AMBULATORY AID

Abstract

An ambulatory aid, such as a walking cane, including an elongate shaft, a handle at a first, upper end of the shaft, and a foot piece at a second, lower end of the shaft opposite the first end. The cane shaft can be adjustable at a top end, middle, a bottom end, or any combination thereof. The top of the cane shaft is aligned at a more posterior angle then the bottom of the shaft. The handle of the cane is elongated and extends posterior and anterior to the shaft. In a particular embodiment, a posterior portion of the handle is longer, and optionally larger in surface area than an anterior portion of the handle such that the handle is configured so that when the person's hand is gripping the handle, the handle will be offset over the shaft.

Claims

1. An ambulatory aid comprising: an elongate shaft extending between a first end and a second end; a handle coupled to a first end of the shaft; and a foot piece coupled to a second end of the shaft, wherein the first end of the shaft is coupled to the handle such that a posterior portion of the handle extends from the shaft at a length greater than an anterior portion of the handle, and the second end of the shaft is coupled to the foot piece such that an anterior portion of the foot piece extends from the shaft at a length greater than a posterior portion of the foot portion such that the shaft extends at an angle when measured from a horizontal surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which:

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a traditional cane of the prior art;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ambulatory aid according to an embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a side by side comparison of the prior art cane of FIG. 1 and the ambulatory aid of FIG. 2;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a close up view of a handle portion of an ambulatory aid according to an embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a close up view of a foot portion of an ambulatory aid according to an embodiment:

[0040] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a foot portion of an ambulatory aid according to another embodiment; and

[0041] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the foot portion of FIG. 6.

[0042] While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, a traditional walking cane 10 of the prior art includes an elongate shaft 12 having a handle 14 coupled to a first end 12a of shaft 12, and a foot portion 16 coupled to a second end 12b of shaft 12. Handle 14 includes a posterior portion 14a extending rearward from shaft 12, and an anterior portion 14b extending forward from shaft 12. Typically, posterior portion 14a is longer than anterior portion 14b when measured from a center point of shaft 12 to accommodate a subject's hand gripping handle 14.

[0044] Foot portion 16 is typically circular in cross section, and extends radially from shaft 12 about a circumference of shaft 12 such that a surface contact portion 16a of foot portion 16 has a larger diameter than shaft 12. Shaft 12 extends substantially vertical from the handle 14 to the foot portion 16. As discussed above, this causes, during the swing phase of the gait cycle, the traditional cane shaft to become more horizontal than vertical and only the small anterior edge of the cane's foot maintains the body's stability. Furthermore, in order to have a mechanical advantage when using a traditional cane, the distance between the axis of the hip joint and the contralateral hand must be extended away from the body. The mean position of the COP shifts laterally toward the cane side to maintain the body's balance, which in turn, causes the COG of the body to move higher and closer to the edge of the BOS. Due to the size, shape, and orientation of the traditional cane foot and its orientation with the cane shaft, the person's arm, wrist and head shift forward and downward during locomotion, causing imbalance and instability in the short term, and pain in the longer term.

[0045] Now referring to FIG. 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an ambulatory aid 100 generally comprises an elongate shaft 102 extending between a first end 102a and a second end 102b, a handle 104 coupled to first end 102a, and a foot piece 106 coupled to second end 102b. Shaft 102 can comprise an elongate hollow, partially filled, or filled tube. Shaft 102 can comprise a cross-section that is substantially circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or any of a variety of suitable shapes. Shaft 102 can be formed of lightweight aluminum, carbon fiber, plastic, or any of a variety of materials or combinations thereof, which are preferably light weight yet durable.

[0046] In embodiments, shaft 102 can be height adjustable proximate first end 102a, at a middle portion, proximate second end 102b, or any combination thereof. Shaft 102 can be height adjustable be any suitable means known to one of ordinary skill in the art including, but not limited to, a threaded connector 103 which threadably engages two portions of shaft 102 by corresponding threads formed on the connector and portions. The two portions are in telescoping arrangement such that upon loosening of the connector, the first portion can either nest within or extend from second portion in order to shorten or lengthen, respectively, shaft 102. Upon suitable height, the connector is tightened by screwing. Other suitable adjustment mechanisms can including, for example, spring loaded pin(s) that are depressed, allowing the nested shaft portions to adjust relative to each other, and then released to allow the pin(s) to extend through an aperture of a series of apertures formed in shaft 102 at different heights.

[0047] In a particular embodiment, depicted in FIG. 2 in which cane shaft 102 is adjustable proximate both the top end and bottom end of shaft 102, this configuration allows the user to maintain postural stability and vertical alignment while adjusting the cane's height before sitting or standing, and before ascending or after descending a flight of stairs.

