Patent Abstract:
An illuminated apparatus for assisting movement is provided that is able to illuminate surface areas upon which one walks, hikes, skis, skates, runs, reads from, signals, examines or studies. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may provide both broad and focused illumination. The device may ensure safe footing, solid purchase, and stable load bearing by providing illuminated assistance for foot, ski and skate placement, as well as the placement of singular and multi-pole fixtures used for activities such as hiking, climbing, skiing, skating, running, and walking. The illuminated apparatus for assisting movement may be compact and lightweight.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/641,866, filed Dec. 18, 2009, which claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 61/139,616 filed on Dec. 21, 2008, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Application 
     The present application relates generally to a walking aid or other human-powered locomotion and stabilization aid having an illumination source. The walking aid may be used by individuals in recreational activities, as well as by physically challenged individuals engaged in their daily activities. The illuminated walking aid may facilitate moving more safely from one place to another where an individual or group would benefit from seeing the floor, ground, or other surface more clearly, or by being seen more easily by others. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Recreational hiking poles and ski poles assist hikers, skiers, skaters, mountain climbers, and search and rescue teams when they need to stabilize themselves and their footing while engaged in such activities. Canes, walkers, crutches, and walking carts similarly provide physically challenged persons and people with physical disabilities with needed stability when moving from one place to another. The value of canes, walkers, hiking poles and similar devices in assisting individuals desiring greater stability correlates directly with how well the ends or tips of the poles, canes, etc. connect with the ground to achieve the desired and required weight-bearing traction and support. When compromised or deficient lighting or visibility conditions exist, whether outside in twilight, at night, or in overcast, rainy or snowy conditions, or when inside where lighting conditions may be poor, it is more difficult to ensure the necessary stable footing from the placement of the walking aid pole or cane base to achieve the required or desired safe traction and load-bearing stability. 
     These as well as other aspects and advantages will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this summary and elsewhere are intended to illustrate the invention by way of example only. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application provides an apparatus for assisting movement including a shaft having a first end on which a handle is disposed and a second end for contacting a walking surface. The shaft further includes an offset portion located between the first end and the second end, and a generally longitudinal portion extending from the second end of the shaft. A plurality of light sources are oriented around the generally longitudinal portion of the shaft. The apparatus also includes at least one power source for powering the plurality of light sources. 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus for assisting movement includes a shaft having a first end on which a handle is disposed and a second end for contacting a walking surface and a housing secured to the shaft by a fastening mechanism. The housing includes a plurality of light sources. The apparatus further includes at least one power source for powering the plurality of light sources. The plurality of light sources are arranged in the housing so as to circumferentially illuminate an area surrounding the tip of the shaft. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Several example embodiments of the invention are described and shown herein with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an apparatus for assisting movement of the present application; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the handle of the apparatus for assisting movement shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of the handle shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional front view of the handle shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a handle for use with an apparatus for assisting movement, such as the apparatus for assisting movement shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the apparatus for assisting movement shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of the handle shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of another alternate embodiment of a handle for use with an apparatus for assisting movement, such as the apparatus for assisting movement shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional close up view of the handle shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of the handle shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a light source for use with an apparatus for assisting movement, such as the apparatus for assisting movement shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of the light source shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a back perspective view of the light source shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the inside of the light source shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a light source for a use with an apparatus for assisting movement, such as the apparatus for assisting movement shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a close up view of the light source shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a close up view of the light source shown in  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an apparatus for assisting movement; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a close-up cross-sectional view of a power source located in the apparatus shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a close-up cross-sectional view of a housing secured to the apparatus shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a close-up view of another embodiment of a housing that may be used with the apparatus of the present application; 
         FIG. 23  is a close-up cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a power source located in the apparatus for assisting movement; 
         FIG. 24  is a close-up view of another embodiment of a housing that may be used with the apparatus of the present application; 
         FIG. 25  is an additional view of the housing shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a cross-sectional view of the housing shown in  FIG. 24 ; and 
         FIG. 27  is a top cross-sectional view of the housing shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the Figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein. 
