US20160120279A1 - Anti-Slip Foot Assembly - Google Patents
Anti-Slip Foot Assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160120279A1 US20160120279A1 US14/994,070 US201614994070A US2016120279A1 US 20160120279 A1 US20160120279 A1 US 20160120279A1 US 201614994070 A US201614994070 A US 201614994070A US 2016120279 A1 US2016120279 A1 US 2016120279A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- foot assembly
- strut
- adapter
- socket
- toes
- 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.)
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45B—WALKING STICKS; UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS
- A45B9/00—Details
- A45B9/04—Ferrules or tips
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B91/00—Feet for furniture in general
- A47B91/04—Elastic supports
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H3/02—Crutches
- A61H3/0288—Ferrules or tips therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H3/00—Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about
- A61H3/02—Crutches
- A61H3/0277—Shock absorbers therefor
- A61H2003/0283—Shock absorbers therefor using elastomeric material
Definitions
- the disclosed technology relates generally to anti-slip strut tips, and particularly, to an environment-engaging “foot” assembly adapted to reduce lateral slipping on rugged terrain.
- the disclosed technology relates generally to anti-slip strut tips, and particularly, to a surface-engaging “foot” assembly adapted to reduce lateral slipping between the foot and surface.
- Axial forces applied from the strut to the foot assembly have a normal force component and a lateral force component.
- the normal force is perpendicular to the ground.
- the lateral force is parrallel to the ground.
- Anti-slip features are desirable when the strut is a component of an ambulatory device, such as a cane, walker, crutch or forearm crutch. Anti-slip is particularly important for the forearm crutch. Typical users suffer from partial paralysis, cerebral palsy, or similar afflictions, and rely on the forearm crutch to support nearly all of their weight throughout the day. Since these devices are used to support significant portions of a user's bodyweight, any slipping between the device and environment can be devastating.
- the disclosed anti-slip foot assembly provides a deformable surface adapted to securely grip environmental surfaces.
- a combination of structural design choices and material selection provides an improved contact path between foot and environment.
- the anti-slip foot assembly may be used as the terminal component of a strut, and in particular, an ambulatory device, to provide confident support, even when used on rugged terrain.
- the foot assembly may be attached to any strut that might benefit from non-slip properties. This includes, without limitation, crutch, cane, walker, forearm crutch, hiking pose, prosthetic foot, robotic foot, ladder, outrigger, or chair.
- the anti-slip foot assembly is securable to a forearm crutch.
- Flexible “toes” surround a central heel pad. The toes are adapted to resist lateral slipping forces, while the heel pad is adapted to resist axial forces from the strut (for example, in the crutch embodiment, to support the user's weight).
- the toes are manufactured from an elastomer, allowing them to flex independently of each other.
- the allocation of forces among the toes may vary depending on nature of the surface they engage.
- the foot assembly first distributes the applied force over the separate toes. If one of the toes encounters an obstacle (such as a pebble), the remaining toes will still engage the ground and provide sufficient contact area for traction.
- the foot assembly comes into contact with a wet surface (for example, a puddle), the foot disperses liquid between the channels of the “toes,” further improving the anti-slip properties.
- a wet surface for example, a puddle
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a foot assembly embodiment.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a non-slip foot embodiment.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of a non-slip foot embodiment.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a foot assembly with a retractable cleat.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a foot assembly contacting a surface obstacle.
- FIG. 6 a illustrates a top-three-quarters view of a foot assembly.
- FIG. 6 b illustrates a top view of a foot assembly.
- FIG. 6 c illustrates a bottom view of a foot assembly.
- FIG. 6 d illustrates a bottom-three-quarters view of a foot assembly.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a cut-away side view of a foot assembly with universal adapter.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an anti-slip foot assembly embodiment.
- a preferred embodiment of the foot assembly includes three flexible toes 101 surrounding a heel pad 103 .
- the foot is bolted to an adapter 105 , which is in turn secured to a strut 107 .
- a fastener 109 runs through a washer 111 and then through the foot and the adapter 105 , securing the two components together.
- the strut 107 includes a threaded end 113 .
- the adapter 105 includes a socket threaded to accept the threaded end 113 of the strut 107 .
- This embodiment is securable to the ground-engaging end of a forearm crutch. In such circumstances, the foot assembly is sometimes referred to as a “ferrule.”
- the design may be secured to any strut that may benefit from anti-slip properties.