[0048] Referring back to FIG. 2, in embodiments, top end 102a of shaft 102 is aligned at a more posterior angle than bottom end 102b of shaft 102. Referring to FIG. 4, handle 104 of cane 100 is elongated and extends posterior and anterior to shaft 102. A total length of handle 104 can be from about 3 inches to about 7 inches, and more particularly about 5 inches. In a particular embodiment, a posterior portion 104a of handle 104 is longer, and optionally larger in surface area, than an anterior portion 104b of handle 104 when measured from a center point of shaft 102 such that handle 104 is configured so that when the person's hand is gripping the handle, handle 104 will be offset over shaft 102. Posterior portion 104a can be from about 1.25 to about 3 times longer than anterior portion 104b. In one particular embodiment, posterior portion 104a is 1.5 times longer than anterior portion 104b, and can be, for example, about 3 inches whereas anterior portion 104b can be about 2 inches, when measured from a center point of shaft 102.

[0049] Handle 104 can be shaped similar to a handle of a traditional cane, including a curved top surface, or can have a more linear top surface. Handle 104 can be of any suitable material, such as a open-cell or closed-cell foam, to provide suitable support yet comfort. Handle 104 can also include an optional cover to provide additional grip, such as a silicone or rubber cover. In embodiments, a circumference or perimeter of posterior portion 104a can be equal to or greater than anterior portion 104b. In one particular embodiment, a circumference of a forward most portion of anterior portion 104b can be from about 3 to about 5 inches, and more particularly about 4 inches, and widens to about 3.5 to about 5.5 inches, and more particularly about 4.5 inches to posterior portion 104a. In embodiments, widening from anterior portion 104b to posterior portion 104a can be continuous or discrete (step-change).

[0050] Now referring to FIG. 5, in embodiments, foot piece 106 of cane 100 is elongated and extends anterior and posterior to shaft 102. In a particular embodiment, an anterior portion 106b of foot piece 106 is longer than a posterior portion 106a. A total length of foot piece can be from about 3 inches to about 8 inches, and more particularly about 5-6 inches, and more particularly about 5.5 inches. In a particular embodiment, anterior portion 106b of foot piece 106 is longer, than posterior portion 106b of foot piece 106 when measured from a center point of shaft 102, thereby mimicking the heel and anterior portion of the foot relative to the tibia of the leg. Anterior portion 106b can be from about 1.25 to about 3.5 times longer than posterior portion 106a. In one particular embodiment, anterior portion 106b is 1.75 times longer than posterior portion 106a, and can be, for example, about 3.5 inches whereas posterior portion 106a can be about 2 inches, when measured from a center point of shaft 102.

[0051] A bottom surface 106c of foot piece 106 can be tubular or arcuate in shape. In other words, a surface contacting portion 106c of foot piece 106 is non-planar, and is curved or arcuate (circular or elliptical), allowing foot piece to roll onto and over a surface during the gait cycle, thereby mimicking the heel to toe motion of the normal gait cycle. In embodiments, a circumference or perimeter (non-circular) varies along the length of foot piece 106, such as from about 4 inches to about 7 inches, and optionally can be wider in areas proximate shaft 102, and then tapering in both the anterior and posterior directions. In other embodiments, a circumference or perimeter of foot piece 106 is substantially constant along anterior portion 106b, posterior portion 106a, or both. A height of foot piece 106 can be larger on an end of anterior portion 106b than an end of posterior portion 106a, and can range from about 1 inch to about 3 inches.

[0052] In one embodiment, foot piece 106 is formed of an interior material, such as an open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, plastic, or rubber material, and a tubular rubber or silicon exterior cover, optionally with one or more ridges formed thereon, to provide friction and additional stability.

[0053] Now referring back to FIG. 3, a traditional cane 10 includes a vertical line of gravity VLOG1 extending from the center of cane shaft 12 to the surface S extends through a center of cane foot 16. A first line of gravity LOG1 extends from an end of the anterior portion of handle 14 to an end of the posterior portion of foot 16. A second line of gravity LOG2 extends from an end of posterior portion of handle 14 to an end of the anterior portion of foot 16. The intersection of VLOG1 and LOG2 is at a lower portion of shaft 12, and the area under the intersection point represents a low and narrow base of support BOS1.

