Abstract:
An improved cane with an internal grasping apparatus including an actuator on the cane handle and a plurality of clamps that extends from the foot or base of the cane. A cord system within the casing of the cane connects the actuator to the clamps so that when the actuator is in use, the clamps close or open to either grasp or release objects, depending on the amount of pressure applied to the actuator. Applying pressure to the actuator extends a plurality of clamps from the distal end of the cane that can be used to assist with grasping of objects. Releasing pressure to the actuator on the cane handle will retract the clamps back into the distal end of the cane to where the clamps are hidden.

Description:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to improvements in internally housed grasping assemblies and/or assisted walking apparatuses for individuals with disabilities or as a tool for those in need of physical assistance during the rehabilitation process. 
     DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
     Individuals needing physical assistance often rely on walking canes or other tools to help them accomplish movement from one place to another and the grasping of objects and items that are out of a comfortable reach. Canes are necessary to avoid extensive flexing of the legs, hip, torso, or other areas during gait. Reaching devices are necessary to prevent strain on areas of the body where a user is experiencing pain or physical discomfort. Moreover, grasping and reaching devices are useful to also avoid extensive flexing of certain muscles including the legs, hip, torso, arms, or other areas of the body. When an individual is recovering from an intensive surgery such as hip surgery or knee surgery they often require both a walking cane and reaching device to assist them. Use of multiple bulky devices during the recovery process that are difficult to transport can be highly inconvenient and can reduce mobility. 
     In order to resolve the problems associated with requiring physical assistance, mechanical devices have been developed to assist those who need help reaching and/or grasping items while minimally stressing certain muscle groups. In most cases, these items comprise a shaft, a handle with a actuator to extend or retract an externally placed grasping device with fingers located at the distal end of the cane shaft, and a plurality of fingers or clamps, used to grasp items when the user applies pressure to the actuator mechanism. Because the actuator and clamp components are interconnected, the clamps open or close based on the pressure applied to the actuator by the user when reaching for objects. However, these mechanical devices are not useful for tasks such as walking because they are intended for grabbing items. For those in need, carrying multiple devices to assist them with the daily functions of life is inconvenient and burdensome. 
     Some devices have attempted to combine a walking aid device and grasping device with unsatisfactory results. These combinations are not only complex to manufacture, but are also challenging for users to operate efficiently, and they are prone to breakage. In Elmore, U.S. Pat. No. 3,591,226, a gripping device is disclosed with a shoehorn placed at the distal end of the device to assist with fitting into a shoe. The gripping device is activated through a trigger or actuator and a cable housed internally that attaches to an externally placed grasping arm. The shoehorn component also assists with the effectiveness of the grasping components by acting as a base. This device however is not intended to provide assistance while walking, but rather it is a device used to assist with grasping items that are out of reach. 
     Placement of the mechanical functionality and grasping components external to the shaft increases the likelihood that one of those components could be damaged during regular use. It would be an improvement to find a way to internally house the grasping components and any cabling between the grasping components and actuator within the shaft of the cane without reducing the ability to support an individual during gait. 
     Multi-functional grabbing devices frequently place the grasping mechanics on the periphery of the device, increasing the likelihood that some components will break, reducing the overall functionality of the device. See Snyder, U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,985, Lapere, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,234, Morton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,490, and Blake, U.S. Pat. No. 7,624,746. 
     Moreover, external placement of the grasping components can undermine the structural integrity of a cane device, making it more likely that an individual will have an accident because there are more areas for an object to become attached and stuck to the cane or grabber components during use as a walking aid. Placement of grasping components around the periphery of the walking aid can result in an increased risk of falling or tearing of an object caught up in the grasping components. 
     Unlike devices in the prior art, placement of the grasping components internal to the shaft reduces the likelihood that the grasping assembly will become damaged during regular use. Partially internal grasping components on walking assistance devices in the prior art are intended for specific tasks such as picking up golf balls and are not perfected for more general use. Berkowitz, U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,303. The present invention increases the ability of a user to pick up out of reach objects generally using the internally placed grasping members. The present invention also allows a user to conceal and lock or activate the internally placed grasping members at their convenience. 
     Thus, there is a need for a multifunctional safe and convenient retractable concealed grasping apparatus that can also be used to assist with walking, and other added functions that overcomes the present limitations of devices in the prior art. The present invention accomplishes this and several other goals. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The goal and object of the present invention is to provide an improved internally housed grasping assembly that can be accessed via an actuator on the handle of the device. 
