Abstract:
A cane having a base having at least one wheel, a substantially vertical member connected to the base, a brake within the vertical member, the brake including at least one actuator and a brake pad and a hand grip proximate the actuator wherein the brake is engageable by the application of a substantially downward force from a user&#39;s hand while the user&#39;s hand is on the hand grip and a method for using same. A cane having a brake releasable and engageable by the substantially downward force of a user&#39;s hand while the user&#39;s hand substantially continuously maintains a grip on the cane and while the user walks beside the cane. A cane having a plurality of hand grips, an upright member connected to the plurality of hand grips, a base, having wheels, connected to the upright member, a brake connected to each of the plurality of hand grips wherein the brake is engageable by a hand having a substantially continuous grip on any of the plurality of hand grips. A cane having an upright member having a longitudinal axis and a brake forming an angle with the longitudinal axis a base having a plurality of wheels, the base forming an angle with the longitudinal axis, the upright member and the base being configured to engage and disengage the brake with a ground surface when the upright member is tilted.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/562,668 filed Apr. 15, 2004. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to articles useful in assisting a person with walking and climbing vertical rises. Ordinary canes require a person to lift the cane, move it forward, plant the cane, take a step to reach the cane and repeat the process. For those people who are unsteady on their feet, the period of time that the cane is aloft may cause strain on the joints and limbs and a loss of balance and possibly an injury or fall. A cane is, therefore, needed that can remain in contact with the ground at all time while a person is walking. There is also the need for such a cane to be equipped with a brake to prevent the cane from drifting during use.  
         [0003]     Many people have difficulty climbing steep or vertical rises (e.g., steps, curbs, into automobiles). In the case of stairs, this difficulty is often due to the high riser on many standard and non-standard stairs. A device is needed that will enable those people to climb vertical rises reducing the height that they are required to lift their leg to climb the rise.  
       SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0004]     In one embodiment there is a cane having a base that includes at least one wheel, a substantially vertical member connected to the base, a brake within the vertical member, the brake including at least one actuator and a brake pad and a hand grip proximate the actuator wherein the brake is engageable by the application of a substantially downward force from a user&#39;s hand while the user&#39;s hand is on the hand grip. In another embodiment there is a cane having a brake that is extendable and retractable below a base. In yet another embodiment there is a cane having a brake that is secured to the cane by a spring. In still another embodiment, a cane has at least one intermediate actuator upon which the application of a downward force causes the brake to be engaged, the at least one intermediate actuator being connected to the substantially vertical member between the hand grip and the base. In another embodiment, there is a cane having at least one intermediate actuator that is configured to travel along a substantially vertical member in response to an application of the substantially downward force and in response to a removal of the substantially downward force. In one embodiment, a can has intermediate actuators that are intermediate cross members. In another embodiment, the cane is a free-standing cane. In a further embodiment, there is a can with a brake that is engageable with a ground surface.  
         [0005]     In one embodiment, there is a method of assisted walking that includes grasping a cane having a base with wheels, a substantially vertical member fixed to the base, a hand grip fixed to the substantially vertical member, a brake linkage within the substantially vertical member, the brake including a brake pad and at least one actuator proximate the hand grip, maintaining between the cane and a ground surface substantially continuous contact while walking beside the cane, engaging the brake by applying a substantially downward force on the actuator by a hand placed on the hand grip. In one embodiment, the method includes releasing the brake while the hand remains on the hand grip.  
         [0006]     In another embodiment there is a cane having a brake releasable and engageable by the substantially downward force of a user&#39;s hand while the user&#39;s hand substantially continuously maintains a grip on the cane and while the user walks beside the cane. In one embodiment, there is a cane having a brake that includes a stopper for engaging a ground surface.  
         [0007]     In one embodiment, there is a plurality of hand grips, an upright member connected to the plurality of hand grips, a base with wheels connected to the upright member, and a brake connected to each of the plurality of hand grips wherein the brake is engageable by a hand having a substantially continuous grip on any of the plurality of hand grips. In one embodiment, the cane includes a plurality of hand grips that are vertically spaced apart along the upright. In another embodiment, there is a cane having three wheels.  
         [0008]     In another embodiment, there is a cane having an upright member with a longitudinal axis and a brake forming an angle with the longitudinal axis, a base having a plurality of wheels, the base forming an angle with the longitudinal axis, he upright member and the base being configured to engage and disengage the brake with a ground surface when the upright member is tilted. In one embodiment, there is a cane that is configured to be free-standing wheels and a brake engaging a ground surface. In another embodiment, there is a cane having a transverse axis and a brake forming an angle with the transverse axis. In yet another embodiment, there is a cane with an upright member that has a plurality shafts and a plurality of brakes. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which are shown illustrative embodiments of the invention, from which its novel features and advantages will be apparent. In the drawings:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1A  shows a rolling cane according to the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 1B  shows a rolling cane having an angled frame according to the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  shows a base of a rolling cane according to the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  shows cross members of a cane according to the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  shows a cut-away view of a brake of a cane according to the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  shows a cane of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  shows a cane of the present invention on a stair.  
