Patent Application
20240423334
The present disclosure relates to support and mobility assistive devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a multi-handle cane having a hooking mechanism that provides transfer assistance and body repositioning mobility.
One problem that often arises when people experience a fall is the inability to recover and stand up, which is a problem that often requires paramedics or fire departments to assist with the fall recovery. Such falls are a substantial cause of hospitalization and death for individuals of advancing age. Even though falls are such a substantial problem for a significant population throughout the world there are no solutions that exist that help prevent falls or assist with recovery from a fall that is simple and easy to use for someone as is needed at the time a fall occurs. Prior art solutions are overly complicated, not easily transportable, and do not provide any method for repositioning a person after a fall occurs. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a solution that is capable of preventing falls that also provides functionality to assist with recovering from falls that occur.
The present invention and techniques described herein are directed to an apparatus and methods of preventing falls and assisting with recovery of falls. In some embodiments, the solution provided herein relates to an apparatus for preventing falls and assisting with fall recovery that may include a rod or shaft that may have one or more handles or grips and a mechanism for hooking that is designed to be easy to use, portable, and easily accessible. The present invention may further be used for any person looking for stability and balance support whenever they are in need of mobility assistance in a manner that provides the ability to also have the apparatus on hand when a potential fall event may occur. The present invention disclosed herein may also, for example, include features to adjust the elements of the device to configure the structure to fit individuals of differing heights, weights, and abilities and may also be collapsible for activities such as portability and storage purposes.
In some embodiments, the present invention may be use to overcome the issues presented when individuals are in a high fall risk category such as those who are elderly, having health issues such as, for example, neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, recovering from events such as surgery or stroke, having disabilities, effected from medication, having difficulty with balance or weakness, among many other scenarios wherein an individual may face falls or related injuries.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Solutions to the problems presented by traditional devices and systems described above have been designed to be all encompassing packages such as hip kits that include reachers, dressing sticks, sock aids, long handled shoehorns, long handled sponges, as well as walkers or canes for mobility. However, these systems become difficult to keep track of all the elements of the kits, need several different items to provide differing mobility functions, and not all of such devices are needed by every patient being provided with such kits. Such kits fail to provide the simplicity, transportability, and repositioning capability necessary to assist with both fall prevention as well as fall recovery. There is a desire to have a simple multifunctional cane design that provides the ability to prevent falls, assist with fall recovery, and reach distant objects that does not require multiple devices.
In response to the problems described above, systems, methods, and apparatus 100 embodiments are described herein that allow for such multifunctionality in a single apparatus 100 that prevents falls, assists with fall recovery, provides mobility assistance, reaches distant objects, and may be used by any person dealing with balance issues, health issues, recovery from surgery or health incidents, among other issues that may arise with advancement of age. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 and methods described herein may be configured with one or more elongated shafts as a base component providing the ability to adjust the apparatus 100 length or collapse the device for easier transportability, multiple handles for functions such as, for example, transfer assistance and increased stability, and a hooking mechanism capable of providing the ability to, for example, reach distant objects or reposition an individual's body.
Before some particular embodiments are provided in greater detail, it should be understood that the particular embodiments provided herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that a particular embodiment provided herein can have features that can be readily separated from the particular embodiments and optionally combined with or substituted for features of any of a number of other embodiments provided herein.
Regarding terms used herein, it should also be understood the terms are for the purpose of describing some particular embodiments, and the terms do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps in a group of features or steps, and do not supply a serial or numerical limitation. For example, “first,” “second,” and “third” features or steps need not necessarily appear in that order, and the particular embodiments including such features or steps need not necessarily be limited to the three features or steps. Labels such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “forward,” “reverse,” “clockwise,” “counter clockwise,” “up,” “down,” or other similar terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “aft,” “fore,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “proximal,” “distal,” and the like are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed location, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used to reflect, for example, relative location, orientation, or directions. Singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Finally, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the first elongated shaft 101 may be configured in a manner wherein it is connected to the second elongated shaft 105 via an adjustment mechanism 130, and wherein one or more grips may be connected to the first elongated shaft 101, such as, for example, a top grip 110 may be attached to the top end of the first elongated shaft 101 and a middle grip 115 may be positioned a certain distance below the top grip 110 and attached to a distal end of the elongated shaft from the top grip 110.
