Patent Publication Number: US-2021186244-A1

Title: System for holding a cane or the like

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/952,555, filed Dec. 23, 2019, the content of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to systems for a holding non-planar object such as a cane. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Walking canes (walking sticks, hiking sticks, etc.) have been used by many people as mobility aids for ages to facilitate walking. Canes can also be used as a supporting device, fashion accessory, or an object of defense. Based on the purpose of utilization, some canes may be handcrafted from wood, extruded from aluminum, formed of plastics or carbon fiber, or simply a stick from the ground. Aged users generally carry a cane in their hands as a walking aid for support, balance, and mobility. However, the user may need to put the cane down to use their hands to complete an activity such as washing their hands, shaking hands, opening a door, putting on a coat, getting something from a wallet or purse, or similar activities. 
     During such instances, the user has to make a choice that could impact balance, such as dropping the cane down, finding a supporting object or wall to rest the cane against, or passing the cane to someone else to hold onto. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a first set on embodiments, a cane holding assembly for holding a cane is provided. The assembly includes a main body having a front portion, a first arm and a second arm coupled to the front portion and extending away from the front portion at a right angle, a first end cap coupled to the first arm at a first arm end opposite the front portion; and a second end cap coupled to the second arm at a second arm end opposite the front portion. 
     According to a second set of embodiments, a cane holding assembly for holding a cane is provided. The assembly includes a main body having a front portion, a first arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, where the first end is coupled to the front portion. The cane holding assembly also includes a first knob coupled to the first arm proximate the second end, and a first end cap rotatably coupled to the first arm proximate the second end. 
     According to a third set of embodiments, a cane holding assembly for holding a cane is provided. The assembly includes a main body having a front portion and a rear portion cooperating to form a clip, a first arm coupled to the front portion and having a first knob, and a first end cap positioned over the first knob such that the first end cap is rotatable relative to the first arm. 
     Various embodiments discussed herein provide a simple but effective solution to temporarily hold a cane whenever it is not held in the user&#39;s hands. A cane holder may be lightweight, easy to use, portable and easily mountable to accommodate various types of walking canes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cane holding assembly, according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the cane holding assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the cane holding assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of a portion of the cane holding assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a first cross-sectional view of the portion of the cane holding assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the portion of the cane holding assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective bottom view of the portion of the cane holding assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is a second cross-section view of the portion of the cane holding assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross-section view of a portion of the cane holding assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-section view of the cane holding assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a cane holding assembly according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure will now be described fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all aspects of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art, and will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a cane holding assembly  100  is shown. The cane holding assembly  100  includes a main body  110 , a first arm  120 , a second arm  130 , a first end cap  140 , and a second end cap  150 . The cane holding assembly  100  is structured to receive a non-planar object (herein “cane”), such as a cane, a broom handle, a flag stick, a golf club, or any variety of objects having a cylindrical or otherwise non-planar shaft or component. Generally speaking, a cane may be biased toward the main body  110 , between the first end cap  140  and the second end cap  150 . When the cane is disposed within the cane holding assembly  100 , an inherent compliance of the first and second end caps  140 ,  150  applies a force on the cane in a direction generally toward the main body  110 , holding the cane within the cane holding assembly  100 . The cane may also be removed from the cane holding assembly  100  by biasing the cane away from the main body  110 , between the first and second end caps  140 ,  150 . The inherent compliance of the first and second end caps  140 ,  150  may apply a force to the cane in a direction generally toward the main body  110  (e.g., against the direction the cane is biased), but the force is not great enough to prevent the cane from being removed (e.g., by a user) from the main body  110 , and thus out of and away from the cane holding assembly  100 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , three reference planes are shown. A plane AA is tangent to the highest point. A plane BB, parallel to the plane AA, distinguishes a joint portion of the main body  110  from the front and rear portions. A plane CC is shown, parallel to both plane AA and plane BB, and tangent to the lowest point. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2 , a front view of the cane holding assembly  100  is shown with the first and second end caps  140 ,  150  removed (e.g., hidden from view). The main body  110  comprises a front (e.g., first) portion  210 , a rear (e.g., second) portion  220 , and a joint (e.g., third) portion  230 . The joint portion  230  is disposed between and joins together the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220 . The main body  110  may be a single, integral body formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic, epoxy, resin, thermoset polymers, metal, alloys, wood, glass, and similar materials. In some embodiments, the front portion  210 , the rear portion  220 , and the joint portion  230  are manufactured separately from one another and later coupled together to form the main body  110 . In some embodiments, the main body  110  is manufactured by bending a solid, straight metal bar about a middle section (e.g., near the middle, approximately near the middle, etc.), corresponding to the joint portion  230 . In some embodiments, the main body  110  is formed through die-casting, investment casting, injection molding, vacuum forming, or a similar manufacturing process. The main body  110  is configured to receive a generally planar body (herein “waistband’) between the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220 , such as a belt (e.g., dress belt), a waistband (e.g., from a pair of pants), a pocket (e.g., pants pocket, rear pocket, shopping cart pocket, pocket on the back of a wheelchair, etc.), the top of a wheelchair back, or similar rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible structures. The main body  110  may be clipped on (e.g., clipped to, slid on, attached to, etc.) the waistband until a top of the waistband interfaces with the joint portion  230 . As such, the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  should be long enough (e.g., extend far enough away from the joint portion  230 ) such that the main body  110  is difficult to pull laterally away from the waistband, such as by a force applied to either or both of the first arm  120  and the second arm  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front view of the cane holding assembly  100  is shown. The front portion  210  may be generally planar, having a forward facing surface  212  and a rearward facing surface  214 , opposite and parallel to the forward facing surface  212 . The forward facing surface  212  may be decorative, incorporating an etching, a printed design, or other visually appealing surface finish (e.g., hammered nickel, brushed stainless steel, chrome, etc.). When a cane is biased into the cane holding assembly  100 , the cane may interface with the forward facing surface  212 . When the main body  110  is clipped onto a waistband, the rearward facing surface  214  may interface with the waistband. The front portion  210  may include a covering (e.g., covering material, sleeve, skin, etc.), such as leather, silicone, rubber, plastic, or PVC. The covering may improve the aesthetic appearance to a user. In some embodiments, the covering may be removable and exchangeable with a different covering. For example, a leather covering may be desirable if the user is in a formal setting, whereas a more rugged silicone covering may be desirable for everyday use. In some embodiments, the covering is permanently added to the front portion  210 , such as pliers handle dip (e.g., Plasti Dip®), powder coating, or curable resins and adhesives. 
