US20070235608A1 - Clamp for attaching an illuminating device to mobility support apparatus - Google Patents
Clamp for attaching an illuminating device to mobility support apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070235608A1 US20070235608A1 US11/398,250 US39825006A US2007235608A1 US 20070235608 A1 US20070235608 A1 US 20070235608A1 US 39825006 A US39825006 A US 39825006A US 2007235608 A1 US2007235608 A1 US 2007235608A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- clamp
- support apparatus
- mobility support
- illumination
- flashlight
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
- F21V21/08—Devices for easy attachment to any desired place, e.g. clip, clamp, magnet
- F21V21/088—Clips; Clamps
- F21V21/0885—Clips; Clamps for portable lighting devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V33/00—Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
- F21V33/008—Leisure, hobby or sport articles, e.g. toys, games or first-aid kits; Hand tools; Toolboxes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B3/00—Sticks combined with other objects
- A45B3/02—Sticks combined with other objects with illuminating devices
- A45B3/04—Sticks combined with other objects with illuminating devices electrical
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21L—LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
- F21L4/00—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells
- F21L4/005—Electric lighting devices with self-contained electric batteries or cells the device being a pocket lamp
Definitions
- a flashlight or similar light source is the common solution. If an individual needs to use a mobility support apparatus such as a cane, walker, crutches or trekking pole etc. and carry a flashlight, both hands would now be occupied. This can reduce balance and hinders gripping other supports for regaining stability. This is especially more demanding for the senior or handicapped population.
- the need increases dramatically when traversing a poorly lit path, getting up a night to take care of personal needs, when out walking at sunset or at night, when arriving home. It also can be of benefit when cross country skiing and hiking at night.
- the invention clamp with an illumination device attached improves visibility and safety by allowing the user to direct an adjustable circular pattern of light on the ground in front or ahead of the support apparatus simply by raising the apparatus for a brief moment.
- the clamping device is made of plastic or sheet steel of a prescribed length and width. In the center of the length of the sheet, a nearly complete cylinder is formed. This cylinder is less in diameter that the outside diameter of the illuminating unit that it has to grip. Transitioning from this cylinder are two flat surfaces in parallel to and directly opposite each other. Both flat surfaces have a hole in the center. The hole in one surface is larger that the opposite hole which is threaded. Beyond the flat surface with the holes and continuing along the length of the sheet shape, each flat surface transitions to form a half cylinder; again directly opposite and mirroring the other. These half cylinders form the portion of the clamp that will grip the mobility support apparatus.
- the final transition of the sheet metal beyond the half cylinders is a small reverse lip along the entire length of the half cylinders. This lip allows for an easy, non-grabbing, on/off sliding of the clamp.
- the last aspect of the clamping device is the pressure adjusting screw which because of its shape is called a “T” thumbscrew. This T screw passes thru the larger hole in one of the flat surfaces and screws into the smaller threaded hole in the opposite flat surface. Rotation of the screw will increase or decrease the clamping pressure on the shaft of the mobility support apparatus.
- ( 5 ) represents the nearly complete cylinder of the clamp.
- ( 6 , 6 a ) represent the two flat surfaces that are parallel and opposite each other.
- ( 7 ) indicates the threaded hole and
- ( 8 ) indicates the larger pass thru hole.
- the half cylinders are identified by ( 9 , 9 a ) and the small arc reverse lip is specified by ( 10 , 10 a ).
- the rounded corners of which there are four, are represented by ( 11 ).
- the thumbscrew is identified in both drawing No. 1 and No. 2 with the numeral ( 2 )
- Drawing No. 1 shows the invention clamp ( 1 ) in its applied use.
- the clamp for this illustration is holding a mini type flashlight ( 3 ) and is also mounted on a mobility support apparatus which in the drawing is the shaft of a cane ( 4 ).
- the clamp is capable of mounting on other forms of mobility support devices such as walkers, crutches, personal walking sticks and trekking poles as well as ski poles.