     One example embodiment provides an illuminated apparatus for assisting movement, such as a walking aid, which provides light in a generally downward direction toward the feet of a user. The walking aid may be used for recreational pursuits, search and rescue activities, or physically challenged ambulatory movement. The walking aid allows the user to clearly see where their feet, skis, skates, and crampons and the tips of their walking, skiing and skating poles, canes or walkers should be placed so that the necessary load-bearing stability assistance results are achieved when lighting and visibility conditions are less than optimal. The walking aid provides circumferential lighting to illuminate areas in front of, to the sides of, and behind the walking aid, allowing for suitable movement over uneven terrain commonly encountered when hiking, climbing or skiing. The walking aid may also be used as a signaling device or for pointing and illuminating objects in the surrounding vicinity, for example. 
     The illuminated walking aid provides users with all forms of helpful features exemplified by a streamlined, weatherproof, and waterproof molded enclosure that is impervious to the challenging conditions to which it may be exposed. The illuminated walking aid further includes illumination sources that are adjustable from both directional and lighting intensity perspectives, as well as rechargeable and disposable battery power source flexibility. The streamlined and rugged embodiments are designed to easily shed branches and other obstructions as well as being able to easily stand up to other harsh elements commonly encountered during outdoor activities such as backpacking, hiking, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows an exemplary apparatus for assisting movement, such as a walking aid  100 , of the present application. As discussed above, the apparatus for assisting movement may be a hiking pole, ski pole, cane, walker, or other stabilizing or balancing device used to make walking, hiking, climbing, skiing, and similar activities safer and more efficient. The walking aid may include a pole  102  having a first end  104  and a second end  106 . The pole  102  may include a generally elongated shaft, which may have a cylindrical or non-cylindrical cross-section. Pole  102  may also be adjustable in length. In one embodiment, the pole  102  may include a handle  200  secured to the first end  104 . The handle  200  may be oriented generally along the elongated shaft, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the generally elongated shaft, and in a generally vertical direction. In an alternate embodiment, the handle  200  may be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the generally elongated shaft. The handle  200  may be molded to the first end  104 , or alternatively, may be secured to the top end by any suitable connection mechanism. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the handle  200  may include a first end  202  and a second end  204 . The first end  202  of the handle  200  may be oriented toward the first end  104  of the pole and the second end  204  of the handle  200  may be oriented toward the second end  106  of the pole  102 . The handle  200  may also include a gripping portion  201  which facilitates gripping of the handle by a user. The handle  200  may further include a removable portion  206  at the first end  202 . The removable portion  206  may be attached to the first end by a hinge  207 , for example. The handle  200  may also include an inner cavity  208 , which is best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , which may accommodate power sources, electronics, and light sources. The removable portion  206  can be closed to seal the inner cavity  208  to protect its contents from the elements. Thus, the handle  200  may be water resistant, and may be constructed of plastic, rubber, or metal, for example. The handle may also include a strap  209  connected to the first end  202  to aid a user in holding onto the handle  200 . Alternatively, the strap  209  may be connected anywhere on the handle  200  or pole  102 . 
     The second end  204  of the handle  200  may include at least one light source  210 , which may be a light emitting diode (LED), for example. Alternatively, the light source may be any other suitable light source, such as incandescent or fluorescent, for example. In other embodiments, three light sources are included on the handle  200 . The light source  210  may be positioned within a light compartment  212  located at the second end  204  of the handle  200  to protect the light source  210 . The light source may project generally downwardly toward any surface on which a user might move, such as the ground, floor, or surface upon which a person would walk, hike, climb, or ski. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the handle  200  may include at least one power source  214  mounted in a power source compartment  216  in an orientation perpendicular relative to the shaft of the handle. In one embodiment, the power source  214  may include three AAA batteries. In another embodiment, the power source  214  may include one or more rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, the power source may be any suitable energy generating device. The removable portion  206  of the handle allows the power source  214  to be easily loaded or recharged to power the illumination of the light source  210 . Both positive and negative wires  218 ,  220  run from contacts  222  located in the power source compartment  216  down through the inner cavity  208  of the handle  200  to the light compartment  212  which contains the light source  210 , a circuit board  224 , light source lens  226 , and a light switch  228 . The light source lens  226  may surround the light source  210  and may diffuse or focus the light. One example of a light source lens  226  is shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The light switch  228  may take any form, including a control switch, a toggle, or a thumbwheel, for example. Pressing on the light switch allows the user to toggle the light between different modes for different lighting conditions, including levels for low, medium, and high brightness, as well as a strobe setting, which are all settings that may be integrated into the circuit board  224 . Alternatively, the light switch  228  may be mounted near the first end  202  of the handle under the power source compartment  216 , or in the removable portion  206 , so that a user may operate the switch with one forefinger or thumb while gripping the handle  200 . 