     The front portion  210  defines a front portion width  216  and a front portion height  218 . The front portion width  216  is between 1 and 2 inches, inclusive, in particular embodiments. In some embodiments, the front portion width is 1.375 inches. In some embodiments, the front portion width  216  may be adjusted to accommodate a cane of most any width or diameter, varying between the diameter of a golf club shaft (0.27″-0.37″) through the diameter of 3″ PVC pipe. The front portion  210  further includes a front upper end  221  and a front lower end  222  opposite the front upper end  221 . The front portion  210  is coupled to the joint portion  230  about the front upper end  221 . Coupled proximate the front lower end  222  may be the first arm  120  and the second arm  130 . The front portion width  216  may be uniform between the front upper end  221  and the front lower end  222 . In some embodiments, the front portion width  216  tapers between the front upper end  221  and the front lower end  222 , either gradually increasing or gradually decreasing between the two ends  221 ,  222 . 
     The front portion  210  further defines a front portion thickness  224 . The front portion thickness  224  is defined as the distance between the forward facing surface  212  and the rearward facing surface  214 . The front portion thickness  224  may be uniform between the front upper end  221  and the front lower end  222 . In some embodiments, the front portion thickness  224  tappers between the front upper end  221  and the front lower end  222 , gradually decreasing or gradually increasing between the two ends  221 ,  222 . This may be desirable as the front portion thickness  224  may affect the inherent compliance of the front portion  210 , which may affect the ease of which a user of the cane holding assembly  100  may attach and remove the main body  110  from a waistband. 
     The front portion height  218  may be between 1 and 3 inches, inclusive. In some embodiments, the front portion height  218  is between 1.5 and 2.5 inches, inclusive. In other embodiments, the front portion height  218  is 2 inches. The front portion height  218  is defined as the distance between the front upper end  221  and the front lower end  222 . In some embodiments, the front portion height  218  is constant across the entirety of the front portion width  216 . However, the front lower end  222  may include additional features, such as a bottle opener, a scraper, or similar feature that would cause the front portion height  218  to not be constant (e.g., to have peaks and valleys) across the entirety of the front portion width  216 . In such an embodiment, the front portion height  218  may be defined as a maximum distance (e.g., compared to a median or average distance) between the highest point proximate the front upper end  221  and the lowest point proximate the front lower end  222 . 
     As mentioned above, the front portion  210  is coupled to the joint portion  230  about the front upper end  221 . The joint portion  230  defines a first joint end  232  coupled to the front upper end  221 , and a second joint end  234  coupled to the rear portion  220 , the second joint end  234  opposite the first joint end  232 . The joint portion  230  further defines a generally arced geometry, having an extrados surface  236  and an intrados surface  238 . In some embodiments, the extrados surface  236  and the intrados surface  238  are generally parallel. In some embodiments, the extrados surface  236  and the intrados surface  238  each define a hemi-circle geometry and are concentric about each other when the cane holding assembly  100  is viewed from either the right side or the left side. A joint thickness  240  is defined as a distance between the extrados surface  236  and the intrados surface  238 . The joint thickness  240  may be equal to, slightly greater than, or slightly less than the front portion thickness  224 . Generally speaking, the exact geometry of the joint portion  230  may not be materially relevant to the functionality of the joint portion  230 . For example, a profile of the joint portion  230 , when viewed from the side, may resemble a rectangle (e.g., may have two right angles instead of one continuous arch joining the front portion  210  to the rear portion  220 ). In some embodiments, the joint portion  230  is formed of a semi-rigid or flexible material different from the front portion  210  and/or the rear portion  220 . For example, the joint portion  230  may be formed of a polymer or an elastomer overmolded to both the front upper end  221  and the rear portion  220 . In some embodiments, the joint portion  230  may be formed of a metal alloy, having an inherent compliance. The joint portion  230  functions to allow the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  to move (e.g., translate, bias, flex, etc.) relative to each other. When the main body  110  is clipped to a waistband, the rear portion  220  may bias away from the front portion  210  such that the waistband can fit between the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220 . The joint portion  230  may allow such movement of the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  to occur. Once the main body  110  is clipped to the waistband, the joint portion  230  may facilitate movement of the rear portion  220  toward the front portion  210 , effectively pinching the waistband between the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220 . Changing the material properties of the joint portion  230 , such as changing the material, the thickness, or the geometry may alter the compressive force exerted by the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  on the waistband when the main body  110  is clipped onto the waistband. 