         [0017]      FIGS. 7-14  shows a rolling cane of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 15-20  shows a step-up cane of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 21  shows a rolling can according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0020]     Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. To provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, numerous specific details of preferred embodiments are set forth including material types, dimensions, and procedures. Practitioners having ordinary skill in the art, will understand that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without many of these details. In other instances, well-known devices, methods, and processes have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the invention.  
         [0021]     The present invention is directed to a wheeled cane that will permit a person to walk along side the cane, using the cane for support substantially at all times without the need to lift the cane from the floor while walking. The present invention is also directed to a step-up cane that features at least one platform upon which a person can step as an intermediate point between vertical rises (e.g., stair treads, curbs, automobiles).  
         [0022]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a cane  100  of the present invention. Cane  100  includes a base  200 , a member (e.g., frame)  300  and a brake  400 . Cane  100  and each component thereof may be constructed from metal, polymer, wood, fiberglass or any other suitable material or combinations of materials. Materials are preferably selected for their light weight, stiffness, durability, constructability and aesthetic appeal. In one embodiment, base  200  and frame member (e.g., frame)  300  are integrally cast or molded as a single piece.  
         [0023]     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 2 , base  200  has a centerline  250 . Base  200  preferably has a plurality of wheels  210 . Preferably, base  200  has a sufficient number of wheels  210  to permit cane  100  to remain free-standing when not in use. In one embodiment, cane  100  has skid pads (e.g., brake  2141  in  FIG. 21 ) in place of one or more of wheels  210 . In one embodiment ( FIG. 2 ), base  200  has two forward wheels  211  on either side of centerline  250  and two rearward wheels  212  on either side of centerline  250 . Forward wheels  211  are preferably offset further from centerline  250  than rearward wheels  212 . Forward wheels  211  may be offset an equal or smaller distance from centerline  250  as rearward wheels  212 . The difference in offset preferably accommodates a person&#39;s foot when they are walking along side cane  100 . ( FIG. 2 ). In one embodiment rearward wheels  212  are offset approximately two inches from centerline  250  and forward wheels  211  are offset approximately four inches from centerline  250 . Those skilled in the art will understand that different offset distances will fall within the scope of this invention and will be determined by, for example, the size and weight support requirements of cane  100 . In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 2 , member (e.g., frame)  300  has a centerline  251  which is oriented along centerline  250 . Forward wheels  211  are preferably offset a greater distance from center point  251  than rearward wheels  212 . In one embodiment, forward wheels  211  are offset approximately four inches from centerline  251  and rearward wheels  212  are offset approximately two inches from centerline  251 .  
         [0024]     Member (e.g., frame)  300  is preferably substantially vertical in relation to the floor surface or ground upon which a person is walking. In one embodiment member  300  is angled a dimension of between 0° and 10° off vertical and preferably approximately 6° from vertical. ( FIG. 1B ) Preferably, member  300  is angled away from the direction of travel. ( FIG. 1B ) Member  300  preferably has a hand grip  330 . In one embodiment, member  300  is fixed to base  200  by means well known in the art (including e.g., welding, bolting, gluing, bonding, riveting). In one embodiment, member  300  and base  200  are integrally formed by, for example, casting or molding.  
         [0025]     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 1A , cane  100  has an aperture  310 . Aperture  310  preferably extends vertically through cane  100  (e.g., from a point proximate handle  330  to a point below base  200 ). In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 1A , member  300  has two uprights  320 ,  321 . In another embodiment, member  300  has a single upright or more than two uprights. Aperture  310  preferably extends through one of uprights  320 ,  321 .  
         [0026]     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 3 , member  300  includes one or more intermediate actuators (e.g., cross members  340 ). Cross member  340  preferably include sleeve  341  which surrounds upright  320 ,  321  allowing cross member  340  to slide vertically along member  300 . The present invention may use any number of cross members  340 . Preferably sleeve  341  forms a connection between two cross members  340  such that both cross members  340  move in unison vertically along member  300 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , cross members  340  preferably have restrictions to vertical travel along uprights  341  by pins  351 ,  352 . Pin  351  preferably restricts upward movement of cross member  340  and pin  352  preferably restricts downward movement of cross member  340 . Pin  352  further engages brake  400  thereby permitting a person to apply downward pressure on cross member  340  to engage brake  400  (discussed in more detail below). Member  300  preferably includes one or more accessory attachment fixtures  360 . Fixture  360  is preferably a hook adapted to carry, for example, a handbag. Fixture  360  may include a strap, a snap, Velcro®-type connections, a clip or any other type of attachment mechanism.  
         [0027]     Brake  400  preferably has a rigid rod  405 . ( FIG. 4 ) Rigid rod  405  preferably extends through aperture  310 . Brake  400  has an actuator (e.g., pad)  410  which is fixed to rod  405 , or preferably is integral with rod  405 . Actuator  410  is preferably proximate handgrip  330 . In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 4 , rod  405  extends from actuator  410  proximate handgrip  330  to floor  50 , preferably through aperture  310 . Brake  400  has a ground engaging means which is preferably a brake pad (e.g., stopper)  420  that is fixed to rod  405 . In one embodiment stopper  420  is integral with rod  405  thereby forming a single piece. Stopper  420  may be any material but is preferably elastomer or some similar material with a high friction coefficient for engaging floor  50 . In a preferred embodiment, brake  400  is extendable through aperture  310  by depressing actuator  410  downward.  
         [0028]     In a preferred embodiment, when actuator  410  is not being depressed, brake  400  retracts from floor  50  allowing cane  100  to roll unimpeded. Retraction of brake  400  is preferably achieved by a spring  430  which engages base  200  and brake  400 . Spring  430  may engage brake  400  by any means but is preferably connected to brake  400  by pin  353 . Pin  353  preferably extends from rod  405  outwardly from member  300  and rides in slot  363  of member  300 . Thus, when actuator  410  is depressed with sufficient force, pin  353  depresses spring  430  until stopper  420  engages ground surface  50  ( FIG. 7 ). When the downward pressure is removed, spring  430  expands against pin  353  and brake  400  retreats from surface  50  ( FIG. 8 ). In one embodiment, to maintain the orientation of actuator  410  with hand grip  330 , pin  354  may be extended from actuator  410  to frame  200  ( FIG. 9 ).  
         [0029]     Cross member  340  may similarly be employed to engage brake  400 . By depressing cross member  340  with sufficient pressure to overcome the upward pressure of spring  430 , cross member  340  preferably engages pin  352  thereby forcing brake  400  (e.g., at brake pad  420 ) to engage surface  50  ( FIG. 10 ).  
         [0030]     Thus, the present invention provides a useful means for a person to walk with continuous assistance from a cane without the need to lift the cane from surface  50 . In a preferred means of operation, a person positions hand grip  330  in such a fashion as to orient pad  410  in the heal of the person&#39;s hand. Thus, while a person is walking using cane  200  brake  400  may be engaged in a simple motion of depressing the heal of the hand downward without removing the hand from handgrip  330 .  
         [0031]     The present invention also provides a useful apparatus to assist a person in standing from a sitting position. Cross members  340  are preferably positioned at a height that would enable a person to steady themselves for example, while sitting on a chair. The person then preferably depresses cross member  340  thereby engaging brake  400  with surface  50  to prevent cane  100  from rolling. In one embodiment, the person uses one or more of cross members  340  to assist them in standing without fear that the support will drift. When downward pressure is removed, brake  400  retracts from surface  50  and the person may then walk with assistance from cane  200 .  
         [0032]     The present invention also includes a cane  1000  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Cane  1000  has a base  2001  with at least one platform  2000 , member (e.g., frame)  3000  and legs  4000 . Member (e.g., frame)  3000  includes one or more uprights  3001  and a handgrip  3030 . Member  3000  is oriented on any location relative to platform  2000  but is preferably offset to one side of platform  2000  ( FIG. 17 ). Member  3000  is of a fixed height in one embodiment. In a preferred embodiment Member  3000  has an adjustable height.  
         [0033]     Platform  2000  preferably has a first tread  2010  and a second tread  2020 . In a preferred embodiment, first tread  2010  is fixed to frame  3000 . In one embodiment, member  3000  and first tread  2010  are integral with one another (e.g., a casting). Second tread  2020  preferably extends from first tread  2010  in such a manner as to provide a surface upon which a person can stand with at least one foot. In a preferred embodiment, first tread  2010  and second tread  2020  are connected by a securement  2030 . Securement  2030  may be any securement that enables second tread  2020  to extend from tread  2010 . Securement  2030  is preferably a hinge. ( FIG. 5 ) Platform  2000  has dimension D from member  3000  to the end of second tread  2020  that is preferably approximately 6-½ inches. Platform  2000  has a width W of preferably approximately eight inches. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any dimension D or width W will fall within the scope of the invention. The size of platform  2000  may be optimized such that cane  1000  can be steadied on a lower surface (e.g., stair tread  620 ) ( FIG. 6 ) thus enabling a person to stand on platform  2000  while cane  1000  is on the lower surface (e.g., tread  620 ).  