- the clamp functions to hold both the mini-flashlight and grasp the support apparatus with the help of adjustable pressure created by turning the thumbscrew ( 2 ). Turning the thumbscrew ( 2 ) clock-wise increases the pressure on the support apparatus and turning the thumbscrew ( 2 ) counter-clockwise reduces the pressure for removal and mounting on another apparatus. This thumbscrew ( 2 ) adjusts the pressure by moving the two parallel flat surfaces together or apart. This is better seen in Drawing 2 .
- drawing No. 2 there is a front and a side view.
- the center of the clamp starts at the shape of the nearly completed cylinder ( 5 ) which transitions to two parallel flat surfaces ( 6 , 6 a ).
- a hole ( 7 , 8 ) In the center of each flat surface there is a hole ( 7 , 8 ).
- the front view illustrates a large hole ( 8 ) in the surface ( 6 a) that the thumbscrew enters and a smaller threaded hole ( 7 ) in the adjacent flat surface ( 6 ).
- the hole ( 7 ) is threaded so as to accept the threaded portion of the thumbscrew.
- the metal now transitions to two half cylinders ( 9 , 9 a ) which form the opening that accepts and grips the shafts of the various mobility support apparatus described before.
- Both half cylinders ( 9 , 9 a ) transition to a small reverse curved lip ( 10 , 10 a ).
- This reverse lip allows the clamp to slip easily on and off various sizes and shapes of the mobility apparatus.
- the corners ( 11 ) of the surved lip sections ( 10 , 10 a ) are rounded to avoid sharp corners.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
Abstract
The clamping device provides an attachment mechanism for a source of illumination (flashlight) to be fixed to a mobility support apparatus such as a walking cane, walker, crutches, trekking poles, hiking or ski poles. The illumination source is secured by the clamping device, which attaches the light source to the mobility apparatus. The illumination device can be a standard mini-flashlight with a filament bulb, light emitting diode or halogen bulb ad the light source.
Description
- There is often a need to illuminate the area around ones feet and in the direction one is traveling. A flashlight or similar light source is the common solution. If an individual needs to use a mobility support apparatus such as a cane, walker, crutches or trekking pole etc. and carry a flashlight, both hands would now be occupied. This can reduce balance and hinders gripping other supports for regaining stability. This is especially more demanding for the senior or handicapped population. The need increases dramatically when traversing a poorly lit path, getting up a night to take care of personal needs, when out walking at sunset or at night, when arriving home. It also can be of benefit when cross country skiing and hiking at night. The invention clamp with an illumination device attached, improves visibility and safety by allowing the user to direct an adjustable circular pattern of light on the ground in front or ahead of the support apparatus simply by raising the apparatus for a brief moment.
- The clamping device is made of plastic or sheet steel of a prescribed length and width. In the center of the length of the sheet, a nearly complete cylinder is formed. This cylinder is less in diameter that the outside diameter of the illuminating unit that it has to grip. Transitioning from this cylinder are two flat surfaces in parallel to and directly opposite each other. Both flat surfaces have a hole in the center. The hole in one surface is larger that the opposite hole which is threaded. Beyond the flat surface with the holes and continuing along the length of the sheet shape, each flat surface transitions to form a half cylinder; again directly opposite and mirroring the other. These half cylinders form the portion of the clamp that will grip the mobility support apparatus. The final transition of the sheet metal beyond the half cylinders is a small reverse lip along the entire length of the half cylinders. This lip allows for an easy, non-grabbing, on/off sliding of the clamp. The last aspect of the clamping device is the pressure adjusting screw which because of its shape is called a “T” thumbscrew. This T screw passes thru the larger hole in one of the flat surfaces and screws into the smaller threaded hole in the opposite flat surface. Rotation of the screw will increase or decrease the clamping pressure on the shaft of the mobility support apparatus.
- In drawing No. 1, the clamp is presented in an isometric drawing by the numeral (1) in solid lines. The “T” thumbscrew is represented by (2). For clarity (3) depicts a mini-flashlight and (4) the shaft of a mobility support apparatus. They are drawn with dotted lines.