     The rear portion  220  is similar to the front portion  210 . A difference between the rear portion  220  and the front portion  210  is that the rear portion  220  includes a flange, shown as a release flange  250 . The rear portion  220  may include a covering similar to the covering of the front portion  210 . In some embodiments, the covering may be removable and exchangeable with a different covering. In some embodiments, the covering may cover the rear portion  220 , the joint portion  230 , and the front portion  210  at the same time. The rear portion  220  is generally planar and includes a rear back surface  242  and a rear front surface  244  opposite and parallel to the rear back surface  242 . The rear front surface  244  faces the rearward facing surface  214 . When the main body  110  is clipped on a waistband, the rear front surface  244  interfaces with the waistband. The rear portion  220  also includes a rear upper end  246  and a rear lower end  248  opposite the rear upper end  246 . The rear upper end  246  is coupled to the joint portion  230 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the rear lower end  248  is positioned above the front lower end  222 . In some embodiments, the rear portion  220  extends below the front portion  210  such that the rear lower end  248 , and thus the release flange  250 , is positioned below the front lower end  222 . In some embodiments, the rear lower end  248  and the front lower end  222  are both positioned the same distance away from the joint portion  230  (e.g., both the rear lower end  248  and the front lower end  222  are positioned the front portion height  218  from the joint portion  230 ). 
     The main body  110  further defines a distance between the rear upper end  246  and the front upper end  221 . More specifically, the main body  110  defines a distance between the rear front surface  244  proximate the rear upper end  246  and the rearward facing surface  214  proximate the front upper end  221 . This distance is shown as an upper clearance distance D U . The upper clearance distance D U  is structured to accommodate most sized belts and waistbands. The main body  110  may to clip onto a waistband having a thickness approximately equal to or slightly less than the upper clearance distance D U . In some embodiments, the joint portion  230  allows the rear portion  220  to separate from the front portion  210  enough to accommodate a waistband having a thickness greater than the upper clearance distance D U . In some embodiments, the upper clearance distance D U  is between 0.1 inches and 1 inch. In other embodiments, the upper clearance distance D U  is between 0.2 inches and 0.5 inches. In even other embodiments, the clearance distance is 0.25 inches. 
     The rear portion  220  and the front portion  210  may be parallel to one another as each of the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  extend away from the joint portion  230 , maintaining the upper clearance distance D U  between the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  over the entirely of the front portion height  218 . However, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the rear portion  220  may extend from the joint portion  230  in a direction generally toward the front portion  210  (e.g., the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  are not parallel to one another). Thus, another distance is defined between the rear lower end  248  and the front lower end  222 . More specifically, a distance, shown as a lower clearance distance D L , is shown as a distance between the rear front surface  244  proximate the rear lower end  248 , and the rearward facing surface  214  proximate the rear lower end  248 . The lower clearance distance may be less than the upper clearance distance. This may be desirable as this allows the main body  110  to clip onto waistbands having a thickness less than the upper clearance distance D U . In some embodiments, the lower clearance distance D L  may be zero, meaning that the rear lower end  248  is contacting the front portion  210 . This may be desirable for clipping onto very thin waistbands. When the main body  110  is clipped to a waistband, the rear lower end  248  is biased away from the front portion  210  such that the waistband can slide between the rear portion  220  and the front portion  210 . When clipped, the inherent compliance of the joint portion  230  may bias the rear lower end  248  toward the front portion  210 , pinching the waistband in between. It should be understood that each of the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  may also exhibit an inherent compliance. For example, if the joint portion  230  were incredibly rigid (e.g., formed of ceramic or glass), the inherent compliance of the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  may allow the waistband to bias the rear portion  220  from the front portion  210  when sliding the main body  110  onto the waistband, and the inherent compliance of the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  may also bias the rear portion  220  toward the front portion  210  to pinch the waistband in between. In some embodiments, such as embodiment where the joint portion  230  is formed of a semi-rigid material exhibiting inherent compliance, the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  may also exhibit inherent compliance. 
     To help facilitate disposing the main body  110  onto a waistband, the rear portion  220  may include the release flange  250  positioned proximate the rear lower end  248 . The release flange  250  extends from the rear portion  220  in a direction generally away from the front portion  210 . The release flange  250  make it easier for a user of the cane holding assembly  100  to attach the main body  110  to a waistband. 
     To further facilitate disposing the main body  110  onto a waistband, the rear portion  220  may include a horizontal projection (e.g., horizontal rib, rib, etc.). More specifically, a horizontal projection may extend away from the rear front surface  244  in a direction generally toward the front portion  210 . The horizontal projection may grip the waistband when the main body  110  is clipped to the waistband, increasing the amount of force required to remove the main body  110  from the waistband. The rear portion  220  may include one, two, or more horizontal projections. Similarly, the front portion  210  may include a horizontal projection. Specifically, the rearward facing surface  214  may include a horizontal projection extending in a direction generally toward the rear portion  220 . In some embodiments, both the front portion  210  and the rear portion  220  include a horizontal projection, and the two horizontal projections may cooperate with each other to interface with the waistband and grip the waistband. In some embodiments, the horizontal projection is a series of small teeth that grip to the waistband when the main body  110  is clipped to a waistband. 
