A walking stick that takes inspiration from nature to absorb energy in the downward first motion of a walking stride and then return the stored energy to aid in propelling the walker forward in the final forward motion of the walking stride all the while keeping the walker in an ergonomically correct position which minimizes discomfort and reduces wasted energy. The walking stick that is the subject of this patent application utilizes a dual flexure spring configured in an S-shape (hereafter referred to as an S-flexure spring) as an extension of the straight shaft of the stick. The shape and location of the S-flexure spring are such that the spring force helps propel the walker forward.

In one embodiment, a walking assistance device includes a support member adapted to support a user of the device and a curved tip mounted to the support member, the curved tip including a curved outer surface adapted to contact the ground or a floor surface during use of the device, the curved outer surface having a non-constant radius that changes as a function of angular position along the curved outer surface.

In one embodiment, a walking assistance device includes a support member adapted to support a user of the device and a curved tip mounted to the support member, the curved tip including a curved outer surface adapted to contact the ground or a floor surface during use of the device, the curved outer surface having a non-constant radius that changes as a function of angular position along the curved outer surface.

A base having an expandable central chamber which, in the expanded state, forms a sleeve with an end open to the top for receiving a rod, a base element and at least one expandable connecting chamber connecting the central chamber to the base element.

A base having an expandable central chamber which, in the expanded state, forms a sleeve with an end open to the top for receiving a rod, a base element and at least one expandable connecting chamber connecting the central chamber to the base element.

An illumination system for a handheld support apparatus is disclosed. A variety of applications for the handheld support apparatus are considered, including, but not limited to, hiking, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, trailblazing, rock climbing, and mountaineering. The illumination system can advantageously illuminate the surrounding environment of the handheld support apparatus during use. Illumination systems can be disposed within the support apparatus or on the external surface of the support apparatus. The illumination system can comprise a power source and a light-emitting device. The illumination system can further comprise at least one internal electrical conductor configured to transfer power from the power source to the light-emitting device. In some embodiments, the light-emitting from the support apparatus can be controlled by predetermined values to optimize preferred performance parameters.

An illumination system for a handheld support apparatus is disclosed. A variety of applications for the handheld support apparatus are considered, including, but not limited to, hiking, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, trailblazing, rock climbing, and mountaineering. The illumination system can advantageously illuminate the surrounding environment of the handheld support apparatus during use. Illumination systems can be disposed within the support apparatus or on the external surface of the support apparatus. The illumination system can comprise a power source and a light-emitting device. The illumination system can further comprise at least one internal electrical conductor configured to transfer power from the power source to the light-emitting device. In some embodiments, the light-emitting from the support apparatus can be controlled by predetermined values to optimize preferred performance parameters.

An illumination system for a handheld support apparatus is disclosed. A variety of applications for the handheld support apparatus are considered, including, but not limited to, hiking, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, trailblazing, rock climbing, and mountaineering. The illumination system can advantageously illuminate the surrounding environment of the handheld support apparatus during use. Illumination systems can be disposed within the support apparatus or on the external surface of the support apparatus. The illumination system can comprise a power source and a light-emitting device. The illumination system can further comprise at least one internal electrical conductor configured to transfer power from the power source to the light-emitting device. In some embodiments, the light-emitting from the support apparatus can be controlled by predetermined values to optimize preferred performance parameters.

An illumination system for a handheld support apparatus is disclosed. A variety of applications for the handheld support apparatus are considered, including, but not limited to, hiking, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, trailblazing, rock climbing, and mountaineering. The illumination system can advantageously illuminate the surrounding environment of the handheld support apparatus during use. Illumination systems can be disposed within the support apparatus or on the external surface of the support apparatus. The illumination system can comprise a power source and a light-emitting device. The illumination system can further comprise at least one internal electrical conductor configured to transfer power from the power source to the light-emitting device. In some embodiments, the light-emitting from the support apparatus can be controlled by predetermined values to optimize preferred performance parameters.

A soft terrain walking assist device and foot for the same is disclosed. The walking assist device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A handle is defined at the proximal end. A foot is attached to the distal end. The foot formed as a rounded plate having a coupling on a top surface of the rounded plate. A plurality of downwardly protruding tabs disposed in a spaced apart relation about a peripheral edge of the rounded plate. The tabs are configured to penetrate a soft terrain in a ground surface and contain a portion of the soft terrain within a containment area defined between the bottom surface and an inner face of each of the plurality of downwardly protruding tabs. The present invention allows users with a stability or strength impediment to enjoy peaceful walks on the beach while providing added stability.