- the ground-engaging face 115 of the toes is covered in a tread pattern.
- the peripheral edges 117 of the toes are also covered in a tread pattern.
- the tread pattern further increases anti-slip properties on rough terrain.
- the toes 101 are designed to securely engage a surface and prevent lateral slip.
- the toes 101 also absorb initial shock upon impact with the ground. If one of the toes 101 encounters an obstacle, it can flex independently to allow the remaining toes to firmly engage the ground.
- Channels. Channels 119 between the toes allow liquid to disperse from beneath the foot. When the foot is used on a puddle or wet surface, the channels allow liquid to flow away from the toe-ground contact area. In other embodiments, the individual toes touch each other, without channels in between.
- the height of the foot assembly is about 1.5 inches, the widest circumference at the toes is 9.3 inches, and the narrowest circumference of the foot assembly is 4.8 inches.
- the foot assembly may be miniaturized for tiny robotic appendages, or scaled up for industrial uses, such as outriggers.
- the toes are manufactured from an material with an elastic modulus of between 0.2 and 0.4 GPa, and with sufficient toughness (tear-resistance) to withstand cyclical engagement with rugged outdoor surfaces.
- Acceptable materials include, without limitation, elastomers such as a purlyurethane blend; an isoprene; a polyisoprene; a natural rubber; a silicone; a butyl rubber (IIR, BIIR, or CIIR) or a cross linkage of EPDM rubber and polypropylenesantoprene.
- the preferred embodiment includes a heel pad 104 arranged at a center of the foot.
- the pad is designed to support axial forces on the strut.
- a surface-engaging face of the heel pad 121 includes a tread pattern.
- the central heel pad is manufactured from an elastomer such as natural rubber, an isoprene, a silicone or a santoprene.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an anti-slip foot assembly embodiment.
- the toes 101 are covered in a bottom tread patter 115 and a side tread pattern 117 .
- the toes are separated by channels 119 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of an anti-slip foot assembly embodiment.
- Three toes 101 surround a heel pad 103 .
- Channels 119 separate the toes 101 .
- the width of the toes 301 is between 1 ⁇ 4 and 1 inch. In another embodiment, the toe width is between 1 ⁇ 3 to 1/10 of the outer circumference of the foot assembly.
- the lower face of the toes may be curved up away from the lower plane of the heel pad.
- Toe flexibility may be reduced by adding a bridge 303 from the toe's inner face 305 to the heel pad 103 .
- the foot assembly includes a retractable cleat assembly.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment with a retractable spike assembly.
- a plurality of retractable cleats 401 are provided on the bottom of an internal “power screw” or “rack and pinion” arrangement 403 .
- This embodiment may be particularly useful for strut tips that are used on both icy and non-icy surfaces. On icy surfaces, the cleats may be extended for improved traction. On other surfaces, the cleats are retracted to minimize wear.
- the outer face 405 of the foot assembly may be rotated relative to the strut 407 .
- An inner face of the foot assembly is threaded.
- the retractable cleats may be manufactured from a metal such as stainless steel or aluminium alloy.
- the power screw housing may be manufactured from a polycarbonate plastic material.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an anti-slip foot assembly embodiment in use.
- a first toe 503 of the foot assembly has come into contact with an obstacle 501 (for example, a pebble).
- the first toe 503 flexes independently to conform to the contours of the surface obstacle 501 .
- the remaining toes 505 remain securely engaged to the ground surface. This provides improved traction, even on rugged terrain.
- FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate a slip-on or press-on embodiment of an anti-slip foot. This embodiment allows the foot to be mounted onto a strut by receiving an end of the strut into a press-fit strut socket. Examples of such a strut may include, without limitation, a crutch, cane, walker, forearm crutch, hiking pole, prosthetic foot, robotic foot, ladder, outrigger or chair.
- FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate a universal sized opening 601 that will accommodate multiple sizes of devices.
- Strut-socket opening 601 is a tri-lobed stretchable opening which converges slightly in diameter as it gets deeper into the foot.
- the strut-socket opening 601 is 2 inches deep. In other embodiments, the opening may be deeper or shallower, as necessary to sufficiently secure the anti-slip foot to the strut.
- FIG. 6 c also illustrates the use of two bridges 303 from the toe's inner face 305 to the heal pad 103 .
- the use of two bridges may help decrease the independent flexibility of the toes.
