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Retractable gripping apparatus for walking assistance devices

a technology of walking assistance and gripping device, which is applied in the field of retractable gripping, can solve the problems of insufficient traction of natural rubber tips on smooth wet or otherwise slippery surfaces, and other materials that are not suitable replacements for natural rubber, and achieve the effects of safe navigation, safe navigation on wet, icy or otherwise slippery surfaces, and easy control or deactivation

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-04-18
BARBONE MICHAEL A
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a retractable gripping device that can be used with a crutch to safely navigate on wet, icy, or slippery surfaces. It can be easily attached to existing crutches with minimal effort and is controlled by the user with minimal effort. The device can also be used as a replacement kit for existing canes, walkers, and other walking assistance devices.

Problems solved by technology

A user of these walking assistance devices faces his or her greatest challenge when walking on wet, icy, or otherwise slippery surfaces.
However, such natural rubber tips typically provide insufficient traction on smooth wet or otherwise slippery surfaces.
Other material did not prove to be suitable replacements for natural rubber.
However, none of the known tips have adequately alleviated this slipping problem.

Method used

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  • Retractable gripping apparatus for walking assistance devices
  • Retractable gripping apparatus for walking assistance devices
  • Retractable gripping apparatus for walking assistance devices

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0058]As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems, compositions and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention.

[0059]Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For pur...

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PUM

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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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 526,924 filed Aug. 24, 2011 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 637,667 filed Mar. 24, 2012, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein fully by reference.FIGURE FOR PUBLICATION[0002]FIG. 9ABACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The present invention relates to a safety apparatus and method for preventing slipping of walking assistance devices such as crutches, canes, walkers, and / or other similar walking support devices. More particularly, the present invention provides a retractable gripping device for use in conjunction with a walking assistance device such that a user may safely navigate on wet, icy or otherwise slippery surfaces. A corresponding method of preventing slipping of a walking support device is also provided.[0005]2. Description of the Related Art[0006]Walking assis...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A45B3/00
CPCA45B3/00A45B9/04A61H3/04A61H3/0288A61H3/02
Inventor BARBONE, MICHAEL A.
Owner BARBONE MICHAEL A
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