     In some embodiments, the cane holding assembly  100  may be coupled (e.g., fixed, secured, mounted, etc.) to a wall (e.g., vertical or near-vertical surface). For example, the main body  110  may include a hole (e.g., orifice) configured to accept a fastener (e.g., bolt, screw, nail, etc.). In some embodiments, the main body  110  is structured to slide onto the top of a door. In such embodiments, it may be desirable for the joint portion  230  to be thin enough to slide between a door and the top of the door frame so as to not damage either the door or the door frame when the door opens and closes. Further, it may be desirable in particular implementations for the upper clearance distance D U  to be approximately the same as a thickness of the door. In some embodiments, the rear back surface  242  is coupled to a wall using an adhesive, such as double-stick tape, 3M Command Strips, super glue, or similar adhesives. In some embodiments, the main body  110  only includes the front portion  210  such that the rearward facing surface  214  is coupled to the wall. In some embodiments, the joint portion  230  is removably coupled to the front portion  210  such that a user of the cane holding assembly  100  may switch between the main body  110  defining a clip and the main body  110  being mountable to a wall. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the first arm  120  and the second arm  130  are shown coupled to the front portion  210  proximate the front lower end  222 . As shown, the first arm  120  is coupled to the front portion  210  just above the front lower end  222  such that a portion of the front portion  210  extends below where the first arm  120  is coupled. In some embodiments, the first arm  120  may be coupled to the front portion  210  at the front lower end  222  such that no portion of the front portion  210  extends below the first arm  120 . In some embodiments, the first arm  120  may be coupled to the front portion  210  anywhere along the front portion height  218  and the front portion width  216 . The same is true for the second arm  130 . In some embodiments, the first arm  120  and the second arm  130  are coupled at the same height along the front portion height  218 . 
     The front portion  210  is shown as defining a front portion first side  260  and a front portion second side  262 . The first arm  120  is coupled proximate the front portion first side  260  and the second arm  130  is coupled proximate the front portion second side  262 . As shown, the front portion first side  260  and the front portion second side  262  are parallel to and opposite one another. However, as mentioned before, the front portion width  216  may change between the front upper end  221  and the front lower end  222 . The lower corners of the front portion  210  may be sharp or curved (e.g., an interface between the front lower end  222  and the front portion sides  260 ,  262  may be square or rounded). 
     The first arm  120  and the second arm  130  may be separated by a distance, shown as a separation distance D S . The separation distance D S  is structured to provide enough clearance to accept most sizes of canes. In some embodiment, the separation distance D S  is between 0.5 inches and 2 inches, inclusive. In other embodiments, the separation distance D S  is between 0.5 inches and 1.25 inches, inclusive. In still other embodiments, the separation distance D S  is 1.2 inches. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the first arm  120  has a first arm first portion  310 , a first arm second portion  320 , and a first arm joint portion  330 , each shown as being separated by dotted lines. The first arm first portion  310  is coupled to the front portion  210  and projects away from the forward facing surface  212 . In some embodiments, the first arm first portion  310  projects away from the front portion  210  at a right angle. The first arm first portion  310  extends away from the front portion  210  until it joins the first arm joint portion  330 . The first arm joint portion  330  is contiguous with the first arm first portion  310 . The first arm joint portion  330  defines a first arm joint extrados  332  and a first arm joint intrados  334 . Generally speaking, the first arm joint portion  330  facilitates a  90  turn in the first arm  120 , eventually joining the first arm second portion  320 . The first arm second portion  320  extends in a direction generally away from the first arm joint portion  330  and alone a central axis CA. In some embodiments, the central axis CA is parallel to the front portion  210  and perpendicular to the first arm first portion  310 . A length of the first arm first portion  310  is approximately equal to a length of the first arm second portion. Disposed at an end of the first arm second portion  320 , opposite the first arm joint portion  330 , is a spherical body, shown as a first knob  340 . The first knob  340  may be coupled to the end of the first arm second portion  320  by welding, fasteners, or manufactured to be integral with the first arm  120 . 
     The first arm  120  is defined by a generally cylindrical cross-section, defining a first arm diameter D A . The first arm diameter D A  may be between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches, inclusive. The first arm diameter D A  may be 0.25 inches. Each of the first arm first portion  310 , the first arm second portion  320 , and the first arm first portion  310  may have cross-sections defining slightly different diameters from the first arm diameter D A . In some embodiments, a diameter of the first arm joint portion  330  is slightly less than the first arm diameter D A , which may be a results of bending the first arm  120  about the first arm joint portion  330  to direct the first arm second portion  320  along the central axis CA. When a cane is inserted into the cane holding assembly  100 , the cane exerts a force on the first arm  120  in a direction toward the front portion first side  260 . Thus, it may be desirable that the first arm  120  be formed of a material able to handle the force without permanently deforming or breaking; some compliance in the first arm  120  is okay. For example, similar to the joint portion  230 , the first arm joint portion  330  may be manufactured of a polymer or elastomer and overmolded to the first arm first portion  310  and the first arm second portion  320 . This would allow the first arm  120  to be compliant without damaging the first arm  120 . Alternatively, the first arm first portion  310  may be manufactured from an elastomer or polymer having compliance. Since the stresses on the first arm  120  will concentrate proximate where the first arm first portion  310  is coupled to the front portion  210 , it may be desirable in certain embodiments to make the first arm diameter D A  greater at this coupling point, and taper the first arm diameter D A  of the first arm first portion  310  to be smaller proximate the first arm joint portion  330 . 
     The first knob  340  may define a diameter, shown as a knob diameter D K , greater than the first arm diameter D R . More specifically, the knob diameter D K  is greater than the first arm radius D R  of the first arm second portion  320 . The first knob  340  is positioned within the first end cap  140  and configured to interface with the first end cap  140 , cooperating with the first end cap  140  to allow rotation of the first end cap  140  about the first arm second portion  320  (e.g., about the central axis CA) without allowing axial motion of the first end cap  140  in a direction generally away from the first arm joint portion  330  and along the central axis CA. 
     The second arm  130  is similar to the first arm  120 . A difference between the first arm  120  and the second arm  130  is that the first arm  120  is positioned nearer the front portion first side  260 , while the second arm  130  is positioned nearer the front portion side surface  262 . Similar to the first arm  120 , the second arm  130  is also defined by a central axis CA. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a top perspective view of the first end cap  140  (e.g., the second end cap  150 ) is shown. The first end cap  140  may be formed of an elastomer, rubber, latex, or other similarly compliant material.  FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional side view of the first end cap  140 . The first end cap  140  is shown as having an upper cap portion  402  and a lower cap portion  403 , separated by a plane, shown as cap plane CP 1 . The upper cap portion  402  and the lower cap portion  403  cooperate to define the first end cap  140 . The upper cap portion  402  includes an upper portion top surface  404 , an upper portion side surface  406 , and an upper portion bottom surface  408 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the upper portion top surface  404  defines a shape approximate to a regular hexagram having rounded points (e.g., shape similar to the Star of David with rounded points). However, the upper portion top surface  404  may define many other polygon shapes, such as a hexagon, a star, a pentagon, a circle, a triangle, and so on. 
     The upper portion bottom surface  408  is parallel to and opposite the upper portion top surface  404  and may defined a similar shape to the upper portion top surface  404 . Further, the upper portion bottom surface  408  lies on the cap plane CP 1 . Extending between and contiguous with the upper portion top surface  404  and the upper portion bottom surface  408  is the upper portion side surface  406 . The upper portion side surface  406  may taper between the upper portion top surface  404  and the upper portion bottom surface  408 . For example, if the upper portion top surface  404  defines a first shape having a first diameter and the upper portion bottom surface  408  defines the first shape having a second perimeter larger than the first (e.g., the shapes are similar, but are scaled), then the upper portion side surface  406  may taper from the first perimeter of the upper portion top surface  404  to the second perimeter of the upper portion bottom surface  408  while maintaining a cross-section of a shape similar to the first shape. In some embodiments, the upper portion side surface  406  meets the upper portion top surface  404  at a sharp (e.g., 90 degree) corner. In some embodiments, the upper portion side surface  406  meets the upper portion bottom surface  408  at a sharp corner. 
     Coupled to the upper cap portion  402  is the lower cap portion  403 . In some embodiments, the upper cap portion  402  and the lower cap portion  403  are integrally formed with one another, such as through casting, injection molding, 3D printing, or similar manufacturing processes. The lower cap portion  403  includes a lower portion top surface  410 , a lower portion bottom surface  412 , the outer cap surface  414 , and the inner cap surface  416 . In some embodiments, the lower portion top surface  410  and the lower portion bottom surface  412  define the same shape, the same inner perimeter, and the same outer perimeter such that a horizontal cross-section of the lower cap portion  403  is the same proximate the lower portion top surface  410  as it is proximate the lower portion bottom surface  412 . In some embodiments, the first end cap  140  tapers inward or outward from the lower portion top surface  410  to the lower portion bottom surface  412 . The outer perimeter of the lower portion top surface  410  may exactly match the perimeter of the upper portion bottom surface  408  such that the upper portion side surface  406  is contiguous with and continuously transitions to the outer cap surface  414 . 
     The lower portion bottom surface  412  may be the first shape, similar to the shape of the upper portion top surface  404 . In some embodiments, the lower portion bottom surface  412  defines a different shape from the upper portion top surface  404 . For example, the upper portion top surface  404  may define a regular hexagram having rounded points, as shown in  FIG. 4 . But the lower portion bottom surface  412  have a different shape, such as a circle. The first end cap  140  may taper and change horizontal cross-sections between the upper portion top surface  404  and the lower portion bottom surface  412 , allowing the upper portion top surface  404  and the lower portion bottom surface  412  to define different shapes (e.g., profiles, perimeters, etc.) 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , a bottom view of the first end cap  140  is shown. As shown, the first end cap  140  defines two diameters: an inner diameter  425  and an outer diameter  450 . The inner diameter  425  is defined by an inner circle  427 , the inner circle  427  defined by connecting at least 3 of the innermost points (e.g., points nearest the central axis CA) of the inner cap surface  416  proximate the lower portion bottom surface  412  to form the inner circle  427 . Where the first end cap  140  maintains a constant cross-section between the lower portion bottom surface  412  and the lower portion top surface  410 , the inner diameter  425  and the inner circle  427  are also maintained. As shown, the first end cap  140  includes six innermost points corresponding to six valleys, the six points lying on the inner circle  427 . Similarly, the outer diameter  450  is defined by an outer circle  452 , the outer circle  452  formed by connecting at least 3 outmost points (e.g., points furthest positioned from the central axis CA) of the outer cap surface  414 . It should be appreciated that between the inner circle  427  and the outer circle  452 , the first end cap  140  may take many different forms, from being a cylinder to being a 100-point star. Generally speaking, the knob diameter D K  is approximately equal to the inner diameter  425  such that the first end cap  140  may be placed on the first knob  340 , and the first knob  340  allowed to interface with the inner cap surface  416  and the upper portion bottom surface  408 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 6 , the first end cap  140  is shown as including a plurality of teeth extending between the upper portion top surface  404  and the lower portion bottom surface  412 . One of the plurality of teeth, shown as an outer cap tooth  460 , is shown in  FIG. 7  as extending in a direction generally away from a central axis CA. The outer cap tooth  460  may define an outer cap tooth extrados, rounded or sharply cornered proximate the outer cap surface  414 . In some embodiments, the outer cap tooth  460  includes small projections or texturing, such as ribs or bumps at the extrados of the outer cap tooth  460 , which may improve the interface between the first end cap  140  and a cane. The first end cap  140  is shown as having six teeth, each outer cap tooth  460  positioned about a perimeter of the first end cap  140  and spaced at equidistant intervals from one another such that the first end cap  140  exhibits radial symmetry (e.g., looks the same when viewed from above/below/the side at 0 degrees about the central axis CA as the first end cap  140  looks when viewed from the same perspective at 60 degrees, 120 degrees, 180 degrees, 240 degreed, 300 degrees, and 360 degrees about the central axis CA). In some embodiments, the first end cap  140  has five teeth spaced evenly about the perimeter of the first end cap  140 , exhibiting rotational symmetry every 72 rotational degrees about the central axis CA. In some embodiments, the first end cap  140  may have other numbers of cap teeth (13, 17, 23, etc.). In some embodiments, the first end cap  140  has no cap teeth (e.g., the first end cap  140  is a cylindrical body). 