In some embodiments, the first elongated shaft 101 may have a wider circumference than the second elongated shaft 105 to enable it to be configured to wrap around the second elongated shaft 105 in a manner enabling adjustability of the position between the first elongated shaft 101 and the second elongated shaft 105. In some embodiments, the first elongated shaft 101 and the second elongated shaft 105 may be connected using an adjustment mechanism 130 that is a spring button adjustment connector or, in other embodiments the adjustment mechanism 130 may be, for example, a twist lock connection mechanism enabling a user of the apparatus 100 to loosen and tighten the twist lock connection to adjust the positioning of the first elongated shaft 101 in relation to the second elongated shaft 105.
In some embodiments, the first elongated shaft 101 and the second elongated shaft 105 may be separatable in a manner wherein they are completely disconnected for transportation purposes or may have, for example, a connector that when separated hinges rotationally, wherein, in some embodiments, there may also be a latching mechanism that connects the first elongated shaft 101 to the second elongated shaft 105 to keep them attached together while transporting the apparatus.
In many embodiments, the elongated shaft of the present invention may be configured to be a single elongated shaft as opposed to some embodiments wherein the elongated shaft comprises a plurality of sections such as, for example, embodiments wherein the apparatus 100 comprises a first elongated shaft 101 and a second elongated shaft 105.
In some embodiments, one or more grips and/or a hooking mechanism 120 may be connected to one of the first elongated shaft 101 or the second elongated shaft 105 may be configured to be attached to such an elongated shaft using a connecting mechanism 135, wherein, for example, the connecting mechanism 135 may be formed as part of the one or more grips and/or hooking mechanism 120 or it may be a separate connecting mechanism 135 that is attached to both the applicable elongated shaft and the one or more grips and/or hooking mechanism 120. In many embodiments there may be, for example, a top grip 110 and a middle grip 115, and a hooking mechanism 120 wherein, for example, the top grip 110 and the middle grip 115 are attached to the first elongated shaft 101 closer to an upper end of the apparatus 100 and positioned in a manner that enables a person using the apparatus 100 to stand up with the assistance of the apparatus 100 and the hooking mechanism 120 may be attached to the second elongated shaft 105 in a position that is closer to the bottom end of the apparatus.
In some embodiments, the one or more grips and/or hooking mechanism 120 may be, for example, fixed in place by a connecting mechanism 135 or in other embodiments, the one or more grips and/or hooking mechanism 120 may be adjustable laterally or rotationally to position such one or more grips in a place that is most comfortable to the user of the apparatus 100 and may also, for example, be adjustable in a manner that such grips and/or hooking mechanism 120 may be extended or collapsible. In some embodiments, the one or more grips and/or hooking mechanism 120 may be made of, for example, rubber, plastic, metal, or any other rigid material that may support the weight and pressure necessary for use by individuals of differing weights. In some embodiments, the one or more grips and/or hooking mechanism 120 may be detachable and re-attachable to the apparatus, and in some additional embodiments, the one or more grips and/or hooking mechanism 120 may be attachable to any standard cane or rod to improve the functionality of existing apparatus 100 owned or used by the user of the apparatus.
In some embodiments, there may be a stabilizer 125 attached to a bottom or distal end of the apparatus 100 for the purposes of stabilizing a user of the apparatus. In some embodiments, such a stabilizer 125 may be a material designed to grip to any surfaces to prevent slipping of the apparatus 100 when in use. In some embodiments, the stabilizer 125 may be in a fixed position, or in other embodiments, may be configured to flex in direction to provide better stability based on certain directional pressures being applied to the apparatus.
In some embodiments, the hooking mechanism 120 may be structured in a manner that is curved and extending perpendicular out from the bottom or distal end of the apparatus. In other embodiments, the hooking mechanism 120 may, for example be straight, or may be configured to have a hook, loop, ring, or other shapes to optimize the functionality for different purposes, such as, for example reaching, hooking, grabbing, and other common actions of an individual using the apparatus 100 that need to be accomplished around the home.
In certain embodiments, the hooking mechanism of the multifunctional mobility apparatus may be configured with a rubberized coating to enhance grip and prevent slippage during pulling operations. In such embodiments, the rubberized coating may encompass a variety of materials known for their high friction and durability properties. Such materials may include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, synthetic rubber (e.g., neoprene, silicone rubber), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and polyurethane. Each of these materials may offer unique benefits, such as resistance to wear and tear, flexibility, and superior grip on various surfaces. The term “rubberized coating” herein refers to any of these types of materials, which may be applied through processes such as dipping, spraying, or molding to ensure a uniform and robust coating to components of the apparatus, such as the hooking mechanism, the top grip, middle grip, the stabilizer, or other portions requiring additional gripping strength.
