Patent Publication Number: US-2011073146-A1

Title: Removable shock absorbing tip for a walking aid

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to walking aids. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to walking aids such as canes, crutches, and walkers having removable shock absorbing tips configured to permit a shock absorbing biasing member of the tip to be visible to a user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments disclosed herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments, which will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a partially cut-away side elevation view of one embodiment of a walking aid, specifically a cane, having a removable shock absorbing tip made of transparent or translucent material. 
         FIG. 1B  is a side elevation view of another embodiment of a walking aid, specifically a crutch, having a removable shock absorbing tip with a window to view a biasing member such as a spring. 
         FIG. 1C  is a partially cut-away side elevation view of a portion of another embodiment of a walking aid, such as a walker, having a removable shock absorbing tip made of transparent or translucent material. 
         FIG. 2A  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip made of transparent or translucent material permitting a biasing member such as a spring to be visible, the tip attached to a shaft of a walking aid. 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional side-elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip made of transparent or translucent material permitting a biasing member such as a spring to be visible, the tip attached to a shaft of a walking aid. 
         FIG. 2D  is a cross-sectional side-elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip of  FIG. 2C . 
         FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a spring as a biasing member. 
         FIG. 3B  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a spring as a biasing member. 
         FIG. 3C  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having an elastomeric material as a biasing member. 
         FIG. 3D  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a threaded shaft engaging member coupled to a biasing member made of an elastomeric material. 
         FIG. 3E  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a threaded shaft engaging member, a fluid-filled cushion biasing member, and a window in the outer shell member. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a window in the outer shell through which to view a spring biasing member. 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip of  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip made of transparent material to allow the spring biasing member to be visible. 
         FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip of  FIG. 4C . 
         FIG. 4E  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having a window in the outer shell through which to view a fluid-filled cushion biasing member. 
         FIG. 4F  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip of  FIG. 4E . 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having an exposed spring biasing element. 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the removable shock absorbing tip of  FIG. 5A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain individuals may require the assistance of a walking aid. Because these individuals rely on their walking aid to be able to walk, they may be motivated to customize the walking aid according to their individual preferences. For example, a hand grip of a walking aid may be exchanged with a customized grip, or a grip more to the user&#39;s liking. Similarly, the tip(s) of a walking aid may be exchanged to match the preferences of the user. For example, a user may prefer a hard or soft tip, a tip with a certain type of tread to provide traction and minimize slipping, a tip designed for icy or slippery conditions, or a tip designed for shock absorption. Moreover a user may prefer a different type of shock absorbing tips depending on the conditions. Tips for walking aids, however, are not always readily distinguishable and it may be difficult to easily identify a desired tip when choosing among several options having subtly different features. The present disclosure addresses some of these issues by enabling a user to view the biasing member of a shock absorbing tip and thereby distinguish the tip from other tips. 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. 
     The phrases “connected to,” “coupled to” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each other through an intermediate component. 
       FIG. 1A  shows a partially cut-away side elevation view of a walking aid  100 , specifically a cane, coupled to a removable biasing tip  110 , a portion of which is made of transparent or translucent material, according to one embodiment. The biasing tip  110  may be configured for shock absorption to soften the impact of the tip and the walking aid with the ground. The walking aid  100  may comprise a handle  102  for grasping the walking aid and a shaft  104  coupled to the handle  102  and extending from the handle  102  toward the ground. 
     “Transparent material,” as used herein, designates material that allows objects to be seen clearly through it. “Translucent material,” as used herein, designates material that allows light to pass through, but diffusing it so that objects beyond are not distinctly seen. Transparent or translucent material may be examples of a means for viewing a biasing means from the exterior of the outer shell member  116 . Other examples of means for viewing may include a window, a slit, a hole, a notch, or any opening in the outer shell member. 