     The handle  200  may alternatively be configured with directionally controllable light sources (not shown). In this configuration, the light source  210 , the light source lens  226 , the circuit board  224 , and the adjacent portion of the enclosure which houses these components may be mounted on a locking pivot (not shown). By loosening the pivot, adjusting the light direction, and re-tightening the pivot, the light source may be tilted forward or backward to better control the area being illuminated in front of or behind the user. 
     The handle  200  may further include a “power on” power source indicator light located on the light compartment  212 . Alternatively, the power source indicator light may be mounted near the first end  202  of the handle under the power source compartment  216 , or in the removable portion  206 . Further, the handle  200  may include a remaining power indicator gauge located on the light compartment  212  to alert the user of how much power remains in the power source. Alternatively, the remaining power source indicator gauge may be mounted near the first end  202  of the handle under the power source compartment  216 , or in the removable portion  206 . 
     In operation, a user turns the light switch, or other such control, into the “power on” position. The user then may select the desired lighting level. The electronics and circuit board within the device regulate the power to the lights based on how the switch has been set. Some embodiments of the light source circumferentially illuminate the floor, ground, or desired surface, and also provide illumination of objects near the pole, including but not limited to the person using the device, to ensure stable footing or placement of skis, skates, crampons, pole and cane tips and ends. Other embodiments may include other forms of lighting, such as a spotlight or floodlight, for example, or noncircumferential lighting. 
       FIGS. 5-7  show an alternate embodiment of the handle  300  that may be connected to a walking aid, such as pole  102 . In this embodiment, the handle  300  has a first end  302  and a second end  304 . The first end  302  of the handle  300  may be oriented toward the first end  104  of the pole and the second end  304  of the handle  300  may be oriented toward the second end  106  of the pole  102 . The handle  300  may be oriented generally along the elongated shaft of the pole, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the generally elongated shaft, and in a generally vertical direction. In an alternate embodiment, the handle  300  may be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the generally elongated shaft. The handle  300  may also include a gripping portion  301  which facilitates gripping of the handle by a user. The handle  300  may further include a removable portion  306  at the first end  302 . The removable portion  306  may be attached to the first end by a hinge, strap, or other suitable means (not shown), for example. The handle  300  may also include an inner cavity  308 , which is best seen in  FIG. 7 , which may accommodate power sources, electronics, and light sources. The removable portion  306  can be closed to seal the inner cavity  308  to protect its contents from the elements. Thus, the handle  300  may be water resistant and may be constructed of ABS plastic, rubber, or metal, for example. The handle may also include a strap  309  connected to the first end  302  to aid a user in holding on to the handle  300 . Alternatively, the strap  309  may be connected anywhere on the handle  300  or pole  102 . 
     The second end  304  of the handle  300  may include at least one light source  310 , which may be a light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the light source may be any other suitable light source, such as incandescent or fluorescent, for example. In other embodiments, three light sources are included on the handle  300 . The light source  310  may be positioned within a light compartment  312  located at the second end  304  of the handle  300 . The light source may project generally downwardly toward the ground, floor, or surface upon which a person would walk, hike, climb, or ski. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the handle  300  may include at least one power source  314  mounted in the inner cavity  308  in a position parallel to the shaft of the handle. In one embodiment, the power source  314  may include three AAA batteries. In another embodiment, the power source  314  may include one or more rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, the power source may be any suitable energy generating device. The removable portion  306  of the handle allows the batteries to be easily loaded or recharged to power the illumination of the light source  310 . Both positive and negative wires  318 ,  320  run from contacts  322  located in the inner cavity of the handle  300  to the light compartment  312 , which contains the light source  310 , a circuit board  324 , a light source lenses  326 , and a light switch  328 . Pressing on the light switch allows the user to toggle the light between different modes for different lighting conditions, including levels for low, medium, and high brightness, as well as a strobe setting, which are all settings that may be integrated into the circuit board  324 . Alternatively, the light switch  328  may be mounted near the first end  302  of the handle so that a user may operate the switch with a forefinger or thumb while gripping the handle  300 . 