- In drawing No. 2, (5) represents the nearly complete cylinder of the clamp. (6,6 a) represent the two flat surfaces that are parallel and opposite each other. (7) indicates the threaded hole and (8) indicates the larger pass thru hole. The half cylinders are identified by (9,9 a) and the small arc reverse lip is specified by (10,10 a). The rounded corners of which there are four, are represented by (11). The thumbscrew is identified in both drawing No. 1 and No. 2 with the numeral (2)
- Drawing No. 1 shows the invention clamp (1) in its applied use. The clamp for this illustration is holding a mini type flashlight (3) and is also mounted on a mobility support apparatus which in the drawing is the shaft of a cane (4). The clamp is capable of mounting on other forms of mobility support devices such as walkers, crutches, personal walking sticks and trekking poles as well as ski poles. The clamp, functions to hold both the mini-flashlight and grasp the support apparatus with the help of adjustable pressure created by turning the thumbscrew (2). Turning the thumbscrew (2) clock-wise increases the pressure on the support apparatus and turning the thumbscrew (2) counter-clockwise reduces the pressure for removal and mounting on another apparatus. This thumbscrew (2) adjusts the pressure by moving the two parallel flat surfaces together or apart. This is better seen in Drawing 2.
- In drawing No. 2 there is a front and a side view. In both side and front view we see the center of the clamp starts at the shape of the nearly completed cylinder (5) which transitions to two parallel flat surfaces (6,6 a). In the center of each flat surface there is a hole (7,8). The front view illustrates a large hole (8) in the surface (6a) that the thumbscrew enters and a smaller threaded hole (7) in the adjacent flat surface (6). The hole (7) is threaded so as to accept the threaded portion of the thumbscrew.
- Continuing past the flat surfaces (6.6 a) on each side, the metal now transitions to two half cylinders (9,9 a) which form the opening that accepts and grips the shafts of the various mobility support apparatus described before. Both half cylinders (9,9 a) transition to a small reverse curved lip (10,10 a). This reverse lip allows the clamp to slip easily on and off various sizes and shapes of the mobility apparatus. The corners (11) of the surved lip sections (10,10 a) are rounded to avoid sharp corners.
- In the revue of prior art, it appears that most of the patents refer to built in or permanently attached sources of illumination in conjunction with the mobility support apparatus. One patent (Conkle) essentially covers the fabrication of a flashlight with a long lever switch and not the nature of its mounting or dismounting to mobility support apparatus. In the case of (Conkle), the patent makes use of an already existent plastic squeeze clip.
- Other prior art reflects significant fabrication of complex parts that provide for the attachment of the illumination device to the mobility support apparatus. No prior art compares to the simplicity, adjustability and versatility of the “Clamp” described here in.
Claims (3)
1. This clamp invention enables a person to attach a source of illumination temporarily of permanently to any mobility support apparatus such as a cane, walker, crutches, trekking, hiking or ski pole.
2. The clamp invention allows for the accommodation of mobility support apparatuses that vary in size, diameter and shape. This is accomplished with the use of a thumbscrew that alters the size of the opening and tension of the clamp on the apparatus.