     In one embodiment, the removable biasing tip  110  may comprise a biasing member  114 , an outer shell member  116 , and a slidably moveable member  115 . The outer shell  116  may further comprise a shaft engaging member  112  configured to engage the shaft  104  of the walking aid  100 , thereby coupling the removable biasing tip  110  to the shaft  104 . As depicted in  FIG. 1A , the shaft engaging member  112  may engage the shaft  104  through friction. In another embodiment, engagement of the shaft may be accomplished by a coupling mechanism, such as a clip, a clamp, a detent, a button, or complementary threads. As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the outer shell member  116  may surround the biasing member so as to secure one end of the biasing member  114  against movement and also to secure the biasing member  114  in a position abutting with the slidably moveable member  115 . The outer shell member  116  may be wholly or partially formed of transparent or translucent material to permit the biasing member  114  to be visible. 
     The biasing member  114  may be positioned within the outer shell member  116  around the shaft engaging member  112 . The slidably moveable member  115  may be adapted to be received within the outer shell member  116 , but outside of the shaft engaging member  112 , to abut against one end of the biasing member. The slidably moveable member  115  may be slidably moveable with respect to the outer shell member  116  and the shaft  104  to compress the biasing member. 
     A “biasing member” refers to a resilient or elastic component. A biasing member may be capable of providing a force in a particular direction and/or may be capable of returning to an original shape or position after having been compressed. A biasing member may be means for biasing a tip end of a walking aid against a force applied down a shaft of the walking aid. Exemplary biasing members, and biasing means, include a coil spring or other spring, a compressible gas, a compressible liquid, a compressible solid, a compressible gel, a cushion filled with compressible gas, liquid or gel, an elastomeric material, etc. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1A , the biasing member  114  may be a spring. In  FIG. 1A , the outer shell member  116  is partially cut-away to more prominently show the spring biasing member  114 . In other embodiments, the biasing member  114  may be a fluid-filled cushion or may be formed of an elastomeric material. As used herein, the term fluid is intended to have its scientific meaning, and thus includes gas and liquid. Accordingly, a fluid-filled cushion can be filled with gas and/or liquid. Some elastomeric materials that may be used include but are not limited to rubber, resilient plastic, and gels. 
     The slidably moveable member  115  may slide relative to the outer shell member  116  in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the shaft  104  of the walking aid. As a user applies force down the shaft  104 , the slidably moveable member  115  may slide within the outer shell member  116 , around the shaft engaging member  112 , to compress the biasing member  114  and thereby allow the biasing member to soften the impact of the tip  110  and walking aid  100  with the ground. Also, as illustrated, the slidably moveable member  115  may be configured to be received within the interior  120  of the hollow shaft  104 , such that a portion of the slidably moveable member  115  slides within the shaft  104  when compressing the biasing member  115 . The slidably moveable member  115  may further comprise a tread member  117  to provide the tip  110  with traction on the ground. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the outer shell member  116  may be an example of means for covering the biasing means, which substantially encloses the biasing means. The slidably moveable member  115  may be an example of means for compressing the biasing means. 
       FIG. 1B  shows a side elevation view of another embodiment of a walking aid  100 B, specifically a crutch, coupled to a removable biasing tip  110 B that has a window  118 B through which to view a biasing member  114 B such as a spring. The walking aid of  FIG. 1B  comprises one or more handles  102 B, and a shaft  104 B, or one or more shafts coupled together to form a shaft  104 B, that extends from the one or more handles  102 B substantially toward the ground. 
     The removable biasing tip  110 B may comprise a biasing member  114 B and an outer shell member  116 B. The outer shell member may be coupled to an inner shaft-engaging member  112 B that is slidably moveable within the outer shell member  116 B and configured to engage the shaft  104 B of the walking aid  100 B. The outer shell  116 B may surround the biasing member  114 B and couple the shaft engaging member  112 B and the biasing member  114 B. Because the shaft engaging member  112 B is slidably moveable within the outer shell member  116 B, the outer shell member  116 B can move with respect to the shaft  104 B when force is applied down the shaft  104 B. The outer shell member  116 B compresses the biasing member  114 B, thereby enabling the biasing member  114 B to absorb the force of impact of tip  110 B. Thus, in this embodiment, the outer shell member  116  may be an example of means for compressing the biasing means. 
     The outer shell member  116 B may include a window  118 B to permit the biasing member  114 B to be visible through the outer shell member  116 B. As depicted in  FIG. 1B , the biasing member  114 B may be a spring. In other embodiments, the biasing member  114 B may be a fluid-filled cushion or may be formed of an elastomeric material. 
       FIG. 1C  shows a side elevation view of a portion of still another embodiment of a walking aid  100 C, such as a walker, coupled to a removable biasing tip  110 C made of transparent or translucent material. The walking aid of  FIG. 1C  may comprise one or more handles and a shaft  104 C, or one or more shafts coupled together to form a shaft  104 C, extending from the one or more handles toward the ground. The removable biasing tip  110 C may comprise a biasing member  114 C, and an outer shell member  116 C. The outer shell may surround the biasing member  114 C and couple together the tip end of shaft  104 C and the biasing member  114 C. The outer shell member  116 C may be formed of transparent or translucent material to permit the biasing member  114 C to be visible through the outer shell member  116 C. Similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 1B , the outer shell  116 C of the removable biasing tip  110  may move with respect to the shaft  104 C to enable the biasing member  114 C to absorb and soften the shock of impact. 
       FIG. 2A  is a side view of a removable shock absorbing tip  210  coupled to a shaft  204  of a walking aid, according to one embodiment. The shock absorbing tip  210  comprises an outer shell member  216  formed of transparent or translucent material, a biasing member  214  viewable through the outer shell member  216 , and a slidably moveable member  215 . The slidably moveable member  215  may further comprise a tread member  217  to provide the tip  210  with traction on the ground. 
       FIG. 2B  depicts a cross-sectional view of the removable shock absorbing tip  210  of  FIG. 2A  attached to the shaft  204  of a walking aid. The cross section is taken along plane A-A as indicated in  FIG. 2A . As illustrated by the cross-section, the outer shell member  216  may further comprise a shaft engaging member  212  to engage the shaft  204  of a walking aid. The cross-sectional view illustrates the slidably moveable member  215  being received, and slidably moveable, within the outer shell member  216  and abutting with the biasing member  214 . When a force is exerted down the shaft  204 , the slidably moveable member  215  moves with respect to the outer shell member  216  to compress the biasing member  214  and thereby enable the biasing member  214  to absorb and soften force of impact of the tip  210  with the ground or other surface. 
     As depicted by  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in one embodiment, a slidably moveable member  215  can be slidably moveable within the outer shell member  216  and thereby move with respect to the outer shell member  216  and the shaft  204  to compress the biasing member  214  when pressure is applied down the shaft. The compression of the biasing member  214  enables absorption of the shock of impact of the tip  210  with the ground or other surface. 
       FIG. 2C  depicts a perspective view of a removable shock absorbing tip  210 C coupled to a shaft  204 C of a walking aid, according to another embodiment. The shock absorbing tip  210 C may comprise a shaft engaging member  212 C, an outer shell member  216 C formed of transparent or translucent material, and a biasing member  214 C viewable through the outer shell member  216 C. The shaft engaging member  212 C is slidably moveable within the outer shell member  216 C. Thus, the outer shell member  216 C can move with respect to the shaft engaging member to compress the biasing member  214 C and thereby enable the biasing member  214 C to absorb and soften the force of impact of the tip  210 C with the ground or other surface. 
       FIG. 2D  depicts a cross-sectional view of the removable shock absorbing tip  210 C of  FIG. 2C  attached to a shaft  204 C of a walking aid. The cross section is taken along the plane B-B as indicated in  FIG. 2C . The cross-sectional view illustrates that the embodiment may comprise a shaft engaging member  212 C, an outer shell member  216 C formed of transparent or translucent material, and a biasing member  214 C. As depicted in  FIG. 2D , the biasing member  214 C may be a spring.  FIG. 2D  also portrays the outer shell member  216 C coupling the shaft engaging member  212 C in abutment with the biasing member  214 C. 
