Systems and methods for safe object retrieval

A system for reducing falls includes a base having a polyhedron shape with: a first face configured to rest on a flat surface, a second face spaced apart from and parallel to the first face, and having a base diameter, and at least three sides extending between the first face and the second face. The system further includes a handle configured for gripping, and a shaft coupled to and extending between the handle and the second face of the base, having a shaft diameter, and extending outward from the base in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the second face. The base diameter is at least twice as large as the shaft diameter such that pressure applied to the second face of the base by a foot causes the handle to raise from a ground surface, and the base, handle, and shaft together function as a cane.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for safe retrieval of objects by individuals and, more particularly, to systems and methods that allow old, incapacitated, or infirm individuals to retrieve objects with minimal risk of undesirable falls.

Description of the Related Art

As an upright human, falling is always undesirable and uncomfortable. However, as people age, the effects of a fall increase from young people who may experience minor bumps and bruises from a fall to elderly individuals who may experience broken bones, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and even death from a fall. Unfortunately, falls increase in likelihood as a person ages due to eroding senses (e.g., resulting from cataracts or neuropathy), a loss of balance, chronic pain, dementia, or the like.

Many situations may increase the likelihood of an elderly person falling. These situations include an uneven walking surface (e.g., bumps on a sidewalk), climbing up or down a set of stairs without a handrail for the person to stabilize themselves, a slippery walking surface (e.g., wet leaves or ice), and bending over to retrieve objects from a relatively low location. Although individuals have little control over some of these conditions, a person may take action to reduce the likelihood of falls from others. For example, a person can select a walking route that avoids stairs and uneven walking surfaces, and may stay home after snowstorms. However, there is not much that someone can do to safely retrieve an object from a relatively low position.

Thus, there is a need in the art for systems and methods for safe retrieval of objects.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a system for reducing the likelihood of falls. The system includes a base having a polyhedron shape with: a first face configured to rest on a flat surface, a second face spaced apart from and parallel to the first face, and having a base diameter, and at least three sides extending between the first face and the second face. The system further includes a handle configured for gripping. The system further includes a shaft coupled to and extending between the handle and the second face of the base, having a shaft diameter, and extending outward from the base in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the second face. The base diameter is at least twice as large as the shaft diameter such that pressure applied to the second face of the base by a foot causes the handle to raise from a ground surface, and the base, handle, and shaft together function as a cane.

Also described is a system for reducing the likelihood of falls. The system includes a metallic feature configured to be coupled to a target object for retrieval. The system further includes a magnetic retriever having: a retriever handle for gripping the magnetic retriever, a magnet configured to attract the metallic feature, and a telescoping arm extending between and coupled to the retriever handle and the magnet, and configured to extend to increase a distance between the retriever handle and the magnet to facilitate retrieval of the target object via the attraction between the magnet and the metallic feature, and to collapse to reduce the distance between the retriever handle and the magnet.

Also described is a system for reducing the likelihood of falls. The system includes a metallic feature configured to be coupled to a target object for retrieval. The system further includes a magnetic retriever having: a retriever base with a retractable reel coupled thereto, a magnet configured to attract the metallic feature, and a flexible line extending between and coupled to the retractable reel and the magnet, and configured to be pulled from the retractable reel to extend the flexible line from the retriever base and to be retracted back onto the retractable reel to wind the flexible line around the retractable reel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for reducing falls by elderly or infirm individuals, or individuals who have lost some level of mobility. Many of these people use a cane or walker to assist with mobility. However, when an individual with mobility issues drops a cane, difficulty may arise in retrieving the cane from the fallen position. The present disclosure solves this issue by designing a cane that can be retrieved without increased risk of falling. One way in which this benefit is achieved is by including a base on the cane that has a greater diameter than a diameter of a shaft of the cane; this relatively large base allows a user to exert a relatively small force to the base using their foot to cause the cane to become upright and therefore graspable without the user having to bend over. Another solution provided herein is the use of multiple magnetic retrievers. The magnetic retriever may be portable and adjustable to vary a distance between the user's grip and a magnet. The magnet may attract a fallen object with metal thereon, thus allowing the user to retrieve the object using the magnetic retriever while again reducing the likelihood of falling. The systems and methods herein may further provide metallic features to be attached to objects for retrieval using the magnetic retriever, thus allowing more objects to be retrieved with the reduced risk of falling.

