Cane and Method of Use

Abstract

A cane comprising: a handle; a first tube attached to the handle; a second tube in slideable communication with the first tube, the second tube in communication with a cane tip; a spring located in the first tube, and in operable communication with the second tube; the spring preloaded such that when the second tube is fully extended from the first tube, the spring exerts generally about a value F1 of force on the second tube, tending keep the second tube extended from the first tube. A method for using a retractable cane to assist in sitting down. A method of using a retractable cane to rise from a sitting position. A method of using a retractable cane to assist in picking an object up.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES[0001]The present application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 61 / 395,155 filed on May 7, 2010 by Clement A. Senatro, the entire contents of which are fully incorporated by reference herein. The present application is also related to patent application Ser. No. 12 / 927,909 filed on Nov. 29, 2010 by Clement A. Senatro, the entire contents of which are fully incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to a cane, and more specifically relates to a cane with a retractable member.BACKGROUND[0003]Known canes assist people in walking, maintaining balance, and providing support. However, when a cane user attempts to sit down, or get up from a seated position, a standard cane is difficult to use. The length of the cane makes it cumbersome to use as leverage when getting up or sitting down. The length of the cane requires a person to place a lot of stress and strain on his or her hands, wrists and arms when attempt...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The invention also relates to a method for using a retractable cane to assist in sitting down, the method comprising: standing with the cane slightly in front of the user, with one or two hands on top of the handle; bending knees and at the waist so that user's torso or chest approaches the cane's handle; applying a force down on the cane, causing the retraction of the second tube into the first tube; tilting the cane back towards torso or chest; resting chest or torso on hands located on the cane's handle; applying more down on the cane, causing more retraction of the second tube into the first tube; and easing into a sitting position.

Problems solved by technology

However, when a cane user attempts to sit down, or get up from a seated position, a standard cane is difficult to use.

The length of the cane makes it cumbersome to use as leverage when getting up or sitting down.

The length of the cane requires a person to place a lot of stress and strain on his or her hands, wrists and arms when attempting to get up or sit down.

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