Patent Application
20170245605
Walking sticks are used to support a person who needs assistance and/or balance when moving. Such sticks can be used on both flat and uneven surfaces, depending on the level of infirmity and/or the amount of support desired by the person.
In one aspect, the technology relates to an apparatus having: a walking stick having a handle and a foot, wherein the walking stick at least partially defines a compartment; and a smoking implement movably disposed within the compartment, wherein the smoking implement is positionable in a first position substantially within the compartment and a second position extending from the compartment. In an embodiment, the walking stick further includes an internal conduit, and wherein when in the second position, the smoking implement is in fluid communication with the internal conduit. In another embodiment, the walking stick further defines an opening in an outer surface of the walking stick, wherein the opening is in fluid communication with the internal conduit. In yet another embodiment, the internal conduit is configured to be connected to an external tube. In still another embodiment, the smoking implement is pivotably engaged with the walking stick.
In another embodiment of the above aspect, the smoking implement is removably engaged with the walking stick. In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes at least one light, an electrical circuit, and a battery for providing power to the at least one light via the electrical circuit. In another embodiment a cover is movably disposed so as to selectively cover the compartment.
In another aspect, the technology relates to an apparatus having: a walking stick at least partially defining a compartment; a smoking implement pivotably connected to the walking stick, wherein in a first position, the smoking implement is disposed entirely within the compartment; and a receiver for removably receiving a tube. In an embodiment, the apparatus has a tube. In another embodiment, when in a second position, the smoking implement at least partially extends from the compartment. In yet another embodiment, the receiver is disposed within the walking stick and is configured to store the tube. In still another embodiment, the receiver is formed in an exterior of the walking stick and is configured to be connected to the tube.
In another embodiment of the above aspect, the apparatus has a power source and a circuit disposed in the walking stick. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an accessory connected to the circuit and configured to be powered by the power source. In another embodiment, the accessory has a light.
In another aspect, the technology relates to an apparatus having: a walking stick; an inhalation circuit disposed within the walking stick; a smoking apparatus moveably disposed within a compartment defined by the walking stick, wherein when in a first position, the smoking apparatus is in fluidic communication with the inhalation circuit; and a tube removably disposed in the walking stick, wherein the tube is selectively engageable with the inhalation circuit. In an embodiment, the tube is selectively engageable with a first end of the inhalation circuit disposed proximate an exterior surface of the walking stick. In another embodiment, the smoking apparatus is in fluidic communication with the inhalation circuit, when the smoking apparatus is engaged with a second end of the inhalation circuit. In yet another embodiment, the second end is disposed proximate a compartment at least partially defined by the walking stick.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The same number represents the same element or same type of element in all drawings.
In the depicted example, a decorative element 108 is removably fixed to the body 102. The decorative element 106 may be in any form factor required or desired for a particular application and may be removably secured to the body 102 via implanted magnets 108, bolts, screws, or other fasteners. If magnets 108 are utilized, matching magnets 110 may be disposed within the body 102 of the walking stick 100. When the decorative cover 106 is removed from the body 102, a sealing cover 112 is exposed. This sealing cover 112 can completely cover or be disposed in an opening 114 defined by the body 102. In that case, the sealing cover 112 is configured to prevent ingress of dirt, water, or other contaminants through the opening 114 (and into a compartment described below). The sealing cover 112 need not, but may, form a watertight seal. The walking stick 100 may also include a number of lights 116 disposed proximate an exterior surface 118 thereof for decorative or other purposes. A switch 120 may be used to control the lights 116. The lights may be LEDs or other light types and may be configured to emit light in steady, alternating, or other modes. In addition to decorative lights, the lights 116 may also be for a defined purpose, such as a strobe light, head light, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the lights may be replaced or supplemented with one or more audible element such as speakers, to emit sounds such as chimes, bells, etc., as described further below.
Once engaged, the implement 200 is in the second, final position depicted in
Portions of the walking stick that form part of the inhalation circuit are preferably manufactured from non-toxic materials. Such materials include fruit and other woods such as cherry, apple, briar, maple, black walnut, oak, olive, rosewood, manzanita, mesquite, beech, hickory, mountain laurel, mahogany, ebony, morta, plum, mango, and so on. Metals include food- or medical-grade metals such as stainless steel, platinum, etc. Other materials, such as corn cob, meerschaum, clay or other stone may be used for certain components. In examples, the bowl may be manufactured of stone or glass and may contain water, if adequately sized. Plastics include food- or medical-grade plastics, such as oxygen tube, may be used. The remaining portions of the walking sticks may be manufactured from materials typically used in the manufacture of walking sticks, such as woods, metals, or plastics, or may be made from the same materials as described above. The walking stick may be painted, embossed, carved, or otherwise decorated. Additionally, the walking stick may include one or more reflectors or reflective surfaces. Other useful accessories can be incorporated into various portions of the stick, including a compass or mechanical bell, such as a bicycle bell.
The terms first, second, upper, lower, retracted, extended, etc., as used herein, are relative terms used for convenience of the reader and to differentiate various elements of the systems described herein from each other. In general, unless otherwise noted, the terms are not meant to define or otherwise restrict location of any particular element or operation of the window.
This disclosure describes some embodiments of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible embodiments were shown. Other aspects may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible embodiments to those skilled in the art.
Although specific embodiments were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific embodiments. One skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments or improvements that are within the scope and spirit of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative embodiments. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.