Benefits and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent. These benefits and advantages include the reduced risk of a fall from an elderly or infirm individual, or any other individuals with mobility issues. By reducing the risk of falling, the likelihood of a host of other ailments is similarly reduced, such as the likelihood of painful bumps, bruises, scrapes, etc., the likelihood of broken bones or sprained joints, the likelihood of traumatic brain injury (TBI), or the like. The systems and methods herein further provide the advantage of facilitating retrieval of objects from difficult-to-reach locations such as retrieval of keys from underneath a restaurant table, a phone from beneath a drainage gate, or the like.

Referring now toFIGS.1A,1B, and1C, a system100for reducing the likelihood of falls is shown. The system100includes a magnetic retriever101, a walking device102, and some metallic features103,126,130. Any quantity of metallic features103may be used with the system100so long as the metal used in the metallic feature is attracted to magnets. The metallic features103may be a permanent part of an object (e.g., a key or keychain) or may be attached to an object by a user (e.g. a metallic sheet with adhesive for attaching to a target object), a metal object tied or clipped to a target object, or the like).

The walking device102may function as a cane and may include a base104designed to contact a ground surface, a handle106for grasping by a user, and a shaft108coupled to and extending from the handle106to the base104. Each of the base104, handle106, and shaft108may be formed using any materials such as metals, plastics, rubbers, other polymers, or the like. Each of the base104, handle106, and shaft108may be permanently coupled together, formed integral or monolithic, removably coupled together, or any combination thereof. For example, the handle106may be formed integral or monolithic with the shaft108, may be coupled to the shaft108using adhesive, a snap-fit connector, screw threading, or any additional or alternative fastening means. Similarly, the shaft108may be formed integral or monolithic with the base104, coupled to the base104using adhesive, a snap-fit connector, screw threading, or any additional or alternative fastening means.

In some embodiments, the base104may include a raised sheath142extending therefrom in a same direction as the shaft108. The shaft108may be received by the raised sheath142while the shaft108is coupled to the base104. The raised sheath142may be permanently coupled to the base104, may be removably coupled to the base104, or may be formed integral or monolithic with the base104. The raised sheath142may provide increased stability of the walking device102by reducing the likelihood of the shaft108moving relative to the base104. Furthermore, the base104, handle106, and shaft108may be formed using the same material, different materials, or any combination thereof (e.g., rubber and plastic for the base104and metal for the shaft108).

In some embodiments, the handle106may have an ergonomic design to reduce stress and strain on a user's body. In some embodiments, the handle106may include a cushion or other material positioned thereon to increase comfort when gripping and using the walking device102. As shown inFIG.1A, the handle106may be formed integral or monolithic with the shaft108, or the handle106may be formed separate from the shaft108and later permanently or removably coupled thereto. The shaft108(and the handle106) may be formed using a solid rod or other form of material (e.g., may be cast with metal or formed with plastic or another polymer), may be designed to be hollow to reduce a total mass of the walking device102, or may be partially solid and partially hollow.

A distance, or height,123may exist from the handle106to the base104. The distance123may be sufficiently large to allow the walking device102to function as a cane. For example, the distance123may be between 1 foot and 5 feet, between 2 feet and 4 feet, or the like. In some embodiments, the distance123may be adjustable, for example, by adjusting features of the shaft108. For example, fasteners may be used to adjust the shaft length to change the distance123.

The base104may be designed to rest on or contact a ground surface such that a user of the walking device102may apply a downward force on the ground surface via the handle106, shaft108, and base104. The base104may have a polyhedron shape that includes a first face110, a second face112, and a plurality of sides114extending from the first face110to the second face112. In some embodiments, the polyhedron shape may include a prism. The plurality of sides114may include at least 3 sides. In that regard, the base104may have a triangular prism shape, a cube shape, rectangular prism shape, a hexagonal prism shape, or the like. As shown inFIGS.1A-1C, the base104has a hexagonal prism shape with the first face110and the second face112having a hexagonal shape and 6 sides114that each have a rectangular shape.