3. The clamp invention is shaped to slide easily on and off the support apparatus of similar diameters without adjustment. This occurs, because the final shape of the adjustable opening displays a small curved reverse lip that speeds application and removal.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/398,250 US20070235608A1 (en) | 2006-04-05 | 2006-04-05 | Clamp for attaching an illuminating device to mobility support apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/398,250 US20070235608A1 (en) | 2006-04-05 | 2006-04-05 | Clamp for attaching an illuminating device to mobility support apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070235608A1 true US20070235608A1 (en) | 2007-10-11 |
Family
ID=38574190
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/398,250 Abandoned US20070235608A1 (en) | 2006-04-05 | 2006-04-05 | Clamp for attaching an illuminating device to mobility support apparatus |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070235608A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100171357A1 (en) * | 2009-01-02 | 2010-07-08 | Russell Bonjour | Foot rest holder for wheelchairs |
US20100213147A1 (en) * | 2007-02-02 | 2010-08-26 | Hopper Weston S | Carousel for display and sale of goods |
US20130032130A1 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2013-02-07 | Jacques David A | User adjustable coupling device or hinge |
CN103075682A (en) * | 2012-12-31 | 2013-05-01 | 苏州承源光电科技有限公司 | Spot lamp for mop |
US20170248108A1 (en) * | 2014-11-19 | 2017-08-31 | Continental Automotive Gmbh | Fuel Rail Assembly for an Internal Combustion Engine |
US10378691B2 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2019-08-13 | Typical 4, LLC | Trophy mount and skull clamp |
US20190368700A1 (en) * | 2018-05-31 | 2019-12-05 | Wanjiong Lin | Lamp Installation Component |
US20230194058A1 (en) * | 2021-05-25 | 2023-06-22 | Ag Lighting Innovations, Llc | Lighting system for attachment to tubular structure |
Citations (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US164613A (en) * | 1875-06-15 | Chaeles teuesdale | ||
US809993A (en) * | 1903-12-16 | 1906-01-16 | Frederick W Sorg | Cable-hanger. |
US1025098A (en) * | 1911-05-01 | 1912-04-30 | Myron Morey | Suspension for cables. |
US1141316A (en) * | 1914-11-09 | 1915-06-01 | Walter L Cockrell | Cable-hanger. |
US2003159A (en) * | 1933-04-05 | 1935-05-28 | Lamson Co | Pneumatic dispatch system |
US2004695A (en) * | 1932-02-20 | 1935-06-11 | Hager Fritz | Hanger for cables of overhead lines |
US2402877A (en) * | 1945-01-05 | 1946-06-25 | Earl L Dial | Adjustable flashlight holder |
US3042353A (en) * | 1960-11-08 | 1962-07-03 | Anaconda Wrie & Cable Company | Cable clamp |
US3055398A (en) * | 1960-05-12 | 1962-09-25 | Tunnessen S Radiator Shop | Spacer |
US3177542A (en) * | 1962-06-12 | 1965-04-13 | Diamond Expansion Bolt Co Inc | Clamping device |
US3464660A (en) * | 1967-04-10 | 1969-09-02 | Dory J Neale Sr | Tape splicing and anchoring apparatus |
US3606898A (en) * | 1968-05-28 | 1971-09-21 | Marino N Harocopo | Crutch support |
US3906592A (en) * | 1974-04-25 | 1975-09-23 | Nissan Motor | Wiring or piping clamp |
US4892275A (en) * | 1988-10-31 | 1990-01-09 | John Mezzalingua Assoc. Inc. | Trap bracket assembly |
US4895330A (en) * | 1989-03-13 | 1990-01-23 | Anstead Richard F | Cane holder |
US5004194A (en) * | 1989-05-15 | 1991-04-02 | Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. | Pipe/wire gripping and fixing clamp |
US5055056A (en) * | 1990-11-16 | 1991-10-08 | Electric Motion Company, Inc. | Ground wire connector |
US5056545A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1991-10-15 | Spaeth Phillip A | Safety walking cane |
US5577697A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1996-11-26 | Accordino; Carmine L. | Flashlight accessory |
US6513775B1 (en) * | 2001-07-10 | 2003-02-04 | Rosalea Hostetler | Apparatus and method for standing crutches |