In some embodiments, the use of a rubberized coating on the hooking mechanism may be particularly beneficial in scenarios where secure handling and stability are critical. For example, when the apparatus is employed to pull heavy objects around corners or over uneven terrain, the enhanced grip provided by using a rubberized coating may reduce the risk of slippage, thereby improving safety and efficiency. In some illustrative applications, rubberized coating on the hooking mechanism, the stabilizer, or any of the grips may be especially useful for tasks involving wet conditions where maintaining a secure grip can be challenging.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be configured with a signal transmission device that may be utilized to send out alerts that may, for example, call for help when a user of the device has fallen. In some embodiments, such a signal transmission may be in the form of a button that may be turned on and off to prevent unintentional signal transmissions.
In some embodiments, the present disclosure presents an assistive device that may be used as a walking apparatus, a fall recovery device, a transfer assistance device, and a dressing assistive device. The apparatus 100 and system may be configured to have an upper shaft and a lower shaft, wherein, for example, the upper and lower shaft may be configured to be adjustable or reconfigurable in a manner that may, for example, extend or decrease the length of the apparatus 100 to provide differing functions and operate to be the most effective for individual users of differing stature, height, or size, and may also be configured with a mechanism to lock the apparatus 100 in place to assure the apparatus 100 does not slip or malfunction while in use.
In some embodiments, there may additionally be a second handle protruding parallel from the upper handle at a particular length more proximal to a base of an upper shaft at a particular distance from such an upper handle. In some embodiments, such a handle may be used as an assistance mechanism when a user pushes up, using a handle from a seated position. In some embodiments, a handle may also to be used as an assistance mechanism when a user pulls themselves up from a ground position. In some embodiments, a second handle may not impact the use of the apparatus 100 when walking.
In some embodiments there may be an upper shaft consisting of holes allowing for adjustability and also be configured to allow a lower shaft to be locked into place. In some embodiments the apparatus 100 may contain a lower shaft includes a fixed curved hook protruding parallel to the upper handle at a particular length and a particular distance from the base of the shaft. In some embodiments, the hook may be configured so as to not interfere with a user's ability to walk with the apparatus.
In some embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 130 of the multifunctional mobility apparatus 100 may be of any type of device capable of altering the spatial relationship between sections of the elongated shaft such as the relationship between embodiments wherein there is a first elongated shaft 101 and a second elongated shaft 105. In many embodiments, the adjustment mechanism 130 may be, for example, a manually operated locking hinge, a ratchet system, or a pin-and-hole assembly. For example, the adjustment mechanism 130 may comprise a spring-loaded locking hinge that sections of the elongated shaft to move from a parallel state to an angled state and lock securely into position.
The adjustment mechanism 130 may, in certain embodiments, be constructed from durable materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or reinforced polymers to withstand the stresses associated with heavy loads and frequent use. In many embodiments, the angles formed by sections of the elongated shaft may vary widely from a parallel state wherein there would be 0 degrees of angled adjustment and up to nearly 180 degrees of range of adjustment mobility. In some embodiments an angled state may be positioned anywhere from a parallel state and modified in multiple directions to create a wide variety of angles for reaching objects that may be hard to reach in tight spaces or around other objects. For example, in certain embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may provide the ability to lock into an angle around 90 degrees in either direction so if a user of the object has fallen and cannot move, but an object obstructs the direct reach of something they need to reach with the hooking mechanism 120, then the user could adjust the angle of the sections of the sections of the elongated shaft in relation to each other to so one of such sections would extend straight out from the user and the other section could extend in a different direction, such as, for example, approximately 90 degrees to reach an object around the corner of the object that is obstructing the reach of the apparatus 100. In certain embodiments, such ability to adjust the angles of elongated shaft sections in relation to each other using the adjustment mechanism 130 provides a balance between maneuverability and stability when pulling heavy objects around corners with the apparatus 100.
In certain embodiments, a broader range of adjustment ability by the adjustment mechanism 130 allows the apparatus to accommodate various use cases and user preferences, while a narrower range focuses on the most common angles needed for practical applications, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. The adjustment mechanism 130 may, for example, include securing features such as detents, friction locks, or threaded fasteners to ensure that the angular state remains fixed under load. These securing features may be designed to withstand the lateral and longitudinal forces exerted when the apparatus is used to pull heavy objects around obstacles, ensuring that the mechanism remains reliable and safe during operation.
In certain embodiments, the elongated shaft of the multifunctional mobility apparatus may comprise a plurality of sections to facilitate extending the apparatus to further distances. These sections may be, for example, telescoping, allowing for adjustable length by sliding one section into another. Each section may be constructed from lightweight, durable materials such as aluminum or carbon fiber to maintain strength while minimizing weight. In some embodiments, the telescoping sections may include a series of locking mechanisms, such as twist locks, spring-loaded pins, or clamp collars, to secure the sections at the desired length. Such configurations may allow a user to extend or retract the shaft easily, providing flexibility in use and storage.
From a mechanical perspective, in certain embodiments, the connection between each section of the elongated shaft may be configured to maintain structural integrity and operational reliability. Telescoping sections in such embodiments may be designed with a slight taper or include guide rails to ensure smooth operation and alignment. The locking mechanisms may be distributed along the length of each section of the elongated shaft to provide multiple points of fixation, enhancing stability. In some embodiments, twist locks may be integrated and operate by rotating one section of the elongated shaft relative to another, engaging internal threads or friction surfaces to hold the sections in place. In further embodiments, spring-loaded pins may engage with pre-drilled holes, providing a quick and secure locking solution. In many embodiments, clamp collars may wrap around the junctions between sections of the elongated shaft, using screw-tightened bands to clamp down and secure the sections of the elongated shaft together.
In some embodiments, the present apparatus 100 disclosed herein may contain a rubber tip that may be positioned on the opposite end of the distal handle so that it may be placed on the surface when the apparatus 100 is being used. In some embodiments, such a tip may have a diameter slightly wider than a typical tip found on standard canes. In some embodiments, such a tip may be made of rubber or any other material sufficient to grip when used on any type of surface. In some embodiments, such a tip may be soft enough that it will not scratch surfaces such as hard wood floors.
In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be equipped with a lighting mechanism designed to illuminate the surrounding area, enhancing visibility during use. This lighting mechanism could encompass several options to cater to different user needs and operational environments. For instance, in some embodiments, the apparatus may include integrated LED lights or other types of bulbs sufficient for providing illumination, which may, for example, be positioned along the elongated shaft or near the hooking mechanism, providing a focused beam or a broader area of illumination. These LEDs, for example, could be powered by a rechargeable battery housed within the apparatus, ensuring long-lasting performance. Such a lighting mechanism may, in certain embodiments, also feature multiple modes, such as steady light, flashing, or dimmable settings, to adapt to various lighting conditions. Users could, for example, toggle the lighting mechanism on and off through a conveniently placed switch or button, which may be, in certain optimal embodiments, be configured to be part of or near one of the grips of the apparatus. In some embodiments, such lighting mechanisms may be integrated with a waterproof casing to protect against moisture and dust. In embodiments configured with such features it may be particularly useful in low-light or nighttime conditions, such as, for example, during power outages or at night when out of reach of household lighting fixtures.
Briefly summarized, some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus 100 for assisting individuals who may be injured, disabled, or in a position where such an individual may need mobility assistance, for example, in a situation where such a user of the apparatus 100 needs to reposition their body or wherein they may need help standing up after falling or lying down on the floor. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 disclosed herein may include a cane structure wherein there may be a plurality of handles positioned in a manner designed to ease the process of standing by redistributing the weight of the user against the apparatus 100 for improved stability and reduced chance of falling throughout the process of standing. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may include a hooking mechanism 120 positioned in a manner that improves a user's ability to turn over or move around by using the hooking mechanism 120 to hook a stable object near the user to pull or push the user in the direction that is necessary move the users body to a stable position, for example, a user could use the hooking mechanism 120 when they have fallen to hook the apparatus 100 around a table leg that is near by to roll over if they have fallen onto their back.
In some respects, the techniques described herein relate to an apparatus 100 for assisted mobility as substantially disclosed throughout herein.
These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become more apparent to those of skill in the art in view of the accompanying drawings and following description, which disclose particular embodiments of such concepts in greater detail.
In the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.
The above description of the preferred embodiment has been provided for purposes of illustration and explanation. It is not meant to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact configuration shown. Numerous modifications and variations are feasible in light of the teachings provided herein and is merely intended to describe illustrative examples of various embodiments of the present invention and not restrictive to such illustrative examples.
For instance, the described examples (or various aspects of them) may be combined with each other. Other embodiments can be utilized by those with ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the description above. Additionally, in the description above, various features may be grouped together for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This should not be taken to imply that any unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment.
The abstract is intended to quickly inform the reader of the nature of the technical disclosure, in compliance with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72 (b) in the United States. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not serve to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/510,027, entitled “Apparatus for Injury Recovery and Mobility Assistance,” filed Jun. 23, 2023, and such application is hereby incorporated in its entirety here by this reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63510027 | Jun 2023 | US |
