Retractable gripping apparatus for walking assistance devices
OwnerMichael A. Barboneinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A safety device provides a retractable gripping device for use in conjunction with walking assistance devices such that a user may safely navigate on slippery surfaces. An activating mechanism is provided for user convenience. A locking mechanism moves into a locked position. To deactivate the gripping device, the user again activates a deactivating device to return the gripping device back to its retracted, deactivated position. The gripping device is configured such that it may be used in conjunction with existing walking assistance devices. The retractable gripping mechanism and locking device are preferably controlled by the user with minimal effort, with the control mechanism positioned at or near where the users hands are positioned during use.
Claims25
An apparatus for a retractable gripping device for use with a walking assistance device, said apparatus comprising:
- a shaft that is made of a rigid material, said shaft having an upper and lower end, wherein said lower end has a tip positioned thereon;
- a control knob positioned at the upper end of said shaft;
- a gripping means positioned at the lower end of said shaft;
- a rod position longitudinally within said shaft, said rod connecting said knob and said gripping means for providing a gripping action to a surface on which the walking assistance device is used;
- and
- a locking mechanism positioned on said rod between said upper and lower ends of said shaft such that when in a locked position said locking mechanism holds said gripping means in position extending through said tip;
- wherein said gripping means comprises a rigid anti-slip surface, and wherein said locking mechanism is activated by exerting a downward force on said control knob and then rotating said control knob.
An apparatus for a retractable gripping device for use with a walking assistance device, said apparatus comprising:
- a shaft that is made of a rigid material, said shaft having an upper and lower end, wherein said lower end has a tip positioned thereon;
- a control knob positioned at the upper end of said shaft;
- a gripping means positioned at the lower end of said shaft;
- a rod having a longitudinal bore therethrough, said rod being positioned longitudinally within said shaft, said rod connecting said knob and said gripping means for providing a gripping action to a surface on which the walking assistance device is used;
- a fluid chamber containing a fluid;
- and
- a compression chamber formed within a lower end of said shaft by first and second bushings within said shaft having lateral seal therein;
- wherein said gripping means comprises a rigid anti-slip surface, and wherein upon activation of said control knob said fluid is forced from said fluid chamber through said rod into said compression chamber to exert downward force on said second bushing to force movement of said gripping means through a bottom end of said shaft.
An apparatus for a retractable gripping device for use with a walking assistance device, said apparatus comprising:
- a shaft that is made of a rigid material, said shaft having an upper and lower end, wherein said lower end has a tip positioned thereon;
- a control knob positioned at the upper end of said shaft;
- a gripping means positioned at the lower end of said shaft;
- a rod position longitudinally within said shaft, said rod connecting said knob and said gripping means for providing a gripping action to a surface on which the walking assistance device is used;
- and
- a locking mechanism positioned on said rod between said upper and lower ends of said shaft such that when in a locked position said locking mechanism holds said gripping means in position extending through said tip, said locking mechanism comprising interlocking pits and teeth;
- wherein said gripping means comprises a rigid anti-slip surface, wherein said locking mechanism is activated by exerting a first downward force on said control knob, and wherein said locking mechanism is deactivated by exerting a second downward force on said control knob.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.