The base104may have a base diameter118extending across a width of the base104(e.g., the diameter may be identified as the greatest dimension of the first face110). The shaft108may similarly have a shaft diameter116. The base diameter118may be greater than the shaft diameter116. For example, the base diameter118may be one and a half times as large as the shaft diameter116, twice as large as the shaft diameter116, three times as large as the shaft diameter116, four times as large as the shaft diameter116, five times as large as the shaft diameter116, 6 times as large as the shaft diameter116, 8 times as large as the shaft diameter116, 10 times as large as the shaft diameter116, or the like. Because the base diameter118is significantly greater than the shaft diameter116, a user may apply a force to the base104using a foot, and the force applied to the base104may cause the first face110of the base104to approach the ground surface, thus raising the shaft108such that the user may grasp the handle106without bending over. That is, the user may place at least a portion of his foot on the second face112of the base104and urge that portion of the second face112downward, thus forcing the first face110towards the ground and raising the handle106and shaft108.

Referring still toFIGS.1A,1B, and1C, the base104may be formed using multiple components including a body120, a top122, and a bottom124. The body120may form the bulk of the base104and may be formed with the polyhedron shape of the base104. The body120may be formed as a solid mass or at least partially hollow. As shown inFIG.1C, the body120may define a cavity121and may thus be at least partially hollow. The body120may be formed using any materials such as a plastic, a metal, another polymer, or the like.

The top122may be formed using a metal and may be coupled to the body120. In that regard, the top122may be referred to as a metal top122. For example, a sheet of metal may be cut to match the shape of the second face112and may then be coupled to the second face112, for example, using fasteners, adhesive, or the like. The metal top122may be attracted to magnets and may thus facilitate retrieval of the base104using the magnetic retriever. The metal top122may also provide a relatively strong surface for a user to step on or otherwise apply force with a foot.

The bottom124may be formed using any material. The bottom124may be formed to have a shape that matches the shape of the first face110and then may be coupled to the first face110using fasteners, adhesive, or the like. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the bottom124to be formed using a sticky material. That is, the material of the bottom124may have a greater coefficient of friction than the material of the metal top. For example, the bottom124may be formed using rubber, or a material (e.g., rubber or a polymer) may be sprayed onto the first face110to increase the coefficient of friction of the first face110to form the bottom124. The stickiness of the bottom124allows the bottom124to “stick” to a ground surface as a user applies a force to the top122, thus increasing the ability to raise the handle106using the foot.

As described above, the base104may have a base diameter118corresponding to a diameter of the body120and the bottom124. The base104may also have a diameter136at the second face112and the top122. The diameter136may be the same as, less than, or greater than the diameter118of the base104at the first face110. For example, each of the base diameter118and the diameter136may be between 2 inches and 12 inches, between 2 inches and 8 inches, between 3 inches and 7 inches, or about 5 inches. Where used in this context, about refers to the referenced value plus or minus 10 percent of the referenced value.

In some embodiments (e.g., the embodiment ofFIGS.1A-1Cin which the base104is a hexagonal prism), the sides114may have a side length138. Since the base104is a hexagonal prism, the side length138may be less than the diameters118,136. In some embodiments, the side length138of different sides may vary. That is, a first side length of a first side may be greater than a second side length of a second side. For example, the side length138may be between 1 inch and 5 inches, between 2 inches and 4 inches, or about 2.5 inches.

The base104may have a dimension140extending from the first face110to the second face112. That is, the dimension140may correspond to a thickness of the body120. The dimension140may be, for example, between 0.25 inches and 3 inches, between 0.5 inches and 2 inches, or about 1.5 inches.

In some embodiments, the base may include one or more aperture therethrough. As shown inFIG.1C, the body120defines an aperture132and the metal top122defines an aperture134that aligns with the aperture132of the body120. The apertures132,134may be centered along the second face112of the body120and designed to receive a portion of the shaft108. That is, the shaft108may be received by the apertures132,134to couple the shaft108to the base104. In some embodiments, an interference fit between the apertures132,134and the shaft108may be sufficient to couple the shaft108to the base104. In some embodiments, additional features may be used to couple the shaft108to the base104(e.g., adhesive, fasteners, screw threading on an outside of the shaft108and an inside of the aperture132, or the like).

The walking device102may include one or more metallic feature coupled thereto or positioned thereon to facilitate retrieval using the magnetic retriever101. In that regard, the one or more metallic feature may be formed using a metal that experiences magnetic forces. For example, one or more of the metallic features may include an iron, a cobalt, a gadolinium, a nickel, or alloys that include one or more of these metals.