     As depicted by  FIGS. 2C and 2D , in one embodiment the shaft engaging member  212 C may be slidably moveable within the outer shell member  216 , thereby compressing the biasing member  214 C when pressure is applied and allowing the biasing member  214 C to absorb the shock of impact. 
     In another embodiment, the shaft engaging member  212 C may not be slidably moveable with respect to the outer shell member  216 C. There may be not be any slidably moveable member. Rather, the outer shell member  216 C may be formed of a flexible material that collapses when pressure is applied. The outer shell member  216 C may collapse when force is applied down the shaft  204 C, such as when the user of a waking aid applies pressure to the walking aid for stability and support. When the outer shell member  216 C collapses, the biasing member  214 C may compress to absorb a portion of the shock of impact and the force applied. 
       FIG. 3A  is an exploded view of a removable shock absorbing tip  310  having a spring as a biasing member, according to one embodiment.  FIG. 3A  depicts the different components of the removable shock absorbing tip  310 , including but not limited to an outer shell member  316 , a biasing member  314 , a slidably moveable member  315  and a tread member  317 . Also depicted is a shaft  304  of a walking aid. The outer shell member  316  may further comprise a shaft engaging member  312  configured to engage the shaft  304  to attach the removable shock absorbing tip to the walking aid. The shaft engaging member  312  may be integrally coupled to the outer shell  316 , as depicted in  FIG. 3A . Furthermore, in one embodiment, the outer shell member  316  is configured to secure one end of the biasing member  314  and also secure the slidably moveable member  315  in abutment with the biasing member  314 . The outer shell member  316  may be formed of a transparent or translucent material so as to permit the biasing member  314  to be visible through the outer shell member  316 . The slidably moveable member  315  is configured to be positioned within the outer shell member  316  and slidably movable with respect to the outer shell member  316 . The slidably moveable member  315  may be positioned to slidably move around the shaft engaging member  312 . When a force is applied down the shaft  304 , the slidably moveable member  315  may move with respect to the outer shell  316  so as to compress the biasing member  315 . As depicted in  FIG. 3A , the biasing member  314  may be a spring. 
       FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of a removable shock absorbing tip  310 B having a spring as a biasing member, according to one embodiment.  FIG. 3B  depicts the different components of the shock absorbing tip  310 B including but not limited to an outer shell member  316 B, a biasing member  314 B, and a shaft engaging member  312 B. Also depicted is a shaft  304 B of a walking aid. The shaft engaging member  312 B may be configured to engage the shaft  304 B to attach the removable shock absorbing tip to the walking aid. Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment the outer shell member  316 B is configured to hold the shaft engaging member  312 B in abutment with the biasing member  314 B. The shaft engaging member may be configured to function like a piston, such that it is partially received by, and slidably moveable within, the outer shell member  316 B and can compress the biasing member  314 B. The outer shell member  316 B may be formed of a transparent or translucent material so as to permit the biasing member  314 B to be visible through the outer shell member  316 B. As depicted in  FIG. 3A , the biasing member  314 B may be a spring. 
       FIG. 3C  is an exploded view of another embodiment of a shock absorbing tip  310 C having a biasing member comprising a compressible piece of material. The embodiment is similar to that of  FIG. 3B , comprising an outer shell member  316 C, a biasing member  314 C, and a shaft engaging member  312 C that is slidably moveable within the outer shell member  316 C. Also depicted is a shaft  304 C of a walking aid. The biasing member  314 C of the present embodiment may be formed of an elastomeric material, such as rubber, resilient plastic, or gel. 
       FIG. 3D  is an exploded view of still another embodiment of a shock absorbing tip  310 D with a threaded shaft engaging member coupled to a biasing member made of an elastomeric material. The shaft engaging member  312 D of the illustrated embodiment may comprise threads  317 D. The shaft engaging member  312  may be formed together with a biasing member  314 D, the two permanently connected or integrated, and slidably moveable within outer shell member  316 D. Threads  317 D are an example of a means for engaging a shaft of a walking aid. Other examples of means for engaging a shaft of a walking aid may include an elastomeric material configured to tightly grip the shaft, a detent, hooks and loops, a button, or other fastener. 
       FIG. 3E  is an exploded view of still another embodiment of a shock absorbing tip  310 E comprising a threaded shaft engaging member  312 E, a fluid-filled cushion as a biasing member  314 E, and a window  318 E in the outer shell member  316 E through which to view the biasing member  314 E. In one embodiment, the fluid-filled cushion biasing member  314 E may be filled with air. In another embodiment, the fluid-filled cushion biasing member  314 E may be filled with a gel or other liquid. In other embodiments, the biasing member may be a spring or elastomeric material. 
     The shock absorbing tip  310 E of  FIG. 3E  may comprise a shaft engaging member  312 E that may be formed as an integrated part of the outer shell member  316 E. Because the shaft engaging member  312 E is integrated with the outer shell member  316 E, the shaft engaging member  312 E is not slidably moveable with respect to the outer shell member  316 E. No slidably moveable component is present. Rather, the outer shell member  316 E may be formed of a flexible material that gives way when pressure is applied. The outer shell member  316 E may give way when force is applied down the shaft, such as when the user of a walking aid applies pressure to the walking aid for stability and support. As the outer shell member  316 E gives way under the applied force, the biasing member  314 E may compress to absorb a portion of the shock of impact from and force being applied. 
       FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip  410  with a window to permit the spring to be visible. The embodiment may comprise an outer shell member  416  that may be at least partially formed of transparent or translucent material, a window  418  in the outer shell member, a biasing member  414  viewable through the window  418  of the outer shell member  416 , a slidably moveable member  415 , and a tread member  417 . 
       FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the same embodiment of a shock absorbing tip  410  shown in  FIG. 4A . The cross-section is taken along the plane C-C as indicated in  FIG. 4A . The cross-sectional view illustrates that the outer shell member  416  is adapted to engage a shaft of a walking aid. The outer shell member  416  may further comprise a shaft engaging member  412  to accomplish that objective. The biasing member  414  may be disposed within the outer shell member  414  around the inner shaft engaging member  412 . A slidably moveable member  415  is adapted to be received around the inner shaft engaging member, but within the outer shell member  416 , so as to abut with the biasing member. The slidably moveable member may further comprise a tread member  417 . As depicted in  FIG. 4B , the slidably moveable member  415  moves with respect to the shaft engaging member  412  of the outer shell member  416  to compress the biasing member  414  and thereby absorb the force of impact. The biasing member  414  may be a spring. 
       FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip  410 C made of transparent material to make the spring visible. The removable shock absorbing tip  410 C may comprise an outer shell member  416 C at least partially formed of transparent or translucent material and a biasing member  414 C viewable through the outer shell member  416 C, and a shaft engaging member  412 C that is slidably moveable within outer shell member  416 C. 
       FIG. 4D  is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the shock absorbing tip  410 C shown in  FIG. 4C . The cross-sectional view is taken along the plane D-D as indicated in  FIG. 4C . The cross-sectional view reveals that the shock absorbing tip  410 C comprises a shaft engaging member  412 C, an outer shell member  416 C formed of transparent or translucent material, and a biasing member  414 C. As depicted in  FIG. 4D , the biasing member  414 C may be a spring.  FIG. 4D  also illustrates the outer shell member  416  coupling the shaft engaging member  412  in abutment with the biasing member  414 . 
       FIG. 4E  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip  410 E having an outer shell member with a window to permit the fluid-filled cushion biasing member to be visible through the outer shell. The removable shock absorbing tip  410 E is shown not attached to any walking aid. The removable shock absorbing tip  410 E may comprise a shaft engaging member  412 E, and a biasing member  414 E, an outer shell member  416 E, and a window  418 E to permit the biasing member  414 E to be viewable through the outer shell member  416 E. The window  418 E in the outer shell member  416 E may be formed of transparent or translucent material. The outer shell member  416 E may be formed of an opaque material. The window  418 E allows a user to view the biasing element  414 E and more readily distinguish the embodiment from other removable tips for walking aids. 
       FIG. 4F  is a cut-away side elevation view of the removable shock absorbing tip  410 E of  FIG. 4E . The cross-sectional view is taken along the plane E-E as shown in  FIG. 4E . The removable shock absorbing tip  410 E comprises a shaft engaging member  412 E, an outer shell member  416 E, and a biasing member  414 E formed of elastomeric material. In another embodiment, the biasing member  414 F may be a fluid-filled cushion. In still another embodiment, the removable shock absorbing tip  410 E may have, in addition to the window  418 E, an outer shell member  416 E made of transparent material to make the biasing member visible. 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable shock absorbing tip having an exposed spring biasing element.  FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the removable shock absorbing tip of  FIG. 5A . The cross-section is taken along plane F-F as indicated in  FIG. 5A . The removable shock absorbing tip  510  comprises a shaft engaging member  512 , an outer shell member  516 , and a biasing member  514 . In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing member  514  is a spring coiled around the shaft engaging member  512  and positioned above the outer shell member  516 . The biasing member  514  is in abutment at one end with a top rim  518  of the outer shell member  516  and in abutment at another end with a collar  520  positioned at or near the top of the shaft engaging member  512 . Until a force is applied to the shaft engaging member  512 , the spring biasing member  514  may be in an uncompressed state. The spring biasing member  514  biases the collar  520  of the shaft engaging member away from the top rim  518  of the outer shell member  516 . 
     The shaft engaging member  512  is at least partially received by and slidably moveable within a cavity of the outer shell  516 . The shaft engaging member  512  moves relative to the outer shell  516  in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of a shaft to which the shaft engaging member  512  may be coupled. The shaft engaging member  512  may slide along a one or more tracks  522  formed along the inside of the cavity of the outer shell member  516 , as shown in  FIG. 5B . The one or more tracks  522  may comprise a combination of one or more grooves and/or protrusions that mate with a combination of one or more corresponding protrusions and/or grooves respectively formed on an outer surface of the shaft engaging member  512 . The tracks  522  may be configured to prevent the outer shell member  516  from rotating about the shaft engaging member  512 . The tracks  522  may be further configured to engage the outer shell member  516  to the shaft engaging member  512  to prevent the shaft engaging member  512  from fully withdrawing from the cavity of the outer shell member  516 . A stop  524  may also be positioned within the cavity of the outer shell  516  to prevent the shaft engaging member  512  from being pushed too far into the cavity of the outer shell  516 . The stop  524  may ensure that the spring biasing element is not over-compressed, or otherwise damaged. Furthermore, by preventing over insertion of the shaft engaging member  512  into the cavity of the outer shell member  516 , the stop  524  may also serve to ensure that the spring biasing element  514  remains properly positioned around the shaft engaging member  512  and between the collar  518  of the shaft engaging member  512  and the top rim  518  of the outer shell member  512 . 
     As a force is applied down a shaft of a walking aid and is transferred to the shaft engaging member  512 , the shaft engaging member  512  slides further into the outer shell member  516 . The collar  520  of the shaft engaging member  512  also moves closer to the top rim  518  of the outer shell member  516 , thereby compressing the spring biasing member  514 . In this manner, the spring biasing member  514  can absorb the shock of impact of the tip  510  and the walking aid with the ground. The impact of the tip  510  with the ground is softened. When the force down the shaft is removed, the spring biasing member  514  biases the collar  520  of the shaft engaging member  512  away from the outer shell member  516  and into position to soften the shock of a subsequent impact of the tip  510  with the ground. 
     While specific embodiments of walking aids and removable tips for walking aids have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention claimed hereinafter is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent to those of skill in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the apparatus disclosed. 
     Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the present disclosure to its fullest extent. The examples and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention as claimed hereinafter. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. Note that elements recited in means-plus-function format are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112 ¶6.