     In some embodiments, the horizontal cross-section of the first end cap  140  proximate the upper portion top surface  404  changes slightly by becoming smaller than the cross-section of the lower cap portion  403 . As a result, the outer cap tooth  460  narrows proximate the upper portion top surface  404  and represents a shape similar to a silo or a bullet. The outer cap surface  414  may be contiguous about the perimeter of the first end cap  140 , such that each cap tooth is contiguous with each other cap tooth. In some embodiments, the outer cap tooth  460  is integrally formed with the first end cap  140  during manufacturing, such as through injection molding, die-casting, milling, assistive manufacturing, or similar manufacturing processes. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a bottom perspective view of the first end cap  140  is shown. The inner cap surface  416  and the upper portion bottom surface  408  cooperate to define a cavity within the first end cap  140 . The first end cap  140  is also shown as having a variety of inner cap teeth, one of the inner cap teeth shown as inner cap tooth  470 . The inner cap tooth  470  is similar to the outer cap tooth  460 . The inner cap tooth  470  extends toward the central axis CA and helps to define the inner circle  427  (e.g., the points defining the inner circle  427  are positioned on an extrados of the inner cap teeth). The inner cap tooth  470  corresponds to a valley of the outer cap surface  414 , while the outer cap tooth  460  corresponds to a valley of the inner cap surface  416 . The number of outer cap teeth may correspond to a number of inner cap teeth (e.g., the first end cap  140  may have the same number of inner cap teeth as outer cap teeth). In some embodiments, the inner cap teeth and outer cap teeth are simply projected features extending away from the outer cap surface  414  and the inner cap surface  416  and do not structurally correspond to each other. 
     The first end cap  140  further defines a cap thickness  480 , defined as the distance between the outer cap surface  414  and the inner cap surface  416 . In some embodiments, the first end cap  140  is the same thickness about a perimeter of the first end cap  140  (e.g., the cap thickness proximate the lower portion bottom surface  412  is the same about the entire perimeter). In some embodiments, the cap thickness  480  is the same extending between the upper portion top surface  404  and the lower portion bottom surface  412 . In some embodiments, the cap thickness  480  is different at different points along the perimeter of the first end cap  140 . For example, the portions of the first end cap  140  positioned furthest from the central axis CA (e.g., an extrados of the outer cap tooth  460 , a peak) may have a thickness slightly less than the cap thickness  480  of the portions of the first end cap  140  nearest the central axis CA (e.g., an extrados of the inner cap tooth  470 , a valley). In some embodiments, it may be desirable to change the cap thickness  480  of the first end cap  140  proximate the extrados of the outer cap tooth  460  to adjust the compliance of the first end cap  140 , and thus adjust a force required to insert a cane into the cane holding assembly  100  and a force to remove the cane from the cane holding assembly  100 . A lesser cap thickness proximate the extrados of the outer cap tooth  460  may increase the compliance of the first end cap  140 , making it easier (e.g., requiring less force) to insert and remove a cane from the cane holding assembly  100 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , a side-view of a cross-section of the first end cap  140  is shown about broken line A from  FIG. 6 . Proximate the upper portion top surface  404  is a top cap thickness  490 , defined as the distance between the upper portion top surface  404  and the upper portion bottom surface  408 . The top cap thickness  490  may be equal to, greater than, or less than the cap thickness  480 . 
     The first end cap  140  also includes projections extending toward the central axis CA from the inner cap surface  416 , one of the projections shown as a cap projection  800 . The cap projection  800  may be integrally formed with the first end cap  140 . In some embodiments, the cap projection  800  is formed separately and later coupled to the first end cap  140  by overmolding, welding, fasteners, adhesive, or similar manufacturing processes. The cap projection  800  is positioned at the extrados of the inner cap tooth  470 . Referring generally to the FIGS., each inner cap tooth  470  includes a projection positioned proximate an apogee of the extrados of the inner cap tooth  470 . The cap projection  800  includes a top projection surface  802 , a bottom projection surface  804 , and a front projection surface  806 . The top projection surface  802  is contiguous with the inner cap surface  416  and may be parallel to the upper portion bottom surface  408  and the upper portion top surface  404 . The top projection surface  802  is positioned away from the upper portion bottom surface  408  by a distance, shown as a knob clearance distance  808 . Speaking generally, the knob clearance distance  808  is less than the knob diameter D K . The top projection surface  802  is structured to interface with the first knob  340  to prevent the first end cap  140  from moving axially along the central axis CA in a direction generally away from the first arm  120 . The front projection surface  806  is contiguous with the top projection surface  802  and may be perpendicular to the upper portion bottom surface  408  and the upper portion top surface  404 . 