[0054] Now referring to cane 100, a vertical line of gravity VLOG2 extends from the center of cane shaft 102 to the surface S is offset from a center of foot piece 106, and instead intersects surface S posterior to or at an end of posterior portion 106a of foot piece 106, depending on the length of the posterior portion 106a from the center of shaft 102. A first line of gravity LOG1 extends from an end of anterior portion 104b of handle 104 to an end of posterior portion 106a of foot piece 106. A second line of gravity LOG2 extends from an end of posterior portion 104a of handle 104 to an end of anterior portion 106b of foot 106. The intersection of VLOG2 and LOG2 is at a middle portion of shaft 12, and the area under the intersection point represents a much higher and larger base of support BOS2.

[0055] In some embodiments, LOG1 intersects or nearly intersects VLOG2 at surface S forming a very small angle such that LOG1 is almost vertical, whereas with cane 10, LOG1 intersects VLOG1 along shaft 12. The shape, alignment, and orientation of handle 104, foot piece 106, and shaft 102 of cane 100 keeps the wrist and shoulder in postural alignment and equilibrium with the midline of the body, and the shoulder and hip joints maintain vertical orientation and alignment with the pectoral and pelvic girdles.

[0056] Now referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, foot piece 206 according to another embodiment includes a first portion 206a having a slightly varying diameter along its length, the largest diameter occurring at a central location, and which extends both anterior to and posterior to a shaft S of an aid, and a second portion 206b, which has a substantially constant diameter along its length, and extends anterior to first portion 206a. A radius of curvature of second portion 206b is significantly larger than an average radius of curvature of first portion 2061, such that second portion 206b appears flatter than first portion 206a. A ratio of the radius of curvature of second portion 206b to first portion 206a can be in a range from about 1.25:1 to about 5:1. First portion 206a can be separated from second portion 206b by one or more ridges 208, and/or can terminate in a ridge 208. Additional ridges can be formed along first portion 206a and/or second portion 206b, either transversely and/or longitudinally as desired.

[0057] As discussed above, the canes according to the embodiments described herein give the user mechanical advantage without extending the distance between the axis of the hip and the contralateral hand. The shaft of this cane is aligned at an angle with the handle and the foot, with the top of the cane shaft more posteriorly aligned than the bottom. This is done to reduce the distance between the axis of the hip joint and the contralateral hand and to help the foot nearest the cane strike the ground from heel to toe. As described above, when the foot strikes the ground from heel to toe it is able to act as a mobile adaptor during the stance phase of the gait cycle, and to act as a lever to help propel the body forward during the swing phase of the gait cycle.

[0058] As discussed above, stability of a person or object is directly proportional to the alignment of the COG over the area of the BOS on which a body rests. During the swing phase of the gait cycle, the traditional cane shaft becomes more horizontal than vertical and only the small anterior edge of the cane's foot maintains the body's stability. The larger size, shape, and surface area of cane's foot or foot portion of the canes of the embodiments, as well as its orientation in relation to the cane's shaft and handle, keeps the cane's shaft more vertical to give the user more vertical stability during locomotion. As opposed to traditional canes, an entire front or anterior portion of the cane's foot, and not just the front edge, maintains contact with the ground during the swing phase of the gait cycle such that the body maintains a shorter distance between the hip joint's line of axis and the contralateral hand when standing and during locomotion when using this cane. Furthermore, the positioning of the cane's handle, relative to the foot portion and the shaft, keeps the wrist, arm, and shoulder joints from hyperextending in the direction of locomotion, and the orientation of the cane handle to the cane foot maintains the alignment of the bottom of the scapula with the shoulder girdle and the rest of the body during locomotion.

[0059] The head preferably maintains vertical orientation during locomotion in order to maintain postural alignment and stability with the rest of the body. In embodiments, the relationship between the cane's foot portion and handle keeps the LOG and the COP more centralized over the BOS during locomotion. Unlike traditional canes, the configuration of the canes according to the present embodiments allows the user to keep their head in postural alignment with the rest of their body and line of sight, and toes and heels moving in the direction that the subject is moving. This is preferred because when the line of sight is in the direction the person is moving, and not down at the ground, during locomotion the body experiences more sensory and proprioceptor input, and therefore balance and physical stability. In contrast to presently existing canes, embodiments of the present invention serve an unmet need because they better maintain the user's vertical orientation and postural stability during locomotion, when making transitions from sitting to standing, and when ascending or descending a flight of stairs.

[0060] Although embodiments herein are representative of a walking cane, other ambulatory aids can be contemplated such as, for example, crutches, walking sticks, walking or arm braces, or any of a variety of ambulatory aids.

[0061] Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

[0062] Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

[0063] Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

[0064] Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

[0065] For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms means for or step for are recited in a claim.