     The handle  300  may alternatively be configured with directionally controllable light sources. In this configuration, the light source  310 , the light source lens  326 , the circuit board  324 , and the adjacent portion of the enclosure which houses these components may be mounted on a locking pivot (not shown). By loosening the pivot, adjusting the light direction, and re-tightening the pivot, the light source may be tilted forward or backward to better control the area being illuminated in front of or behind the user. 
     In operation, a user turns the light switch, or other such control, into the “power on” position. The user then may select the desired lighting level. The electronics and circuit board within the device regulate the power to the lights based on how the switch has been set. The light source circumferentially illuminates the floor, ground, or desired surface, and also provides illumination of objects near the pole, including but not limited to the person using the device, to ensure stable footing or placement of skis, skates, crampons, pole and cane tips and ends. 
     In yet another embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , a handle  400  may be mounted to a pole, such as pole  102 . The handle  400  may include a first end  402  and a second end  404 . The first end  402  of the handle  400  may be oriented toward the first end  104  of the pole and the second end  404  of the handle  400  may be oriented toward the second end  106  of the pole  102 . The handle  400  may be oriented generally along the elongated shaft of the pole, in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the generally elongated shaft, and in a generally vertical direction. In an alternate embodiment, the handle  400  may be oriented in a direction perpendicular to the generally elongated shaft. The second end  404  of the handle  400  houses a power source  414 , contacts  422 , a light source  410 , a light source lens  426 , a light switch  428  and a circuit board  424 . The contacts  422  allow for current to run up one power source, across the contact  422 , and back down the adjacent power source  414 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the handle  400  may include an internal canister  416  toward the second end  404 , which may be cylindrical or any other suitable shape. The canister  416  may be removeably connected to the first end  402  of the handle  400  at portion  406 . The canister  416  may be unlocked from its closed position and slid down the pole to provide access for replacing the power source  414 . Once the power source  414  has been replaced, the canister  416  may be slid back up the pole and locked back into the handle  400 . The canister  416  may be secured to the handle  400  by any suitable fastening mechanism. 
     The second end  404  of the handle  400  may include at least one light source  410 , which may be a light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the light source may be any other suitable light source, such as incandescent or fluorescent, for example. In other embodiments, four light sources are included on the handle  400 . The light source  410  may project generally downwardly toward the ground, floor, or surface upon which a person would walk, hike, climb, or ski. Pressing on the light switch allows the user to toggle the light between different modes for different lighting conditions, including levels for low, medium, and high brightness, as well as a strobe setting, which are all settings that may be integrated into the circuit board  424 . Alternatively, the light switch may be mounted near the first end  402  of the handle so that a user may operate the switch with a forefinger or thumb while gripping the handle  400 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-14 , another embodiment of a light source is disclosed. In this embodiment, a detachable light source  500  may be removeably attached to a hiking pole, cane or other walking aid, such as walking aid  100 . Thus, the detachable light source  500  may be removed from the walking aid, if desired, and held in the hand of a user and used as a flashlight, hung or placed on a surface to serve as a lantern, or mounted to any other object. 
     The detachable light source  500  may be secured to the pole  102  of the walking aid  100 , preferably near the first end  104  of the walking aid  100 . Positioning the detachable light source near the first end  104  reduces the cantilevered weight effect caused by having the device mounted lower on the pole  102  towards end  106 . The higher mounting position also reduces the user&#39;s fatigue in carrying a light source as extra weight on a hiking pole. Alternatively, the detachable light source  500  may be secured to any area of the pole  102 . The detachable light source  500  may also be removed from the pole. 
     The example detachable light source  500  may include housing  502  configured to accommodate at least one light source  504 . The at least one light source  504  may be a light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the light source  504  may be any other suitable light source, such as incandescent or fluorescent, for example. The housing  502  may further comprise a clam shell closure or other clamping mechanism  506  which allows the detachable light source  500  to be attached to poles of varying diameters or having non-symmetrical cross sections. In one example, the clamping mechanism  506  may be removeably connected to the housing  502  so the detachable light source  500  may be removed from the clamping mechanism. Alternatively, the clamping mechanism  506  may be molded directly into the housing  502 . 
     The clamping mechanism  506  may include a first portion  511  and a second portion  512 . The clamping mechanism may further include an adjustment knob  508  having an outwardly extending member  510  connected to the first portion  511 . The knob  508  may be turned either clockwise or counterclockwise to tighten or loosen the detachable light source  500  from the pole  102 . The second portion  512  may include an aperture  514  for accommodating the outwardly extending member  510  of the knob  508 . Soft gripping surfaces  509  may be mounted to the inside surfaces of the first and second portions  511 ,  512  to ensure that the light source  500  stays in place on the pole  100 . 
     The sealed housing  502  may protect all of the illuminator&#39;s components, including power sources and electronics. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the housing  502  may include at least one power source  516  mounted inside of the housing  502 . The housing  502  may further include a removable portion  501  that may snap on and off of the detachable light source  500  for replacement of the power source  516 . The removable portion  501  may be attached to the first end by a hinge, strap, or other suitable means (not shown), for example. The power source  516  may be positioned parallel to the shaft of the pole  102 . In one embodiment, the power source  516  may include four AAA batteries. In another embodiment, the power source  516  may include one or more rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, the power source may be any suitable energy generating device. The housing  502  may be designed to be separable from the clamping mechanism  506  which holds the entire device securely onto the pole  102 . 
     At least one power source contact  518  may be mounted to the removable portion  501 , thereby allowing electrical current to be passed up one power source and down the next without the need for separate wiring to be run from the top of the device down to a circuit board  520 . Physical wires (not shown) may run from the at least one power source contact  518  to the circuit board  520 . All remaining wiring takes place in the form of a circuit built into the circuit board  520  itself. 
     The at least one light source  504  may be mounted directly to the circuit board  520 , and when illuminated, light passes from the light source  504  through its associated lens  522 . The detachable light source  500  may further include a light switch  524 , which may be mounted anywhere on the housing  502 . Pressing on the light switch  524  allows the user to toggle the light source  504  between different modes for different lighting conditions, including levels for low, medium, and high brightness, as well as a strobe setting, as described above. 
     In operation, the detachable light source  500  may be secured to the pole  102  by removing the outwardly extending member  510  from the aperture  514  in the back plate  512 . The housing may then be positioned around the pole  102 , and the outwardly extending member  510  may be placed back within the aperture  514  in the back plate  512 . The knob  508  may then be turned to tighten the detachable light source  500  securely onto the pole  102 . The soft gripping surfaces  509  ensure that the detachable light source  500  remains in place on pole  100 . The detachable light source  500  may be mounted onto the pole  102  so that the light source  504  points in a generally downward direction toward the floor or ground. Alternatively, the detachable light source  500  may be mounted onto the pole  102  so that the light source  504  points in any direction, if desired. 
     In yet another embodiment of a detachable light source shown in  FIGS. 15-17 , a detachable light source  600  may include a directionally controlled light source. The detachable light source  600  may be attached to a hiking pole, cane or other walking aid, such as walking aid  100 . The detachable light source  600  may be secured to the pole  102  of the walking aid  100 , preferably near the first end  104  of the walking aid  100 . Alternatively, the detachable light source  600  may be secured to any area of the pole  102 . 
     The example detachable light source  600  may include a housing  602  configured to accommodate at least one light source  604 . The at least one light source  604  may be a light emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the light source  604  may be any other suitable light source, such as incandescent or fluorescent, for example. The housing  602  may further comprise a clam shell closure or other clamping mechanism  606  similar to the clamping mechanism  506  described above with respect to the detachable light source  500 . The clamping mechanism  606  of the detachable light source  600  may include a first portion  608  and a second portion  609 . The first portion  608  may include an outwardly extending arm  610 . The outwardly extending arm  610  may be secured to a corresponding extending arm  612  of the housing  602 . The internal electronics for this embodiment are substantially the same as described above with respect to the detachable light source  500 . 
     In operation, a user may adjust the angle and direction of the light source  600  by unlocking the knob  614 . The detachable light  600  may then be tilted either forwards or backwards to provide for lighting further in front of the user, or to provide light to someone who is walking, hiking, skiing, etc behind the user. When the desired position of the light is obtained, the user may lock the detachable light source  600  in place by tightening the knob  614 . The detachable light source  600  may be secured to the pole  102  in the same manner as described above with respect to detachable light source  500 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18 , another embodiment of an apparatus for assisting movement or walking aid  700  is shown. As discussed above, the apparatus for assisting movement  700  may be a cane, a walker, a hiking or ski pole, or any other stabilizing or balancing device. The walking aid  700  may have a generally elongated shaft  702 . The generally elongated shaft  702  may have a first end  704  and a second end  706 . The first end  704  may include a handle  708 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , the handle  708  may be oriented substantially parallel to the walking surface. In an alternate embodiment, the handle  708  may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the walking surface. Other possibilities exist as well. The handle  708  may be similar to the handle  200  described above. Thus, in some embodiments, the handle  708  may include a gripping portion, a removable portion, and an inner cavity. 
     The second end  706  is in contact with the walking surface. Although the second end  706  is shown to have one leg, it should be understood that the second end may include any number of legs in contact with the walking surface to provide additional stability. 
     The shaft  702  may also include a generally longitudinal portion  710  extending upwardly from the second end  706 . A housing  712  containing at least one light source  713  (shown in  FIGS. 19 and 21 ) may be oriented around the generally longitudinal portion  710  of the shaft  702 . The housing  712  may be permanently or removeably mounted to the shaft  702 . In one embodiment, the housing  712  may be mounted to the shaft  702  by a fastening mechanism  715  (shown in  FIG. 21 ), such as by a plurality of screws, for example. Alternatively, any suitable fastening mechanism may secure the housing  712  to the shaft  702 . 
     The light source  713  may comprise an LED, for example. Alternatively, the light source  713  may be any other suitable light source, such as incandescent or fluorescent, for example. In one embodiment, a plurality of light sources may be positioned around the generally longitudinal portion  710  of the shaft. The light source  713  may project generally downwardly toward the ground, floor, or surface upon which a person would walk, hike, climb, or ski. Additionally or alternatively, the light source  713  may be directionally controllable. In another embodiment, the light source  713  or plurality of light sources may each project at any angle from 0-90 degrees from the walking surface. 
     The shaft  702  may further include an offset portion or bend  703  located between the handle  708  and the generally longitudinal portion  710 . The offset portion  703  may include a curved portion, for example, or may take any suitable shape. The offset portion  703  centers the line of force through the shaft  702  to the second end  706 , thereby providing more stability to the user. The offset portion  703  further provides comfort and support to the user. Alternatively, the housing  712  and light source  713  may be mounted to the apparatus for assisting movement  100  described above. 
     The shaft  702  may further include at least one power source  714  mounted within the shaft  702  toward the second end  706  of the shaft, as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . Alternatively, the power source  714  may be located in the handle  708 , in housing  712 , or anywhere else along the shaft  702 . In one embodiment, the power source  714  may include four AAA batteries. In another embodiment, the power source  714  may include one or more rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, the power source may be any suitable energy generating device. In one example, the second end  706  of the shaft  702  may include a removable portion  716  that allows the power source  714  to be easily loaded into power the illumination of the light source  713 . 
     In one example embodiment, the apparatus  700  may include a low battery indicator for alerting a user that battery function is declining. For example, when the batteries start to become low on power, a light or other indicator may begin to flash slowly, letting the user know that he or she should start considering the replacement of the batteries. As the batteries are just about to lose all power, the light may start to flash more quickly, indicating that a complete end of life for the batteries is about to occur. In another example, the indicator may be a sound or alarm. The low battery indicator may be located anywhere on the shaft  702  or the handle  708  of the apparatus  700 . The low battery indicator may also be used with any of the embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-17 . 
     One or more wires  718  run from a circuit board  720  located in the housing  712  down through the shaft  702  to the power source  714 . A circuit board  720  and a light switch (not shown) are also located in the housing  712 . The circuit board and light switch may alternatively be located near the power source  714 . The light switch may take any form, including a control switch, a toggle, or a thumbwheel, for example, as described above. 
     In operation, a user turns the light switch, or other such control, into the “power on” position. The user then may select the desired lighting level. The electronics and circuit board within the device regulate the power to the lights based on how the switch has been set. 
     In another embodiment, the light source  713  may include motion and/or photo sensing (day or night) functionality. For example, once the light source  713  has been turned on, the light may sense if any motion is occurring in the apparatus  700 . If motion is sensed, the system then automatically checks to see whether a less than desirable amount of light exists within the surrounding area. If the system determines a less than adequate lighting situation exists, the light source will automatically turn on. If sufficient light exists in the surrounding area, the light source will not turn on even if it has sensed motion (i.e.—someone has touched or picked up their cane). The light source will remain on as long as it continues to sense motion and insufficient light. Once motion has completely stopped for an adequate period of time (such as for one minute, for example), the light source will turn off. Thus, a user may turn on the light switch one time between changes of batteries. 
     The light source  713  circumferentially illuminates the floor, ground, or desired surface, and also provides illumination of objects near the pole, including but not limited to the person using the device, to ensure stable footing or placement of skis, skates, crampons, pole and cane tips and ends. Although certain aspects show the light source providing circumferential illumination, other embodiments may include other forms of lighting, such as a spotlight or floodlight, for example, or noncircumferential lighting. 
       FIGS. 22-23  show an alternative embodiment of a housing  800  for attachment to the shaft  702  of walking aid  700 . The housing  800  includes one or more chambers or compartments  802  for encasing a light source, such as light source  713  described above. The housing  800  may be positioned anywhere on the shaft  702  so that the light source projects generally downwardly toward the walking surface. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , a power source  806  is mounted within the shaft  702  toward the second end  706  of the shaft. Alternatively, the power source  806  may be located in the handle  708  or anywhere else along the shaft  702 . The power source  806  may comprise any of the power sources mentioned above with respect to  FIG. 20 . Further, a circuit board  808  and a light switch  810  may also be located toward the second end  706  of the shaft near the power source  806 . The circuit board  808  and light switch  810  may alternatively be located in the housing  800 . The light switch  810  may take any form, including a control switch, a toggle, or a thumbwheel, for example, as described above. 
     In another embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 24-27 , a housing  900  containing at least one light source  904  may be detachably connected to the shaft  702 . The housing  900  may be positioned on either the offset portion  703  or the generally longitudinal portion  710  of the shaft  702 . The housing  900  may also include a removable portion  902  for replacement of a power source  906 . The removeable portion  902  may be attached to the housing  900  by a hinge, for example. 
     The housing  900  may be attached to the shaft  702  by a fastening mechanism  908 , which may be one or more screws, for example. Alternatively, any other suitable fastening mechanism may be used to secure the housing  900  to the shaft  702 . One or more plugs  910  may cover holes used to insert a portion of the fastening mechanism. The housing  900  may further include a light switch  912  for controlling the light source  904 . The light switch  912  may take any form, including a control switch, a toggle, or a thumbwheel, for example, as described above. Alternatively or additionally, the light source  904  may include motion and ambient light sensing (day or night) functionality. 
     Referring to  FIG. 27 , the light sources  904  are positioned within the housing  900  in such a way that the light rays  905  extend 360° around the shaft  702 . In one example, the light sources  904  may be positioned around the shaft  702  in a generally arcuate or curvilinear manner. In one embodiment, four light sources  904  may be located within the housing  900 , with the outer light sources being positioned between approximately 0° and about 26° above a central horizontal axis  906  of the shaft  702 , and on a radius approximately equal to the diameter of the shaft  702 . Positioning the light sources in such a manner provides for full circumferential lighting, though the light sources themselves may not completely surround shaft  702 . Further, in one example, the light sources  904  may include an LED having a brightness of 35,000 millicandelas. Other possibilities exist as well. 
     It should be understood that any of the features described above with respect to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 18-27  may also be used in combination with any of the features or embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-17 . 
     Additional features of the present invention include, but are not limited to, convenience, ease of use, ergonomics, sturdiness, reliability, portability and efficiency. 
     While the application has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0