As shown inFIG.1A, the walking device102may include a first metallic feature126. The metallic feature126may include a piece of metal coupled to the walking device102. As shown, the metallic feature126may include a piece of metal that is permanently or removably coupled to the handle106using a line. In that regard, the position of the metallic feature126relative to the handle106may vary by movement of the line128. For example, the line128may include a metal (e.g., a non-magnetic metal such as aluminum, copper, lead, tin, titanium, zinc, alloys such as brass and bronze, or the like), a polymer (e.g., fluorocarbon or monofilament), or the like. In that regard, the metallic feature126may be reached using the magnet of the magnetic retriever101regardless of the position of the walking device102, allowing retrieval of the handle106regardless of the position of the walking device102.

The system100may also include a metallic sheet130coupled to the walking device102. As shown inFIG.1A, the metallic sheet130may include multiple metallic sheets coupled to some or all of the sides114of the base104. The metallic sheets130may be cut and coupled to the base104using fasteners, adhesive, or the like. In that regard, the user may retrieve the base104of the walking device102via attraction between the metallic sheet130and the magnet of the magnetic retriever101.

The system100may further include an additional magnetic feature103. The metallic feature103may include a metallic sheet, a piece of metal, or the like. The metallic feature103may be coupled to any object for which retrieval using the magnetic retriever is desired. For example, the metallic feature103may include a piece of metal with an aperture therethrough and may be coupled to a keyring using a fastener extending through the aperture and the keyring. As another example, the metallic feature103may include a metallic sheet with adhesive coupled thereto such that the metallic sheet may be coupled to an object (e.g., a mobile phone case) to facilitate retrieval of the object using the magnetic retriever101. In that regard, the system100may be used with any object for which assisted retrieval is desired by coupling the metallic feature103to the object and using the magnetic retriever101for retrieval.

In some embodiments and referring toFIG.1D, additional features of the system100are shown. In particular, the walking device102may include a protrusion144or similar feature (e.g., a portion of the walking device102may define an opening) to which a magnet may be attached. As shown inFIG.1D, the protrusion144may extend from the raised sheath142of the base104and may define an opening (e.g., the protrusion144may have a shape similar to a loop with an annular body defining the opening). The protrusion144may be used to couple a magnet146(or metallic feature146) to the walking device102. For example, a permanent or removable connector148(e.g., a carabiner, a ring (e.g., a keyring), a clip, a snap-fit connector, or the like) may be used to removably (or permanently) attach the magnet146to the walking device102via the protrusion144. When the magnet (or metallic feature)146is attached to the walking device102, another magnet or metallic feature may be used to retrieve the walking device102without requiring a user to bend over.

FIG.1Dfurther shows a magnetic retriever149that is designed to be coupled to an article of clothing and to be used to retrieve the walking device102. In particular, the magnetic retriever149may include a magnet150(or metallic feature150). The magnetic retriever149may also include a connector152. The connector152may include any permanent or removable connector (e.g., a carabiner, a ring (e.g., a keyring), a clip, a snap-fit connector, or the like) that is designed to couple to the magnet150and to an article of clothing. As shown inFIG.1D, the article of clothing is a shoe156; however, one skilled in the art will realize that any alternative article of clothing (including accessories) may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As shown, the shoe156may include or have an attached connection point154(e.g., an exposed portion of a shoelace, a fabric loop attached to the shoe156, or the like). The connector152may be attached to the connection point154, thus coupling the magnet150to the shoe156. The user may then move the shoe156such that the magnet150is near the magnet146of the walking device102, and may then continue to move the shoe156to retrieve the walking device102with minimal risk of falls. In some embodiments, the magnet150may cause the base104to remain in a predetermined orientation relative to the shoe156, allowing the user to more easily use the shoe156to step on the base104to cause the walking device102to stand upright.

If the connector152is a removable connector, the entire magnetic retriever149may be removed from the shoe156and attached to a different article of clothing (e.g., a new shoe, socks, or the like). For example, the magnetic retriever149may be coupled to a jacket. If the walking device102falls to the ground, the user may remove his jacket and hang it towards the floor such that the magnet150is near and attracts to the magnet146, and may then use the jacket to retrieve the walking device102with minimal risk of falls.

Turning now toFIGS.2A and2B, an exemplary magnetic retriever200is shown. The magnetic retriever200may be used as the magnetic retriever101ofFIG.1Ato retrieve any object with a metallic feature. The magnetic retriever200may include a retriever handle202, a magnet204, and a telescoping arm206. The telescoping arm206may be coupled to the retriever handle202and the magnet204, and may extend from the retriever handle202to the magnet204. In that regard, a user may grip the magnetic retriever using the retriever handle202, may cause the magnet204to attract a metallic feature, and may maneuver the magnetic retriever200using the retriever handle202and the telescoping arm206.

In some embodiments, the telescoping arm206may include a plurality of segments208designed to telescope relative to each other. That is, a segment210may be received by a volume defined by a second212to shorten the telescoping arm206. The segments208may be separated to increase a length of the telescoping arm206and may be compacted together to decrease the length of the telescoping arm206. In that regard, some segments208may have a greater diameter than adjacent segments. It may be desirable for the retriever end of the telescoping arm206to have a greater diameter than the magnet end such that the handle may be gripped regardless of whether the telescoping arm206is elongated or compacted.

The telescoping arm206may be formed from any material such as a metal, a plastic, a polymer, or the like. In some embodiments, the telescoping arm206may be formed using a non-magnetic metal such as aluminum, copper, lead, tin, titanium, zinc, alloys such as brass and bronze, or the like.

The retriever handle202may include any handle designed for gripping. For example, the handle may be a separate component from the telescoping arm206and coupled to the telescoping arm, may include an end segment of the segments208, may include a material (e.g., rubber or foam) positioned around an outer surface of an end segment, or the like.

The magnet204may include any magnet that magnetically attracts certain metals. The magnet204may be formed integral with the telescoping arm206, or may be coupled to the telescoping arm206using any technique such as use of an adhesive, use of a fastener, use of a clip, use of screw threading, or the like.

The telescoping arm206may be adjusted to increase or decrease a distance between the retriever handle202and the magnet204. In that regard, the telescoping arm206may have a first distance214when the telescoping arm206is fully elongated and a second distance216when the telescoping arm206is fully compacted. The first distance214may be greater than the second distance. For example, the first distance214may be between 1 foot and 10 feet, between 2 feet and 5 feet, about 3 feet, or the like. The second distance216may be between 0.1 feet and 5 feet, between 0.5 feet and 2 feet, or about 1 foot. In some embodiments, the second distance216may be the same as a length of each of the segments208.

The magnetic retriever200may include a connector218coupled thereto. The connector218may be formed integral or monolithic with the magnetic retriever200(e.g., may be formed monolithic with the retriever handle202or the telescoping arm206) or may be coupled to the magnetic retriever200using any known technique (e.g., coupled to the retriever handle202or a location close thereto). For example, the connector218may be coupled to the magnetic retriever using an adhesive, a clip, a fastener, screw threading, or the like. In some embodiments, the connector218may include a fastener224designed to couple the connector218to the retriever handle202or the telescoping arm206. The fastener224may be coupled to the connector218via a flexible line226formed using any material such as fluorocarbon, monofilament, thread, rope, or the like. The connector218may be designed to attach to an external object such as a hook, a doorway, a piece of clothing, a keychain, or any other external object.

In some embodiments, the connector218may include a clip designed to removably attach the magnetic retriever200to an external object. In that regard, the clip218may include a loop220defined by the clip218within which another loop or object may be positioned. The clip218may further include a spring-loaded gate222that is biased towards a closed position in which the loop220and gate222form a closed loop. The loop220may be positioned within an opening of an object (e.g., through a keychain) with the spring-loaded gate222in an open position, and then the spring-loaded gate222may be released to close the loop220, thus coupling the connector218to the object. The spring-loaded gate222may then be actuated to open the loop220, thus allowing the object to be removed from the loop220and thus decoupling the connector218from the object.

Turning now toFIG.3A, an exemplary magnetic retriever300is shown. The magnetic retriever300may be used as the magnetic retriever101ofFIG.1Ato retrieve any object with a metallic feature. The magnetic retriever300may include a retriever base302. The magnetic retriever300may also include a magnet304designed to attract metals that experience magnetic forces such as iron, nickel, or the like. The magnet304may be coupled to a flexible line306that is also coupled to the retriever base302.

The retriever base302may have any shape such as square, rounded, elongated, or any other shape. The retriever base302may define or include a hollow volume305. In some embodiments, the hollow volume305may have a circular shape. A retractable reel308may be positioned within the hollow volume305, and the flexible line306may be wound about the retractable reel308. An aperture303may exist through the retriever base302through which the flexible line306may move.

The magnet304and flexible line306may be drawn away from the retriever base302to extend a distance between the retriever base302and the magnet304. In some embodiments, the retractable reel308may be biased in a certain direction that causes the flexible line306to wind about the retractable reel308when no force is applied to a distal end of the flexible line306. The retriever base302may be held with the magnet304and flexible line306dangling therefrom and maneuvered to position the magnet304close to an object with a metallic feature. A user may then retract the magnet304(e.g., by manually pulling the flexible line306or by allowing the bias of the retractable reel308to wind up the flexible line306about the retractable reel308) to retrieve the object (via the attraction between the magnet304and the metallic feature).

The magnetic retriever may further include a connector designed to facilitate coupling of the magnetic retriever300to an object. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3A, the connector may include two wings310extending away from the retriever base302on opposite sides of the retriever base302. Each of the wings310may define a slot312therethrough, and the slots312may be oriented parallel to each other. In that regard, a band (such as a watch band) may be positioned through the slots312of each of the wings310, and the band may be positioned about an object (such as a human wrist) to couple the magnetic retriever to the object. In that regard, the magnetic retriever300may be worn in a similar manner as a watch.

Turning now toFIG.3B, another embodiment of a magnetic retriever330is shown. The magnetic retriever330may include a retriever base332that has similar features as the retriever base302ofFIG.3A. For example, the retriever base332may define a volume in which a retractable reel338may be position, and a flexible line336may be wound around the retractable reel338. A magnet334may be coupled to the flexible line in a similar manner as in the magnetic retriever300ofFIG.3A.

The magnetic retriever330ofFIG.3Bmay also include a connector designed to facilitate coupling of the magnetic retriever330to an object. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3B, the connector may include a spring clip340. The spring clip340may be coupled to, and apply a force towards, a surface342of the retriever base332. An object (such as a piece of fabric, for example, fabric defining a shirt pocket) may be positioned between the spring clip340and the surface342of the retriever base332, and the bias of the spring clip340towards the surface342may removably couple the magnetic retriever to the object. In that regard, the magnetic retriever330may be worn in a similar manner as any other wearable item having a clip (such as a dress clip, a clip-on tie, or the like).

Referring now toFIG.3C, another embodiment of a magnetic retriever360is shown. The magnetic retriever360may include a retriever base362that has similar features as the retriever base302ofFIG.3A. For example, the retriever base362may define a volume in which a retractable reel368may be position, and a flexible line366may be wound around the retractable reel368. A magnet364may be coupled to the flexible line in a similar manner as in the magnetic retriever300ofFIG.3A.

The magnetic retriever360ofFIG.3Bmay also include a connector designed to facilitate coupling of the magnetic retriever360to an object. In the embodiment shown inFIG.3C, the connector may include a similar clip connector370as the connector218ofFIG.2A. In that regard, the connector370may include a loop372coupled to, or defined by, the retriever base362within which another loop or object may be positioned. The connector370may further include a spring-loaded gate374that is biased towards a closed position in which the loop372and gate374form a closed loop. The loop372may be positioned within an opening of an object (e.g., through a keychain) with the spring-loaded gate374in an open position, and then the spring-loaded gate374may be released to close the loop372, thus coupling the connector370to the object. The spring-loaded gate374may then be actuated to open the loop372, thus allowing the object to be removed from the loop372and thus decoupling the connector370from the object.

Turning now toFIGS.4A,4B,4C, and4D, another system400for reducing the likelihood of falls is shown. The system400includes a magnetic retriever401, a walking device402, and some metallic features (not shown). The magnetic retriever401and metallic features may be similar to any other magnetic retrievers and metallic features described herein.

The walking device402may function as a cane and may include a base404designed to contact a ground surface, a handle406for grasping by a user, and a telescoping shaft408coupled to and extending from the handle406to the base404. Each of the base404, handle406, and telescoping shaft408may be formed using any materials such as metals, plastics, rubbers, other polymers, or the like. Each of the handle base404, the handle406, and the telescoping shaft408may be permanently coupled together, formed integral or monolithic, removably coupled together, or any combination thereof.

At least one of the handle406or the telescoping shaft408may define an opening or hole410therethrough. A fastener412may extend through the opening or hole410and may be coupled to the magnetic retriever401. The fastener412may include any fastener such as a keyring, a clip, or the like. In some embodiments, the opening or hole410and the fastener412may be replaced with any other attachment means capable of removably or permanently coupling the magnetic retriever401to the walking device402(e.g., a magnet on the magnetic retriever401and metal on the walking device402). In that regard, the user may clip at least one of the walking device402or the magnetic retriever401to the user's body (e.g., to an item of clothing such as a belt loop) to always have the walking device402within reach. Furthermore, the user may always have access to the magnetic retriever401since it is coupled to the walking device402, thus allowing the user to retrieve any object with a magnetic feature via use of the magnetic retriever401.

As referenced above, the telescoping shaft408of the walking device402may have a plurality of segments414that may telescope relative to each other. For example, a first segment416may receive a second segment418. In that regard, a total length of the telescoping shaft408may be reduced by telescoping the segments414together, and may be increased by separating the segments414from each other.

It may be undesirable for the segments414to telescope during use of the walking device402. In that regard, the telescoping shaft408may include locking elements420to retain the segments414in place relative to each other during use of the walking device402. The embodiment shown inFIGS.4A-4Dinclude push pins as the locking elements420, however, any additional or alternative locking elements are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, most or all of the segments414may be hollow (e.g., a first segment416may define a volume428therein) such that an adjacent segment may be received within the volume428of the adjacent segment. For example, the volume428of the first segment416may receive a second segment418therein. Stated differently, the second segment418may be located within the volume428of the first segment416. A push pin422may be coupled to the second segment418and may be biased radially outward from the second segment418. In that regard, the position of the second segment418within the first segment416may be adjusted such that the push pin422is aligned with an opening425of the first segment416. In response to alignment of the push pin422with the opening425causes the push pin422to extend radially outward through the opening425due to the outward bias of the push pin422, thus locking the second segment418in place relative to the first segment416. This action may be performed for each segment414until the walking device is fully extended, as shown inFIG.4A.

To compress the segments416,418to reduce the length of the walking device402, the push pin422may be urged inward such that it is removed from the opening425while the second segment418is urged into the volume428defined by the first segment416. This action may be performed for each segment414until the walking device402is fully compressed, as shown inFIGS.4C and4D.

Some segments414may have an inner diameter that is less than an outer diameter of an adjacent segment414to facilitate the telescoping of the segments414. For example, an inner diameter430of the first segment416may be greater than an outer diameter432of the second segment418, thus allowing the second segment418to be received by the volume428of the first segment416. Although the embodiment shown inFIGS.4A-4Dplaces smaller-diameter segments closer to the handle406than the base404, the opposite configuration is considered within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, a hinge or joint426may be positioned between the handle406and the shaft408. The hinge or joint426may allow the handle406to rotate or pivot relative to the telescoping shaft408. Stated differently, the hinge or joint426may allow the handle406to rotate between an in-use position as shown inFIG.4Cin which the handle406is positioned in such a way that a user can apply weight to the ground via the handle406, shaft408, and base404, and a storage position as shown inFIG.4Din such a way that the handle406may be positioned adjacent to the shaft408to reduce a footprint of the walking device402for storage. A locking mechanism may be used to cause the handle406to remain in place relative to the shaft408in at least one of the in-use position or the storage position. For example, the locking mechanism may include a push pin and opening, a locking lever, or any other locking mechanism.

Turning now toFIGS.5A,5B,5C,5D, and5E, another system500for reducing the likelihood of falls is shown. The system500may include a magnetic retriever502, another magnetic retriever512, a rubber housing522, and a tracking tag524, along with other features as described below. The magnetic retriever502may have similar features as the magnetic retriever200ofFIG.2A. Namely, the magnetic retriever502may have a magnet504, a retriever handle506, and a telescoping arm508coupled between the magnet504and the handle506. These components may be similar to, and function in a similar way as, the magnetic retriever200ofFIG.2A. The magnetic retriever502may further include a connector510coupled thereto. For example, the connector510may be coupled to the handle506and may include any type of connector such as a ring onto which other connectors may fasten (the illustrated embodiment), a clip, a magnet, a snap-fit connector, or the like.

