WO2024118971A1

WO2024118971A1 - Walking cane

Info

Publication number: WO2024118971A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/081917
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicholas MASI
Original assignee: Masi Nicholas
Priority date: 2022-11-30
Filing date: 2023-11-30
Publication date: 2024-06-06

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of a walking cane are provided. The walking cane can include a vertical shaft having a top end, a bottom end and a central vertical axis, an extension at the bottom end of the shaft provided at an angle relative to the shaft at a first end of the extension, and a vertical base having a top portion at a second end of the extension, a bottom portion and a central vertical axis, wherein the central vertical axis of the shaft is horizontally offset from the central vertical axis of the base.

Description

WALKING CANE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application relates to and claims priority from United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/429,028 filed November 30, 2022. the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of a walking cane, and more particularly, to exemplary embodiments of a walking cane having a base that is horizontally offset from the shaft.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0003] Individuals can lack mobility due to age, medical conditions or a variety of other factors. As a result, many individuals commonly use mechanical aids or devices such as walking canes to support them while walking over various surfaces. However, many individuals commonly hit their foot on the bottom of the walking cane due to its close proximity to a foot of a user while in use. which can cause these individuals to lose their balance and trip or fall, possibly injuring themselves. The device of the present application provides a safe walking cane by extending the bottom of the walking cane outward so it is less likely to hit the foot of a user.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for a walking cane. In some exemplary embodiments, a walking cane can be provided, the walking cane comprising a vertical shaft having a top end, a bottom end and a central vertical axis, an extension at the botom end of the shaft provided at an angle relative to the shaft at a first end of the extension, and a vertical base having a top portion at a second end of the extension, a bottom portion and a central vertical axis, wherein the central vertical axis of the shaft is horizontally offset from the central vertical axis of the base. The walking cane can further comprise a handle at the top end of the shaft.

[0005] In some exemplary embodiments, the first end of the extension is provided at a right angle to the bottom end of the shaft. In some exemplary⁷ embodiments, the top portion of the base is provided at a right angle to the second end of the extension. In some exemplary embodiments, the first end of the extension is curved outward from the bottom end of the shaft. The first end of the extension is curved at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees at the bottom end of the shaft. In some exemplary embodiments, the second end of the extension is curved outward to the top portion of the base. The second end of the extension is curved at an angle of approximately⁷ 120 degrees to approximately 150 degrees to the top portion of the base.

[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, a walking cane can be provided, the walking cane comprising a vertical shaft having a top end, a bottom end and a central vertical axis, an extension extending outward from the bottom end of the shaft at a first end of the extension, and a vertical base having a top portion at a second end of the extension, a bottom portion and a central vertical axis, wherein the top portion of the base extends from the second end of the extension, wherein the shaft and base both extend in a same direction and the central vertical axis of the shaft is horizontally offset from the central vertical axis of the base.

[0007] In some exemplary embodiments, the first end of the extension is provided at a right angle to the bottom end of the shaft. In some exemplary embodiments, the top portion of the base is provided at a right angle to the second end of the extension. In some exemplary embodiments, the first end of the extension is curved outward from the bottom end of the shaft at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees at the bottom end of the shaft. In some exemplary embodiments, the second end of the extension is curved outward to the top portion of the base at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to approximately 150 degrees to the top portion of the base.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, a walking cane can be provided, the walking cane comprising a vertical shaft having a top end, a bottom end and a central vertical axis, an extension having a first curved end at the bottom end of the shaft extending away from the shaft, and a second curved end, and a vertical base having a top portion at the second curved end of the extension, a bottom portion and a central vertical axis, wherein the central vertical axis of the shaft is horizontally offset from the central vertical axis of the vertical base.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the walking cane further comprises a handle at the top end of the shaft, the handle having a first handle portion extending outward from the top end of the shaft and a second handle portion extending outward from the top end of the shaft in a direction opposite the first handle portion. In some exemplary embodiments, the first end of the extension is curved at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees at the bottom end of the shaft. In some exemplary embodiments, the second end of the extension is curved at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to approximately 150 degrees to the top portion of the base.

[0010] In some exemplary⁷ embodiments, the walking cane further comprises a ferrule at the bottom portion of the vertical base. In some exemplary⁷ embodiments, the extension has a length of approximately 2 inches to approximately 8 inches. In some exemplary⁷ embodiments, the base has a length of approximately 3 inches to approximately 9 inches. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing and other objects of the present disclosure will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a walking cane according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2A illustrates a w alking cane for a right-handed user according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2B illustrates a w alking cane for a left-handed user according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a walking cane in use according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 4 illustrates a walking cane according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0017] Figure 5 illustrates a bottom portion of a walking cane according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject disclosure will now- be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF DISCLOSURE

[0019] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for a walking cane that has a lower safety feature to help avoid stumbling and tripping. Exemplary embodiments of the various methods and apparatuses will now be described with reference to the figures. The following description of the various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a walking cane according to an exemplary' embodiment of the present disclosure. As show n in Figure 1 , a walking cane 100 can have a shaft 110 that extends vertically from a top end 110a to a bottom end 110b. The top end 110a of the shaft 110 can be connected to or made integral with a handle 120 for a user to hold. The handle 120 can be provided at a right angle to the shaft 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the handle 120 can include a soft grip (not shown) for an easy grip for a user. The handle 120 can include a first end 120a and a second end 120b. In some exemplary' embodiments, the second end 120b can extend further from the shaft 110 than the first end 120a such that a user can grip or hold a length of the handle 120 extending from the shaft 110 to the second end 120b with their hand when using the walking cane 100. The first end 110a can extend approximately 2 inches to approximately 5 inches from the shaft 110, and the second end 110b can extend approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches from the shaft 110. The handle 120 is not limited to any particular length or thickness and can be constructed accordingly for different users with smaller and larger hands, or can have a universal size.

[0021] The lower end 110b includes an extension 130 that can be provided at an angle to the lower end 110b of the shaft 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the extension 130 can be provided at a right angle to the shaft 110. The extension 130 can have a length W of approximately 2 inches to approximately 8 inches, and in some exemplary’ embodiments can have a length of approximately 3 inches. The extension 130 can have a first end 130a at the lower end 11 Ob of the shaft 110, and a second end 130b opposite to the first end 130a connected to a base 140.

[0022] The base 140 can be provided at an angle to the extension 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the base 140 can be provided at a right angle to the extension 130. The base 140 can have a length L of approximately 3 inches to approximately 9 inches, and in some exemplary embodiments can have a length of approximately 6 inches. The base 140 extends to a bottom 150 of the walking cane 100. The bottom 150 of the walking cane 100 can have a ferrule 155 (e.g., rubber ferrule) to provide a gripping surface to prevent slipping of the walking cane 100 on a floor surface in use and to prevent wear.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the shaft 110 can have a central vertical axis 115 and the base 140 can have a central vertical axis 145. Because of the length of the extension 130, the central vertical axis 115 of the shaft 110 is horizontally offset from the central vertical axis 145 of the base 140. This allows the base 140 to be away from a user’s foot when a user holds the handle 120 ofthe walking cane 100. This can prevent the user from tripping on the base 140 or bottom 150 of the walking cane 100 as the bottom 140 is horizontally offset from the shaft 110.

[0024] The shaft 110, handle 120, extension 130 and base 140 can have a solid or hollow construction. In some exemplary embodiments, the shaft 110, handle 120, extension 130 and base 140 can have a cylindrical shape, but are not restricted to any particular shape or crosssection. The shaft 110, handle 120, extension 130 and base 140 can each be manufactured to be integral with each other, or can be assembled together in some embodiments to assist in portability or packaging. For example, these parts can be screw threaded to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, just the shaft 110, extension 130 and base 140 can be integrally formed and the handle 120 can be separate. The shaft 110, handle 120, extension 130 and base

140 can each have a similar diameter or thickness. [0025] Figure 2A illustrates a walking cane 100 for a right-handed user according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2B illustrates a walking cane 200 for a left-handed user according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The walking cane 100 and walking cane 200 can be similar in many aspects, but for walking cane 200 the extension 230 is provided at an opposite angle to the shaft 210 than the extension 130 of walking cane 100 to the shaft 110. That is, although the extension 230 is still provided at an angle to the shaft 210, the extension 230 extends in an opposite direction to the shaft 210 than the extension 130 does to shaft 110, to accommodate the left foot of a user when gripped by the left hand. The base 240 extends downward from the extension 230 as the base 140 extends downward from the extension 130.

[0026] Figure 3 illustrates a walking cane in use according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, when a user 160 uses the walking cane 100, the extension 130 and base 140 provide a clearance area 180 such that a user’s right foot 170 does not hit the base 140 or bottom 150 of the walking cane 100. The walking cane 200, as shown in Figure 2B, provides a similar clearance area of a user’s left foot when gripped by a lefthanded user. This can prevent tripping, slipping and falling for users that is common with canes that have a vertical shaft from the handle to the bottom.

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates a walking cane according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 illustrates a bottom portion of the walking cane according to an exemplary' embodiment of the present disclosure. The walking cane 400 can have a shaft 410 that extends vertically from a top portion connected to a handle 420 to a bottom portion connected to the extension 430. The top portion of the shaft 410 can be connected to or made integral with the handle 420 for a user to hold. The handle 120 can be provided at a right angle to the shaft 410. The handle 420 can include a first handle 420a and a second handle 420b that can have a similar length extending from the shaft 410 outward. Each handle 420a and 420b can have a length of approximately 4 inches to approximately 8 inches from the shaft 410 to an outer end thereof. Each handle 420a and 420b can include a soft grip for an easy grip for a user, and can have a bulbous shape to accommodate a hand of a user. The handles 420a and 420b are not limited to any particular length or thickness and can be constructed accordingly for different users with smaller and larger hands, or can have a universal size.

[0028] An extension 430 can be provided at an angle x to the bottom portion of the shaft 410 at a first end 430a, as shown in Figure 5. In some exemplary embodiments, the angle x can be approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, and in some exemplary embodiments, the angle x can be approximately 45 degrees. The extension 430 can be curved away from the bottom of the shaft 410 at the first end 430a rather than at a straight angle. The extension 430 can have a length W of approximately 2 inches to approximately 9 inches from the first end 430a to second end 430b, and in some exemplary embodiments can have a length of approximately 6-7 inches.

[0029] The base 440 can be provided at an angle y to the extension 430 at a second end 430b. In some exemplary embodiments, the angle y can be approximately 120 degrees to approximately 150 degrees, and in some exemplary embodiments, the angle y can be approximately 135 degrees. The base 440 can be curved away from the second end 430b of the extension 430 rather than at a straight angle. The base 440 can have a length L of approximately 3 inches to approximately 9 inches, and in some exemplary embodiments can have a length of approximately 6 inches. The base 440 extends to a bottom 450 of the walking cane 400. The bottom 450 of the walking cane 400 can have a ferrule 455 (e.g.. rubber ferrule) to provide a gripping surface to prevent slipping of the walking cane 400 on a floor surface in use and to prevent wear.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the shaft 410 can have a central vertical axis 415 and the base 440 can have a central vertical axis 445. Because of the length and curvature of the extension 430 between the shaft 410 and base 440, the central vertical axis 415 of the shaft 410 is horizontally offset from the central vertical axis 445 of the base 440. This allows the base 440 to be away from a user’s foot when a user holds the handle 420 of the walking cane 400. This can prevent the user from tripping on the base 440 or bottom 450 of the walking cane 400 as the bottom 440 is horizontally offset from the shaft 410.

[0031] The shaft 410, handle 420, extension 430 and base 440 can have a solid or hollow construction. In some exemplary embodiments, the shaft 410, handle 420, extension 430 and base 440 can have a cylindrical shape, but are not restricted to any particular shape or crosssection. The shaft 410, handle 420, extension 430 and base 440 can each be manufactured to be integrally formed as one piece, or can be assembled together in some embodiments to assist in portability or packaging. For example, these parts can be screw threaded to each other. In some exemplary embodiments, just the shaft 410, extension 430 and base 440 can be integrally formed and the handle 420 can be separate. The shaft 410, handle 420, extension 430 and base 440 can each have a similar diameter or thickness.

[0032] In use, a user can grip the handle 420a with their right hand to provide a clearance for their right foot, or a user can grip the handle 420b with their left hand to provide a clearance for their left foot. The double grip handle 420 allows the walking cane to be gripped by either hand to provide a clearance area for their foot so that difference canes are not necessary. The double grip handle 420 can also allow a user assistance in balancing when, e.g., getting up from a seated position. That is, a user can place each hand on the handles 420a and 420b to assist in getting up from a sitting position.

[0033] Various other considerations can also be addressed in the exemplary applications described according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the walking cane 100 can be made of various materials, such as plastic, wood, metals or any composites thereof. The walking cane can have various sizes, thicknesses and lengths for different users, as well as different weights. In some exemplary embodiments, the shaft can have an adjustable length. For example, the shaft can include an inner and outer portion that slide over each other, and the outer portion of the shaft can have holes or slots and the inner portion of the shaft can have a button corresponding to the holes or slots to provide an adjustable height.

[0034] Various advantages can be provided by the exemplar}' embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary' embodiments of the present disclosure allow for a walking cane that provides a bottom that is horizontally offset from the shaft of the cane so that a user’s foot does not hit the bottom of the cane. The walking cane can have various heights, weights and thicknesses to accommodate different users. The extension and base can be made of various lengths to accommodate different users.

[0035] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, manufacture and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A walking cane comprising: a vertical shaft having a top end, a bottom end and a central vertical axis; an extension at the bottom end of the shaft provided at an angle relative to the shaft at a first end of the extension; and a vertical base having a top portion at a second end of the extension, a bottom portion and a central vertical axis; wherein the central vertical axis of the shaft is horizontally offset from the central vertical axis of the base.

2. The walking cane of claim 1 , further comprising: a handle at the top end of the shaft.

3. The walking cane of claim 1, wherein the first end of the extension is provided at a right angle to the bottom end of the shaft.

4. The walking cane of claim 3, wherein the top portion of the base is provided at a right angle to the second end of the extension.

5. The walking cane of claim 1. wherein the first end of the extension is curved outward from the bottom end of the shaft.

6. The walking cane of claim 5. wherein the first end of the extension is curved at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees at the bottom end of the shaft.

7. The walking cane of claim 5, wherein the second end of the extension is curved outward to the top portion of the base.

8. The walking cane of claim 7, wherein the second end of the extension is curved at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to approximately 150 degrees to the top portion of the base.

9. A walking cane comprising: a vertical shaft having a top end, a bottom end and a central vertical axis; an extension extending outward from the bottom end of the shaft at a first end of the extension; and a vertical base having a top portion at a second end of the extension, a bottom portion and a central vertical axis, wherein the top portion of the base extends from the second end of the extension; wherein the shaft and base both extend in a same direction and the central vertical axis of the shaft is horizontally offset from the central vertical axis of the base.

10. The walking cane of claim 9, wherein the first end of the extension is provided at a right angle to the bottom end of the shaft.

11. The walking cane of claim 10, wherein the top portion of the base is provided at a right angle to the second end of the extension.

12. The walking cane of claim 9, wherein the first end of the extension is curved outward from the bottom end of the shaft at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees at the bottom end of the shaft.

13. The walking cane of claim 12, wherein the second end of the extension is curved outward to the top portion of the base at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to approximately 150 degrees to the top portion of the base.

14. A walking cane comprising: a vertical shaft having a top end, a bottom end and a central vertical axis; an extension having a first curved end at the bottom end of the shaft extending away from the shaft, and a second curved end; and a vertical base having a top portion at the second curved end of the extension, a bottom portion and a central vertical axis; wherein the central vertical axis of the shaft is horizontally offset from the central vertical axis of the vertical base.

15. The walking cane of claim 14, further comprising: a handle at the top end of the shaft, the handle having a first handle portion extending outward from the top end of the shaft and a second handle portion extending outward from the top end of the shaft in a direction opposite the first handle portion.

16. The walking cane of claim 14, wherein the first end of the extension is curved at an angle of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees at the bottom end of the shaft.

17. The walking cane of claim 16, wherein the second end of the extension is curved at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to approximately 150 degrees to the top portion of the base.

18. The walking cane of claim 14, further comprising: a ferrule at the bottom portion of the vertical base.

19. The walking cane of claim 14, wherein the extension has a length of approximately 2 inches to approximately 8 inches.

20. The walking cane of claim 14, wherein the base has a length of approximately 3 inches to approximately 9 inches.