CN101237844A - Rolling/braking canes - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand wand (100) comprising a base plate (200) having at least one wheel (210) and an aperture (151); a support shaft (300) having a first end (310) adjustable in length by a user and connected to the base plate (200); a brake (400) disposed within an aperture (151) having a length adjustable by a user; and at least one handle (500) connected to the support shaft (300), and the handle (500) is operably engaged with the brake (400).

Description

Rolling/braking cane

priority claim

This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application 60/621708 and US Provisional Patent Application 60/621754, both filed October 25, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

references

All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference as if their entire contents were hereby declared to be incorporated by reference. Also incorporated by reference in its entirety is a PCT patent application entitled Elevating Device issued to Karasin et al. on the same date as it was filed.

Contents of the invention

In one embodiment a cane comprises: a base plate having at least one wheel and an aperture; a support shaft having a first end that is adjustable in length by the user and connected to the base plate; a brake; and at least one handle connected to the support shaft and operatively engaged with the brake. In an embodiment, at least one handle is configured to include a plurality of intermediate handles, each handle configured to apply a downward force to apply the brake and to remove the downward force to release the brake. In one embodiment, the cane has two rear wheels and two front casters that rotate about a common axis. In another embodiment, the substrate has a bumper disposed on the front of the substrate. In yet another embodiment of the cane, the handle includes an actuator displaceable relative to a portion of the handle to engage the detent. In another embodiment, the cane includes a handle comprising an outer handle having an aperture defining a decorative component. In another embodiment, the cane includes a stopper configured to form a strengthening member for the cane. In another embodiment, the brake is operatively engaged with a biasing feature configured to bias the brake in the released position. In yet another embodiment, the cane has a base plate with a stepped vertical profile. In another embodiment, the cane comprises two casters fixed to the upper portion of the stepped vertical profile base plate and two fixed-axis swivel wheels fixed to the lower portion of the stepped vertical profile base plate. In another embodiment of the cane, the brake is disposed adjacent to the fixed-axis runner and is ground-engageable through a stepped vertical profile base plate. Another embodiment of the cane includes at least one detent guide that engages one of the handles, a detent collar that positions the detent, and a detent disposed within the actuator and configured so that when the actuator is deflected away from the handle to use the detent Actuator guide that guides the actuator. Another embodiment of the cane includes front and rear wheels, and the brake is disposed intermediate the front and rear wheels. In one embodiment of the cane, the brake is arranged near the front end of the rear wheel. In one embodiment of the cane, the handles are constructed to allow the user to use the brake while the user's hand is comfortably positioned over at least one of the handles.

A cane in one embodiment includes: a base plate with a plurality of wheels; an upright structure of adjustable length connecting the base plate to the handle; and an adjustable length stop for preventing the cane from rolling. An embodiment of the cane further comprises at least one handle means for positioning the user's hand in a position from which the brake can be applied without removing the hand from the handle means. In one embodiment of the cane, the base plate is a stepped profile base plate. Another embodiment of the cane also includes an accessory fixation device. In an embodiment of the cane, the brake means are constituted with brake guide means for guiding the actuator when the brake is applied and when the brake is released.

Description of drawings

Embodiments in which the present invention is shown will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, from which new features and advantages of the present invention will be clearly understood.

Figures 1A-1H show different views of a rolling cane according to the invention.

1I-1K show a user operable handle and actuator according to the present invention.

Figure 1L shows a cane according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the rolling cane according to the invention shown in Figures 1A-1H.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the rolling cane according to the invention shown in Figures 1A-1H.

Figure 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rolling cane according to the invention shown in Figures 1A-1H.

Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rolling cane according to the present invention shown in Figures 1A-1H.

Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the handle of the rolling cane according to the invention shown in Figs. 1A-1H.

Figure 6A shows the detent guide of the rolling cane according to the invention shown in Figures 1A-1H.

Figures 6B-6C illustrate a brake guide and actuator according to the present invention.

Figure 7 shows an actuator according to the invention.

Figure 8 shows a part of an upper handle and accessory fastening device according to the invention.

9A-9K illustrate several parts of a rolling/braking cane according to the present invention, including post 300 (FIG. 9A); base plate 200 (FIG. 9B); split ring 316 (FIG. 9C); collet nut 314 (FIG. 9D ); lower column 310 (Fig. 9E); buffer 220 (Fig. 9F); lower brake 410 (Fig. 9G); axle 213 (Fig. 9H); lower middle handle 520 (Fig. 9I); upper handle 510 (Fig. 9J) and Upper stop 420 (FIG. 9K).

Detailed ways

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numbers are used in the various drawings for the same or like parts. In order that the invention may be thoroughly understood, numerous detailed features of the preferred embodiment, including material types, dimensions and procedures, are given. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without many of these details. In other instances, well-known devices, methods, and procedures have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the present invention.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a rolling cane device with a brake that prevents rolling of the cane, including stopping the rolling cane and holding the stationary cane from rolling. 1A-1H illustrate one embodiment of a cane 100 of the present invention. Preferably, cane 100 includes base plate 200 , upright 300 , detent 400 , handle 500 , detent guide 600 (eg, FIGS. 1H , 3 , 4B , 5 and 6 ), and accessory device 700 . In one embodiment, cane cane 100 may be constructed of any material chosen by those skilled in the art, including metal, polymer, nylon with 25% to 40% glass fiber, or any combination of these materials or composites thereof. In one embodiment, a portion of cane 100 (eg, post 300 and stop 400 ) is aluminum. In a preferred embodiment, cane 100 has a front portion 102 and a rear portion 104 . Preferably, cane 100 is generally symmetrical about longitudinal axis 110 (FIG. 1E).

In a preferred embodiment the base plate 200 has a wheel 210 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the cane 100 has any number of wheels. Preferably the cane 100 has four wheels. Preferably the base plate 200 has two rear wheels 212 and two front wheels 214 . In a preferred embodiment, one or more wheels 210 rotate about an axle 213 having an arbor pointing at a fixed position relative to the substrate 200 . In one embodiment, the cane 100 has two rear wheels 212 with axles 213 fixed relative to the base plate 200 . In one embodiment, two or more wheels (eg, rear wheel 212 ) rotate about a common axis 213 . In another embodiment (not shown), any number of wheels 210 rotate about a single axle 213 . In one embodiment, the one or more swivel wheels 210 comprise casters 275 (FIG. 2). In a preferred embodiment, casters 275 are rotatable about pivot 276 to improve the mobility of cane 100 . In another embodiment, one or more fixed casters (not shown) with rotating axles are fixed relative to the base plate 200 such that they cannot rotate about a pivot (eg, pivot 276 ). In one embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the rear wheels 212 rotate about a common axis 213 and the front wheels 214 are casters 275 . Preferably the diameter of each of the runners 210 is the same. In one embodiment shown in Figure 1C, the rear wheels 212 have a spacing _S212 that is the same as or different from the spacing _S214 of the front wheels 214 (Figure IF). In one embodiment, the interval S ₂₁₂ is smaller than the interval S ₂₁₄ .

The substrate 200 can be of any shape. In one embodiment, the front portion 102 has a concave or convex curvature. In one embodiment, the front portion 102 of the base plate 200 is substantially flat. In one embodiment (eg, see FIGS. 1E and 1F ), the substrate 200 is generally T-shaped. In one embodiment, swivel wheels 210 comprising casters are located near the edge of the wide end 260 of the T-shaped base 200, and swivel wheels 210 with a common axis are located near the narrow end 265 of the T-shaped base (eg, see FIG. 1F ).

In one embodiment (not shown), the substrate 200 has a generally planar (eg, flat) vertical profile. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. ID, the substrate 200 has a stepped vertical profile. A stepped vertical profile means that the substrate 200 has at least two columns (eg, different heights) in elevation. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1D and 9B , substrate 200 has lower columns 204 and upper columns 202 . In one embodiment, the distance between the upper ends of the upper rows 202 and the lower ends of the lower rows 204 is between about 3 inches and 5 inches, preferably between about 3 inches and 4 inches, and more preferably 3.6 inches. Either the low columns 204 or the high columns 202 may be located along the substrate 200 . In one embodiment shown in FIG. 1D , the lower columns 204 are near the back end 104 of the substrate 200 and the upper columns 202 are near the front end 102 of the substrate 200 . In one embodiment, the swivel wheels 210 with casters 275 are located near the upper row 202 , while the swivel wheels 210 with fixed axles are located at the lower row 204 . In one embodiment, the use of a fixed axis wheel allows for the use of low profile substrates 200 . In one embodiment, a low profile base plate is preferred, as this maximizes the adjustable height of the cane 100 and lowers the center of gravity. In one embodiment, the high profile base plate allows the use of casters that can swivel and thus have increased mobility. In the embodiment of FIG. 1D , the upper column 202 and the lower column 204 are connected by a transition 203 . In one embodiment, the transition portion 203 includes a smooth and/or gradually changing transition portion. In another embodiment, the transition 203 includes a sharp and/or abrupt transition.

In one embodiment, the substrate 200 has a buffer 220 as shown in FIG. 1E. The bumper 220 is preferably constructed so that it does not substantially damage the object or cane 100 upon impact with a hard object. For example, a user can push a door with the cane 100 to open it or keep it from closing. In an embodiment, bumper 220 may be constructed of any material. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the buffer 220 is made of at least a certain plastic material, such as synthetic rubber or rubber.

The post 300 is preferably fixed to the base plate 200 using any method. In a preferred embodiment, upright 300 is configured to support substantially all of the force that a user exerts on cane 100 during operation. In one embodiment, the post 300 can be fixed to the base plate 200 at any position along the longitudinal axis 110 . In one embodiment, the column 300 is fixed on the base plate 200 close to the front end 102 of the base plate 200 . In the embodiment of FIG. 1D , the posts 300 are fixed to the lower row 204 of the base plate 200 . In one embodiment, the upright 300 is located at the rear of the front wheel 214 of the cane 100 . FIG. 1D also shows an embodiment of fixing the post 300 to the base plate 200 near the transition portion 203 . Post 300 and base plate 200 are preferably constructed so that when weight is applied to one of handles 500, cane 100 remains balanced.

In one embodiment, the length of the column 300 is fixed. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the post 300 is adjustable (FIGS. 1G and 1H). Preferably the upright 300 has a lower upright 310 and an upper upright 320 . In one embodiment, the lower post 310 and the upper post 320 are tubular members of the same or different diameters. In a preferred embodiment, the upper post 320 has a smaller diameter than the lower post 310 . Preferably, the upper column 320 can be loaded into the lower column 310 . In one embodiment, the height of the column 300 can be adjusted by changing the position of the upper column 320 relative to the lower column 310 . Preferably the post 300 is locked to a prescribed height by mating a resilient spring pin 312 with a prescribed post notch 313 . In one embodiment, the spring pin 312 and the post notch 313 are on either the lower post lower post 310 or the upper post upper post 320 . In one embodiment, the post post 300 includes an anti-runaway component 311 . In one embodiment, the anti-runaway part 311 preferably includes a collet nut 314 and a split ring 316 . In a preferred embodiment, tightening the collet nut secures the post 300 (FIGS. 1G, 1H, 2). In a preferred embodiment, the split ring 316 is inserted between the collet nut and the lower post 310 . Preferably the collet nut includes an inner bevel (not shown) and the lower post 310 has an opposing bevel 317 . As the collet nut 314 is tightened, the split ring 316 is wedged between the opposing hypotenuses of the collet nut 314 and the lower post 310 , and the lower post 310 reduces in diameter and compresses against the upper post 320 .

In a preferred embodiment, the post 300 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the base plate 200 . In one embodiment, both the upper column 320 and the lower column 310 are substantially perpendicular to the base plate 200 . In one embodiment, the column 300 has a curved shape. In one embodiment, lower upright 310 is disposed generally about longitudinal axis 315 . In a preferred embodiment, upper upright 320 is curved relative to longitudinal axis 315 (FIG. 1H). In one embodiment, the first inflection point 322 of the upper column 320 is closer to the handle 500 and farther away from the base plate 200 . In one embodiment, the upper post 320 protrudes toward the front end 102 of the cane 100 at a first inflection point 322 . In one embodiment, the upper post 320 has an elbow 324 above the first inflection point 322 . In one embodiment, the upper upright 320 includes a cross member 326 . Preferably, the cross member 326 extends rearwardly from the base plate post longitudinal axis 315 . Preferably, the cross member 326 extends generally parallel to the datum plane 50 and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis 110 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1L , cross member 326 forms an acute or obtuse angle with datum plane 50 as it extends rearwardly from substrate post longitudinal axis 315 .

In one embodiment, the post 300 is constructed to allow an accessory to be hooked or otherwise attached to the post 300 at a forward point without the accessory interfering with the post 300 . In one embodiment, accessory clips 700 (described in more detail below) are affixed to posts 300 to accommodate such accessories. In one embodiment, post 300 is configured such that accessory fixture 700 can accept heavy accessories without causing cane 100 to tip over. In one embodiment, the accessory clip 700 does not extend forward of the front wheel 214 . In one embodiment, the accessory clip 700 extends slightly forward of the front wheel 214 .

In a preferred embodiment, the post 300 is configured to form a continuous transition from approximately vertical (e.g., perpendicular to datum plane 50) to approximately horizontal (e.g., parallel to datum plane 50) (FIGS. 1H, 4B) . In one embodiment, a substantially horizontal portion of the post 300 forms a portion of the handle 500 (eg, at least a portion of the handle 500 is continuous with the post 300 ). In one embodiment, post 300 has any shape that can accommodate the length of handle 500 at least approximately as long as the distance between brake 400 and post 300 . Preferably the distance between the longitudinal axis 315 and the center of the stopper 400 is between about 5 and 7 inches, preferably between about 5 and 6 inches, more preferably 5-1/4 inches. In one embodiment, the uprights 300 and the cross members 326 are substantially perpendicular. In one embodiment, vertical alignment between the uprights 300 and the cross members 326 may be achieved, for example, by welding or gluing the uprights 300 to the cross members 326 . Preferably there is a continuous transition from upper upright 320 to cross member 326 in the shape of a gooseneck configuration (eg, FIG. 9A ). In one embodiment, the post 300 is configured to enable a strut (eg, built-in strut, not shown) to engage the accessory fixture 700 and the base plate 200 . In one embodiment, the cross member 326 forms a base plate to which the upper handle 510 is affixed (FIG. 4B). In one embodiment, the length of the cross member 326 should be selected to accommodate the prescribed length of the upper handle 510 . In one embodiment, the radius R of the arc of the elbow 324 is selected to accommodate the prescribed length of the top handle 510 and the prescribed distance between the cross member 326 and the point of inflection 322 . In one embodiment, R is approximately the smallest radius practically applicable to the selected material.

In one embodiment, the stopper 400 includes a lower stopper 410, an upper stopper 420, a stopper 430, an actuator 440, and an offset member 450 (FIG. 1H). In one embodiment, lower detent 410 and upper detent 420 are a single continuous piece or a composite piece. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the stopper 400 is adjustable. Preferably, the lower stopper 410 and the upper stopper 420 are tubular members. It is preferred that the length of the stopper 400 can be adjusted and fixed in a manner similar to that of the post 300 . The stopper 400 may be located anywhere relative to the base plate 200 . In one embodiment, examples of which are shown in FIGS. 1H and 4A , the stopper 400 is disposed within the aperture 151 of the base plate 200 . In one embodiment, detent 400 extends through aperture 151 and is at least partially exposed beneath base plate 200 in at least one of an engaged (eg, engaged) and a released position (eg, a retracted position). In one embodiment, the stopper 400 is positioned on the longitudinal axis 110 of the base plate 200 . In a preferred embodiment, the brake 400 is disposed within the aperture 151 between the rear wheel 212 and the front wheel 214, and more preferably proximate to the rear wheel 212 (see, eg, FIG. 1F ).

In a preferred embodiment, the detent 400 disposed within the aperture 151 has a released position and an engaged position. In one embodiment, detent 400 is engaged (eg, datum 50 ) and released by, for example, applying force to actuator 440 , typically while using cane 100 to assist the user in walking. Preferably, when force is applied to actuator 440, brake 400 is normally in a released position (eg, a retracted position) and only in an engaged (ie, used) position (eg, engaged with datum surface 50 ). In one embodiment, when the brake 400 is in the reverse position, the stopper 430 is raised relative to the reference plane 50 (FIG. 4A). Preferably, the stopper 430 remains relatively close to the reference plane 50 when the stopper 400 is retracted. In one embodiment, when brake 400 is retracted, ground engaging surface 431 is preferably located between base plate 200 and reference plane 50 (eg, FIG. 4A ), and more preferably at a height between axle 213 and reference plane 50 . In one embodiment, the stopper 430 is at least partially contained within the base plate 200 when the stopper 400 is retracted. Preferably, a biasing member 450 (eg, a spring) ( FIG. 4A ) is fixed to the stopper 400 and the base plate 200 . In a preferred embodiment, when the offset member 450 is compressed, the stop 430 engages the datum surface 50, and when the offset member 450 is allowed to return to its original position, the offset member 450 returns to its normal retracted position. . In one embodiment, the brake 400 is biased to the released position. Preferably the offset feature 450 is at least partially enclosed within the base plate 200 . In one embodiment, the offset feature 450 is substantially entirely enclosed within the base plate 200 . In a preferred embodiment, the offset member 450 is slidably engaged with the base plate 200 within the aperture 151 by a grommet 451, which is preferably secured to the base plate 200 (FIG. 2). Preferably the brake 400 has an offset part holder 455 comprising an offset pin 452 , a grommet 451 and an offset collar 453 . Preferably the offset pin 452 passes through the lower detent 410 to engage the offset collar 453 . An offset collar 453 is preferably disposed between the offset feature 450 and the offset pin 452 .

Preferably the brake 400 comprises an actuator 440 . In one embodiment, actuator 440 contacts brake 400 (eg, FIG. 4B ). Preferably the actuator 440 is attached to the brake 400 . In one embodiment, the actuator 440 is attached to the upper brake 420 . In a preferred embodiment, the brake 400 operates when the actuator 440 is depressed. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 440 is located close to the upper handle 510 . In a preferred embodiment, the actuator 440 is separate from the upper handle 510, however there is provided a smooth transition between the actuator 440 and the upper handle 510 (described in more detail below).

In one embodiment, the brake 400 provides lateral support to the cane 100 . Preferably, the stopper 400 provides enhanced support (eg, rigidity) to the cane 100 . In one embodiment, the middle handle 520 in combination with the detent 400 can provide enhanced support to the cane 100 (described in more detail below).

In one embodiment, the actuator 440 is arranged substantially continuous with the handle 500 such that the actuator 440 forms part of the handle 500 . In one embodiment, the substantially continuous actuator 440 can be positioned relative to the handle when the actuator is operating using the brakes (eg, when the user places the palm of the hand on the actuator 440 to apply a downward force, as shown in FIGS. 1I-1K ). 500 moves. In one embodiment, the displacement of the actuator 440 relative to the handle 500 is guided (eg, by the brake guide 600 ) so that the actuator can return to its original position when the brake is released.

In one embodiment, the cane 100 includes a detent guide 600 (eg, as shown in FIGS. 4B, 5, 6A). In some embodiments, the brake guide 600 substantially maintains the position of the actuator 440 and the brake 400 when the brake 400 is applied and released (eg, as described below). In some embodiments, brake guide 600 guides actuator 440 during application and release of brake 400 . In one embodiment, the brake guide 600 provides a retainer between the post 300 and the brake 400 . In a preferred embodiment, in operation, when guiding the brake 400 during application of the brake 400 and releasing the brake 400 (e.g., by generally controlling the movement of the brake 400 in a limited direction (e.g., along its longitudinal axis), The brake guide 600 is used to fix the column 300 to the brake 400 . It is preferable that the brake guide 600 also serves as a guide for the actuator 440 when the brake guide 600 is depressed, for example, to operate the brake 400 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6A , a brake guide 600 has a transverse stub 610 , a transverse aperture 620 , a brake aperture 630 , a brake collar 640 and an actuator guide 650 . In one embodiment, the transverse short tube 610 is fixed in the column 300 by friction fit. In another embodiment, the short tube piece 611 is inserted into the window 612 ( FIG. 3 ) to fix the transverse short tube 610 in the column 300 . In one embodiment, the brake guide 600 is substantially stationary within the column 300 . In one embodiment, to prevent the brake 400 from binding in the brake guide 600 during operation, a certain degree of movement of the brake guide 600 relative to the post 300 is allowed. In a preferred embodiment, the detent guide 600 is slightly rotatable and/or axially movable relative to the handle 500 . In one embodiment, the brake collar 640 is disposed within the brake aperture 630 . Preferably, the reinforcing rib 641 is disposed in the stopper hole 630 . In one embodiment, the actuator 440 (eg, FIGS. 6B, 6C, 7) is configured around an actuator guide 650 (eg, FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 7). In one embodiment, the actuator 440 is fixed to the actuator collar 443 of the brake 400 . In an embodiment, the actuator collar 443 is arranged around the brake 400 in the axial direction and defines the actuator stopper hole 442 . In one embodiment, the brake 400 is disposed within the actuator stop aperture 442 . In one embodiment, the actuator 440 includes a guide aperture 441 (eg, FIG. 7 ). In one embodiment, the brake guide 600 and the actuator 440 define the guide aperture 441 (FIG. 6A) in their normal positions. Preferably the actuator guide 650 is at least partially disposed within the actuator guide aperture 441 . In one embodiment, when the user activates the brake 400 by depressing the actuator 440, the actuator 440 is advanced along the actuator guide 650 so that the guide aperture 441 is reduced (FIG. 6B).

1I-1K show a user using the brake 400 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 , the user's hand comfortably grasps the handle 500 with the palm of its hand positioned proximate to the actuator 440 . In one embodiment, the cane 100 is beside the user when walking, and the user leans on the cane 100 while the cane 100 rolls beside the user. FIG. 1J shows the situation where the user does not need to move the hand from the handle position of FIG. 1I to operate the actuator 440 . In FIGS. 1I-1K , when the user depresses the actuator 440 with their palm, the actuator 440 is forced to displace downward from the handle 500 (eg, as shown in FIG. 1K ). When depressed by the downward force of the user's palm, the actuator 440 is held stationary relative to the handle 500 by the detent guide 600 . In one embodiment, detent 400 slides internally and is guided by detent guide 600 into contact with actuator 440 (see also FIG. 4B ). Then, when the actuator 440 is depressed, the stopper 400 is forced to move downward and thereby the lower end of the stopper 400 comes into contact with the ground. In one embodiment, by returning the user's hand to the position shown in Figure 1I, the brake is released and the cane is free to roll again to advance with the walking user.

In a preferred embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the cane 100 has one or more handles 500 (eg, handles). Preferably, cane 100 has an upper handle 510 and one or more middle handles 520 . In one embodiment, the center points of the one or more handles 500 are generally aligned with each other. In one embodiment, cane 100 has any number of intermediate handles. Preferably the cane 100 has two middle handles 520 . In one embodiment, the sleeve 525 is disposed around the column 300 in the axial direction. In one embodiment, sleeves 525 are secured to or integrally formed with one or more intermediate handles 520 (FIG. 4B). Preferably, one or more intermediate handles 520 are secured directly to brake 400 , eg, via intermediate anchors 524 . In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate fixator 524 includes a collar 524A and/or a screw 524B. In one embodiment, when a user depresses one or more of the middle handles 520 , the brake 400 is activated immediately and the bushing 525 slides over the post 300 . In one embodiment, the middle handle 520 activates the brake 400 when the user applies pressure. Thus, middle grip 520 is particularly useful for users who use cane 100 to support them when rising from a sitting position with confidence that cane 100 will not roll away from the user.

Preferably the handle 500 has an inner handle 502 and an outer handle 504 . In one embodiment, it is preferred that the inner handle is disposed in an axial direction around and contacts the post 300 (eg, cross member 326 ). In one embodiment, the inner handle 502 can be any material, preferably a polymer, more preferably a thermoplastic. In one embodiment, the outer handle 504 is disposed in an axial direction around and contacts the inner handle 502 . In a preferred embodiment, the outer handle 504 provides a thin layer (eg, cushioning or insulation) between the user's hand and the inner handle 502 and upright 300 (eg, cross member 326 ). In a preferred embodiment, the outer handle 504 is a synthetic rubber. Preferably the outer handle 504 has one or more perforations 505 . In one embodiment, the perforations 505 provide additional comfort to the user. In one embodiment, the perforations 505 are of any decorative shape and/or orientation. In one embodiment, the eyelets 505 function to place the user's hand in a preferred position on the handle 500 . In one embodiment, the handle 100 includes raised portions that may enhance the comfort of the user's hand and/or allow the user's hand to rest on the handle 500 .

Preferably, the handle 500 is constructed so that the user's hand can be comfortably placed in the desired position. In one embodiment, the upper handle 510 has a length that is substantially the same as the length of the middle handle 520 . The upper handle 510 is constructed to comfortably receive the user's hand such that the approximate center of the upper handle 510 is near the user's palm and the actuator 440 is naturally positioned near the heel of the user's palm. It is preferred that this natural orientation of the user's hand on the upper handle 510 facilitates immediate application of the brake 400 by the user without removing the user's hand from the upper handle 510 .

In one embodiment, an accessory clip 700 (eg, FIGS. 4B , 5 , 8 ) is attached to the post 300 near the upper handle 510 . Preferably the accessory clip 700 is configured to enable a user to hang the cane 100 (eg, to a shopping cart) using the accessory clip 700 . Preferably, accessory fixture 700 is also configured to accept accessory tools that can be attached to accessory fixture 700 (eg, built-in support structures, extension or gripping devices, oxygen source support mechanisms). In one embodiment, the accessory clip 700 includes a down handle 702 . In another embodiment, the accessory clip 700 includes an upper handle 701 and a lower handle 702 . In one embodiment, the accessory clip 700 includes an accessory hole 704 and/or an accessory channel 705 . In one embodiment, accessory aperture 704 and/or accessory channel 705 accommodate one or more accessories, such as built-in struts and/or extension or gripping devices. Thus, for example, an accessory having a post (eg, a built-in pole) can be disposed within the accessory aperture 704 so that it is readily accessible to the user. In one embodiment, accessory channel 705 is shaped to match the shape of accessories that may be deployed within or along accessory channel 705 for use by a user. In one embodiment, the base plate 200 includes a special feature (not shown) (eg, recess, tab, orifice) that aligns with the accessory aperture 704 so that the accessory (eg, built-in post) can be secured to the accessory card. Between tool 700 and substrate 200.

In one embodiment, the cane 100 is configured to assist the user in moving by supporting the user's body weight while the user is walking without requiring the user to lift the cane, for example, between steps.

The embodiments of the present invention described above can be independently applied to the rolling/braking cane of the present invention. Likewise, any two or more of the above-described embodiments, including those described in documents cited herein, may be combined into a single walking stick of the present invention. While the foregoing description is of a preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be noted that other changes and modifications in details, materials, steps, and arrangement of parts described herein to explain the nature of the preferred embodiment of the invention may be made without departing from the invention. implementation without the spirit or scope of the invention. Any dimensions referenced herein are exemplary dimensions for certain embodiments of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. A walking stick comprising: a base plate having at least one wheel and an aperture; a support shaft having a user-adjustable length and a first end connected to the base; a detent disposed within an aperture having a user-adjustable length; and At least one handle is connected to the support shaft and is operably engaged with the brake. 2. The cane of claim 1, wherein at least one handle comprises a plurality of intermediate handles, each handle configured to apply the brake with application of a downward force and configured to release the brake with removal of the downward force. 3. A cane as claimed in claim 1 having two rear wheels and two front casters which rotate about a common axis. 4. The cane of claim 1, wherein the base plate has a bumper disposed in front of the base plate. 5. The cane of claim 1, wherein the handle includes an actuator displaceable relative to a portion of the handle to engage the detent. 6. The walking stick of claim 1, the handle further comprising an outer handle having an aperture defining a decorative feature. 7. The cane of claim 1, wherein the brake is configured to form a stiffening member for the cane. 8. The cane of claim 1, wherein the detent is operatively engaged with a biasing feature configured to bias the detent in the released position. 9. The cane of claim 1, wherein the base plate has a stepped vertical profile. 10. The walking stick as claimed in claim 9, further comprising two casters fixed to the upper part of the stepped vertical profile base plate and two fixed-axis runners fixed to the lower part of the stepped vertical profile base plate. 11. The cane of claim 10, wherein the detent is disposed adjacent to the fixed-axis runner and is ground-engageable by a stepped vertical profile base plate. 12. The cane of claim 1 , wherein the cane comprises at least one detent guide engaged with one of the handles, a detent collar to position the detent, and a detent disposed within the actuator and configured to move when the actuator is biased. Actuator guide that guides the actuator when the handle is removed to apply the brakes. 13. The cane of claim 1, further comprising a front wheel and a rear wheel, and the brake is disposed intermediate the front wheel and the rear wheel. 14. The cane of claim 13, wherein the brake is disposed near the front end of the rear wheel. 15. The cane of claim 1 , wherein the handles are configured to allow a user to apply the detent when the user's hand is comfortably positioned over at least one of the handles. 16. A walking stick comprising: base plate with multiple wheels; an upright structure having an adjustable length connecting the base plate to the handle; and Length-adjustable stop to prevent the cane from rolling. 17. A cane as claimed in claim 16, further comprising at least one handle means for positioning the user's hand in a position from which the brake can be applied without removing the handle from the handle means. 18. The cane of claim 16, wherein the base plate is a stepped profile base plate. 19. The walking stick of claim 16, further comprising an accessory fixation device. 20. A cane as claimed in claim 16, wherein the brake means includes actuator guide means for guiding the actuator when the brake is applied and when the brake is released.

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