         [0034]     In a preferred embodiment, legs  4000  are attached to platform  2000 . Though any number of legs may be useful for the purpose of the present invention, preferably four legs are attached to first tread  2010  and two legs are attached to second tread  2020 . In one embodiment, three legs are attached to first tread  2010 . In one embodiment, one leg is attached to second tread  2020 . The number of legs  4000  in one embodiment is determined by the number necessary to enable cane  1000  to be free-standing when positioned on a surface (e.g., stair tread). In one embodiment ( FIG. 16 ), six legs  4000  are attached to platform  2000 ; two legs  4001  proximate the outer edge of second tread  2020 ; two legs  4002  proximate securement  2030 ; and two leg  4003  proximate member  3000 . ( FIG. 16 ). In one embodiment legs  4003  proximate member  3000  are oriented on a side of frame  3000  opposite substantially all of platform  2000 . ( FIG. 16 ).  
         [0035]     Legs  4000  may be any height H and are preferably such a height H so that platform  2000  is approximately four inches above a lower surface (e.g., stair tread  620 ). ( FIG. 6 ). In one embodiment a height H of four inches is preferable because that is approximately half the height of a stair riser  610 . In practice, a person would position cane  1000  on a lower surface (e.g., stair tread  620 ) while standing on the lower surface (e.g., tread  620 ). To achieve the next higher surface (e.g., next higher step, curb, automobile interior), for example, a person may first step on platform  2000  then on the higher surface. From the higher surface, for example when a person wants to climb a set of stairs, the person would then position cane  1000  on the higher surface (e.g., tread  630 ) and repeat the process. In one embodiment, more than one platform  2000  may be included to provide a plurality of intermediate steps between vertical rise surfaces. The height of platform  2000  or the spacing between the more than one platform  2000  may be any height to accommodate the purpose.  
         [0036]     In a preferred embodiment, when cane  1000  is not being used to assist in the climbing of vertical rises, second tread  2020  may be retracted to facilitate the use of cane  1000  for walking. ( FIGS. 18, 19 ,  20 ). In one embodiment, second tread  2020  is folded over first tread  2010  via securement  2030  (e.g., a hinge). ( FIGS. 18, 19 ,  20 ).  
         [0037]     There is illustrated in  FIG. 21 , a rolling cane  2100  of the present invention. Cane  2100  at least one upright post  2120 . Upright post  2120  preferably has a longitudinal axis  2122 . Upright post  2120  preferably includes a brake (e.g., a stem)  2121  which is oriented at angle α to longitudinal axis  2122 . In a preferred embodiment, α is approximately 45°. Brake  2121  preferably has a stopper  2141 . Stopper  2141  is preferably made of elastomer or some other high friction material. In one embodiment, cane  2100  preferably has two upright posts  2120  that are preferably connected by a handle  2150 . In an embodiment with two upright posts  2120  and two stoppers  2141 , stoppers  2141  are spaced a distance A from one another. In a preferred embodiment, A is approximately eight to twelve and preferably ten inches.  
         [0038]     Cane  2100  also has a base  2130 . Base  2130  may be attached to upright  2120  or it may be integral with upright  2120  or brake  2121  (e.g., cast as one piece). In one preferred embodiment, base  2130  is arc shaped with each end of the arc being configured to accept an axle  2142 . Wheels  2140  are preferably connected to base  2130  via axle  2142 . Wheel  2140  may be attached to base  2130  in any other manner known to those skilled in the art. Base  2130  is preferably oriented to upright  2120  such that it forms an angle β with longitudinal axis  2122 . In a preferred embodiment, β is approximately 45°. In one embodiment, wheels  2140  are spaced apart a distance B. In a preferred embodiment, B is approximately ten to fifteen and preferably thirteen inches. Wheels  2140  are approximately three to eight and preferably five inches in diameter. In one embodiment, larger diameter (e.g., 8 inches) wheels  2140  are preferable for outdoor use and smaller diameter (e.g., 3 inches) wheels  2140  are preferable for indoor use.  
         [0039]     In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 21 , cane  2110  has a transverse axis  2123 . Stems  2121  are preferably oriented at an angle A relative to transverse axis  2132 . In a preferred embodiment, Δ is approximately 45°.  
         [0040]     When not in use, longitudinal axis  2122  is preferably approximately normal to ground surface  50  and cane  2100  is free-standing. When in use one may tilt cane  2100  from its free standing position toward a user such that stopper  2141  leaves ground surface  50 . In a preferred embodiment, wheels  2140  are oriented more upright than in the free-standing position as a user rolls cane  2100  as they walk. To stop wheels  2140  from rolling, one may merely return cane  2100  to its free-standing position to engage stopper  2141  with ground surface  50 .  
         [0041]     Although the foregoing description is directed to the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is noted that other, variations and modifications in the details, materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the preferred embodiment of the invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Any dimensions referenced herein are preferred approximate dimensions. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any dimensions selected to achieve the objectives of the present invention are within the scope thereof.