     Each of the six projections cooperate to define a projection diameter  810 . The projection diameter  810  is defined by a circle formed by connecting the innermost (e.g., closest to the central axis CA) point of each of the six projections. In some embodiments, where the six projections are not radially spaced so as to form a circle, the projection diameter  810  may instead be the distance separating two projections opposite from one another. Thus, in an embodiment where the first end cap  140  includes six projections, there may be three projection diameters  810   a ,  810   b , and  810   c , each different in length from the next (not shown). The bottom projection surface  804  is contiguous with both the front projection surface  806  and the inner cap surface  416 . 
     The bottom projection surface  804  may be parallel to the top projection surface  802 . In some embodiments, the bottom projection surface  804  is a tapered transition surface (e.g., a ramped surface) between the front projection surface  806  and the inner cap surface  416 . The bottom projection surface  804  may taper away from the front projection surface  806  in a direction generally toward the inner cap surface  416 . The cap projection  800  is defined by a projection height  812 , a projection thickness  814 , and a projection width  816 . In some embodiments, the projection height  812  is equal to the projection width  816 . In some embodiments, the projection height  812  is less than the projection width  816 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , the first end cap  140  is shown cut away, showing the first arm  120  and the first knob  340  disposed within. The first knob  340  is defined by the knob diameter D K  and a knob height H K . In some embodiments, a bottom of the first knob  340  is flattened, causing the knob height H K  to be less than the knob diameter D K . In some embodiments, the inner diameter  425  of the first end cap  140  is equal to the knob diameter D K  such that when the first end cap  140  is slid over the first knob  340 , an outer surface of the first knob  340  interfaces with the inner cap surface  416 . When the first knob  340  is inserted into the first end cap  140 , the first knob  340  will eventually interface with the cap projection  800  (e.g., the six projections). As the projection diameter  810  is less than the inner diameter  425 , the projection diameter  810  is also less than the knob diameter D K . In such an embodiment, the first knob  340  will interface with the bottom projection surface  804 . The rounded outside of the first knob  340  will bias the bottom projection surface  804 , and thus the cap projection  800 , outward in a direction generally away from the central axis CA. The compliance of the first end cap  140  allows for the cap projection  800  to be biased away from the central axis CA. In some embodiments, the first end cap  140  may be manufactured from a rigid material while the first knob  340  is manufactured from a compliant material. In such an embodiment, the cap projection  800  will instead bias the outer surface of the first knob  340  in a direction generally toward the central axis CA. 
     As the first knob  340  is further inserted into the first end cap  140 , the first knob  340  will slide along the front projection surface  806  until the first knob  340  interfaces with the upper portion bottom surface  408 . In the embodiment where the knob diameter D K  is equal to the inner diameter  425 , the first knob  340  will interface with the upper portion bottom surface  408  and the inner cap surface  416  at the same time. In some embodiments, the projection thickness  814  will be optimized such that the first knob  340  interfaces with the upper portion bottom surface  408 , the inner cap surface  416 , and the cap projection  800  at the same time. 
     In some embodiments, the knob diameter D K  will be less than the inner diameter  425 , but greater than the projection diameter  810 . Thus, when the first knob  340  is inserted into the first end cap  140  and interfacing with the upper portion bottom surface  408 , the first knob  340  may be positioned such that there is clearance between the first knob  340  and the inner cap surface  416 . During use, the inner cap surface  416  and the first knob  340  would interface. 
     In some embodiments, the first knob  340  has a knob diameter D K  greater than the inner diameter  425 , or smaller than the projection diameter  810 . 
     The first end cap  140  is similar to the second end cap  150 . In some embodiments, the first end cap  140  and the second end cap  150  are identical. The end caps  140 ,  150  may also be interchangeable. 
     In some embodiments, the first end cap  140  is manufactured to be rotatably coupled to the first knob  340  but not removable from the first knob  340 . For example, the cap projection  800  (e.g., the cap projections) may be fixed at the projection diameter  810  such that the cap projection  800  may not be biased away from the central axis CA, and the first knob  340  may be formed of a rigid material that will not bias toward the central axis CA. In such an embodiment, the first end cap  140  may not be removed from the first knob  340  without permanently damaging (e.g., plastically deforming) a component of the cane holding assembly  100 . In some embodiments, the inner cap surface  416  may be formed of a rigid material, such as steel or plastic. The cap projection  800  may be coupled to the inner cap surface  416  such that the cap projection  800  may not be biased in a direction generally away from the central axis CA. The rest of the first end cap  140  (e.g., the outer cap surface  414 , etc.) may be formed of a compliant material such that a cane may still be inserted into and removed from the cane holding assembly  100 . When the cane is either inserted into or removed from the cane holding assembly  100  the first end cap  140  (e.g., the second end cap  150 ) may rotate about the first arm  120  (e.g., the second arm  130 , the central axis CA) 
     Turning now to  FIG. 10 , a side view of the cane holding assembly  100  is shown, the first end cap  140  cut away to show the first knob  340 . As a reference, a plane AA is shown, tangent to an apogee of the extrados surface  236  of the joint portion  230 . Also shown is a plane BB, parallel to the plane AA and intersecting a point that lies between the front portion  210  and the joint portion  230 . And also, a plane CC is shown, parallel to both plane AA and plane BB, and tangent to the front lower end  222 . A distance  1000  is shown as being a distance from the plane BB to the upper portion top surface  404 . In some embodiments, the front portion  210  extends above the upper portion top surface  404 . The portion of the front portion  210  that extends above the upper portion top surface  404  is shown as a shield portion  1002  (e.g., buffer portion, protection portion, contact plate portion, etc.). When a cane is inserted into the cane holding assembly  100  and clipped to a waistband, a portion of the cane (such as a handle) may be positioned above the upper portion top surface  404 . The shield portion  1002  serves to protect the waistband from being contacted (e.g., rubbed, scratched, snagged, cut, etc.) by the cane or other object inserted into the cane holding assembly  100 . In some embodiments, the upper portion top surface  404  is disposed approximately half way between the front lower end  222  and the front upper end  221 . In some embodiments, the upper portion top surface  404  is positioned neared the front lower end  222  than the front upper end  221 . In some embodiments, the upper portion top surface  404  is positioned nearer the front upper end  221  than the front lower end  222 . 
     Similarly positioned is the first knob  340 . A position of the first knob  340  is referenced by a center of the first knob  340  (e.g., a center of the first knob  340  if the first knob were a complete sphere). The shape and dimensions of the first arm  120  may be adjusted such that the center of the first knob  340  is positioned approximately half-way between the front lower end  222  and the front upper end  221 . In some embodiments, the center of the first knob  340  is positioned nearer the front lower end  222  than the front upper end  221 . In some embodiments, the center of the first knob  340  is positioned nearer the front upper end  221  than the front lower end  222 . A distance separates the central axis CA, and thus the first knob  340 , from the front portion  210 , the distance shown as an axis separation distance D CA . The axis separation distance D CA  may be between 0.25 and 0.5 inches, inclusive. In some embodiments, the axis separation distance D CA  is between 0.3 and 0.4 inches, inclusive. In some embodiments, the axis separation distance D CA  is 0.375 inches. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a perspective view of another embodiment of a cane holding assembly in shown as a cane holding assembly  1100 . The cane holding assembly  100  is similar to the cane holding assembly  1100 . The cane holding assembly  1100  includes a main body  1110 , a first arm  1120 , a second arm  1130 , a first end cap  1140 , and a second end cap  1150 . A difference between the cane holding assembly  100  and the cane holding assembly  1100  is that first arm  1120  and the second arm  1130  are integrally formed in a single body, shown as an arm body  1160 . 
     Similar to the cane holding assembly  100 , the cane holding assembly  1100  is structured to receive a non-planar object, such as a cane, a broom handle, a flag stick, a golf club, or any variety of objects having a cylindrical or otherwise non-planar shaft or component. Generally speaking, a non-planar object may be biased toward the main body  1110  between the first end cap  1140  and the second end cap  1150 . An inherent compliance of the first and second end caps  1140 ,  1150  applies a force on the non-planar object, holding the non-planar object within the cane holding assembly  1100 . The non-planar object may also be removed from the cane holding assembly by biasing the non-planar object away from the main body  1110  and between the first and second end caps  1140 ,  1150 . The inherent compliance of the first and second end caps  1140 ,  1150  may apply a force against the non-planer object in a direction generally toward the main body  1110  (e.g., against the direction the non-planar object is biased), but the force is not great enough to prevent the non-planar object from being biased (e.g., by a user) out of and away from the main body  1110 , and thus out of and away from the cane holding assembly  1100 . 
     The main body  1110  may be a single, integral body formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as plastic, epoxy, resin, thermoset polymers, metal, alloys, wood, glass, and similar materials. In some embodiments, the main body  1110  is manufactured by bending a solid, straight metal bar about a middle section (e.g., near the middle, approximately near the middle, etc.), corresponding to a top portion  1200 , and about two side portions, shown as a first side  1210  and a second side  1220 . 
     The arm body  1160  extends between the first arm  1120  and the second arm  1130 . More specifically, the arm body  1160  extends up the first side  1210 , across the top portion  1200 , and down the second side  1220  until the arm body  1160  meets again with the second arm  1130 . The portion of the arm body  1160  that extends along the first side  1210  is between 1 and 3 inches in length, inclusive. In some embodiments, these portions are 1.5 to 2.5 inches in length, inclusive. In some embodiments, the portion of the arm body  1160  that extends along the first side  1210  and the second side  1220  measure 2 inches in length. The portion of the arm body  1160  that extends along the top portion  1200  may measure between 1 and 2 inches in length. In some embodiments, the portion of the arm body  1160  that extends along the top portion  1200  measures 1.375 inches in length. 
     The arm body  1160 , and thus the first arm  1120  and the second arm  1130 , extend below the main body  1110 . The first arm  1120  and the second arm  1130  then bend and extend away from the main body  1110  in a direction generally perpendicular to the main body  1110 . The first arm  1120  and the second arm  1130  are separated by approximately 1.25 inches. 
     The first end cap  1140  and the second end cap  1150  are similar to the first end cap  140 . The first end cap  1140  includes a plurality of teeth, one of the plurality of teeth shown as a cap tooth  1300 . The cap tooth  1300  may be hollow (e.g., a hollow tube), or may be solid. The cap tooth  1300  is configured to interface with a cane biased in and out of the cane holding assembly  1100 . Whether or not the cap tooth  1300  is hollow or solid may affect the compliance of the ends caps  1140 ,  1150 , and thus affect the force required to insert and remove a cane into and out of the cane holding assembly  1100 . 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims. 
     The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the present invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.