초록 ▼

A step-over cane assembly for facilitating ambulatory movement of users afflicted with certain conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, is disclosed herein. The cane assembly includes an elongate cane member with a tip end and a handle end, the tip end being disposed to contact a walking surface and

A step-over cane assembly for facilitating ambulatory movement of users afflicted with certain conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, is disclosed herein. The cane assembly includes an elongate cane member with a tip end and a handle end, the tip end being disposed to contact a walking surface and the handle end providing a grip area to a user. A step-over member is coupled to a lower portion of the elongate cane member proximate the tip end, the step-over member inducing the user to take walking steps when deployed transverse to the elongate member. The step-over member may be rotatably coupled to the elongate cane member, thereby allowing the step-over member to be deployed in an extended position transverse to the elongate member and in a retracted position substantially parallel to the elongate member. When deployed in the extended position, the step-over member serves as a walking obstacle to Parkinson's users of the cane. Encountering this obstacle induces the feet of such a user, which tend to become incapable of movement during certain "off periods", to step over the obstacle and thereby enable forward walking. The step-over member will typically be fabricated using a flexible and durable plastic, which lessens the chance that a user may inadvertently trip and allows such member to be resistant to damage if stepped upon. A miniature flashlight or a phosphorescent material can be applied to a small section of the step-over member so as to increase nocturnal visibility.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A walking assistance device comprising:a walking aid, a projecting member formed of material which is self-supporting yet readily flexible coupling and extending outwardly from a walking aid in a direction substantially perpendicular to the walking aid whereby said projec

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A walking assistance device comprising:a walking aid, a projecting member formed of material which is self-supporting yet readily flexible coupling and extending outwardly from a walking aid in a direction substantially perpendicular to the walking aid whereby said projecting member of said walking aid will project into the path of movement of the user's foot to gently tap the user's ankle if the user's foot is not raised in a normal walking manner and to flex, upon continued movement of the foot to prevent interfering with movement of the user's foot.