     In the primary embodiment of the present invention, the shaft is hollowed out with a bore throughout. A flexible elongated connecting component with ends, such as a cable, is secured to an actuator component near the proximal end of the shaft and one or more grasping members at the distal end. When in an “open” configuration, applying grasping pressure to the actuator pulls the grasping members toward one another and creates a “grip” that can be used to reach objects that may be difficult for the user. 
     The present device is intended to be simple as well as inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. Based on the design by the inventor for the present device, the invention is also intended to provide a simplified device for accomplishing the tasks of assistance with gait and improved reaching and grasping capabilities for out of reach objects. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional grasping assistance device that can also support the body weight of an individual to improve safety. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that reduces physical stress on the hips and knees of a user when having to bend over or reach to pick up objects. 
     Finally, it is an object of the present invention to disclose a reaching device that is symmetrical along a longitudinal axis passing through a shaft component. 
     Embodiments will include one, more, or any combination of all of the features listed above. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and illustrations, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a multi-functional walking device in the closed configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the multi-functional walking device of  FIG. 1  in the open configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is an internal view of the inner handle and upper shaft of the multi-functional walking device of  FIG. 1  in the open configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is an internal view of the inner handle and upper shaft of the multi-functional walking device of  FIG. 1  in the closed configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is an internal view of the lower shaft and grasping member housing of the multi-functional walking device of  FIG. 1  in the open configuration; and 
         FIG. 6  is an internal view of the lower shaft and grasping member housing of the multi-functional walking device of  FIG. 1  in the closed configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the multi-functional walking device including a recessed holder on the handle. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the multi-functional walking device including a lighting element on the handle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below in the accompanying Figures. The following detailed description provides detailed schematics for a thorough understanding of and an enabling description for these embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without certain details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. 
     In  FIGS. 1-2 , a preferred multi-functional walking device assembly features an upright elongated, tubular, hollow shaft component  20  having proximal and distal ends  20   a  and  20   b  respectively. The cane handle  30  is mounted to the shaft  20  via external threading  21  on the proximal end  20   a  of the shaft and a threaded port  36  at the bottom of the handle  30  and a safety screw  34  fastening the shaft to the handle. The cane handle  30  includes an actuator  31 , a grabbing area  32  for the user&#39;s hand, a locking pin  35 , and a hanging tip  39 . The lower distal part of the cane as shown in  FIG. 1  includes a cylindrical ferrule  26  placed concentrically around the distal end of the shaft  20 ( b ) and the circular ferrule pads  56 . 
     The cane handle  30  is contemplated to be one or more surfaces arranged perpendicular to the shaft  20  curved into an inverted J shape that may be curved or straight that also includes a base that connects the handle to the proximal end of the shaft  20 . In one embodiment the handle  30  is separated longitudinally into two symmetrical handle components  38   a  and  38   b  wherein the actuator  31  is placed between the two handle components  38   a  and  38   b.    
     The handle  30  is designed so that it can be held or grasped by an individual hand for use as a cane or a grabbing device. One or more center components  37  are used to provide continuity across the surface of the handle  30  based on the additional elements that contribute to the improved functionality. The center component  37  is placed between the symmetrically arranged handle components  38   a  and  38   b  and fastened together via one or more fastening means such as one or more screws, bolts, pins, or other articles used to fasten items together at multiple points. When placed together with the center component  37 , the symmetrically arranged handle components  38   a  and  38   b  also form a base section that includes a port to receive the shaft  20  that attaches via internal threading  36  placed on the ventral side of the handle  30 . The proximal end  20   a  of the shaft  20  features external threading  21  designed to interface with the internal threading  36  of the handle  30  and secure the handle  30  to the shaft  20 . 
     The actuator  31  is designed so that in the open configuration, when upward force is applied it moves from a released resting point furthest away from the handle  30  to an actuating point closest to the handle  30 . The actuator  31  is located along the dorsal side of the grabbing area  32  near the base of the handle  30  so that a user can grip the actuator  31  and pull it inwards to activate the grabbing functionality. 