- the width, material, and number of bridges may be adjusted to further increase or reduce the ability of the toes to flex independently of each other and of the central heel-pad.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the anti-slip foot with a universal adapter for receiving a strut.
- a universal adapter 701 may include an end with a mounting peg 702 insertable into the strut socket of the anti-slip foot.
- the mounting peg insertable into the strut socket may be secured by, for example, a press-fit connection, by glue, by screws or other well-known fasteners.
- the universal adapter 701 (or mounting peg) can take any form that allows for mounting of the FIG. 7 assembly to a device requiring a non-slip foot.
- Adaptor 701 may be permanently bonded or glued to an non-slip foot.
- An upper face of the adapter may include a threaded end for threadably securing the adapter to a strut.
- the universal adapter may be molded as part of the strut itself.
- the upper face may be securable to a strut by any other known mechanism.
Abstract
An anti-slip foot assembly for a strut is disclosed. An embodiment of the anti-slip assembly includes a heel pad adapted to resist normal forces applied by the strut, a plurality of independently flexible toes adapted to resist the lateral forces that tend to cause slipping. A foot assembly with retractable cleat system is also disclosed.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation of U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 14/260,123, filed Apr. 23, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 13/451,825, filed Apr. 20, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,720,459, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- The disclosed technology relates generally to anti-slip strut tips, and particularly, to an environment-engaging “foot” assembly adapted to reduce lateral slipping on rugged terrain.
- The disclosed technology relates generally to anti-slip strut tips, and particularly, to a surface-engaging “foot” assembly adapted to reduce lateral slipping between the foot and surface.
- Axial forces applied from the strut to the foot assembly (and in turn to a surface) have a normal force component and a lateral force component. The normal force is perpendicular to the ground. The lateral force is parrallel to the ground.
- Unless the axial force from the strut is perfectly perpendicular to the surface, there will be a lateral component that will tend to cause the foot to slip along the surface. The force of friction between the foot assembly and the surface tends to resist slipping.
- Many types of prior art feet fail to properly grip rugged terrain (including cracked surfaces, uneven sidewalks, pebbles and small obstacles, inclined surfaces, sand and gravel, and in various puddles of liquid). As a result, these prior art feet may not provide sufficient traction to counteract applied lateral forces, and the strut may slip.
- Anti-slip features are desirable when the strut is a component of an ambulatory device, such as a cane, walker, crutch or forearm crutch. Anti-slip is particularly important for the forearm crutch. Typical users suffer from partial paralysis, cerebral palsy, or similar afflictions, and rely on the forearm crutch to support nearly all of their weight throughout the day. Since these devices are used to support significant portions of a user's bodyweight, any slipping between the device and environment can be devastating.
- Such slipping can lead to the user's sudden loss of balance and stumbling, and may result in serious injury. Every year, an estimated 10,000 people suffer injuries—from broken bones to concussions—from falling during use of their forearm crutches.
- There is a need for a foot assembly with improved gripping properties, especially on rugged terrain.
- The disclosed anti-slip foot assembly provides a deformable surface adapted to securely grip environmental surfaces. A combination of structural design choices and material selection provides an improved contact path between foot and environment. The anti-slip foot assembly may be used as the terminal component of a strut, and in particular, an ambulatory device, to provide confident support, even when used on rugged terrain.
- The foot assembly may be attached to any strut that might benefit from non-slip properties. This includes, without limitation, crutch, cane, walker, forearm crutch, hiking pose, prosthetic foot, robotic foot, ladder, outrigger, or chair.
- In a preferred embodiment, the anti-slip foot assembly is securable to a forearm crutch. Flexible “toes” surround a central heel pad. The toes are adapted to resist lateral slipping forces, while the heel pad is adapted to resist axial forces from the strut (for example, in the crutch embodiment, to support the user's weight).
- The toes are manufactured from an elastomer, allowing them to flex independently of each other. The allocation of forces among the toes may vary depending on nature of the surface they engage. When the foot contacts the ground, and the strut applies a force, the foot assembly first distributes the applied force over the separate toes. If one of the toes encounters an obstacle (such as a pebble), the remaining toes will still engage the ground and provide sufficient contact area for traction.
- If the foot assembly comes into contact with a wet surface (for example, a puddle), the foot disperses liquid between the channels of the “toes,” further improving the anti-slip properties.
- The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the foot assembly have been described, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of strut tip assemblies. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.
- Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a foot assembly embodiment. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a non-slip foot embodiment. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of a non-slip foot embodiment. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a foot assembly with a retractable cleat. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a foot assembly contacting a surface obstacle. -
FIG. 6a illustrates a top-three-quarters view of a foot assembly. -
FIG. 6b illustrates a top view of a foot assembly. -
FIG. 6c illustrates a bottom view of a foot assembly. -
FIG. 6d illustrates a bottom-three-quarters view of a foot assembly. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a cut-away side view of a foot assembly with universal adapter. - The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.
- Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured.
-
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- a. Friction—is not used in its strict tribological sense, but in broader definition, encompassing traction as well as any force or combination of forces that tend to resist sliding motion between two bodies.
- b. Traction—is the physical process in which a tangential force is transmitted across an interface between two bodies resulting in stoppage of relative motion between the bodies.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an anti-slip foot assembly embodiment. - Overview. A preferred embodiment of the foot assembly includes three
flexible toes 101 surrounding aheel pad 103. The foot is bolted to anadapter 105, which is in turn secured to astrut 107. Afastener 109 runs through awasher 111 and then through the foot and theadapter 105, securing the two components together. Thestrut 107 includes a threadedend 113. Theadapter 105 includes a socket threaded to accept the threadedend 113 of thestrut 107. This embodiment is securable to the ground-engaging end of a forearm crutch. In such circumstances, the foot assembly is sometimes referred to as a “ferrule.” In other embodiments, the design may be secured to any strut that may benefit from anti-slip properties. - Tread. The ground-engaging
face 115 of the toes is covered in a tread pattern. In the preferred embodiment, theperipheral edges 117 of the toes are also covered in a tread pattern. The tread pattern further increases anti-slip properties on rough terrain. - Toes—Function. The
toes 101 are designed to securely engage a surface and prevent lateral slip. Thetoes 101 also absorb initial shock upon impact with the ground. If one of thetoes 101 encounters an obstacle, it can flex independently to allow the remaining toes to firmly engage the ground. - Channels.
Channels 119 between the toes allow liquid to disperse from beneath the foot. When the foot is used on a puddle or wet surface, the channels allow liquid to flow away from the toe-ground contact area. In other embodiments, the individual toes touch each other, without channels in between. - Size. In the preferred embodiment, the height of the foot assembly is about 1.5 inches, the widest circumference at the toes is 9.3 inches, and the narrowest circumference of the foot assembly is 4.8 inches. However, other embodiments may take different sizes. For example, the foot assembly may be miniaturized for tiny robotic appendages, or scaled up for industrial uses, such as outriggers.
- Material. In the preferred embodiment, the toes are manufactured from an material with an elastic modulus of between 0.2 and 0.4 GPa, and with sufficient toughness (tear-resistance) to withstand cyclical engagement with rugged outdoor surfaces. Acceptable materials include, without limitation, elastomers such as a purlyurethane blend; an isoprene; a polyisoprene; a natural rubber; a silicone; a butyl rubber (IIR, BIIR, or CIIR) or a cross linkage of EPDM rubber and polypropylenesantoprene.
- Heel Pad. The preferred embodiment includes a heel pad 104 arranged at a center of the foot. The pad is designed to support axial forces on the strut. A surface-engaging face of the
heel pad 121 includes a tread pattern. - Material. The central heel pad is manufactured from an elastomer such as natural rubber, an isoprene, a silicone or a santoprene.
-
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an anti-slip foot assembly embodiment. Thetoes 101 are covered in abottom tread patter 115 and aside tread pattern 117. The toes are separated bychannels 119. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of an anti-slip foot assembly embodiment. Threetoes 101 surround aheel pad 103.Channels 119 separate thetoes 101. The width of thetoes 301 is between ¼ and 1 inch. In another embodiment, the toe width is between ⅓ to 1/10 of the outer circumference of the foot assembly. The lower face of the toes may be curved up away from the lower plane of the heel pad. - Toe flexibility may be reduced by adding a
bridge 303 from the toe'sinner face 305 to theheel pad 103. - Retractable Spike Assembly. In another embodiment, the foot assembly includes a retractable cleat assembly.
-
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment with a retractable spike assembly. In this embodiment, a plurality ofretractable cleats 401 are provided on the bottom of an internal “power screw” or “rack and pinion”arrangement 403. This embodiment may be particularly useful for strut tips that are used on both icy and non-icy surfaces. On icy surfaces, the cleats may be extended for improved traction. On other surfaces, the cleats are retracted to minimize wear. - The
outer face 405 of the foot assembly may be rotated relative to thestrut 407. An inner face of the foot assembly is threaded. When the foot assembly is rotated, thecleats 401 below the lower face of the foot assembly, or retract the cleats into thefoot assembly housing 409. - Material. The retractable cleats may be manufactured from a metal such as stainless steel or aluminium alloy. The power screw housing may be manufactured from a polycarbonate plastic material.
-
FIG. 5 .FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an anti-slip foot assembly embodiment in use. Afirst toe 503 of the foot assembly has come into contact with an obstacle 501 (for example, a pebble). Thefirst toe 503 flexes independently to conform to the contours of thesurface obstacle 501. The remainingtoes 505 remain securely engaged to the ground surface. This provides improved traction, even on rugged terrain. - Press-Fit Strut Socket.
FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a slip-on or press-on embodiment of an anti-slip foot. This embodiment allows the foot to be mounted onto a strut by receiving an end of the strut into a press-fit strut socket. Examples of such a strut may include, without limitation, a crutch, cane, walker, forearm crutch, hiking pole, prosthetic foot, robotic foot, ladder, outrigger or chair. - Tri-lobed Opening.
FIGS. 6a and 6b illustrate a universalsized opening 601 that will accommodate multiple sizes of devices. Strut-socket opening 601 is a tri-lobed stretchable opening which converges slightly in diameter as it gets deeper into the foot. In a preferred embodiment, the strut-socket opening 601 is 2 inches deep. In other embodiments, the opening may be deeper or shallower, as necessary to sufficiently secure the anti-slip foot to the strut. - Toe-Heelpad Bridges.
FIG. 6c also illustrates the use of twobridges 303 from the toe'sinner face 305 to the healpad 103. The use of two bridges may help decrease the independent flexibility of the toes. The width, material, and number of bridges may be adjusted to further increase or reduce the ability of the toes to flex independently of each other and of the central heel-pad. - Universal Adapter.
FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the anti-slip foot with a universal adapter for receiving a strut. - A
universal adapter 701 may include an end with a mountingpeg 702 insertable into the strut socket of the anti-slip foot. The mounting peg insertable into the strut socket that may be secured by, for example, a press-fit connection, by glue, by screws or other well-known fasteners. - The universal adapter 701 (or mounting peg) can take any form that allows for mounting of the
FIG. 7 assembly to a device requiring a non-slip foot.Adaptor 701 may be permanently bonded or glued to an non-slip foot. An upper face of the adapter may include a threaded end for threadably securing the adapter to a strut. In another embodiment, the universal adapter may be molded as part of the strut itself. In another embodiment, the upper face may be securable to a strut by any other known mechanism. - Although embodiments have been described in detail, the invention is not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive.
Claims (19)
1. An apparatus comprising:
an anti-slip foot assembly comprising:
a top surface comprising a socket adapted to receive an adapter therein;
a plurality of flexible toes extending downward from the top surface of the assembly to a bottom surface thereof, each toe comprising:
an outer face;
an inner face; and
a bottom, ground-engaging face,
wherein each toe is separated from the others such that each toe is independently flexible; and
a heel-pad extending from within an interior of the assembly to the bottom surface thereof, the heel-pad comprising a bottom, ground-engaging surface; and
an adapter connected to the socket of the anti-slip foot assembly, the adapter comprising:
a top portion adapted to be connected to a bottom end of a strut;
