Cane tip

This application claims benefits of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/008,235, filed Dec. 20, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Not Applicable

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a resilient tip which may be utilized in conjunction with canes, walkers, crutches, or the like. Such tips are commonly utilized in conjunction with devices supporting individuals who encounter mobility difficulties and who need ancillary support.

2. Description of the Related Art

The conventional cane tip is commonly formed of rubber or polymeric materials which are subject to flow and deformation and which are designed to obtain a maximum frictional grip on a supporting surface and to absorb, in part, the shock loads which are imposed upon the hands or arms of an individual utilizing a supporting means having a tip or tips thereupon.

The conventional tip has a centrally located bore adapted to receive the lower extremity of a cane, or the like, and has its extreme end portion engagable with the adjacent supporting surface. The bore is generally configured to engage with the cane when disposed on the lower extremity thereof. However, in some instances, the engagement between the cane tip and the cane may loosen to allow the cane tip to inadvertently fall off the cane. Furthermore, such conventional tips are commonly formed with a rounded extremity which, under certain conditions, such as slippery or wet surfaces, is not particularly adequate and frequently tends to slip or slide, causing the individual depending thereupon to fall with, sometimes, serious consequences.

In addition, conventional tips are commonly fabricated from rubber or polymeric materials and provide a certain shock-absorbing function which mitigates the shock load imposed upon the user of the cane or other implement(s) incorporating the tip. However, such shock-absorbing function of conventional tips is relatively limited.

A drawback with many existing canes tips is that they may not provide a tread that disperses liquids that the cane tip may come into contact with on surfaces, as well as those liquids temporarily adherent within the geography of the tread design itself. Consequently the tread may not maintain sufficient friction between the cane tip and the ground surface, which could create the potential for a hydroplaning effect. An important physical property of liquids is that they cannot be compressed and, when constricted under pressure, liquids tend to act as a lubricant eliminating the rolling friction necessary for adherence between the cane tip and the ground surface. Since many existing cane tips do not include treads which disperse liquids, the stability of the cane tip may be compromised, which may cause injury to the consumer.

Another problem with existing canes and cane tips relates to their usage in dark environments. For instance, it may be difficult to use a cane in a dark room or during the evening hours. If the walkway is not sufficiently illuminated, it may be difficult for the user to see where he/she is walking. Furthermore, the darkness may make it difficult for others to see the user. Some canes address this deficiency by including various forms of illumination. However, in most cases, the light source is provided by a mechanical and/or electrical supply, which may be costly and complicate their fabrication and manufacturing.

As is apparent from the foregoing, there exists a need in the art for a cane tip to be configured to sufficiently engage a cane to remain thereon after repeated usage thereof. There is also a need for a cane tip having improved shock-absorbing abilities and traction, as well as light-emitting qualities. The present invention addresses these particular needs, as will be discussed in more detail below.

Provided is a cane tip having a tread design that allows for the dispersal of liquids that the cane tip may come into contact with on surfaces, as well as those liquids temporarily adherent within the geography of the tread design itself, thereby providing superior traction and safety for the consumer. This property of the tread helps to maintain sufficient friction between the cane tip and the ground surface through dispersal of any liquids collected within the tread which could create the potential for a hydroplaning effect. An important physical property of liquids is that they cannot be compressed and, when constricted under pressure, liquids act as a lubricant eliminating the rolling friction necessary for adherence between the cane tip and the ground surface. The dispersal property of the cane tip greatly enhances the stability of the cane tip, thereby effective preventing injury to the consumer.

The cane may also include a shock-absorbing means in the form of a gel-filled or fluid-filled PVC capsule incorporated as an integral part of the cane tip structure located between the receiving bore end of the cane tip and the lower tread area of the cane tip base. Columns or straps formed in the tip body may be distributed equidistantly around the capsule, effectively connecting the cane tip base, the capsule section, and the receiving portion of the cane tip. The capsule, constructed of PVC or other material, incorporates a gel-like elastic polymer or a pocket of air which dampens the effects of the kinetic energy inherent with each impact of the cane tip on the ground.

A cane tip may be provided for installation on a cane shaft defining a lower end portion. The cane tip may include a body having an upper body portion, a lower body portion, and a shock absorbing portion disposed between the upper body portion and the lower body portion. The upper body portion may include a bore defining a bore axis. The bore may be configured to receive the lower end portion of the cane shaft along the bore axis. The shock absorbing portion may include a cavity and a plurality of columns in spaced relation to each other and extending between the upper body portion and the lower body portion. The cane tip may further include a plurality of ribs protruding from the upper body portion radially into the bore. Each vertical rib may extend longitudinally in a direction that is substantially parallel to the bore axis. The plurality of vertical ribs may be configured to frictionally engage the cane shaft. The cane tip may further include a shock-absorbing capsule located in said cavity and having a plurality of radial accurate segments protruding between adjacent ones of the plurality of columns.

The cane may further include a cane tip having no external ridges, shoulder areas, skirts, or plateaus. The upper extremity of the cane tip may create a completely flush intersection between the cane and cane tip, thereby reducing the potential of the cane surface from becoming caught within or against obstacles such as furniture legs and the like.

The cane may include a slightly curved or rounded outer edge of the base adjacent to the tread area of the cane tip. This slightly rounded edge, in conjunction with the tread and the shock-absorbing means, may present a greater tread area of the cane tip to the ground surface.

The vertical ribs of the cane tip may be equidistantly arranged within the bore section of the cane tip, wherein the base of the tubular cane-apparatus or other such component(s) used with the current invention is inserted. The design component is a significant design improvement in the manufacture of the cane tip as well as a means of securing said cane-apparatus to the cane tip.