US6908216B2 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2005-06-21 | Jack G. Love | Flashlight holder for fishing net |
US7108395B2 (en) * | 2003-04-25 | 2006-09-19 | Carlos Correa | Illumination assembly usable with a plurality of devices |
-
2006
- 2006-04-05 US US11/398,250 patent/US20070235608A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US164613A (en) * | 1875-06-15 | Chaeles teuesdale | ||
US809993A (en) * | 1903-12-16 | 1906-01-16 | Frederick W Sorg | Cable-hanger. |
US1025098A (en) * | 1911-05-01 | 1912-04-30 | Myron Morey | Suspension for cables. |
US1141316A (en) * | 1914-11-09 | 1915-06-01 | Walter L Cockrell | Cable-hanger. |
US2004695A (en) * | 1932-02-20 | 1935-06-11 | Hager Fritz | Hanger for cables of overhead lines |
US2003159A (en) * | 1933-04-05 | 1935-05-28 | Lamson Co | Pneumatic dispatch system |
US2402877A (en) * | 1945-01-05 | 1946-06-25 | Earl L Dial | Adjustable flashlight holder |
US3055398A (en) * | 1960-05-12 | 1962-09-25 | Tunnessen S Radiator Shop | Spacer |
US3042353A (en) * | 1960-11-08 | 1962-07-03 | Anaconda Wrie & Cable Company | Cable clamp |
US3177542A (en) * | 1962-06-12 | 1965-04-13 | Diamond Expansion Bolt Co Inc | Clamping device |
US3464660A (en) * | 1967-04-10 | 1969-09-02 | Dory J Neale Sr | Tape splicing and anchoring apparatus |
US3606898A (en) * | 1968-05-28 | 1971-09-21 | Marino N Harocopo | Crutch support |
US3906592A (en) * | 1974-04-25 | 1975-09-23 | Nissan Motor | Wiring or piping clamp |
US4892275A (en) * | 1988-10-31 | 1990-01-09 | John Mezzalingua Assoc. Inc. | Trap bracket assembly |
US4895330A (en) * | 1989-03-13 | 1990-01-23 | Anstead Richard F | Cane holder |
US5004194A (en) * | 1989-05-15 | 1991-04-02 | Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. | Pipe/wire gripping and fixing clamp |
US5056545A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1991-10-15 | Spaeth Phillip A | Safety walking cane |
US5055056A (en) * | 1990-11-16 | 1991-10-08 | Electric Motion Company, Inc. | Ground wire connector |
US5577697A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1996-11-26 | Accordino; Carmine L. | Flashlight accessory |
US6513775B1 (en) * | 2001-07-10 | 2003-02-04 | Rosalea Hostetler | Apparatus and method for standing crutches |
US7108395B2 (en) * | 2003-04-25 | 2006-09-19 | Carlos Correa | Illumination assembly usable with a plurality of devices |
US6908216B2 (en) * | 2003-07-17 | 2005-06-21 | Jack G. Love | Flashlight holder for fishing net |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100213147A1 (en) * | 2007-02-02 | 2010-08-26 | Hopper Weston S | Carousel for display and sale of goods |
US8141719B2 (en) * | 2007-02-02 | 2012-03-27 | Nova Ortho-Med, Inc. | Carousel for display and sale of goods |
US20100171357A1 (en) * | 2009-01-02 | 2010-07-08 | Russell Bonjour | Foot rest holder for wheelchairs |
US20130032130A1 (en) * | 2011-08-01 | 2013-02-07 | Jacques David A | User adjustable coupling device or hinge |
CN103075682A (en) * | 2012-12-31 | 2013-05-01 | 苏州承源光电科技有限公司 | Spot lamp for mop |
US10378691B2 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2019-08-13 | Typical 4, LLC | Trophy mount and skull clamp |
US20170248108A1 (en) * | 2014-11-19 | 2017-08-31 | Continental Automotive Gmbh | Fuel Rail Assembly for an Internal Combustion Engine |
US20190368700A1 (en) * | 2018-05-31 | 2019-12-05 | Wanjiong Lin | Lamp Installation Component |
US10670241B2 (en) * | 2018-06-01 | 2020-06-02 | Self Electronics Co., Ltd. | Lamp installation component |
US20230194058A1 (en) * | 2021-05-25 | 2023-06-22 | Ag Lighting Innovations, Llc | Lighting system for attachment to tubular structure |
US11852308B2 (en) * | 2021-05-25 | 2023-12-26 | Ag Lighting Innovations, Llc | Lighting system for attachment to tubular structure |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |