WO2018215819A1

WO2018215819A1 - Walking stick

Info

Publication number: WO2018215819A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/055797
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cesare Bonfiglioli
Original assignee: Acha S.R.L.
Priority date: 2017-05-24
Filing date: 2017-09-25
Publication date: 2018-11-29
Also published as: IT201700056315U1

Abstract

A walking stick (1) comprising: a shaft (2), a grip (3) connected to the shaft (2), a rotating element (4) for resting on the ground associated with an end of the shaft (2) distal from the grip (3), and a motor group (5) adapted to actuate the rotating element (4) for resting on the ground so as to set the stick itself in motion.

Description

WALKING STICK

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns a walking stick.

PRIOR ART

Walking sticks usually comprise a shaft equipped with a grip and an element for resting on the ground, which is fixed to the end of the shaft opposite the grip and is usually made of anti-skid rubber.

While walking, the user lifts the stick by holding it through the grip to carry it in front of himself/herself and, thereafter, by resting part of his/her own weight on the stick, takes one or two steps passing the point at which the support end has been positioned. At that point the user must once again lift the stick to take it in front of himself/herself and rest part of his/her weight on it.

A problem of walking sticks of the prior art is that for some users the act of lifting the stick during walking is tiring.

A purpose of the present invention is to overcome such limitations of the prior art, with a simple, rational and low-cost solution.

Such purposes are accomplished by the characteristics of the invention stated in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in particular, provides a walking stick comprising: a shaft, a grip connected to the shaft, a rotating element for resting on the ground associated with an end of the shaft distal from the grip, and a motor group adapted to actuate the rotating element for resting on the ground so as to set the stick itself in motion.

In this way, the user of the walking stick is no longer forced to lift the stick while walking to take it in front of himself/herself, since thanks to the motor group the user can keep the stick in a position, for example level with or in front of himself/herself, in which he/she can rest on the stick.

According to an aspect of the invention, the motor group can comprise an electric motor for actuating the support element.

In this way, the stick can also be used in closed environments or in any case areas in which internal combustion engines are not permitted.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the rotating element for resting on the ground can comprise a wheel rotatably associated with the shaft.

Thanks to such a solution, the support element is simple, rational and cost- effective. Moreover, it allows the walking stick to be easily carried in the case in which the motor group is not active.

Advantageously, the wheel can be rotatably associated with the shaft with respect to a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the rotating element for resting on the ground can comprise a further wheel rotatably associated with the shaft with respect to the rotational axis of the other wheel.

In this way, the stability of the walking stick is increased with respect to the solution with a single wheel.

According to another aspect of the invention, the motor group comprises an adjustment device of the rotation speed of the motor.

In this way, the user can adapt the advancing speed of the stick to his/her own walking speed.

Preferably, the motor group can comprise a battery, housed in a cavity formed inside the shaft, for powering the electric motor.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the stick can comprise an adjustment mechanism of the axial extension of the shaft.

Thanks to such a solution, the length of the shaft can be adapted to the height and to the preferences of the user.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the stick can comprise a light source adapted to generate a light beam facing in a forward direction of the walking stick.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the stick can be impermeable to liquids, i.e. be equipped with at least one gasket adapted to prevent the entry of liquids inside the stick itself.

In this way, the walking stick can also be used in the case of rain and along the shore, beside lakes, rivers and swimming pools, or even partially immersed in them.

According to another aspect of the invention, the stick can comprise a further rotating element for resting on the ground equipped with an idle wheel, which is rotatably associated with respect to a horizontal rotational axis with a support element, which is associated with a bracket fixedly connected to the shaft in a pivoting manner with respect to a rotational axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the wheel.

Thanks to such a solution, the stability of the stick is increased, which can thus also remain in vertical position even when it is not used. In addition, thanks to the pivoting support element, the further rotating element optimally follows the trajectories set by the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from reading the following description provided as an example and not for limiting purposes, with the help of the figures illustrated in the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a walking stick according to the invention. Figure 2 is a rear view of the walking stick in figure 1 , in which some inner components of the walking stick are schematically represented.

Figure 3 is a side view of the walking stick in figure 1 , in which some inner components of the walking stick are schematically represented.

Figure 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the walking stick.

Figure 5 is a side view of a further embodiment of the walking stick.

BEST EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

With particular reference to the figures, a walking stick equipped with a shaft

2, for example rectilinear, has been globally indicated with 1 .

The shaft 2 has a longitudinal axis Z, which is inclined with respect to the ground, for example it is substantially vertical, when the stick 1 is in use. The shaft 2 has a first portion 21 , for example tubular in shape, and a second portion 22, for example box-shaped.

The first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are distinct from one another and joined through fixing elements. The stick 1 comprises at least one gasket 21 g arranged between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 at a joining area between the two portions, adapted to prevent the entry of foreign elements, for example liquids, inside the shaft 2.

The first portion 21 comprises a cavity 23, which for example axially passes through the first portion itself.

The stick 1 comprises a grip 3, which is connected to the shaft 2 and has a longitudinal axis inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis Z, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z.

The grip 3 is connected to the first portion 21 of the shaft 2.

Said grip 3 comprises a rectilinear bar 31 and an anti-slip coating 32 that wraps around a portion of the rectilinear bar 31 and, for example, is shaped so as to promote the holding of the grip 3.

The grip 3 is connected to the shaft 2 through a sleeve 33, for example equipped with an end fixed to the grip 3; in other words said sleeve 33 projects canti-levered from the bar 31 .

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the sleeve 33 has a longitudinal axis inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the grip 3.

The sleeve 33 is equipped with an inner cavity 34 in which an end portion of the first portion 21 of the shaft 2 is slidably received.

In particular, the inner cavity 34 and said end portion are configured so as to make a prismatic coupling.

Preferably, the stick 1 comprises a gasket 34g arranged between the sleeve 33 and the shaft 2, i.e. the first portion 21 , for example positioned at the end of the sleeve 33 distal from the grip 3, adapted to prevent the entry of foreign bodies, for example liquids, in the cavity 34.

The stick 1 comprises an adjustment mechanism 24 of the axial extension of the shaft 2, which is adapted to vary the portion of shaft 2 inserted in the inner cavity 34 of the sleeve 33.

The adjustment mechanism 24 comprises a plurality of holes 25, made in the first portion 21 of the shaft 2, which are aligned along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis Z, and a pin 26 adapted to be inserted in a single through hole 27 made in the sleeve 33 and in the hole 25 positioned coaxial to the single through hole of the sleeve 33.

For example, the pin 26 comprises a knob adapted to be gripped to insert and extract the pin.

Preferably, the stick 1 comprises two adjustment mechanisms 24, for example positioned diametrically opposite with respect to the longitudinal axis Z.

Advantageously, the stick 1 can comprise a plurality of removable covers (not illustrated), each adapted to seal a respective hole 25, for example kept in a closed position of the hole 25 by an elastic element.

The stick 1 also comprises a rotating element 4 for resting on the ground, associated with an end of the shaft 2 distal from the grip 3.

Preferably, the rotating element 4 is associated with an end of the second portion 22 of the shaft 2, distal from the first portion 21 .

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the rotating element 4 for resting on the ground comprises a first wheel 41 rotatably associated with the end of the shaft 2 distal from the grip 3 according to a rotational axis X, for example perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z.

The first wheel 41 comprises a rim rotatably associated with the shaft 2 and a tyre, for example made of anti-skid material, which radially surrounds the rim. However, this does not rule out the possibility that the rim and the tyre can be made in a single piece.

Preferably, the rotating element 4 comprises a second wheel 42 rotatably associated with the end of the shaft 2 distal from the grip 3, according to the rotational axis X of the first wheel.

However, this does not rule out the possibility that the first wheel 41 and the second wheel 42 can be rotatably associated with the shaft 2 according to different rotational axes, for example incident to one another.

The first wheel 41 and the second wheel 42 are associated with the shaft 2 on opposite sides of the shaft itself.

Similarly to the first wheel 41 , the second wheel 42 comprises a rim rotatably associated with the shaft 2 and a tyre, for example made of anti-skid material, adapted to radially surround the rim.

This does not rule out the possibility that in an alternative embodiment the rotating element 4 can comprise one or more tracks.

The rotating element 4 comprises an inlet shaft rotatably associated with the shaft 2, for example at the second portion 22, and which passes through a wall of said shaft.

In the embodiment illustrated, the rotating element 4 comprises a first inlet shaft 41 a, connected to the first wheel 41 , rotatably associated with the shaft 2 and that passes through a wall of said shaft, for example of the second portion 22.

Moreover, the rotating element 4 comprises a second inlet shaft 42a connected to the second wheel 42, rotatably associated with the shaft 2 and that passes through a wall of said shaft, for example of the second portion 22.

The stick 1 comprises at least one gasket arranged between the inlet shaft of the rotating element 4 and the shaft 2, adapted to prevent the entry of foreign bodies, for example liquids, in the shaft 2.

In the preferred embodiment, the stick 1 comprises a gasket 22g arranged between the inlet shaft 41 a and the shaft 2, for example the second portion 22, adapted to prevent the entry of foreign bodies, for example liquids, inside the shaft 2, i.e. the second portion 22.

Furthermore, the stick 1 comprises a further gasket 22g arranged between the second inlet shaft 42a and the shaft 2, for example the second portion 22, adapted to prevent the entry of foreign bodies, for example liquids, inside the shaft 2, i.e. the second portion 22.

The stick 1 comprises a motor group 5 adapted to actuate the rotating element 4 for resting on the ground.

In other words, said motor group 5 is adapted to set the first wheel 41 in rotation with respect to the rotational axis X.

For example, the motor group 5 is adapted to also set the second wheel 42 in rotation with respect to the rotational axis X.

Preferably, the motor 5 is adapted to set the rotating element 4 in rotation in a single direction of rotation that defines the forward direction of the stick. The motor group 5 comprises an electric motor 51 housed in the second portion 22 of the shaft 2.

The motor group 5 also comprises a reducer arranged between an outlet shaft of the motor 51 and the inlet shaft of the rotating element 4, for example said reducer is arranged between the outlet shaft of the motor 51 and the first inlet shaft 41 a and the second inlet shaft 42a.

Moreover, the motor group 5 comprises a control station 52 connected to the motor, for example housed in the second portion 22 of the shaft 2, a switch 53 for turning the motor group 5 on and off, connected to the control station 52, and an adjustment device 54 of the rotation speed of the motor 5 connected to the control station 52.

For example, the control station 52 is of the impermeable type, i.e. enclosed in a hermetic container or wound in a coating not permeable to liquids.

Preferably, the switch 53 and the adjustment device 54 of the speed are associated with the sleeve 33 close to the grip 3.

In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment device 54 is arranged in a front portion, i.e. facing in a forward direction of the stick 1 , of the sleeve 33.

The switch 53 is arranged in a position diametrically opposite to the adjustment device 53, i.e. in a rear portion of the sleeve 33.

Moreover, the adjustment device 54 and the switch 53 are for example of the impermeable type.

Furthermore, the motor group 5 comprises a battery 55, for example a battery pack 55 housed in the cavity 23 of the shaft 2, for powering the motor 51 .

For example, the batteries 55 are wound in an impermeable coating.

The batteries 55 are of the rechargeable type and the motor group 5 comprises a plug 56 associated with the shaft 2 for recharging the batteries 55 through a connection to the electrical mains.

The plug 56 comprises a removable cover adapted to seal the plug, i.e. the inlet of the plug, and making it impermeable.

This does not rule out the possibility that in an alternative embodiment the motor group 5 can also comprise a braking mechanism of the rotating element 4 and/or of the motor 51 .

The stick 1 comprises a light source 6 adapted to generate a light beam facing in a forward direction of the walking stick.

The light source 6 is fixed to the second portion 22 of the shaft 2, for example at a height from the ground comprised between 10 cm and 30 cm.

Preferably, the light source 6 is of the LED type.

Moreover, in the embodiment of figure 4, the stick 1 comprises a support element 7, fixedly connected to the grip 3, for the forearm of a user of the stick 1 .

The support element 7 comprises a first portion 71 , substantially rectilinear and equipped with an end fixed to the grip 3, and a second portion 72 shaped substantially like a cradle and fixed to the first portion on an opposite end with respect to the grip 3.

The support element 7, for example the first portion 71 of the support element 7, is fixed to a rear portion of the grip 3, i.e. facing in the opposite direction with respect to the forward direction of the stick 1 .

In the embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the walking stick 1 comprises a further rotating element 8 for resting on the ground, for example independent from the motor group 5.

The further rotating element 8 for resting on the ground comprises an idle wheel 81 arranged rearward to the forward direction with respect to the first wheel 41 and to the second wheel 42.

The wheel 81 is rotatably associated in an idle manner with the shaft 2 with respect to a rotational axis W substantially parallel to the ground, i.e. horizontal.

In particular, the wheel 81 is rotatably associated in an idle manner with respect to the rotational axis W with a support element 82, which is associated in a pivoting manner with respect to a rotational axis Y with a bracket 83 fixedly connected to the shaft 2.

The rotational axis Y of the support element 82 is perpendicular to the rotational axis W of the wheel 81 , for example it is substantially vertical. Preferably, the rotational axis Y is parallel to the longitudinal axis Z of the shaft 2, for example it lies in a plane that contains the longitudinal axis Z, which is perpendicular to the rotational axis X and which is arranged between the first wheel 41 and the second wheel 42.

This does not rule out the possibility that the further rotating support element 8 can comprise another wheel rotatably associated with the support element 82 with respect to the rotational axis W, for example on the opposite side of the support element 82 with respect to the first wheel 81 .

This also does not rule out the possibility that the support element 82 can be fixedly connected to the bracket 83 and oriented so that the rotational axis W is parallel to the rotational axis X.

The bracket 83 is fixed at one end to the second portion 22 of the shaft 2. The operation of the walking stick 1 is as follows.

The user of the stick 1 , by acting on the switch 53, activates the motor group 5 and then, by acting on the adjustment device 54 of the speed while holding the grip 3, sets the stick 1 in motion at the desired speed and rests part of his/her own weight on it.

Preferably, it is provided for to simultaneously use two sticks 1 , one for each hand.

The invention thus conceived can undergo numerous modifications and variants all of which are covered by the inventive concept.

Moreover, all of the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. A walking stick (1 ) comprising: a shaft (2), a grip (3) connected to the shaft (2), a rotating element (4) for resting on the ground associated with an end of the shaft (2) distal from the grip (3), and a motor group (5) adapted to actuate the rotating element (4) for resting on the ground so as to set the stick itself in motion.

2. The stick (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the motor group (5) comprises an electric motor (51 ) for actuating the resting element (4).

3. The stick (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the rotating resting element (4) comprises a wheel (41 ) rotatably associated with the shaft (2).

4. The stick (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the wheel (41 ) is rotatably associated with the shaft (2) with respect to a rotational axis (X) substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (Z) of the shaft (2).

5. The stick (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the rotating resting element (4) comprises a further wheel (42) rotatably associated with the shaft (2) with respect to the rotational axis (X).

6. The stick (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the motor group (5) comprises an adjustment device 54 of the rotation speed of the motor (51 ).

7. The stick (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the motor group (5) comprises a battery (55), housed in a cavity (23) formed inside the shaft (2), for powering he electric motor (51 ).

8. The stick (1 ) according to claim 1 , comprising an adjustment mechanism (24) of the axial extension of the shaft (2).

9. The stick (1 ) according to claim 1 , comprising a light source (6) adapted to generate a light beam aimed in a forward direction of the walking stick (1 ).

10. The stick (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterised in that it is impermeable to liquids.

11. The stick (1 ) according to claim 5, characterised in that it comprises a further rotating element (8) for resting on the floor equipped with an idle wheel (81 ), which is rotatably associated with respect to a horizontal rotational axis (W) with a support element (82), which is associated with a bracket (83) integral with the shaft (2) in a pivoting manner with respect to a rotational axis (Y) perpendicular to the rotational axis (W) of the wheel (81 ).