JP7860316B1 - Cane holder secured with a magnetic clasp - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] When visually impaired individuals temporarily hold their white cane, they need to tuck it under their armpit, which restricts their hand movement. This invention provides an attachment-type cane holder set that allows a white cane to be temporarily held on clothing or a bag, whether standing or sitting.
[Solution] The present invention is an attachment-type cane support device comprising a first connector consisting of a magnetic hook having a protrusion and a first body having the protrusion magnetic hook on its surface, and a second connector consisting of a magnetic hook having a recess and a second body having the recess magnetic hook on its surface, wherein the body of the first connector is provided with a first locking part for fixing to a cane shaft, and the body of the second connector is provided with a second locking part for attaching to fabric such as clothing or a bag, and the protrusion and recess of the two connectors attract each other when the magnetic hooks of both connectors are brought close together, and the device can rotate while in a fitted state.
[Selection Diagram] Figure 18

Description

This invention relates to a cane holder for use with canes.

Traditionally, white canes were operated by visually impaired individuals using only one hand. When using both hands, the cane had to be held under the armpit or attached to a strap around the wrist, restricting arm movement. Using the hand while holding the cane under the armpit required multiple layers of tension: careful attention to prevent the cane from falling, the ability to feel the shape of objects with the fingertips, and simultaneous auditory awareness of the surroundings. While placing the cane on the floor or leaning it against a wall would allow for free movement of both hands, for visually impaired individuals, removing the cane from their body poses a risk of accidents and injuries.

When visually impaired individuals are seated, it is common practice to use a folding white cane or, if using a straight cane, to lay it parallel or perpendicular to the table or chair. While assistance may be available to place the cane in an unobtrusive location, those alone may lack the ability to assess the situation and therefore need assistance from others. In the past, a visually impaired person attending a session of the Aichi Prefectural Assembly was subjected to unfair treatment, being forced to hand over their white cane to staff because it was deemed a weapon or dangerous object (Chunichi Shimbun article, February 20, 2015). As this illustrates, a white cane is an extension of the visually impaired, and it is desirable to keep it within easy reach even when seated.

When visually impaired individuals use public restrooms, they often face difficulties finding a place to put their white cane, whether using a urinal or a stall. First, they must use their white cane to locate the toilet, then search for a place to put their cane, such as a hook or shelf, before finally deciding where to place it. While they can hang the cane on a hook or lean it against the wall, many feel uneasy about taking the cane away from their body. Even with assistance, using a restroom can be difficult unless the caregiver is of the same sex, sometimes forcing them to endure discomfort.

Various devices have been proposed to prevent long walking sticks, such as umbrellas and canes, from falling over, as well as bags to secure the sticks. (See prior art documents below.)

Japanese Patent Publication No. 6259965 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-170988 Utility Model Registration No. 3234834 (Publication Gazette) Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-29150 Utility Model Registration No. 3225534 Gazette Japanese Patent Publication No. 7590103

The walking stick aid described in Patent Document 1 is designed to be inserted and attached only to the waist area of trousers, skirts, belts, etc. The present invention, however, can be attached to a wide range of clothing items, such as backpacks, bags, and garments, by changing the shape of the locking portion of the second connector. The magnet in the present invention is a magnetic hook, allowing it to rotate while attracting, thus differentiating it from other products in that it allows the angle of the walking stick to be changed.

The walking stick aid described in Patent Document 2 has a magnet on the walking stick body that penetrates the handle, whereas the present invention differs in that a first connector with a magnet is wrapped around and attached to an existing walking stick. Furthermore, the magnet in the present invention is a magnetic hook, allowing it to rotate while being attracted, thus enabling the angle of the walking stick to be changed.

The walking stick support described in Patent Document 3 is a holder intended for propping up and holding the cane, and differs from the present invention in that it holds the cane suspended in close contact with the body. Furthermore, the magnet in the present invention, being a magnetic hook, is rotatable while attracting the cane, thus differing in that it allows the angle of the cane to be changed.