     When the device is in use and the shaft  20  is further away from the user&#39;s limbs, the hanging tip  39  is located at the posterior end of the grabbing area  32  of the handle  30 . The hanging tip  39  allows a user to hang the device from one or more planar surface edges, such as a counter-top or a desk. Once the device is suspended from a surface via the hanging tip  39 , the resting of the hanging tip  39  prevents the invention from dislodgment from a surface. 
     The device handle  30  also includes the locking pin  35  that restricts or permits movement of the actuator  31  by securing or unsecuring the locking pin  35 . The locking pin  35  is in the closed configuration when pressed fully toward the handle  30 . The locking pin  35  prevents the user from applying pressure to the actuator  31  when moved toward the handle  30 . When the locking pin  35  is in the closed configuration, the actuator  31  cannot be activated and the grasping functionality of the cane is not available because the locking pin prevents upward movement of the actuator when upward pressure is applied. 
     When placing the locking pin  35  in the open configuration, the full grasping functionality is available to a user via the actuator  31  because the unlocking of the locking pin  35  frees up the the actuator  31  so it can move upward or downward. A user can place the walking device into the open configuration by pressing the locking pin  35  away from the handle  30 . If the locking pin  35  is placed into the open configuration, the user can grasp one or more items via the grasping members  51  located at the distal end  20   b  of the shaft  20  by applying upward force on the actuator  31  toward the handle  30 . The internally placed cable  41  has additional flexibility when the locking pin  35  is in the open configuration, which allows a user to pull the grasping members  51  inward toward the shaft  20  to create the grasping functionality. To maintain an object within the grasping members  51  a user should apply a continuous amount of pressure to the actuator  31 . If a user disengages pressure from the actuator  31 , the grasping members  51  will automatically move outward and away from one another, reducing the grip on an object. 
       FIG. 3  is an internal profile view of the upper portion of the device of  FIG. 1  in the open configuration and  FIG. 4  is an internal profile view of the upper portion of the walking device of  FIG. 1  in the closed configuration. In both  FIGS. 3-4 , the shaft  20  and cable  41  are shown as broken away to indicate that no particular length is being claimed. Also in both Figures, the elongated hollow inner shaft  28  houses the linkage assembly  40 , which enables the grasping functionality and runs the length of the shaft  20  connecting to the actuator  31  to the distal end of the shaft  20   b . The proximal end of the shaft  20   a  as shown in  FIGS. 3-4  include external threading  21  designed to interface to the handle  30  via internal threading  36  located on the bottom of the handle  30 . 
     The internal portion of the actuator  31  also includes an opening  31   a  that secures the proximal end  41   a  of the cable to the actuator  31 . Once a user applies force to the actuator  31  with the cable  41  attached to the actuator opening  31   a , the actuator  31  lifts the linkage assembly  40  upward via the cable  41 . The resulting convergence of the connected grasping members  51  creates a “grip” around an object and the object as the grasping members  51  are pulled upward into the shaft  20 . 
     To secure the walking device into the closed configuration from the open configuration, a user must fully engage the actuator  31  and then push the locking pin  35  toward the handle  30 . Once in the closed configuration, the grasping members  51  will not mechanically protrude outward from the shaft  20  and will remain internal to the hollowed portion  28 . The device will resemble a traditional walking aid in the closed configuration. The locking pin  35  will not move into the closed configuration unless the actuator  31  is fully engaged. When in the closed configuration, the actuator  31  will not engage at all until the locking pin  35  has been unsecured. 
     The linkage assembly  40  of the present invention facilitates and transmits the motion of the actuator component to the grasping member housing  50 . The linkage assembly  40  includes a proximal ball-shaped element  40   a , attached at the proximal end  41   a  of the cable  41  that connects to a port  31   a  in the actuator  31  and a distal ball-shaped element  40   b , attached at the distal end  41   b  that fastens to the grasping member housing  50 . The cable  41  is placed within the internal hollow portion  28  of the cane shaft  20  from the proximal end  20   a  to the distal end  20   b . The opening  31   a  on the actuator  31  attaches to the proximal end  41   a  of the cable  41 , while the distal end  41   b  attaches to a holder  42  that is part of the grasping member housing  50 . 
     The inventor contemplates any number of materials to construct the cable  41 . Various materials contemplated by the inventor include coated or uncoated metals that provide durability and resistance such as stainless steel or aluminum. Advantageously, a non-elastic material would be exemplary as a cable  41  so that stretching and compression is minimized. By reducing or eliminating stretching and compression, the force applied by the user to the actuator  31  directly relates to the grasping force that is transferred to the grasping members  51 . 
     It is conceived that the handle  30  can be interchangeable via the internal threading  36  located at the bottom of the handle  30  so that the internal grasping assembly can be used with a completely different handle  30 . Different handles contemplated by the inventor include a D-shaped handle wherein the locking pin  35  and actuator  31  are placed along the even portion of the handle  30 . Alternate handle  30  designs contemplated by the inventor include those shaped like various animals and other objects that may serve to be appealing for an improved walking device. 
     Shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  are profile views of the lower half of the present invention in the open and closed configurations respectively. In  FIGS. 5-6 , the shaft  20  and cable  41  are shown as broken away to indicate that no particular length is being claimed. Also in  FIGS. 5-6 , the cable  41  connects through the shaft  20  to the actuator  31  as shown previously in  FIGS. 3-4 . 
     In both  FIGS. 5-6 , a cylindrical ferrule  26  fits concentrically around the cylindrical distal end  20   b  of the shaft. The ferrule  26  is then divided along the shaft surface to separate the cylindrical ferrule  26  from the circular ferrule  56 . The circular ferrule  56  is divided along a longitudinal axis to create two semi-circular ferrules that are sized to fasten to the two semi-circular ends of the grasping members  51 . The circular ferrule ends  56  provide protective functionality similar to a rubber ferrule on other cane and walking aid devices. The semi-circular ferrule ends  56  also help to reduce wear when grasping objects that may be prone to wear or scratches when grasped. Various materials contemplated for the ferrule component by the inventor include cellulosic material, plastics, and other materials that may be soft and also durable. 
     Immediately between the equatorial center of the shaft  20  to the distal end  20   b  is a stopping component  25  affixed internally and a tension spring  29  placed along the inner shaft  28  that prevents the linkage assembly  40  from being pulled upward beyond the stopping component  25 . The stopping component  25  includes a center port  27  to thread a cable  41  toward the proximal end of the shaft  20   a  and the handle  30 . Numerous materials are contemplated by the inventor for the shaft  20 , including acrylic plastic, metals, wood, and other materials that can be hollowed and that can also support the weight of a human. 
     The grasping member housing  50  comprises the holder  42 , a bolt  44 , and the grasping members  51 . The grasping members  51  comprise one or more conical components  52  with semi-circular ferrules  56  divided equally along a longitudinal axis designed to fit into the distal end of the shaft  20   b  when in the closed configuration and protrude outward when in the open configuration. In the ideal embodiment, the internal conical components  52  of the grasping members  51  are serrated  55  to improve grabbing functionality. 
     The holder  42  is shaped to fit into the inner shaft  28  below the stopping component  25  and tension spring  29 , and includes an opening  43  at the distal end to receive the proximal ends of the grasping members  51 . The holder  42  secures the grasping members  51  at the apex of the conical components  52  via a bolt  44  or other locking mechanism and a port  43  in the holder  42 . The holder  42  also includes a means to couple the distal end of the cable  41  to the grasping members  51 . Once the proximal end  41   a  of the cable is attached via the coupling and the distal end  41   b  of the cable is attached to the holder  42 , a user can activate the improved grasping functionality of the present invention by placing the locking pin  35  in the open configuration and application of grasping force to the actuator  31 . Between the grasping members  51  is an inner spring  54  that compresses when grasping objects. 
     When the device is in the closed configuration, the grasping members  51  are concealed and rest against one another inside the shaft  20  until placed into the open configuration. Once the device is placed into the open configuration, the grasping members  51  mechanically extend outward as far as allowed by the cable  41  and the bolt  44  from the distal end  20   b  of the shaft and away from one another so that they can be used to grasp one or more objects. As explained previously, once force is applied to the actuator  31 , the grasping members  51  move inward toward the proximal end  20   a  of the shaft  20  and toward one another, creating the ability to grip one or more objects away from grabbing distance of the user. 