The magnetic retriever512may have similar features as the magnetic retriever300ofFIG.3A. For example, the magnetic retriever512may include a connector514, a retractable reel516, and a flexible line518coupled to and extending between the connector514and the retractable reel516. The connector514may include any connector capable of removable connection to an external element such as a magnet, a clip, a fastener, a key ring, or the like. In that regard, various elements may be coupled to the end of the flexible line518via the connector514. For example, a magnet may be coupled to the connector514, a badge strap530may be coupled to the connector514to couple a badge532to the magnetic retriever512(as shown inFIG.5C), the magnetic retriever502may be coupled to the magnetic retriever512via the connector514(as shown inFIG.5B), a USB housing540may be coupled to the magnetic retriever512via the connector514(as shown inFIG.5E), or the like. In that regard, the magnetic retriever512may exist without a magnet and may thus be referred to as a simply a retriever512as it may retrieve any metallic object (when the connector514is attached to a magnet) or any other object coupled to the connector514.

The retriever512may also be coupled to a fastener520(e.g., a clip). The fastener520may be used to removably couple the retriever512to any external object (e.g., clothing, a tablecloth, a hook, a coat hanger, or the like). In that regard, the retriever512may remain easily accessible by coupling the retriever512to a known location using the fastener520.

The tracking tag524may transmit a wireless signal (e.g., periodically, continuously, from time to time, in response to receipt of a signal, or the like). The signal may include a near field identification (NFID) signal, a Bluetooth® signal, a Wi-Fi signal, or any other wireless signal. The tracking tag524may have any shape such as rectangular, square, triangular, circular, or the like. The tracking tag524may include an internal battery that may be permanently installed, replaceable, rechargeable, or the like. For example, the tracking tag may include an AirTag® (available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, CA), a TILE® (available from Tile, Inc. of San Mateo, CA), or any other tracking tag. A receiver (e.g., a mobile phone, a wireless router, or the like) may receive a signal from the tracking tag524and may identify a relative or absolute location of the tracking tag524.

The rubber housing522may be flexible and may include arms that surround at least one of the retractable reel516or the tracking tag524. The rubber housing522may include rubber or any other flexible material capable of being reshaped and springing back to its original form. In that regard, the retractable reel516and the tracking tag524may be positioned adjacent to each other, and the rubber housing522may be positioned around the retractable reel516and the tracking tag524. In that regard, the rubber housing522may retain the tracking tag524in place relative to the retractable reel516. This pairing of the tracking tag524to the retractable reel516reduces the likelihood of loss of the retractable reel516since the location of the tracking tag524may be identified based on the signal output by the tracking tag524.FIGS.5B,5C,5D, and5Eillustrate the tracking tag524coupled to the retractable reel516via the rubber housing522, andFIG.5Aillustrates the tracking tag524separated from the retractable reel516.

The system500may further include a USB housing540and a USB key or USB stick542. The USB housing540may be made from any flexible material, such as the material of the rubber housing522. Because of the flexibility of the material, the USB housing540may be stretched in response to a force and may return to its original size and shape in response to a release of that force. In that regard, the USB housing540may be stretched by force, the USB key542may be placed within an opening defined by the USB housing540, and the USB housing540may enclose the USB key542in response to the force being released.

The USB housing540may define an opening550therethrough. The opening550may be sufficiently large to receive a connector548, such as a key ring or other connector. The connector514of the retriever512may be coupled to the USB housing540via the opening550. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG.5E, the connector514of the retriever512may be coupled to a key ring548that extends through the opening550, thus coupling the connector514of the retriever512to the USB housing540(and the USB key542). This connection reduces the likelihood of loss of the USB key542.

A conventional USB key542may include a USB body544(including electronics housed within a housing) and a USB connector546including conductive contacts which may be received by a USB port. The USB housing540is designed to include at least one opening through which the USB connector546extends without obstruction of the USB connector546to allow the USB connector546to be received by a USB port. This feature allows the USB key542to be used in a USB port while the USB key542is still housed within the USB housing540.

In some embodiments, the USB housing540may be coupled to the clip520or another connector of the retriever512other than the connector514. In that regard, the retriever512may be used as a magnetic retriever (or badge or other retriever, depending on the element coupled to the connector514) while remaining attached to the USB housing540. In that regard, the retriever512may have multiple functions such as a magnetic retriever and a means for keeping track of the location of a USB key542.

In some embodiments, the rubber housing522may be designed to have a shape other than the shape shown inFIGS.5A-5E. For example, the rubber housing522may be designed with a shape configured to be coupled to the USB key542, thus allowing the rubber housing522to couple the tracking tag524and the USB key542to the retriever512while still allowing the retriever to function as a retriever.

Where used throughout the specification and the claims, “at least one of A or B” includes “A” only, “B” only, or “A and B.” Exemplary embodiments of the methods/systems have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.