The bags described in Patent Documents 4 and 5 are designed for walking by passing a cane through a hole, whereas the present invention differs in that it has connecting devices on both the clothing and the cane, allowing the cane to be held in place by connecting them.

While the walking stick aid described in Patent Document 6 shares similarities with the present invention in that it connects the pouch and the walking stick using a rotatable magnetic hook, the connection point is limited to the side of the pouch's waist, restricting its usage. In contrast, the present invention, by changing the shape of the second connector, can be attached to a variety of items such as backpacks, bags, and clothing, and can be attached to any position, offering the advantage of flexible use according to the user's situation and preferences. Furthermore, while the magnetic hook in Patent Document 6 is fixed and difficult to replace or adapt, the magnetic hook of the present invention can be easily attached and detached, and can be attached to other walking sticks, thus facilitating sharing among multiple walking sticks and different assistive devices.

Traditionally, the use of white canes or walking sticks has had the following drawbacks:
(i) When out and about, there was sometimes difficulty in finding a place to put the white cane. While it is possible to lean the cane against a wall or place it on the floor, for visually impaired people, the white cane is an extension of their body, and leaving it away from their body is dangerous. If there are other visually impaired people nearby, there is a risk of mistaking the white cane or tripping over a white cane placed on the floor, so extra caution is needed when there is no assistance. The same applies to canes used by the elderly, not just white canes.
(b) When using a white cane, if both hands are used, the white cane is either tucked under the armpit or held in the arm using a strap, but this restricts arm movement. There is also a risk of dropping the object being held or the white cane, and the user is constantly under tension to avoid dropping it.
(h) When using a white cane, if the white cane comes into contact with a bicycle or train door and gets caught, it is recommended that the strap be a safety type that detaches from the white cane to prevent the user from being pulled along with the cane. Holders that fix the white cane in place could cause serious injury if there is an impact, as the user could be pulled along with the white cane.

A first connector comprising a magnetic hook having a protrusion and a first body having the magnetic hook with the protrusion on its surface,
An attachment-type walking stick aid comprising a second connector consisting of a magnetic hook having a recess and a second body having the recessed magnetic hook on its surface,
The main body of the first connector is provided with a first locking part for fixing it to the cane shaft.
The main body of the second connector is provided with a second locking part for attaching to fabrics such as clothing and bags.
The magnetic hooks of both connectors attract each other when brought close together, and the protrusions and recesses attract each other, allowing them to rotate while remaining engaged.
Attachment-type cane holder set.

A first connector comprising a magnetic hook having a protrusion and a first body having the magnetic hook with the protrusion on its surface,
An attachment-type walking stick aid comprising a second connector consisting of a magnetic hook having a recess and a second body having the recessed magnetic hook on its surface,
The main body of the first connector is provided with a first locking part for fixing it to the cane shaft.
The main body of the second connector is provided with a recessed magnetic hook.
The magnetic hooks of both connectors attract each other when brought close together, and the protrusions and recesses attract each other, allowing them to rotate while remaining engaged.
Attachment-type cane holder set.

By using a magnetic clasp with a convex and concave section, white canes and walking sticks can be securely and easily attached to clothing or bags worn on the body. This frees up both hands, significantly improving freedom of movement during work.

Because the magnetic clasp can rotate while attached, the holding position and angle can be flexibly adjusted according to the movement during use, making it usable even while seated.

Because this invention is an attachment type, it offers the convenience of being able to be retrofitted to existing canes, eliminating the need to prepare a new, special cane. By changing the shape of the locking part of the second connector, it can be attached to various objects such as backpacks, bags, and clothing, allowing for flexible operation tailored to the user's needs. Furthermore, in the case of a main body with a magnetic hook directly attached to the second connector, there is no need to detach the locking part, making it easy to use for visually impaired individuals and the elderly.

By preventing the cane from being placed on the ground or leaning against a wall, the risk of falls, mix-ups, and collisions is reduced, supporting a safer and more secure life for visually impaired individuals and the elderly. Even in situations where finding a place to put the cane is difficult, such as in public places or restrooms, it can be kept close to the body, reducing mental burden.

Thus, this invention offers superior benefits in terms of safety, convenience, and freedom of wear, making it a useful assistive device that improves the quality of daily life for visually impaired individuals and the elderly.

Furthermore, it can be applied to long walking sticks used in sports and leisure activities, such as trekking poles and walking poles, as well as umbrellas, offering a wide range of potential uses.

Surface view of the white cane belt (first connector). Reverse side view of the white cane belt (first connector). Front view of the white cane belt just before attachment (first connector). Front view after attaching the white cane belt (first connector). Reverse side view after attaching the white cane belt (first connector). Overall view of the white cane after attaching the white cane belt (first connector). Surface view of backpack strap (second connector) Back view of the backpack strap (second connector) Diagram showing how to attach the backpack straps (second connector) Adhesion diagram of backpack strap (second connector) and white cane strap (first connector) Overhead view of the clip-type connector in the closed position (second connector) Side view of the clip-type opening (second connector) Clip-type mounting diagram (second connector) Adhesion diagram of clip-type (second connector) and white cane belt (first connector) Overhead view of the clip-on belt in the closed position (second connector) Side view of the belt with clip in the open position (second connector) Diagram showing how to attach a belt with a clip (second connector) Adhesion diagram of the clip-on belt (second connector) and the white cane belt (first connector). Backpack with magnetic snap closure (second connector) (second main body) Bag with magnetic snap closure (second connector) (second main body)

The present invention consists of a first connector and a second connector. The first connector will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.
Figure 1 is a surface view (first connector) of the white cane belt. It shows the belt body (first body) 2, which has a magnetic hook 1 and male and female hook-and-loop fasteners 3 and 4 on its surface, and a belt loop 5 on the side along its extension. In this figure, the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners 3 and 4 are separate, but a mixed-type hook-and-loop fastener can also be used.
Figure 2 shows the back view (first connector) of the white cane belt. It has an anti-slip treatment 6 to prevent it from slipping off when wrapped around the cane. The phosphorescent material 7 enhances visibility in the dark and helps prevent accidents such as contact injuries.
Figures 3 and 4 show the attachment process. Wrap the magnetic hook cone 1 around the cane shaft 8 with the cone facing outwards, pass the tip of the hook-and-loop fastener female 4 through the belt loop 5, and fold it back while pulling to engage the hook-and-loop fastener male 3 and female 4.
Figure 5 shows the back view (first connector) after the white cane belt has been attached.
Figure 6 shows the entire white cane (first connector) after the white cane belt has been attached. It is recommended that the convex magnetic hook 1 of the first connector be positioned approximately one-third of the way down the white cane's total length. This position is close to the cane's center of gravity and provides high stability when connected. The appropriate position will vary depending on the user's height and the length of the white cane, but after attaching it to the shaft 8, the first connector can be moved up and down while still attached, allowing the user to adjust it to a position that is easy to use. In addition, for T-shaped canes used by the elderly, attaching it to the top of the shaft provides stability and makes it easier to attach and detach.

A first embodiment of the second connector is illustrated in Figures 7 to 10. In this embodiment, it is used by being attached to the shoulder strap of a backpack.
Figure 7 is a surface view of the backpack strap (second connector). It shows the backpack strap body 11 (second body) with a magnetic hook recess 10 and hook-and-loop fasteners male 12 and female 13 on its surface, and a belt ring 14 is provided on the extension of the strap body.
Figure 8 shows the back view (second connector) of the backpack strap, which has an anti-slip treatment 15. The end of the strap is made of stiff synthetic leather 16, making it easy to thread through the strap ring 14 and easy to fold back.
Figure 9 shows the backpack strap attachment diagram (second connector), illustrating the state after attachment to the shoulder strap 19 of the backpack 18. The attachment method is the same as that of the first connector described above: the surface of the belt body (second body) 11 is placed against the shoulder strap 19, and the strap is wrapped so that the magnetic hook recess 10 is facing outwards. The phosphorescent material 17 enhances visibility in the dark. Furthermore, by changing the length of the belt, it can be used not only for backpacks but also for wrapping and securing to chair seats, legs, etc., and can be used in the same way.
Figure 10 shows the attachment of the backpack strap (second connector) and the white cane strap (first connector). When you want to use both hands while using the white cane, you attach the convex magnetic hook 1 of the white cane, to which the first connector is attached, to the concave magnetic hook 10 of the second connector, which is attached to the shoulder strap of the backpack. When walking with the white cane, you can easily remove it by grasping the shaft 8 of the white cane together with the first connector. Also, when sitting down, you can change the angle of the white cane using the attached convex 1 and concave magnetic hook 10 as an axis while holding the grip 9, and you can sit down while still wearing the white cane. This makes it possible to sit on a bench or use the toilet while wearing a backpack. Conventionally, it was necessary to search for a place to put the white cane by hand, which was time-consuming and unsanitary, but with this invention, it is possible to do so hygienically and quickly.

A second embodiment of the second connector is explained in Figures 11 to 14. In this example, it is attached to the handle of a bag using a fish clip.
Figure 11 is an overhead view of the clip-type closed state (second connector). It has a fish clip body (second body) 22 equipped with a magnetic hook recess 23, which opens and closes with the claws 20 and can secure fabric with the clamping opening 21. It is equipped with phosphorescent material 24 to enhance visibility.
Figure 12 is a side view of the clip-type opening (second connector). The claws 20 can be lifted to open and close the clamping opening, the fabric can be clamped into the opened opening 21, and the claws 20 can be lowered to secure the fabric.
Figure 13 shows the clip-type attachment (second connector), attached to the handle 26 of the bag 25. The magnetic snap recess 23 should be facing outwards when attached. While this example uses a bag, it can be applied to other uses, such as clipping it to the edge of a jacket pocket or attaching it to the shoulder strap of a backpack.
Figure 14 shows the attachment of the clip-type (second connector) and the white cane belt (first connector). When you want to use both hands while using the white cane, attach the convex magnetic hook 1 of the white cane with the first connector attached to the concave magnetic hook 23. When walking with the white cane, you can easily remove it by grasping the shaft 8 of the white cane together with the first connector. Because it can rotate while attached, you can place a bag on your lap when seated and hold the cane with your hands free. To change the angle, hold the grip 9 and adjust it.

A third embodiment of the second connector is explained in Figures 15 to 18. In this example, it is attached to thin clothing such as a T-shirt.
Figure 15 is an overhead view of the clip-attached belt in the closed state (second connector), and Figure 16 is a side view of the clip-attached belt in the open state (second connector). The figure shows the belt body (second body) 32 with a fish clip equipped with a magnetic hook recess 30. The fish clip 29 can be opened and closed with its claws 27, and the fabric can be secured with the clamping opening 28. A belt handle 33 and a belt handle loop 34 are provided on the extension of the belt body 32.
Figure 17 shows the clip-on belt attachment (second connector), which is shown attached to a T-shirt 35. The magnetic snap recess 30 is attached to the surface, and the belt handle loop 34 faces downwards. It is equipped with phosphorescent material 31 to enhance visibility.
Figure 18 shows the attachment of the clip-on belt (second connector) and the white cane belt (first connector). When attaching or detaching by pulling the magnetic hook convex 1 and concave 30, the fabric may be pulled and damaged. Therefore, when attaching or detaching, hold the shaft 8 of the white cane and place your fingers on the loop 34 of the belt handle of the second connector, then detach it upwards. This allows for easy removal without putting stress on the fabric. It can be used with loungewear and pajamas, and can be used lightly indoors. As with other embodiments, it can rotate while attached, so the white cane can be held whether standing or sitting. In addition to the fish clip, it is also possible to implement this using other fastening parts such as safety pins or brooch pins.

Other embodiments are explained with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Figure 19 shows an example where the bag 36 is the second main body, and the magnetic snap recess 37 is directly attached to the bag 36. By providing multiple magnetic snap recesses on the bag, the attachment position can be changed depending on the usage situation, such as when carrying it over the shoulder or by hand. Furthermore, even when placing the bag next to a seat while seated, the position of the magnetic snap recesses can be adjusted to suit the situation, allowing for attachment.

Figure 20 shows an example where the backpack 38 is the second main body, and multiple magnetic snap recesses 39 are directly attached to the backpack 38. By providing multiple magnetic snap recesses on the second main body, the attachment position can be changed according to the usage situation, improving convenience. Furthermore, other items besides the bag 36 and backpack 38, such as chair seats and legs, or clothing, that have magnetic snap recesses can themselves become the second main body.

This invention makes it easier for visually impaired individuals to go out and helps them lead independent lives. In particular, in restrooms, the difficulty of finding a place to put a white cane by touch is alleviated by being able to hold the cane. Furthermore, the problem of needing assistance of the same sex in the restroom is also reduced by this invention, making it easier for individuals to use the restroom independently. This invention can be applied not only to white canes but also to long walking sticks such as trekking poles and walking poles, and is expected to have a wide range of applications.

1. First connector (white cane belt) with convex magnetic hook. 2. First connector (white cane belt) belt body surface (first body).
3. First connector (white cane belt) hook-and-loop fastener male 4. First connector (white cane belt) hook-and-loop fastener female 5. First connector (white cane belt) belt buckle 6. First connector (white cane belt) belt body back with anti-slip material 7. First connector (white cane belt) back of body with phosphorescent material 8. White cane shaft 9. White cane grip 10. Second connector (backpack type) magnetic hook female 11. Second connector (backpack type) belt body surface (second body)
12. Second connector (backpack type) hook-and-loop fastener male 13. Second connector (backpack type) hook-and-loop fastener female 14. Second connector (backpack type) belt ring 15. Second connector (backpack type) anti-slip 16. Second connector (backpack type) synthetic leather 17. Second connector (backpack type) phosphorescent material 18. Backpack 19. Shoulder strap 20. Second connector (clip type) fish clip claw 21. Second connector (clip type) fish clip clamping opening 22. Second connector (clip type) fish clip body (second body)
23 Second connector (clip type) Magnetic snap (concave) 24 Second connector (clip type) Luminous material 25 Bag 26 Bag handle 27 Second connector (belt with clip) Fish clip claw 28 Second connector (belt with clip) Fish clip clamping opening 29 Second connector (belt with clip) Fish clip body (second body)
30 Second connector (belt with clip) Magnetic snap (concave) 31 Second connector (belt with clip) Luminous material 32 Second connector (belt with clip) Belt body (second body)
33. Second connector (belt with clip) belt handle 34. Second connector (belt with clip) belt handle loop 35. T-shirt 36. Bag with magnetic snap (second main body)
37 Magnetic snap closure (recessed) 38 Backpack with magnetic snap closure (recessed) (second main body)
39 Magnetic snap fastener (concave)

Claims (1)

A magnetic snap with a protrusion,
A first connector comprising a first body having the protrusion on its surface,
A magnetic snap with a recess,
A second connector comprising a second body having the recess on its surface,
Equipped with,
The first body has a first locking portion for fixing to the cane shaft,
The second body is a fish clip that opens by operating the claw portion and secures clothing or bag fabric by clamping it.
The recess for the magnetic hook is provided on the second body at a position opposite to the clamping opening of the fish clip.
The aforementioned magnetic hook is detachably connected by the interlocking of its convex and concave portions.
It can rotate while in that fitted state,
The user can adjust the angle by holding the cane's grip and maintain that position.
It is attached to the fabric of clothing or a bag.
An attachment-type cane holder characterized by its ability to hold a cane in both a standing and sitting position.