     In the open configuration, the grasping members  51  protrude outward from the distal end  20   b  of the shaft  20  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Because the pressure is released from the actuator  31 , the cable  41  provides less tension and the grasping members  51  can protrude away from the distal end of the shaft  20   b . The inner spring  54  and the tension spring  29  are both extended when the device is in the open configuration. When in the open configuration as shown in  FIG. 5 , the circular ferrule  56  is placed away from the cylindrical ferrule  26 . As pressure is applied to the actuator  31 , the grasping members  51  pull inward and the inner spring  54  and the tension spring  29  both begin to compress. As a result, a user can grip an object based on the force applied to the actuator  31 . The serrated edges  55  can help hold an object between the grasping members  51  when used to help pick up one or more items. 
     In  FIG. 6 , as the cable  41  is pulled inward, the grasping member housing  50  is pulled inward into the shaft  20  as the tension spring  29  compresses toward the stopping point  25 . In the closed configuration, the grasping members  51  are also pulled inwards into the shaft  20  until they reach the stopping point  25  via the opening  25   a  for the cable  41  along the inside of the shaft  20  as shown in  FIG. 5 . When in the closed configuration, the circular ferrule  56  is placed perpendicular to the cylindrical ferrule  26 . The inner spring  54  and the tension spring  29  are both compressed when the device is in the closed configuration. 
     The inventor also contemplates using a D-shaped handle in place of the handle in the embodiment disclosed herein. While the mechanical assembly throughout the shaft  20  remains the same, as does the connecting functionality of the shaft to the handle  30 , the actuator  31  and locking pin  35  are placed along the even surface of the D-shaped handle. The cable  41  can separate into two and connect to opposite ends of the actuator  31  via the coupling  31   a  at the ends of the proximal end of the cable  41   a  throughout the hollowed portion of the D-shaped handle assembly. When the locking pin  35  is in the open configuration and the user applies grasping force to the actuator  31 , the actuator  31  pulls the cable  41  upward and activates the grasping functionality of the grasping members  51 . 
     To relock the walking device into the closed configuration from the open configuration using the D-shaped handle, a user must initially engage the actuator  31  by applying upward pressure to fully retract the grasping members  51  and then move the locking pin  35  laterally toward the handle  30 . Once into the closed configuration, the grasping members  51  will not mechanically protrude outward from the shaft  20  and will remain internal to the hollowed portion  28 . The locking pin  35  will not move into the closed configuration unless the actuator  31  is fully engaged and the grasping members  51  are placed fully inside the shaft  20 . 
     The inventor also contemplates adding additional functionality to the handle component to increase functionality along with improved grasping. The inventor contemplates addition of a compass  62  to the top or front of the handle for increased user awareness during navigation. If a user is in an unfamiliar location with a limited amount of time and a substantial distance to traverse, a compass  62  could assist the user with knowledge of cardinal directions and accuracy without carrying a separate component. Addition of a compass  62  to the handle of the invention disclosed herein would be useful improvement to a multi-functional walking device for individuals having walking difficulties. 
     The inventor also contemplates adding one or more lighting means  64  to the handle for improved user visual awareness during low-light activities. The lighting means  64  would comprise a light source  63  such as a diode, a battery, an activator, and a lighting circuit in a housing inside the front of the handle. The light source  63  would shine outward and external from the handle and be placed on the front of the handle behind the housing. It is contemplated that the lighting means  64  be ideally located on the top or on the laterals of the handle and a user would activate or deactivate the lighting circuit via the activator. Activators contemplated by the inventor used to activate the lighting functionality include buttons, switches, or sliding switches. 
     For quick attachment of the device to a portable holder on a belt or a backpack when not in use, the inventor also contemplates a recessed holder  61  along the surface and magnetic disc component  65  housed in the recessed holder  61  to magnetically receive another magnetic component along a a lanyard, loop, or carabiner that can be easily attached and detached from one another. The type of magnets contemplated by the inventor for use on the handle include strong rare earth magnets or weaker iron-based magnet discs that allow a user to quickly attach or detach the handle from a lanyard, loop, or carabiner attached to a belt or a backpack. 
     While a particular embodiment of the invention has been described and disclosed in the present application, it is clear that any number of permutations, modifications, or embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is not the inventor&#39;s intention to limit this invention in this application, except as by the appended claims. 
     Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention. 
     The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiment or form disclosed herein or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
     All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention. 
     In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims. 
     In light of the above “Detailed Description,” Inventor may make changes to the invention. While the detailed description outlines possible embodiments of the invention and discloses the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention may be practiced in a myriad of ways. Thus, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the spirit of the invention as disclosed by the inventor. As discussed herein, specific terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated.