid suitable for the stride corresponding to the decline in the physical strength of the user.

  In the above configuration (1) of the walking aid of the present invention, the following configurations (2) to (6) are preferable.

  (2) The shaft includes a plurality of shaft constituent members that are slidably connected.

  According to the preferable configuration of (2), it is possible to provide a walking aid that can adjust the length according to the body shape of the user.

  (3) In the preferred configuration of (2) above, the weight is accommodated in any or all of the shaft constituent members among the plurality of shaft constituent members.

  (4) In the preferred configuration of (3) above, the weight is housed in a shaft constituent member on the lower end side among the plurality of shaft constituent members.

  According to the preferable configuration of the above (4), at the time of use, the pendulum can be moved with the upper end of the shaft as a fulcrum. As a result, the user of the walking aid can walk rhythmically and can reduce fatigue of the arm that moves the walking aid.

  (5) The means for moving the weight is manual.

  (6) The means for moving the weight is power.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the walking aid which can control a gravity center point freely can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a cane according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view (partial cross-sectional view) taken along the line II-II in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial front sectional view showing, in an enlarged manner, the configuration of the sticking portion of the cane according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing the configuration of part A in FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the cane in the first embodiment of the present invention (when the center of gravity is at a high position). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the cane according to the first embodiment of the present invention (when the center of gravity is at a low position). FIG. 7 is a partial front sectional view showing the configuration of the cane according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a partial front sectional view showing the structure of a cane according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the weight portion of the cane according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a partial front sectional view showing the structure of a cane according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a front sectional view showing the configuration of the weight portion of the cane according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a winding portion of a cane according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention ((a) is a perspective view showing a fixing member, (b) is a perspective view showing a rotating member, (c) ) Is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of the winding unit. FIG. 13: is front sectional drawing which shows the structure of the winding part of the cane in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 14 is a partial front sectional view showing the structure of a cane according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a partial front sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of the weight portion of the cane according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a partial front sectional view showing an exploded configuration of a cane according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17: is the fragmentary front sectional view which expanded and showed the structure of the weight part of the cane in the 6th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to preferred embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples embodying the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[First Embodiment]
(Configuration of walking aid)
First, the structure of the walking aid in the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring FIGS. 1-4. In the present embodiment, a case where the walking aid is a cane used for an elderly person or a person with weak physical strength will be described as an example.

  1 is a front view showing a configuration of a cane according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view (partial front cross-sectional view) taken along line II-II of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing the configuration of the portion A in FIG. 1.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the cane 1 of the present embodiment includes a shaft 2 that is gripped by the user and a stone thrust 3 provided at the lower end of the shaft 2. Here, the handle 4 is fixed to the upper end of the shaft 2, and the user can grip the shaft 2 by gripping the handle 4 with his / her hand.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shaft 2 is inserted through a hollow cylindrical first shaft constituent member 2a having a handle 4 fixed to the upper end, and a lower end opening of the first shaft constituent member 2a. And a hollow cylindrical second shaft constituting member 2b having a stone bump 3 fixed to the portion. A plurality of holes 5 to 14 are formed in the first shaft constituent member 2a along the axial direction. Further, a button 15 that is urged radially outward (protruding direction) and can be embedded in the second shaft constituent member 2b is provided at the upper end portion of the second shaft constituent member 2b. . Then, the second shaft constituent member 2b is slid in the axial direction, and the button 15 is fitted into any of the plurality of holes 5 to 14, whereby the second shaft constituent member 2b is replaced with the first shaft constituent member 2a. It can be connected to. A thread 16 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the lower end portion of the first shaft component 2a. Further, a screw fastening member 17 that can be screwed onto the screw thread 16 is attached to the second shaft constituting member 2b. And after connecting the 2nd shaft structural member 2b to the 1st shaft structural member 2a, the 2nd shaft is made by screwing the screw fastening member 17 to the thread 16 from the 2nd shaft structural member 2b side. The component member 2b can be firmly fixed to the first shaft component member 2a.

  In this Embodiment, the cane 1 which can adjust length according to a user's body shape can be provided by having comprised the shaft 2 as mentioned above.

  As a material of the shaft 2, for example, any material such as aluminum, iron, or carbon can be used.

  As the material of the stone bump 3, for example, an arbitrary material such as an elastomer or plastic that can be elastically deformed and has good surface contact property can be used. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the stone bump 3 is formed in a substantially truncated cone shape, and has a bottomed cylindrical hole 3 a having substantially the same diameter as the second shaft component 2 b on the central axis thereof. Is formed. And the stone thrust 3 is being fixed to the lower end part of the 2nd shaft structural member 2b by fitting the lower end part of the 2nd shaft structural member 2b in the hole 3a.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first hose 18 a is disposed inside the first shaft constituting member 2 a so as to be located at the upper end portion thereof. A hole 19 is formed in the peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the first shaft constituting member 2 a, and the upper end opening of the first hose 18 a is connected to the hole 19. A second hose 18b is disposed from the upper end to the lower end inside the second shaft constituting member 2b. A cylindrical weight 20 is accommodated in the second hose 18 b so as to be movable up and down, and one end of a stainless wire rope 21 is connected to the upper end surface of the weight 20. The other end of the stainless wire rope 21 is led out of the first shaft constituent member 2a from the upper end opening of the first hose 18a (the hole 19 at the upper end portion of the first shaft constituent member 2a). Then, by pulling the other end of the stainless steel wire rope 21 by hand (see arrow B in FIG. 2), the weight 20 can be moved upward in the second hose 18b (second shaft constituting member 2b). (See arrow C1 in FIG. 2). Further, by loosening the pulling force of the stainless wire rope 21, the weight 20 can be moved downward in the second hose 18 b (second shaft component 2 b) by its own weight. (See arrow C2 in FIG. 2). The other end of the stainless wire rope 21 is fixed to a locking ring 21a for locking to a locked portion 23 described later (see FIG. 4).

  As described above, in the cane 1 of the present embodiment, the weight 20 is manually moved up and down along the axial direction of the second shaft constituent member 2b, so that the weight 20 of the second shaft constituent member 2b is moved. It can be positioned at any position in the axial direction.

  As a material of the weight 20, for example, any material such as metal, ceramic, and high specific gravity plastic can be used.

  The stainless wire rope 21 is provided with a plurality of marks 24 of different colors that serve as a guide for the position of the weight 20. Thus, for example, when the mark 24 of a predetermined color is in the vicinity of the hole 19, it is possible to know where the weight 20 is located in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, a stainless wire rope led out of the first shaft constituent member 2 a is formed at the upper end portion of the first shaft constituent member 2 a in which the hole 19 is formed. A groove portion 22 for winding 21 is formed. A C-shaped locked portion 23 for locking a locking ring 21 a fixed to the other end of the stainless wire rope 21 is provided at the lower portion of the groove portion 22. Then, after positioning the weight 20 at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituent member 2b, the stainless wire rope 21 led out of the first shaft constituent member 2a is wound around the groove portion 22, Further, by locking the locking ring 21a fixed to the other end of the stainless steel wire rope 21 with the locked portion 23, the weight 20 can be placed at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b. Be able to hold. Thus, in the cane 1 of this Embodiment, it adheres to the groove part 22 for winding the stainless wire rope 21 derived | led-out outside the 1st shaft structural member 2a, and the other end of the stainless steel wire rope 21. The weight 20 is held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b by the engaged locking ring 21a and the locked portion 23 for locking the locking ring 21a. A weight holding mechanism (stop mechanism) is configured.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the cane 1 of the present embodiment, the weight 20 can be held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft component 2b, so that the center of gravity can be freely set. A cane that can be controlled can be provided. That is, according to the configuration of the cane 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a cane capable of fine adjustment of the center of gravity.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the columnar weight 20 is provided is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The shape of the weight may be, for example, a spherical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape as long as it can move up and down within the second shaft constituting member 2b.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the case where the one weight 20 is provided is mentioned as an example and demonstrated, it is not necessarily limited to such a structure. A plurality of weights may be provided.

  In the present embodiment, a weight holding mechanism (stop mechanism) that holds the weight 20 at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituent member 2b is led out of the first shaft constituent member 2a. A groove portion 22 for winding the stainless steel wire rope 21, a locking ring 21a fixed to the other end of the stainless steel wire rope 21, and a locked portion 23 for locking the locking ring 21a. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. As the weight holding mechanism (stop mechanism), for example, a winding unit 33 (see FIGS. 10, 12, and 13) employed in a cane 29 according to a fourth embodiment described later may be used.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the length adjusting cane of the type in which the second shaft constituent member 2b is slidably connected to the first shaft constituent member 2a is described as an example, but this is not necessarily the case. It is not limited to a simple configuration. The present invention can be applied to a cane composed of a single shaft, and can also be applied to a length adjusting cane of a type in which three or more shaft constituent members are slidably connected.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the weight 20 is accommodated in the second shaft constituent member 2b so as to be movable up and down is described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. It is not something. The weight 20 only needs to be accommodated in the shaft 2 (first and second shaft constituting members 2a, 2b) so as to be movable up and down, and in particular, can be moved up and down only inside the first shaft constituting member 2a. It may be accommodated in.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the case where the end of the stainless steel wire rope 21 is connected with the upper end surface of the weight 20 is mentioned as an example, it demonstrates and it is not necessarily limited to such a structure. . Any string-like body can be used in place of the stainless wire rope 21. However, a stainless steel wire rope is preferable because it is easy to use, easy to process, and can have resistance.

(How to use walking aids)
Next, the usage method of the walking aid (cane 1) in this Embodiment is demonstrated, also referring FIG. 5, FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the cane in the first embodiment of the present invention (when the center of gravity is at a high position), and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the cane (center of gravity) When the point is at a low position).

  First, the user slides the second shaft constituent member 2b in the axial direction, and pushes the button 15 at the upper end of the second shaft constituent member 2b into the plurality of holes 5 to 5 of the first shaft constituent member 2a. 14 to adjust the cane 1 to a predetermined length that matches the body shape of the user. Then, by screwing the screw tightening member 17 from the second shaft constituent member 2b side to the screw thread 16 at the lower end portion of the first shaft constituent member 2a, the second shaft constituent member 2b is connected to the first shaft. It is firmly fixed to the component member 2a (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Next, the user manually pulls the other end portion of the stainless wire rope 21 led out of the first shaft constituent member 2a (see arrow B in FIG. 2), so that the weight 20 has the second shaft configuration. By moving upward in the member 2b (see arrow C1 in FIG. 2), the weight 20 is positioned at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b. Next, the user winds the stainless wire rope 21 led out of the first shaft constituting member 2 a around the groove portion 22, and holds the locking ring 21 a fixed to the other end of the stainless wire rope 21. The weight 20 is held at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b by being locked to the locked portion 23.

  As described above, the cane 1 in which the weight 20 is held at a predetermined position in the axial direction of the second shaft component 2b moves like a pendulum with the handle 4 as a fulcrum in use.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the user swings out the cane 1 with a force Xg when the center of gravity of the cane 1 is at a high position G1, the stone bump 3 is set to the fulcrum (the handle 4) and the end point of the vector Xg. Landing at a point P1 on the extension line of the line connecting. In this case, the horizontal movement distance of the stone bump 3 is L1. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user swings out the cane 1 with the same force Xg when the center of gravity of the cane 1 is at the low position G2, the stone thrusting 3 becomes the fulcrum (the handle 4) and the vector Xg. Landing at a point P2 on the extension line of the line connecting the end point of. In this case, the horizontal movement distance of the stone bump 3 is L2 (<L1).

  As described above, when the center of gravity of the cane 1 changes, the landing point of the stone bump 3 when the user swings out the cane 1 with the same force also changes. Although it is desirable that the landing point of the butt 3 is near the foot to be stepped on, according to the configuration of the cane 1 of the present embodiment, the center of gravity can be freely controlled, so that the physical strength of the user can be increased. By correspondingly setting the center of gravity of the cane 1 to an appropriate position, it is possible to bring the landing point of the stone bump 3 near the foot to be stepped on. Therefore, according to the structure of the cane 1 of this Embodiment, the safe cane suitable for the stride according to the user's physical strength decline can be provided.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the structure of the walking aid in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring FIG. In the present embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, a case where the walking aid is a cane used for an elderly person or a person with weak physical strength will be described as an example.

  FIG. 7 is a partial front sectional view showing the configuration of the cane according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the cane 25 of the present embodiment includes a coil spring 26 that connects the lower end surface of the weight 20 and the lower end of the second shaft constituting member 2b. The other configuration of the cane 25 of the present embodiment is the same as that of the cane 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and therefore the same configuration as the cane 1 of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the members, and description thereof will be omitted.

  According to the configuration of the cane 25 of the present embodiment, when the weight 20 is held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b, a tensile force by the coil spring 26 is applied to the weight 20. Can be granted. Therefore, according to the configuration of the cane 25 of the present embodiment, the weight 20 can be firmly held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b. Thus, in the cane 25 of the present embodiment, the coil spring 26 is also part of a weight holding mechanism (stop mechanism) that holds the weight 20 at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b. Is configured.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the coil spring 26 that connects the lower end surface of the weight 20 and the lower end of the second shaft constituting member 2b is described as an example. It is not limited. Instead of the coil spring 26, for example, another elastic member such as a rubber string can be used.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the structure of the walking aid in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring FIG. 8, FIG. In this embodiment as well, as in the case of the first and second embodiments, a case where the walking aid is a cane used for an elderly person or a person with weak physical strength is taken as an example. explain.

  FIG. 8 is a partial front sectional view showing the configuration of the cane according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the weight portion of the cane.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the cane 27 of the present embodiment includes a sliding member 28 that can slide along the axial direction of the shaft 2. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the sliding member 28 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical rubber sliding member 28a slidably attached to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 2 and the sliding member 28a. And a cylindrical weight 28b. Other configurations of the cane 27 of the present embodiment are the same as those of the canes 1 and 25 of the first and second embodiments (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 7). The same components as those of the wands 1 and 25 of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. A weight movable along the axial direction of the shaft

  As described above, in the cane 27 of the present embodiment, the weight 28b is manually moved up and down along the axial direction of the shaft 2 so that the weight 28b is positioned at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the shaft 2. Have been able to. The rubber sliding body 28 a tightens the shaft 2 so that the weight 28 b can be held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the shaft 2. Thus, in the cane 27 of the present embodiment, the rubber sliding body 28a plays the role of a weight holding mechanism (stop mechanism) that holds the weight 28b at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the shaft 2. .

  As the material of the weight 28b, for example, any material such as metal, ceramic, high specific gravity plastic or the like can be used.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the cane 27 of the present embodiment, the cane of the first embodiment can be simply operated by simply sliding the sliding member 28 (the weight 28b) on the shaft 2. 1 can achieve the same effects. That is, according to the configuration of the cane 27 of the present embodiment, the weight 28b can be held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the shaft 2, so that the cane that can freely control the center of gravity is provided. Can be provided (cane can be provided that allows fine adjustment of the center of gravity). And according to the structure of the cane 27 of this Embodiment, since a gravity center point can be freely controlled in this way, according to a user's physical strength, the gravity center point of the cane 27 is set to an appropriate position. By doing so, it is possible to bring the landing point of the butt 3 near the foot to be stepped on. Therefore, according to the structure of the cane 27 of this Embodiment, the safe cane suitable for the stride according to the user's physical strength decline can be provided.

  In addition, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, the stainless wire rope as in the first and second embodiments is provided by including the sliding member 28 (weight 28b) having the above configuration. 21, the locking ring 21a, the locked portion 23, the coil spring 26, and the like are not required. That is, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, since the conventional cane can be used as it is, a low-cost cane can be provided that can freely control the center of gravity.

  In the present embodiment, a case where the cylindrical rubber sliding body 28a is slidably attached to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 2 is described as an example. However, such a configuration is not necessarily provided. It is not limited to. As a material of the sliding body 28a, an elastic body other than rubber can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the first shaft constituent member 2a is provided with the sliding member 28 that can slide is described as an example (see FIG. 8). It is not limited. You may make it provide the slidable sliding member 28 in the 2nd shaft structural member 2b. Further, each of the first shaft constituent member 2a and the second shaft constituent member 2b may be provided with a slidable sliding member.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a case where one sliding member 28 (weight 28b) is provided is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. A plurality of sliding members (weights) may be provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the length adjusting cane of the type in which the second shaft constituent member 2b is slidably connected to the first shaft constituent member 2a is described as an example, but this is not necessarily the case. It is not limited to a simple configuration. The present invention can be applied to a cane composed of a single shaft, and can also be applied to a length adjusting cane of a type in which three or more shaft constituent members are slidably connected.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the structure of the walking aid in the 4th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring FIGS. 10-13. In the present embodiment as well, as in the case of the first to third embodiments, a case where the walking aid is a cane used for an elderly person or a person with weak physical strength is taken as an example. explain.

  FIG. 10 is a partial front sectional view showing the configuration of the cane according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a front sectional view showing the configuration of the weight portion of the cane, and FIG. 12 is the winding of the cane. (A) is a perspective view showing a fixing member, (b) is a perspective view showing a rotating member, (c) is a perspective view showing an entire configuration of a winding part), and FIG. It is front sectional drawing which shows the structure of the winding part of the said cane.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the cane 29 of the present embodiment includes a columnar weight 30 accommodated in the second shaft constituting member 2b so as to be movable up and down.

  As a material of the weight 30, for example, any material such as metal, ceramic, and high specific gravity plastic can be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the weight 30 is formed with two through holes 30a and 30b along the axial direction. The lower end of the second shaft constituting member 2b is connected to the lower end of the rubber cord 34. The upper end of the rubber cord 34 is connected to one end of the stainless wire rope 32 inserted through the through hole 30a. . Here, the upper end portion of the rubber cord 34 is thicker than the diameter of the through hole 30a, so that the rubber cord 34 does not enter the through hole 30a. A pin 31 is installed horizontally on the upper end of the second shaft component 2b, and the stainless wire rope 32 inserted into the through hole 30a is hung on the pin 31 and inserted into the through hole 30b. After that, it is connected to a winding part 33 provided at the upper end of the stone bump 3. Instead of the rubber cord 34, other elastic members such as a coil spring may be used. Further, if a rotatable cylindrical member is attached to the pin 31, the movement of the stainless wire rope 32 can be made smooth.

  As shown in FIGS. 10, 12, and 13, the winding unit 33 includes a fixing member 35 that is fixed to the upper end of the stone bump 3, a rotating member 36 that is rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the fixing member 35, and It has. The fixing member 35 includes a cylindrical fixing member main body 35a and flanges 35b and 35c provided at the upper and lower ends of the fixing member main body 35a. The rotating member 36 includes a cylindrical rotating member main body 36a that is rotatably mounted between the flanges 35b and 35c of the fixed member 35. Here, a gap 60 for winding the stainless wire rope 32 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the fixed member main body 35a and the inner peripheral surface of the rotating member main body 36a. Small holes 35d and 36b for allowing the stainless steel wire rope 32 to pass through are formed in the fixed member main body 35a and the rotating member main body 36a, respectively. And the stainless steel wire rope 32 inserted in the through-hole 30b (refer FIG. 11) is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotation member main body 36a, after passing through the small holes 35d and 36b in this order. . A plurality of holes 35e for fitting the fixing pins 37 are formed in the fixing member main body 35a along the circumferential direction. Further, a hole 36c for fitting the fixing pin 37 is formed in the rotating member main body 36a.

  Since the other structure of the cane 29 of this embodiment is the same as the canes 1, 25, 27 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 7, and 8) of the first to third embodiments, The same components as those of the canes 1, 25, and 27 of the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  According to the above-described configuration of the present embodiment, the stainless wire rope 32 is attached to the outer periphery of the fixed member main body 35a by manually rotating the rotary member main body 36a of the winding portion 33 (see arrow H1 in FIG. 12C). Can be wound on a surface. Thereby, the stainless steel wire rope 32 can be pulled (see arrow E1 in FIG. 10), and the weight 30 can be moved upward in the second shaft constituting member 2b (see arrow F1 in FIG. 10). Then, after the weight 30 is positioned at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b, the fixing member 37 is fitted into the holes 36c and 35e, thereby stopping the rotation of the rotating member main body 36a. The weight 30 can be held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b. In this case, the weight 30 is reliably held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2 b by the rubber string 34.

  Further, if the fixing pin 37 is removed from the holes 35e and 36c and the rotating member main body 36a of the winding portion 33 is manually rotated in the reverse direction (see arrow H2 in FIG. The wire rope 32 is pulled (see arrow E2 in FIG. 10), and the weight 30 can be moved downward in the second shaft constituting member 2b (see arrow F2 in FIG. 10). Then, after positioning the weight 30 at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b, the fixing pin 37 is fitted into the holes 36c and 35e, thereby stopping the rotation of the rotating member main body 36a. The weight 30 can be held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b. Also in this case, the weight 30 is reliably held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b by the rubber cord 34.

  Thus, in the cane 29 of the present embodiment, the weight 30 is manually moved up and down along the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b, whereby the weight 30 is moved to the second shaft constituting member 2b. It is positioned at an arbitrary position in the axial direction and can be held at that position. In this case, the winding portion 33 (in particular, the holes 36c and 35e and the fixing pin 37) and the rubber string 34 hold the weight 30 at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b ( It plays the role of a stop mechanism.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the cane 29 of the present embodiment, the simple operation of simply rotating the rotating member main body 36a of the winding portion 33 and fitting the fixing pin 37 into the holes 36c and 35e. Thus, the same operational effects as the cane 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained. That is, according to the configuration of the cane 29 of the present embodiment, the weight 30 can be held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b, so that the center of gravity can be freely controlled. Can be provided (cane can be provided that can fine-tune the center of gravity). And according to the structure of the cane 29 of this Embodiment, since a gravity center point can be freely controlled in this way, the gravity center point of the cane 29 is set to an appropriate position according to the physical strength of the user. By doing so, it is possible to bring the landing point of the butt 3 near the foot to be stepped on. Therefore, according to the configuration of the cane 29 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a safe cane that is commensurate with the stride according to the decline in the physical strength of the user.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the columnar weight 30 is provided is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The shape of the weight may be, for example, a spherical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape as long as it can move up and down within the second shaft constituting member 2b.

  In the present embodiment, the case where one weight 30 is provided is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. A plurality of weights may be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the weight holding mechanism (stop mechanism) that holds the weight 30 at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b is used as the winding portion 33 (in particular, the holes 36c and 35e). However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. As the weight holding mechanism (stop mechanism), for example, for winding the stainless wire rope 21 led out of the first shaft constituting member 2a, which is adopted in the cane 1 of the first embodiment. 1, a locking ring 21 a fixed to the other end of the stainless steel wire rope 21, and a locked portion 23 for locking the locking ring 21 a (FIGS. 1 and 2). , See FIG. 4).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the length adjusting cane of the type in which the second shaft constituent member 2b is slidably connected to the first shaft constituent member 2a is described as an example, but this is not necessarily the case. It is not limited to a simple configuration. The present invention can be applied to a cane composed of a single shaft, and can also be applied to a length adjusting cane of a type in which three or more shaft constituent members are slidably connected.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the weight 30 is accommodated in the second shaft constituting member 2b so as to be movable up and down is described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. It is not something. The weight 30 is only required to be vertically movable inside the shaft 2 (first and second shaft constituent members 2a and 2b), and in particular, can be moved up and down only inside the first shaft constituent member 2a. It may be accommodated in.

  Further, in the present embodiment, by manually operating the winding unit 33, the weight 30 is moved up and down along the axial direction of the second shaft component 2b, and the second shaft component 2b Although it is made to hold | maintain in the arbitrary positions of an axial direction, it is not necessarily limited to such a structure. By operating the winding unit using power such as electric power, the weight 30 is moved up and down along the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b, and an arbitrary axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b is obtained. You may make it hold | maintain in a position.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, the structure of the walking aid in the 5th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring FIG. 14, FIG. In the present embodiment as well, as in the case of the first to fourth embodiments, a case where the walking aid is a cane used for an elderly person or a person with weak physical strength is taken as an example. explain.

  FIG. 14 is a partial front sectional view showing the configuration of the cane in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a partial front sectional view showing the configuration of the weight portion of the cane in an enlarged manner.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the cane 38 of the present embodiment includes a hollow cylindrical shaft 39 that is gripped by the user, and a stone thrust 3 provided at the lower end of the shaft 39. Here, the handle 4 is fixed to the upper end of the shaft 39, and the user can grip the shaft 39 by gripping the handle 4 with his / her hand.

  As a material of the shaft 39, for example, an arbitrary material such as aluminum, iron, or carbon can be used.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a forward / reverse rotation motor 41 is disposed upward at the lower end of the shaft 39, and the rotational drive shaft 41 a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 41 has a highly rigid spiral shape. The lower end of the wire 42 is connected. The upper end of the spiral wire 42 is rotatably supported by the upper end portion of the shaft 39.

  A cylindrical weight 43 with a bottom is attached to the spiral wire 42. A small hole 43a is formed on the bottom surface of the weight 43, and the weight 43 is attached to the spiral wire 42 by passing the spiral wire 42 through the small hole 43a. Here, the outer diameter of the weight 43 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the shaft 39. For this reason, the friction force acting between the two is also helped, and the weight 43 is difficult to rotate in the shaft 39.

  As a material of the weight 43, for example, any material such as metal, ceramic, high specific gravity plastic or the like can be used.

  A battery box 44 and a slidable switch 45 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the shaft 39. By sliding the switch 45, the rotational drive shaft 41a of the forward / reverse rotating motor 41 is reverse to the forward direction. The rotation of the rotary drive shaft 41a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 41 can be stopped. Then, by rotating the rotational drive shaft 41a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 41 in the forward direction, the spiral wire 42 is rotated in the forward direction (see arrow J1 in FIG. 15), and the weight 43 is moved upward in the shaft 39. It can be moved (see arrow K1 in FIG. 15). Further, by rotating the rotational drive shaft 41a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 41 in the reverse direction, the spiral wire 42 is rotated in the reverse direction (see the arrow J2 in FIG. 15), and the weight 43 is moved downward in the shaft 39. It can be moved (see arrow K2 in FIG. 15). If a transmission is attached to the forward / reverse rotation motor 41, the weight 43 can be easily moved using the small forward / reverse rotation motor 41.

  In this way, in the cane 38 of the present embodiment, the weight 43 is moved up and down along the axial direction of the shaft 39 (see the double arrow I in FIG. It can be positioned at any position in the direction. In the cane 38 of the present embodiment, the weight 43 can be held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the shaft 39 by stopping the rotation of the rotation drive shaft 41 a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 41.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the cane 38 of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the cane 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained by a simple operation by simply sliding the slide switch 45. be able to. That is, according to the configuration of the cane 38 of the present embodiment, the weight 43 can be held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the shaft 39, so that the cane that can freely control the center of gravity is provided. Can be provided (cane can be provided that allows fine adjustment of the center of gravity). According to the configuration of the cane 38 of the present embodiment, the center of gravity can be freely controlled in this way, so that the center of gravity of the cane 38 is set at an appropriate position according to the physical strength of the user. By doing so, it is possible to bring the landing point of the butt 3 near the foot to be stepped on. Therefore, according to the configuration of the cane 38 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a safe cane that is commensurate with the stride corresponding to the decline in the physical strength of the user.

  In the present embodiment, a cane 38 including a single shaft 39 is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The present invention can also be applied to a length adjustment cane of a type in which a plurality of shaft constituent members are slidably connected.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the forward / reverse rotation motor 41 is disposed upward at the lower end of the shaft 39 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. Absent. The forward / reverse rotation motor 41 may be disposed downward at the upper end portion of the shaft 39. In this case, the upper end of the spiral wire 42 is connected to the rotation drive shaft 41 a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 41, and the lower end of the spiral wire 42 is rotatably supported by the lower end portion of the shaft 39.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the battery box 44 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the shaft 39 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. . The battery box may be provided inside the shaft 39. In this case, it is desirable to provide a battery box at the lower end of the shaft 39. According to such a desirable configuration, it is possible to easily replace the battery by removing the stone bump 3 from the shaft 39.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the slide type switch 45 is provided is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The switch may be any type of switch such as a push button switch or a seesaw switch.

  In the present embodiment, the weight 43 is moved in the vertical direction in the shaft 39 by rotating the spiral wire 42 by the forward / reverse rotation motor 41. It is not limited. The weight 43 may be moved in the vertical direction within the shaft 39 by manually rotating the spiral wire 42.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, the structure of the walking aid in the 6th Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated, referring FIG. 16, FIG. In the present embodiment as well, as in the case of the first to fifth embodiments, a case where the walking aid is a cane used for an elderly person or a person with weak physical strength is taken as an example. explain.

  FIG. 16 is a partial front cross-sectional view showing an exploded configuration of a cane according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a partial front cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of the weight portion of the cane. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the cane 46 of the present embodiment includes a shaft 2 of a type that slidably connects the second shaft constituent member 2b to the first shaft constituent member 2a. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a forward / reverse rotation motor 56 is attached to the upper end portion of the second shaft constituting member 2 b downward, and the rotational drive shaft 56 a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 56 includes The upper ends of male threaded iron columns 47 made of hard steel are connected. The lower end of the external thread iron pillar 47 is rotatably supported by the lower end part of the 2nd shaft structural member 2b. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 54 indicates a transmission, and in FIGS. 16 and 17, reference numeral 55 indicates a bearing.

  A cylindrical weight 48 is attached to the male screw iron column 47. A through hole 52 having substantially the same diameter as the male screw iron column 47 is formed on the central axis of the weight 48, and the weight 48 is attached to the male screw iron column 47 by passing the male screw iron column 47 through the through hole 52. ing. A female screw 52 a into which the male screw iron pillar 47 is screwed is formed at the upper end portion of the through hole 52. Another through hole 53 is formed in the weight 48 in parallel with the through hole 52, and a stainless wire rope 49 stretched up and down on the second shaft constituting member 2 b is inserted into the through hole 53. Yes. As a result, the weight 48 is prevented from rotating. A battery box 50 is attached to the rear end of the forward / reverse rotation motor 56. According to this configuration, the second shaft constituent member 2b can be removed from the first shaft constituent member 2a, and the battery can be easily replaced. A slide-type switch 51 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the first shaft constituting member 2a. By sliding the switch 51, the rotational drive shaft 56a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 56 is reverse to the forward direction. The rotation of the rotation drive shaft 56a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 56 can be stopped. Then, by rotating the rotation drive shaft 56a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 56 in the forward direction, the male screw iron column 47 is rotated in the forward direction (see arrow M1 in FIG. 17), and the weight 48 is moved to the second shaft component. It can be moved upward in 2b (see arrow N1 in FIG. 17). Further, by rotating the rotation drive shaft 56a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 56 in the reverse direction, the male screw iron column 47 is rotated in the reverse direction (see the arrow M2 in FIG. 17), and the weight 48 is moved to the second shaft component. 2b can be moved downward (see arrow N2 in FIG. 17).

  Thus, in the cane 46 of the present embodiment, the weight 48 is electrically moved up and down along the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b (see the double arrow L in FIG. 16), thereby the weight 48. Can be positioned at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b. In the cane 46 of the present embodiment, the weight 48 is held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b by stopping the rotation of the rotation drive shaft 56a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 56. can do.

  As the material of the weight 48, for example, any material such as metal, ceramic, high specific gravity plastic or the like can be used.

  Other configurations of the cane 46 of the present embodiment are the canes 1, 25, 27, and 29 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8, and 10) of the first to fourth embodiments. Since they are the same, the same components as those of the canes 1, 25, 27, and 29 in the first to fourth embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the cane 46 of the present embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the cane 1 of the first embodiment can be obtained by a simple operation of simply sliding the slide type switch 51. be able to. That is, according to the configuration of the cane 46 of the present embodiment, the weight 48 can be held at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the second shaft constituting member 2b, so that the center of gravity can be freely controlled. Can be provided (cane can be provided that can fine-tune the center of gravity). And according to the structure of the cane 46 of this Embodiment, since a gravity center point can be freely controlled in this way, the gravity center point of the cane 46 is set to an appropriate position according to the physical strength of the user. By doing so, it is possible to bring the landing point of the butt 3 near the foot to be stepped on. Therefore, according to the structure of the cane 46 of this Embodiment, the safe cane suitable for the stride according to the user's physical strength decline can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the columnar weight 48 is provided is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The shape of the weight may be, for example, a spherical shape or a rectangular parallelepiped shape as long as it can move up and down within the second shaft constituting member 2b.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a case where one weight 48 is provided is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. A plurality of weights may be provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the length adjusting cane of the type in which the second shaft constituent member 2b is slidably connected to the first shaft constituent member 2a is described as an example, but this is not necessarily the case. It is not limited to a simple configuration. The present invention can be applied to a cane composed of a single shaft, and can also be applied to a length adjusting cane of a type in which three or more shaft constituent members are slidably connected.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the forward / reverse rotation motor 56 is attached downward to the upper end portion of the second shaft constituting member 2b is described as an example. It is not limited. The forward / reverse rotation motor 56 may be disposed upward at the lower end portion of the second shaft constituting member 2b. In this case, the lower end of the male screw iron column 47 is connected to the rotation drive shaft 56a of the forward / reverse rotation motor 56, and the upper end of the male screw iron column 47 is rotatably supported by the upper end portion of the second shaft constituting member 2b. .

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, although the case where the battery box 50 was provided in the inside of the shaft 2 was mentioned as an example and demonstrated, it is not necessarily limited to such a structure. The battery box may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 2.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the slide type switch 51 is provided is described as an example, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. The switch may be any type of switch such as a push button switch or a seesaw switch.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the male threaded iron column 47 is rotated by the forward / reverse rotating motor 56 to move the weight 48 up and down along the axial direction of the second shaft component 2b. However, it is not necessarily limited to such a configuration. You may make it move the weight 48 up and down along the axial direction of the 2nd shaft structural member 2b by rotating the external thread iron pillar 47 manually.

  Moreover, in the said 1st-6th embodiment, although the case where a walk assistance tool is a cane used for an elderly person or a weak physical strength is mentioned as an example, it is not necessarily such The configuration is not limited. The walking aid of the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a cane, a ski stick, a support bar, etc. used for those who climb or hike.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the walking aid which can control a gravity center point freely can be provided. And if the said walk aid is used, according to the force which a user swings out, it will become possible to bring the landing point of a stone thrust near the leg which steps out. Therefore, the walking aid of the present invention is useful in providing a safe cane or the like that is commensurate with the stride corresponding to the decline in the physical strength of the user.

1, 25, 27, 29, 38, 46 Cane 2, 39 Shaft 2a First shaft component 2b Second shaft component 3 Stone thrust 4 Handle 20, 28b, 30, 43, 48 Weight 21, 32, 49 Stainless wire rope 21a Locking ring 22 Groove portion 23 Locked portion 26 Coil spring 28 Sliding member 28a Sliding body 30a, 30b, 52, 53 Through hole 31 Pin 33 Winding portion 34 Rubber string 35d, 36b Small hole 35e, 36c Hole 37 Fixing Pin 41, 56 Forward / Reverse Rotating Motor 42 Spiral Wire 43a Small Hole 44, 50 Battery Box 45, 51 Switch 47 Male Screw Iron Column 52a Female Screw

Claims (6)

A walking aid provided with a shaft gripped by a user and a stone thrust provided at the lower end of the shaft,
The shaft is
A weight movable along the axial direction of the shaft;
And a weight holding mechanism for holding the weight at an arbitrary position in the axial direction of the shaft.   The walking aid according to claim 1, wherein the shaft includes a plurality of shaft constituent members that are slidably connected.   The walking aid according to claim 2, wherein the weight is accommodated in any or all of the shaft constituent members among the plurality of shaft constituent members.   The walking aid according to claim 3, wherein the weight is housed in a shaft constituent member on a lower end side among the plurality of shaft constituent members.   The walking aid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means for moving the weight is manual.   The walking aid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the means for moving the weight is power.