a bottom portion adapted be connected to the socket of the foot assembly.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the foot assembly socket comprises a stretchable opening.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the bottom portion of the adapter comprises a mounting peg insertable into the foot assembly socket.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the top portion of the adapter comprises a threaded end for threadably securing the adapter to a bottom, threaded end of a strut.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the foot assembly socket comprises a tri-lobed stretchable opening.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the top portion of the adapter comprises a threaded end for threadably securing the adapter to a bottom, threaded end of a strut.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the bottom portion of the adapter comprises a mounting peg insertable into the socket of the anti-slip foot assembly.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the mounting peg is secured to the socket via a press-fit connection, glue, or by screws.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each toe is separated from the heel-pad by one or more channels.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising one or more bridges extending from the heel-pad to the inner surface of one or more of the toes.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein each toe is separated from the other by one or more channels.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each toe comprises a bottom tread pattern.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each toe comprises an outer tread pattern.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the number of toes is three.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the number of toes is four.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a strut connected to the adapter.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the adapter is an integrated component of the strut.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the heel-pad is aligned to an axis of the socket and strut.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein:
the socket is centrally located on the top surface of the foot assembly;
the toes radiate around the bottom surface of the foot assembly; and
the heel-pad is located in the center of the toes.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/994,070 US20160120279A1 (en) | 2012-04-20 | 2016-01-12 | Anti-Slip Foot Assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/451,825 US8720459B2 (en) | 2012-04-20 | 2012-04-20 | Anti-slip foot assembly |
US14/260,123 US9259063B2 (en) | 2012-04-20 | 2014-04-23 | Anti-slip foot assembly |
US14/994,070 US20160120279A1 (en) | 2012-04-20 | 2016-01-12 | Anti-Slip Foot Assembly |
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US14/260,123 Continuation US9259063B2 (en) | 2012-04-20 | 2014-04-23 | Anti-slip foot assembly |
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US20160120279A1 true US20160120279A1 (en) | 2016-05-05 |
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US20150374082A1 (en) * | 2014-06-25 | 2015-12-31 | Alltech Design, LLC | Cane base |
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US9724593B2 (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2017-08-08 | Hamboards Holdings, Llc | Pusher tip and associated systems |
US10064464B1 (en) * | 2017-05-16 | 2018-09-04 | Bernardo Birnbaum | Shoe with retractable spike mechanism for canes and crutches |
WO2021130799A1 (en) * | 2019-12-23 | 2021-07-01 | 株式会社ケアリング | All-weather walking stick |
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WO2006047413A2 (en) * | 2004-10-25 | 2006-05-04 | Nexstep Mobility, Llc | Crutch |
US9144275B1 (en) * | 2014-08-20 | 2015-09-29 | Bernardo Birnbaum | Shoe for canes and crutches |
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FR963349A (en) * | 1950-07-05 | |||
US2910995A (en) * | 1956-07-10 | 1959-11-03 | Jacuzzi Bros Inc | Crutch tip |
FR1170911A (en) * | 1957-03-12 | 1959-01-20 | Rod end | |
US4881564A (en) * | 1987-10-22 | 1989-11-21 | Thomas Fetterman | Crutch tip |
US5178176A (en) * | 1991-06-17 | 1993-01-12 | Thomas Fetterman | Slip-resistant crutch tip |
BE1008316A5 (en) * | 1994-04-06 | 1996-04-02 | Zune Robert | Walking cane with an anti-slip tip |
US6138699A (en) * | 1998-11-10 | 2000-10-31 | Max Health Corporation | Anti-slip base for a crutch |
US7588044B2 (en) * | 2006-08-11 | 2009-09-15 | Baker William H | Foot assembly for a walking aid |
US8166990B2 (en) * | 2007-07-02 | 2012-05-01 | Core Consulting, Llc | Crutch assembly |
US20100313925A1 (en) * | 2009-06-16 | 2010-12-16 | Jin Shan Jiang | Base structure for a walking stick |
-
2014
- 2014-04-23 US US14/260,123 patent/US9259063B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2016
- 2016-01-12 US US14/994,070 patent/US20160120279A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
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US3906971A (en) * | 1971-02-26 | 1975-09-23 | Murray Burnstine | Aids for the visually handicapped |
WO2006047413A2 (en) * | 2004-10-25 | 2006-05-04 | Nexstep Mobility, Llc | Crutch |
US20150374082A1 (en) * | 2014-06-25 | 2015-12-31 | Alltech Design, LLC | Cane base |
US9144275B1 (en) * | 2014-08-20 | 2015-09-29 | Bernardo Birnbaum | Shoe for canes and crutches |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150374082A1 (en) * | 2014-06-25 | 2015-12-31 | Alltech Design, LLC | Cane base |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9259063B2 (en) | 2016-02-16 |
US20140251398A1 (en) | 2014-09-11 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RW TRULAND I, LLC, VIRGINIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:EGG DESIGN LLC;MOULTON, REYNOLDS E., III;RODE, STEPHEN HEWETT;SIGNING DATES FROM 20120501 TO 20140522;REEL/FRAME:037469/0954 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |