Folding cane

Abstract

A folding cane includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and an elastic cord coupling the lower portion to the upper portion. The upper portion includes a handle and an upper elongated portion coupled to the handle, wherein the upper elongated portion includes an outer sleeve portion distal from the handle. The lower portion includes a base and a lower elongated portion coupled to the base, wherein the lower elongated portion includes an inner sleeve portion distal from the base. An inner surface of the outer sleeve portion is configured to engage with an outer surface of the inner sleeve portion.

Description

[0001] FOLDING CANE

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of, and hereby incorporates by reference for all purposes in its entirety, U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 699,143, filed September 25, 2024, and entitled “Folding Cane.”

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Canes, which can also be referred to as walking sticks or walking canes, can be used to assist in walking or mobility. Canes provide postural support and stability for individuals who have difficulty with balance, walking, or standing due to injury, disability, or conditions such as arthritis. Canes are typically held in the hand on the opposite side of the body from the affected limb and used to take weight off of the affected limb with each step. Some people may also use a cane for cosmetic reasons (e.g., as a fashion accessory).

[0006] One drawback of conventional canes is that they are long and can be unwieldy (e.g., when traveling, when not in use, etc.). Another drawback is that conventional canes tend to be unattractive.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for improvements.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] This summary represents non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a folding cane, including an upper portion, a lower portion, and an elastic cord coupling the lower portion to the upper portion. In some embodiments, the upper portion includes a handle and an upper elongated portion coupled to the handle, wherein the upper elongated portion includes an outer sleeve portion distal from the handle. In some embodiments, the lower portion includes a base and a lower elongated portion coupled to the base, wherein the lower elongated portion includes an inner sleeve portion distal from the base. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the outer sleeve portion is configured to engage with an outer surface of the inner sleeve portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, the handle includes a handle neck situated in the upper elongated portion, the base includes a base neck situated in the lower elongated portion, a first end of the elastic cord is coupled to the handle neck, and a second end of the elastic cord is attached to the base neck.

[0012] In some aspects, the handle neck includes a first cord fastener, the first end of the elastic cord is attached to the first cord fastener, the base neck includes a second cord fastener, and the second end of the elastic cord is attached to the second cord fastener.

[0013] In some aspects, the folding cane further includes a closure fastener for retaining the folding cane in a folded position, wherein a first portion of the closure fastener is attached to or included in the upper portion, and a second portion of the closure fastener is attached to or included in the lower portion, the second portion of the closure fastener being complementary to (configured to engage with) the first portion of the closure fastener. In some aspects, the first portion of the closure fastener includes a post extending from the upper elongated portion, the second portion of the closure fastener is situated in a recess of the lower elongated portion, and the post is configured to fit within the recess of the lower elongated portion. In some aspects, the closure fastener is magnetic.

[0014] In some aspects, when the folding cane is in the folded position, the base is situated adjacent to a portion of the handle.

[0015] In some aspects, the inner sleeve portion of the lower portion is configured to be matingly engaged with the outer sleeve portion of the upper portion.

[0016] In some aspects, an exposed portion of the handle includes a horizontal grip portion, a vertical portion extending from the upper elongated portion, and a curved portion connecting the horizontal grip portion to the vertical portion. In some aspects, the curved portion is situated entirely forward of a front side surface of the upper elongated portion, and the horizontal grip portion extends laterally both forward of and behind the front side surface of the upper elongated portion.

[0017] In some aspects, at least a portion of the horizontal grip portion is textured.

[0018] In some aspects the handle comprises a rigid core and an overmolded layer. In some aspects, the overmolded layer includes silicone, and / or the rigid core includes a polymer.

[0019] In some aspects, the upper portion and / or the lower portion comprises aluminum.

[0020] In some aspects, at least a portion of the upper portion and / or at least a portion of the lower portion is hollow.

[0021] In some aspects, the upper portion further includes a plunger situated inside the outer sleeve portion, wherein the plunger is configured to move in response to the inner sleeve portion being inserted into the outer sleeve portion. In some aspects, the plunger includes a hole, and wherein the elastic cord passes through the hole.

[0022] In some aspects, a length of the upper elongated portion is approximately equal to a length of the lower elongated portion.

[0023] In some aspects, the lower elongated portion is at least partially hollow, and the inner sleeve portion includes an inner sleeve cap covering an opening in the lower elongated portion, the opening being distal from the base.

[0024] In some aspects, the inner sleeve cap includes a hole, and the elastic cord passes through the hole.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of manufacturing a folding cane, the method including: fabricating an upper portion, the upper portion including a handle and an upper elongated portion; fabricating a lower portion, the lower portion being separate from the upper portion, the lower portion including a base and a lower elongated portion; attaching a first end of an elastic cord to the upper portion; and attaching a second end of the elastic cord to the lower portion, thereby joining the lower portion to the upper portion.

[0026] In some aspects, fabricating the upper portion comprises performing an extrusion process to create the upper elongated portion. In some aspects, fabricating the upper portion further comprises performing an injection molding process to create a rigid core for the handle, and performing an overmolding process to cover at least a portion of the rigid core with an overmolded layer.

[0027] In some aspects, the upper elongated portion includes metal, the rigid core includes a polymer, and the overmolded layer includes silicone.

[0028] In some aspects, the method further includes, before performing the overmolding process joining the rigid core to the upper elongated portion.

[0029] In some aspects, fabricating the upper portion further includes performing an injection molding process to create plunger, and inserting the plunger into an end of the upper elongated portion that is distal from the handle. In some aspects, the plunger comprises a polymer.

[0030] In some aspects, fabricating the lower portion includes performing an extrusion process to create the lower elongated portion.

[0031] In some aspects, fabricating the lower portion further includes performing an injection molding process to create an inner sleeve portion of the lower portion, and joining the inner sleeve portion to an end of the lower elongated portion that is distal from the base.

[0032] In some aspects, the handle includes a handle neck with a first cord fastener, and attaching the first end of the elastic cord to the upper portion includes attaching the first end of the elastic cord to the first cord fastener, and the base includes a base neck with a second cord fastener, and attaching the second end of the elastic cord to the lower portion includes attaching the second end of the elastic cord to the second cord fastener.

[0033] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be readily apparent from the following description of certain embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] FIGS. 1A, IB, and 1C are views of an example of a folding cane in the folded position in accordance with some embodiments.

[0036] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of the folding cane in the unfolded position in accordance with some embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a portion of an example of a folding cane in accordance with some embodiments in which the lower portion fits flush against the upper portion when the folding cane is in the folded position.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a view of a portion of an example of a folding cane in the folded position in accordance with some embodiments.

[0039] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate one example of a closure fastener that can be used to hold the folding cane in the folded position in accordance with some embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 6A is a view of the upper part of an example of the folding cane when in the folded position in accordance with some embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 6B is an illustration of a cross-section of an example of a handle comprising a rigid core and an overmolded layer in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 6C is a closer view of the horizontal grip portion of an example of a handle in accordance with some embodiments.

[0042] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate exterior and interior components of an example of a folding cane in accordance with some embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 8A is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method of manufacturing a folding cane in accordance with some embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 8B is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method of manufacturing the upper portion of a folding cane in accordance with some embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 8C is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method of creating a handle for a folding cane in accordance with some embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 8D is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method of manufacturing the lower portion of a folding cane in accordance with some embodiments.

[0047] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized in other embodiments without specific recitation. Moreover, the description of an element in the context of one drawing is applicable to other drawings illustrating that element.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Disclosed herein are folding canes and methods of manufacturing them. When folded, the folding canes are compact. When unfolded, the folding canes provide strength and stability to the people using them.

[0050] In some embodiments, a folding cane comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, where the upper portion comprises a handle and an upper elongated portion (e.g., a first metal tube), and the lower portion comprises a base and a lower elongated portion (e.g., a second metal tube). In some embodiments, the upper elongated portion has an outer sleeve portion into which an inner sleeve portion of the lower elongated portion fits to place the folding cane in the unfolded position.

[0051] In some embodiments, the upper portion and the lower portion are coupled by an elastic cord that helps to pull the inner sleeve portion into the outer sleeve portion when the folding cane transitions from the folded position to the unfolded position. One end of the elastic cord may be attached to the handle, and the other end of the elastic cord may be attached to the base.

[0052] In some embodiments, the folding cane includes a closure fastener to hold the folding cane in the folded position. In some embodiments, the closure fastener is magnetic.

[0053] Folding canes as disclosed herein can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, some portions of the folding cane (e.g., the upper elongated portion and the lower elongated portion) may be made of aluminum, and others (e.g., the handle and / or base) may be made of a polymer (e.g., plastic, rubber). A variety of manufacturing processes may be used to manufacture the disclosed folding canes. For example, the upper and lower elongated portions may be fabricated using an extrusion process. The handle may be created using injection molding, which can be followed by an overmolding process. As a result, the handle may have a rigid core (e.g., made of plastic) covered by a softer material (e.g., silicone). The base of the cane may also be created using injection molding.

[0054] A folding cane 100 in accordance with some embodiments is now described in further detail. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example of a folding cane 100 in the folded position in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS. IB and 1C are orthographic views of the folding cane 100 in the folded position in accordance with some embodiments. FIGS. 2A and 2B are orthographic views of the folding cane 100 in the unfolded position in accordance with some embodiments. For convenience of explanation, in this document, the “front” of the folding cane 100 is considered to be the side facing the viewer in the views of FIGS. IB and 2A, which is the side facing to the right in FIGS. 1C and 2B. Thus, FIG. IB is a front view of the folding cane 100 in the folded position, with the rear side 253 of the lower portion 140 visible and obscuring a large part of the upper portion 110. FIG. 2A is a front view of the folding cane 100 in the unfolded position, with both the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 visible.

[0055] With reference to the example illustrated in FIGS. 1A, IB, 1C, 2A, and 2B, in some embodiments, the folding cane 100 includes an upper portion 110 and a lower portion 140. The upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 are coupled together by an elastic cord 180, which is described further below (e.g., in the discussion of FIG. 4).

[0056] In some embodiments, the upper portion 110 comprises an upper elongated portion 120 and a handle 130. The upper elongated portion 120 and the handle 130 may be fabricated separately and assembled together to make the upper portion 110 (see, e.g., FIG. 8B, discussed further below), or they may be created together as a monolithic (single, indivisible) unit.

[0057] In some embodiments, the lower portion 140 comprises a lower elongated portion 150 and a base 160. The lower elongated portion 150 and the base 160 may be fabricated separately and assembled together to make the lower portion 140 (see, e.g., FIG. 8D, discussed further below), or they may be created together as a monolithic (single, indivisible) unit.

[0058] The upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 can comprise any suitable material or materials. For example, the upper portion 110 and / or the lower portion 140 can comprise one or more of metal (e.g., anodized aluminum), wood, and / or polymer(s) (e.g., plastic, such as glass-reinforced plastic, rubber, etc.)).

[0059] In some embodiments, the handle 130 comprises a first material (e.g., a polymer such as plastic), and the upper elongated portion 120 comprises a different second material (e.g., aluminum or another material with suitable properties (e.g., strength, rigidity, etc.) for a cane). Similarly, in some embodiments, the base 160 comprises a first material (e.g., rubber or plastic), and the lower elongated portion 150 comprises a different second material (e.g., aluminum or another material with suitable properties (e.g., strength, rigidity, etc.) for a cane). In some embodiments, the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 comprise aluminum extrusions, and the handle 130 and / or base 160 comprise(s) at least one molded polymer (e.g., plastic). The material of the upper elongated portion 120 can be different from the material of the lower elongated portion 150. Similarly, the material of the handle 130 can be different from the material of the base 160. As explained further below, the handle 130 and / or base 160 can be overmolded with silicone or another material.

[0060] The upper elongated portion 120 and / or lower elongated portion 150 can be partially or entirely hollow, which can be beneficial to reduce the weight of the folding cane 100. Furthermore, if the upper elongated portion 120 and / or the lower elongated portion 150 is hollow, the process of joining the handle 130, base 160, and / or other components of the folding cane 100 can be simplified. If both the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 are hollow, the elastic cord 180 can pass through them for attachment to the handle 130 and the base 160.

[0061] The upper elongated portion 120 may comprise, for example, a first metal tube. Similarly, the lower elongated portion 150 may comprise, for example, a second metal tube. In some embodiments, the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 comprise metal (e.g., anodized aluminum).

[0062] The parts of the folding cane 100 (e.g., the upper elongated portion 120, handle 130, lower elongated portion 150, base 160) can have any suitable sizes (e.g., dimensions and / or form factors). For example, in an implementation, the overall dimensions and form factors of the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 can be selected such that the folding cane 100 has a desired height when in the unfolded position. Thus, the folding cane 100 can be implemented to have different sizes (e.g., extra-small, small, medium, large, extra-large).

[0063] In some embodiments, the sizes of the components of the upper portion 110 (e.g., the dimensions and form factors of the handle 130 and the upper elongated portion 120) and the sizes of the components of the lower portion 140 (e.g., the dimensions and form factors of the lower elongated portion 150 and the base 160) are selected so that when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position, the folding cane 100 is compact, with the lower portion 140 flush against the upper portion 110, and the base 160 tucked underneath a portion of the handle 130 and adjacent to another portion of the handle 130 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A, IB, and 1C). In some embodiments, the lengths of the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 are approximately equal, and the interface between the lower elongated portion 150 and the base 160 is aligned with the interface between the handle 130 and the upper elongated portion 120 when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C).

[0064] With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the upper elongated portion 120 has a front side surface 221, and the lower elongated portion 150 has a front side surface 251. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, IB, and 1C, when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position, the lower portion 140 fits underneath the handle 130 alongside the upper elongated portion 120. The front side surface 221 of the upper elongated portion 120 may be flat and the front side surface 251 of the lower elongated portion 150 may also be flat so that when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position, the front side surface 251 of the lower elongated portion 150 is substantially flush against the front side surface 221 of the upper elongated portion 120. Such embodiments allow the folding cane 100 to be compact when in the folded position. It is to be appreciated that although in the illustrated example the front side surface 221 and the front side surface 251 are in contact when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position, this condition is not a requirement. In other words, the front side surface 221 of the upper elongated portion 120 and the front side surface 251 of the lower elongated portion 150 are not required to touch when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position.

[0065] Although it may be convenient for the front side surface 221 and the front side surface 251 to be complementary so that they fit together when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position (e.g., both surfaces can be flat), this is not a requirement. Generally, the outer surfaces of the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 may have any suitable shape. For example, the outer surfaces of the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 may have similar shapes such that when the folding cane 100 is in the extended (unfolded) position, the combination of the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 gives the folding cane 100 the appearance of being a single, integral piece, apart from a seam line at the interface between them (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). In other words, the outer contours of the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 can be matched to one another to form a visually continuous structure when the folding cane 100 is in the unfolded position.

[0066] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a portion of a folding cane 100 in accordance with some embodiments in which the lower portion 140 fits flush against the upper portion 110 when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position (e.g., the front side surface 221 and the front side surface 251 are both flat). As illustrated in the example shown in FIG. 3, the dimensions and form factors of the handle 130, upper elongated portion 120, lower elongated portion 150, and base 160 have been selected such that when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position, the base 160 aligns with the lower portion of the handle 130 (against the vertical portion 233 of the handle 130, which is discussed further below). Similarly, the lower end 159 of the lower elongated portion 150 aligns with the upper end 122 of the upper elongated portion 120.

[0067] In some embodiments, the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 include features to allow the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 to be joined in a stable and secure manner when the folding cane 100 is in the unfolded (also referred to as the extended) position illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 4 is a view of a portion of an example of a folding cane 100 in the folded position in accordance with some embodiments.

[0068] As shown in the example of FIG. 4, the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 of the folding cane 100 may be coupled together by an elastic cord 180. The elastic cord 180 may comprise, for example, rubber or a similar material that can be stretched and held under tension without a substantial loss of elasticity. The elastic cord 180 may have any suitable length and any suitable diameter (e.g., 4 mm). When the folding cane 100 is in the folded position, as shown in FIG. 4, the elastic cord 180 compresses and stores energy. When the folding cane 100 is in the unfolded position (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B), the elastic cord 180 expands and releases the energy, causing the elastic cord 180 to return to its original length. As explained further below, the elastic cord 180 assists in pulling the inner sleeve portion 155 of the lower elongated portion 150 into the outer sleeve portion 125 of the upper portion 110.

[0069] The elastic cord 180 may be attached to the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 of the folding cane 100 in any convenient manner. As described further below, in some embodiments, a first end of the elastic cord 180 is attached to the upper portion 110 at or near the handle 130 (e.g., at or near where the handle 130 meets the upper elongated portion 120, such as at or near the upper end 122), and the other end (a second end) of the elastic cord 180 is attached at or near the base 160 (e.g., at or near where the base 160 meets the lower elongated portion 150, such as at or near the lower end 159). In some embodiments, the elastic cord 180 extends most of the length of the folding cane 100 (e.g., from near the bottom of the lower portion 140 (e.g., at or near the lower end 159), attached to the base 160, to near the top of the upper portion 110 (e.g., at or near the upper end 122), attached to the handle 130). This configuration, with a relatively long elastic cord 180, can reduce the tension of the elastic cord 180 when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position and thereby prolong the lifespan of the elastic cord 180. It is to be appreciated that the elastic cord 180 can have any suitable length and be attached to the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 at any convenient locations. The examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.

[0070] FIG. 4 also illustrates an example of features of the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 that can be provided in accordance with some embodiments to allow the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 to be joined to place the folding cane 100 in the extended position and to provide a safe and strong interface between the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140. In some embodiments, the upper elongated portion 120 includes an outer sleeve portion 125 into which a corresponding inner sleeve portion 155 of the lower elongated portion 150 fits. The tension of the elastic cord 180 can assist in pulling the inner sleeve portion 155 into the outer sleeve portion 125 and holding it in position.

[0071] In some embodiments, the inner sleeve portion 155 is configured to fit inside of the outer sleeve portion 125 in a secure, stable manner. For example, in the configuration shown in the example of FIG. 4, the inner sleeve portion 155 is configured to be matingly engaged with the outer sleeve portion 125, which means that after the inner sleeve portion 155 and the outer sleeve portion 125 have been engaged, there is essentially no lateral movement of the upper portion 110 relative to the lower portion 140 (and vice versa). In other words, the inner sleeve portion 155 and the outer sleeve portion 125 are matingly engaged if, once the inner sleeve portion 155 and outer sleeve portion 125 have been engaged, the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 behave substantially like a monolithic (unitary, undivided) part. In some embodiments, to allow the outer sleeve portion 125 and the inner sleeve portion 155 to be matingly engaged, an inner surface of the outer sleeve portion 125 is configured to engage with an outer surface of the inner sleeve portion 155, meaning that their shapes are complementary such that they fit together. Surfaces are complementary to each other if protrusions on one correspond to recesses on the other, or their curves are opposite so that when the surfaces are brought together, they align or mate. Providing an inner surface of the outer sleeve portion 125 that is complementary to an outer surface of the inner sleeve portion 155 allows the surfaces to form a joint or interface without substantial gaps. The inner surface of the outer sleeve portion 125 and the outer surface of the inner sleeve portion 155 are not required to be mirror images, but they are shaped so that they are configured to engage as corresponding mating surfaces.

[0072] In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the upper elongated portion 120 includes a plunger 128. The plunger 128 may be included in an assembly that is situated inside the upper elongated portion 120. As shown in FIG. 4, the plunger 128 may include a hole through which the elastic cord 180 passes. The plunger 128 may be made of any suitable material (e.g., metal, plastic, etc.). In some embodiments, the plunger 128 is configured to move within the outer sleeve portion 125 of the upper elongated portion 120 when pressure is applied to the plunger 128 in the direction toward the handle 130. In other words, in some embodiments, the plunger 128 is configured to move upward in response to the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 being joined together to place the folding cane 100 in the extended position.

[0073] As also shown in the example of FIG. 4, the inner sleeve portion 155 of the lower elongated portion 150 may include an inner sleeve cap 156 (e.g., made from a polymer such as plastic) that fits over and / or joins to the end of the lower elongated portion 150 that is distal from the base 160. For example, the inner sleeve cap 156 may cover an opening in the distal end of the lower elongated portion 150. As shown in FIG. 4, the inner sleeve cap 156 may include a hole through which the elastic cord 180 passes.

[0074] With the example configuration of FIG. 4, when the folding cane 100 transitions from the folded position to the unfolded (extended) position, the elastic cord 180 assists in the transition by pulling the inner sleeve portion 155 of the lower portion 140 toward the outer sleeve portion 125 of the upper portion 110. The inner sleeve cap 156 of the inner sleeve portion 155 makes contact with the plunger 128 and pushes the plunger 128 into the outer sleeve portion 125 as the inner sleeve portion 155 is inserted into the outer sleeve portion 125, thereby forming a secure attachment of the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140. Because the inner sleeve portion 155 and the outer sleeve portion 125 are matingly engaged, in the unfolded (extended) position, the combination of the inner sleeve portion 155 and outer sleeve portion 125 provides a strong joint between the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140, which is a desirable characteristic of a folding cane 100. To achieve a strong joint when the folding cane 100 is in the unfolded position, the depth of the outer sleeve portion 125 and the length of the inner sleeve portion 155 (e.g., the dimensions of the inner sleeve cap 156, if included) can be selected appropriately. For example, the depth of the outer sleeve portion 125 and the length of the inner sleeve portion 155 can be at least 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters). In the unfolded position, the folding cane 100 may have a mono-form appearance. In other words, it may appear to have an undivided, unitary body, except for a seam between the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140. See, e.g., FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0075] The configuration described above provides multiple advantages. First, transitioning the folding cane 100 between the folded and unfolded positions is simple and fast. Second, with the outer sleeve portion 125 and inner sleeve portion 155 appropriately dimensioned (e.g., with the outer surface of the inner sleeve portion 155 configured to engage with the inner surface of the outer sleeve portion 125), no additional mechanical feature is required to hold the folding cane 100 in the unfolded position. The elastic cord 180 also helps to hold the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 together in the unfolded position.

[0076] Nevertheless, although not required, the folding cane 100 (e.g., the inner sleeve portion 155 and / or the outer sleeve portion 125) can, alternatively or in addition, include one or more retention features to secure the lower portion 140 to the upper portion 110 when the folding cane 100 is in the unfolded position while still allowing withdrawal of the lower portion 140 upon application of a removal force. Such retention features can include, for example, a threaded engagement, a cross pin (or dowel pin), a set screw, a spring clip, a retaining ring, a detent mechanism, or a bayonet fitting. It will be appreciated that the choice of retention feature(s) may depend on the shapes of the upper elongated portion 120 and / or the lower elongated portion 150.

[0077] In some embodiments, the folding cane 100 can be returned to the folded position (FIGS. 1A, IB, 1C) from the unfolded position (FIGS. 2A, 2B) by pulling the inner sleeve portion 155 of the lower portion 140 out of the outer sleeve portion 125 of the upper portion 110. In the illustrated example, the elastic cord 180 allows the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 to remain coupled together while still allowing the folding cane 100 to be put into the folded position.

[0078] In some embodiments, the folding cane 100 includes a closure fastener to hold the folding cane 100 in the folded position (e.g., with lower portion 140 next to the upper portion 110 when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position). The closure fastener can have multiple portions, such as a first portion situated on or in the upper portion 110 and a second portion situated on or in the lower portion 140. The closure fastener can have any suitable properties to allow the folding cane 100 to be retained in the folded position. If included, the closure fastener can include, for example, a latch, a magnet, a clip, a hinge, a ring, a snap, etc. that holds the lower portion 140 alongside the upper portion 110 and underneath the handle 130.

[0079] Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the illustrated example of the folding cane 100 includes a post 175 on the upper elongated portion 120, and the lower elongated portion 150 includes a magnet 172, which, as explained further below, may be situated in a recess in the lower elongated portion 150. In the example, the magnet 172 and the post 175 cooperate to function as a magnetic closure fastener. As explained further below in the discussion of FIGS. 5A and 5B, these or other features (whether magnetic or non-magnetic) can be included to provide a closure fastener that retains the folding cane 100 in the folded position.

[0080] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the magnet 172 and post 175 in more detail. As shown in FIG. 5A, the upper portion 110 includes a post 175 on the front side surface 221 of the upper elongated portion 120, near the handle 130. In this example, the post 175 is metallic and attracts magnets. As shown in FIG. 5B, the lower portion 140 includes a recess 174 on the front side surface 251 of the lower elongated portion 150. The recess 174 has a size that allows the post 175 to fit within the recess 174. Situated inside of the recess 174 is a magnet 172. The magnet 172 attracts the post 175 when the folding cane 100 is placed in the folded position. Thus, the post 175 and magnet 172 situated in the recess 174 provide a magnetic closure fastener to retain the folding cane 100 in the folded position.

[0081] Although FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the upper elongated portion 120 with a post 175 and the lower elongated portion 150 with a recess 174, it is to be appreciated that, alternatively or in addition, the upper elongated portion 120 can include a recess 174, and the lower elongated portion 150 can include a post 175. Similarly, although the discussion above describes the post 175 as being metallic and a magnet 172 being situated inside of the recess 174, it is to be appreciated that the post 175 can be magnetic (e.g., a magnet), and the interior surface of the recess 174 can be metallic. It is possible for both the recess 174 and the interior of the recess 174 to be magnetic, with their poles oriented so as to attract each other. Thus, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate one example closure fastener, which is magnetic. Variations of the described magnetic approach will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art in light of the disclosures herein.

[0082] Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or both of the interior of the recess 174 and / or the post 175 is magnetic. For example, the post 175 and / or interior surface of the recess 174 can include iron, cobalt, nickel, steel, ferritic stainless steel, an alloy engineered to have a high magnetic response (e.g., Alnico, Permalloy), etc.

[0083] As a specific example, the lower portion 140 of the folding cane 100 can include a magnet 172 within the recess 174 of the lower elongated portion 150, and the post 175 of the upper elongated portion 120 can comprise a metal that attracts magnets. The magnet 172 is large enough and is situated in a position such that when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position, the post 175 of the upper portion 110 can be inserted into the recess 174 and acted on (e.g., held in place) by the magnet 172.

[0084] The post 175 may be, for example, a magnet, or it may be made of a material that attracts magnets (e.g., iron, steel, nickel, etc.). Similarly, the interior of the recess 174 (e.g., one or more surfaces) can include a magnet, a magnetic surface, or a surface that attracts magnets (e.g., iron, steel, nickel, etc.). In such embodiments, the post 175 and the feature inside of the recess 174 (e.g., the magnet 172) are attracted when the folding cane 100 is placed in the folded position.

[0085] As explained above, the upper elongated portion 120 and / or the lower elongated portion 150 can comprise nonmagnetic materials (e.g., aluminum). In such embodiments, the post 175 can be magnetic or made of a material that attracts magnets, and / or the interior of the recess 174 can include a material or region that is itself magnetic or attracts magnets (e.g., a region comprising iron, steel, nickel, etc.).

[0086] The illustrated example is only one way the folding cane 100 can be held in the folded position. Other fasteners could be used instead of a magnetic closure fastener or in addition to it. For example, mechanical retention features such as a spring clip, a latch, a detent, or a hook-and-slot could be included. The folding cane 100 could, alternatively or in addition, include an elastic loop or Velcro strap. As another example, the upper elongated portion 120 and / or lower elongated portion 150 could include an overlapping flange / lip (e.g., such that one has a projecting lip that overlaps the other) in addition or alternatively. Thus, in some embodiments, the folding cane 100 includes at least one retention feature configured to hold the folding cane 100 in a folded position. The retention feature may comprise a magnetic coupling, a latch, a detent, or an interference fit between complementary surfaces of the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 (e.g., the front side surface 221 and the front side surface 251), such that the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 remain in place (e.g., side- by-side) when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position, yet can be readily separated when the folding cane 100 is unfolded.

[0087] As explained above, one of the parts of the upper portion 110 is the handle 130, which is now described in further detail. FIG. 6A is a view of the upper part of an example of the folding cane 100 when in the folded position in accordance with some embodiments. Among other things, FIG. 6A shows the handle 130, the part of the upper elongated portion 120 near the handle 130, the base 160, and the part of the lower elongated portion 150 near the base 160. FIG. 6A also shows an interface line 190 between the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position. The interface line 190 is coincident with the front side surface 221 of the upper elongated portion 120, and it is included to assist in the explanations herein.

[0088] In some embodiments, the handle 130 has a horizontal grip portion 231, a vertical portion 233 that extends from the upper end 122 of the upper elongated portion 120, and a curved portion 235 that connects the horizontal grip portion 231 to the vertical portion 233. It is to be appreciated that the horizontal grip portion 231, vertical portion 233, and curved portion 235 are identified separately herein for convenience of explanation; in an implementation, the handle 130 may be a monolithic (unitary, undivided) part with no discernible boundaries between the horizontal grip portion 231, curved portion 235, and / or vertical portion 233.

[0089] The handle 130 can have any suitable dimensions and form factor. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the handle 130 may be generally P-shaped when viewed from the side (e.g., as in the orientation shown in FIGA. 1C, 2B, and 6A). In the example of FIG. 6A, the bottom of the horizontal grip portion 231 is generally horizontal. This aspect of the handle 130 can be advantageous to allow the folding cane 100 to be hung from flat surfaces (e.g., tabletops). For example, a user of the folding cane 100 could, upon arriving at a restaurant, put the folding cane 100 into its folded position and hang the folding cane 100 on the edge of the restaurant tabletop, thereby keeping the folding cane 100 nearby but out of the way. Accordingly, the handle 130 may have a size, shape, and / or form factor to allow the folding cane 100 to hang easily from a flat surface, such as a tabletop. For example, the handle 130 may have dimensions and / or a form factor such that the open part of the handle 130 can be positioned over a surface (e.g., a tabletop), and the inside of the handle 130 (e.g., the underside of the uppermost portion of the handle 130) can rest on the surface. In other words, the handle 130 can be configured to “surround” a surface to allow the folding cane 100 to hang from the surface with the remaining portions of the folding cane 100 situated substantially vertically. Thus, the handle 130 can provide a convenient and safe way to temporarily store the folding cane 100 by hanging it from a surface (e.g., using the handle 130 as a “hook” when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position) rather than having to rest the folding cane 100 on the ground, where it could be a tripping hazard, or against a vertical surface, where it could fall over.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the curved portion 235 of the handle 130 is situated entirely on a front side of the interface line 190, whereas the horizontal grip portion 231 extends laterally on both the front and rear sides of the interface line 190. In other words, the horizontal extent of the horizontal grip portion 231 is both forward and rearward of the upper elongated portion 120, whereas the curved portion 235 extends laterally only forward of the upper elongated portion 120. Stated another way, the curved portion 235 is situated entirely forward of the front side surface 221 of the upper elongated portion 120 (which is coincident with the interface line 190), and the horizontal grip portion 231 extends laterally both forward of and behind the front side surface 221 of the upper elongated portion 120.

[0091] In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the vertical portion 233 of the handle 130 is aligned with and extends from the upper elongated portion 120. The vertical portion 233 can have an outer surface shape that is similar to that of the upper elongated portion 120. In the illustrated example, the dimensions of the vertical portion 233 are such that the clearance 210 is sufficient to allow the base 160 to fit underneath the handle 130 when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the dimensions of the upper elongated portion 120 and lower elongated portion 150 can be selected so that the upper end 122 of the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower end 159 of the lower elongated portion 150 align when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position.

[0092] In some embodiments, the handle 130 comprises a different material than the upper elongated portion 120. For example, the upper elongated portion 120 can be a metal tube (e.g., anodized aluminum), and the handle 130 can comprise at least one different material, such as plastic, silicone, etc.

[0093] In some embodiments, the handle 130 comprises a rigid core and an overmolded layer. As will be appreciated, overmolding is a process in which a first component, which can be referred to as a substrate component or rigid core, is formed and then at least partially covered with a second material during a subsequent molding step. The second material bonds to the rigid core either mechanically, chemically, or both, creating a composite part with enhanced functional and / or ergonomic properties. The rigid core (e.g., a rigid plastic or metal core) may first be produced by injection molding, extrusion, machining, or another process. The rigid core may then be placed into a mold cavity in which a secondary material — such as a softer material or differently colored plastic — is injected over selected regions of the rigid core. This secondary material flows around and adheres to the rigid core, forming an integral multi-material structure.

[0094] FIG. 6B is an illustration of a cross-section of an example of a handle 130 comprising a rigid core 135 and an overmolded layer 136 in accordance with some embodiments. The rigid core 135, which provides structural strength and mechanical coupling to the upper elongated portion 120, may be formed from any suitable material (e.g., a polymer (e.g., plastic), bamboo, etc.). The rigid core 135 can be solid or hollow. In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the rigid core 135 is illustrated as a solid core.

[0095] The overmolded layer 136 can be formed by placing the rigid core 135 into a mold cavity and injecting a second material (the overmold material) over at least a portion of the rigid core 135. The second material may be, for example, an elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicone, or other polymer selected to provide a compliant surface. In some embodiments, the overmolded layer 136 comprises silicone which, as will be appreciated, is soft, hygienic, and easy to wash. The overmolded layer 136 can bond to the rigid core 135 in any suitable way, such as mechanically (e.g., by interlocking with surface features of the rigid core 135) or chemically (e.g., by adhesion between compatible polymers) or both.

[0096] The overmolded layer 136 may cover some or all exposed surfaces of the rigid core 135. For example, the overmolded layer 136 can surround some or all of the horizontal grip portion 231 portion of the rigid core 135 to provide a handle 130 with a cushioned palm contact area. Similarly, the overmolded layer 136 can cover some or all of the curved portion 235 and / or the vertical portion 233 of the rigid core 135. In some embodiments, the handle 130 includes a handle neck 132 that is situated inside of the upper elongated portion 120, as described further below, and the overmolded layer 136 does not cover the handle neck 132.

[0097] In some embodiments, the overmolded layer 136 includes textured features such as ribs, dimples, or grooves, which can help to increase friction and / or reduce slippage (e.g., in wet conditions). The overmolded layer 136 may also provide thermal insulation, preventing transfer of heat or cold from the rigid core 135 to the user’s hand. By combining the structural rigidity of the rigid core 135 with the ergonomic compliance of the overmolded layer 136, some embodiments of the handle 130 can improve user comfort, reduce fatigue, and enhance stability during use of the folding cane 100.

[0098] In some embodiments in which the handle 130 and the upper elongated portion 120 are separate pieces that are joined (assembled) together to make the upper portion 110, an overmolded layer 136 is applied to at least some portion of the handle 130 before the handle 130 is joined to the upper elongated portion 120. In other embodiments, an overmolded layer 136 is applied after the handle 130 has been joined to the upper elongated portion 120.

[0099] As explained above, some or all of the handle 130 may be textured. For example, the horizontal grip portion 231 may include texturing. FIG. 6C is a closer view of the horizontal grip portion 231 of the handle 130 example of FIGS. 6A and 6B in accordance with some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 6C, the handle 130 includes textures. The illustrated textures are shown as grooves, but other textures are possible (e.g., diamonds, cross-hatching, or a repetition of revealed lines). The textures can comprise fade-away texturing, in which the prominence, intensity, or visibility of a texture is gradually reduced so that it blends smoothly into another surface. For example, the depth of texturing on the handle 130 can gradually decrease with increasing distance from the end 138 of the horizontal grip portion 231 of the handle 130 (e.g., with decreasing distance to the curved portion 235 of the handle 130) to create fadeaway texturing. Alternatively, the texturing depth can be consistent along some or all of the handle 130 (e.g., along the horizontal grip portion 231). In some embodiments in which the handle 130 includes an overmolded layer 136 (e.g., comprising silicone), the texture is provided in the overmolded layer 136.

[0100] Referring again to FIGS. 1A, IB, 1C, 2A, 2B, and 6B, the folding cane 100 also includes a base 160. The base 160 may be made of any suitable material. For example, it may be or comprise a polymer (e.g., glass reinforced plastic). As another example, the base 160 may include an elastomeric polymer (e.g., natural rubber, SBR, NBR, EPDM, silicone) optionally crosslinked to provide resilient, reversible deformation under load. As explained herein, the base 160 may be fabricated as a separate piece that fits into the lower elongated portion 150 at the lower end 159.

[0101] In some embodiments, the base 160 comprises a different material than the lower elongated portion 150. For example, the lower elongated portion 150 can be a metal tube (e.g., anodized aluminum), and the base 160 can comprise a different material, such as plastic, rubber, etc. The portion of the base 160 that is intended to contact the ground when the folding cane 100 is in use (in the unfolded position) can comprise a durable material. For example, the bottom part of the base 160 may comprise a wear-resistant, high-friction material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, silicone, polyurethane, or thermoplastic elastomer, optionally reinforced with an embedded washer or insert. The material provided on the bottom of the base 160 can be selected to provide traction, shock absorption, and / or durability during repeated ground contact. As shown in FIG. 5B, the bottom of the base 160 may include features to improve grip (e.g., texturing, ridges) and / or reduce slippage. In some embodiments, the base 160 comprises one material (e.g., plastic, rubber), and the lower elongated portion 150 comprises a different material (e.g., aluminum or another material with suitable properties for a cane).

[0102] As explained above, the lower portion 140 of the folding cane 100 may be a single, indivisible piece (e.g., the base 160 and lower elongated portion 150 may be a single, indivisible part), or the base 160 and the lower elongated portion 150 can be separate parts that are assembled together to make the lower portion 140 of the folding cane 100, as described further below in the discussion of FIG. 8D. In some embodiments in which the base 160 and the lower elongated portion 150 are separate pieces that are joined (assembled) together, a silicone or other type of overmold is applied to the base 160 before the base 160 is joined to the lower elongated portion 150. In other embodiments, a silicone or other type of overmold is applied after the base 160 has been joined to the lower elongated portion 150.

[0103] In some embodiments, the handle 130 and the base 160 include structures that allow the elastic cord 180 to be attached inside the folding cane 100. For example, the base 160 may include a hook, hole, etc. that, when the folding cane 100 is in assembled form, holds one end of the elastic cord 180 inside the lower elongated portion 150. The handle 130 or upper end of the upper portion 110 may have another structure (e.g., a hook, hole, etc.) to which the other end of the elastic cord 180 can be secured. The structure for connecting the elastic cord 180 to the handle 130 may be the same as or different from the structure for connecting the elastic cord 180 to the base 160.

[0104] To illustrate how the elastic cord 180 may be connected inside of the folding cane 100, FIG. 7A is a view of components of the folding cane 100 in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 7A is a crosssection view of an example of the folding cane 100 in the folded position and illustrates details of the interior of the folding cane 100. In the illustrated example, the handle 130 has a handle neck 132 that is configured to fit inside of the upper end 122 of the upper elongated portion 120. The handle neck 132 has a first cord fastener 133 to which one end (e.g., a first end) of the elastic cord 180 can be secured.

[0105] Similarly, the base 160 has a base neck 162 that fits into the lower end 159 of the lower elongated portion 150. The base neck 162 has a second cord fastener 163 to which the other end of the elastic cord 180 can be secured.

[0106] In the example of FIG. 7A, the elastic cord 180 extends from the first cord fastener 133, down the upper elongated portion 120, through the hole in the plunger 128 (see FIG. 4), through the hole in the inner sleeve cap 156 (see FIG. 4), up the lower elongated portion 150, and to the second cord fastener 163 of the base neck 162. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, the elastic cord 180 is attached to the first cord fastener 133 and the second cord fastener 163.

[0107] FIG. 7A also illustrates that the plunger 128 can be included in an assembly situated inside of the upper elongated portion 120 (as part of the outer sleeve portion 125). If provided, the assembly can include at least one resistance structure to retain the plunger 128 in the position shown in FIG. 4 until pressure is applied to the plunger 128 (e.g., by the inner sleeve cap 156 when the folding cane 100 transitions from the folded position to the extended position). For example, the assembly can include a resistance structure (e.g., a spring, a detent, a friction fit, a magnetic catch, or a snap-fit feature) configured to release and / or allow the plunger 128 to move upon application of a predetermined pressure on the plunger 128 in the direction toward the handle 130.

[0108] In other words, the upper elongated portion 120 can include (e.g., in the outer sleeve portion 125) a plunger 128 configured for linear displacement in response to force applied to the plunger 128, and, optionally, a retention feature operative to resist displacement of the plunger 128 until a threshold force is applied. The retention feature may comprise, for example, a detent mechanism, a frictional interference element, an elastomeric block, a magnetic catch, a spring (or spring mechanism), or a snap-fit ridge. If included, the retention feature may be arranged to maintain the plunger 128 in the position shown in FIG. 4 until the threshold force is exceeded (e.g., by insertion of the inner sleeve portion 155 into the outer sleeve portion 125).

[0109] FIG. 7B is a closer cross-section view of the part of the folding cane 100 near the handle 130 when the folding cane 100 is in the folded position in accordance with some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 7B, the handle neck 132, first cord fastener 133, base neck 162, second cord fastener 163, and elastic cord 180 are visible. The first cord fastener 133 and second cord fastener 163 are illustrated as tabs with holes through which the elastic cord 180 can be threaded and secured. It is to be appreciated that the first cord fastener 133 and the second cord fastener 163 can include any suitable structures (retention features) allowing the elastic cord 180 to be attached to the handle 130 and the base 160. For example, the elastic cord 180 may be secured to the handle 130 and / or the base 160 by one or more of a knot, a pass-through aperture, a clamp, a ferrule, a groove, an embedded anchor, a hook, etc.

[0110] It is to be appreciated that the folding cane 100 can be in any suitable color (e.g., black, silver, clear anodized aluminum, blue, red, bronze, etc.). For example, the upper elongated portion 120 and the lower elongated portion 150 may be made from anodized aluminum in a selected color.

[0111] As explained above, the parts of the folding cane 100 (e.g., the handle 130, upper elongated portion 120, lower elongated portion 150, base 160, elastic cord 180, plunger 128, inner sleeve cap 156) can be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the upper elongated portion 120 and lower elongated portion 150 may comprise anodized aluminum, the handle 130 may comprise at least one polymer (e.g., plastic and / or silicone), and the base 160 may comprise glass reinforced plastic, rubber, etc. Portions of the folding cane 100 may be overmolded, as explained above. For example, the handle 130 may comprise a silicone overmolded layer.

[0112] The drawings herein illustrate a folding cane 100 in which the outer sleeve portion 125 is included in the upper portion 110, and the inner sleeve portion 155 is included in the lower portion 140. It is to be appreciated that, alternatively, the inner sleeve portion 155 can be included in the upper portion 110, and the outer sleeve portion 125 can be included in the lower portion 140. Any configuration allowing the upper portion 110 and the lower portion 140 to be joined in a secure manner (e.g., matingly engaged) can be used.

[0113] FIG. 8 A is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method 300 of manufacturing a folding cane 100 in accordance with some embodiments. At block 310, an upper portion 110 comprising a handle 130 and an upper elongated portion 120 is fabricated. The handle 130 and the upper elongated portion 120 may be fabricated separately and joined together, or they may be fabricated as a single, undivided, monolithic part. The handle 130 may include an overmolded layer 136, as explained above.

[0114] At block 330, a lower portion 140 comprising a lower elongated portion 150 and a base 160 is fabricated. The lower portion 140 and the base 160 may be fabricated separately and joined together, or they may be fabricated as a single, undivided, monolithic part. The base 160 may include an overmolded layer, as explained above.

[0115] At block 350, a first end of an elastic cord 180 is attached to the upper portion 110 (e.g., to a handle neck 132). At block 370, a second end of the elastic cord 180 is attached to the lower portion 140 (e.g., to a base neck 162).

[0116] Although FIG. 8A shows the blocks in a particular order, it is to be appreciated that the order may be changed. For example, block 330 can be performed before, after, or at the same time as block 310. In embodiments in which the handle 130 and the upper elongated portion 120 are fabricated separately and joined together during the manufacturing process, it may also be convenient to perform block 350 before joining the handle 130 to the upper elongated portion 120. Likewise, in embodiments in which the base 160 and the lower elongated portion 150 are fabricated separately and joined together during the manufacturing process, it may also be convenient to perform block 370 before joining the base 160 to the lower elongated portion 150.

[0117] FIG. 8B is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method of manufacturing the upper portion 110 in accordance with some embodiments. At block 312, the upper elongated portion 120 is created. For example, the upper elongated portion 120 can be created via an extrusion process. In some embodiments, the upper elongated portion 120 is hollow, which not only reduces its weight, but also allows the handle neck 132, plunger 128 (or plunger assembly), and elastic cord 180 to be inserted in the upper elongated portion 120 and the elastic cord 180 to be attached (e.g., to the handle neck 132).

[0118] At block 314, the handle 130 is created. The handle 130 can be created, for example, using an injection molding process. As explained above, if the handle 130 includes an overmolded layer 136, the handle 130 can be created by first obtaining a rigid core 135 (e.g., via injection molding), which may be solid or hollow, and then performing an overmold process to create the overmolded layer 136. As explained above, the handle 130 may include a handle neck 132 with a first cord fastener 133 to allow the elastic cord 180 to be attached to the handle 130.

[0119] At block 316, the handle 130 and upper elongated portion 120 are joined together. For example, the handle 130 may include a handle neck 132 that has dimensions and a form factor allowing it to fit snugly inside of the upper end 122 of the upper elongated portion 120. It is to be appreciated that if the handle 130 has an overmolded layer 136, that overmolded layer 136 can be created after the handle 130 and upper elongated portion 120 have been joined together. Thus, part of block 314 can be performed after block 316. It is to be appreciated that block 316 could be completed after block 350 of the method 300.

[0120] At block 318, optionally, a plunger 128 may be created. As explained above, if included, the plunger 128 may be included in a plunger assembly that fits inside of the end of the upper elongated portion 120 that is distal from the upper end 122. At block 320, optionally, the plunger 128 (or plunger assembly) is inserted into the outer sleeve portion 125 of the upper elongated portion 120. It is to be appreciated that block 320 could be accomplished before or after block 350 of the method 300.

[0121] At block 322, optionally, the first portion of a closure fastener (e.g., the post 175) is added to (e.g., attached to or included in) the upper portion 110 (e.g., in the upper elongated portion 120). As explained above, if included, the post 175 can be part of a magnetic closure fastener (e.g., the post 175 can be magnetic or attracted to magnets).

[0122] Although FIG. 8B shows the blocks in a particular order, it is to be appreciated that the order may be changed. For example, block 314 can be performed before block 312. As another example, block 318 can be performed before any or all of block 312, block 314, and block 316. As yet another example, block 322 can be performed before any or all of block 314, block 316, block 318, and block 320. FIG. 8C is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method of creating a handle 130 in accordance with some embodiments. At block 314A, a rigid core is created. As explained above, the rigid core can be created using injection molding. At block 314B, at least part of the rigid core is covered by an overmolded layer 136, which, as explained above, can be created using an overmolding process). Block 314B can be performed before or after block 316 in FIG. 8B. In other words, if included, the overmolded layer 136 can be added either before or after the handle 130 has been joined to the upper elongated portion 120.

[0123] FIG. 8D is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method of manufacturing the lower portion 140 in accordance with some embodiments. At block 332, the lower elongated portion 150 is created. For example, the lower elongated portion 150 can be created via an extrusion process. In some embodiments, the lower elongated portion 150 is hollow, which not only reduces its weight, but also allows the base neck 162, and elastic cord 180 to be inserted in the lower elongated portion 150 and the elastic cord 180 to be attached (e.g., to the base neck 162). The inner sleeve cap 156 may have a portion that slides inside of the end of the lower elongated portion 150 that is distal from the base 160. Alternatively, or in addition, the inner sleeve cap 156 may slide over the end of the lower elongated portion 150 that is distal from the base 160.

[0124] At block 334, the base 160 is created. The base 160 can be created, for example, using the method described above for the handle 130 in the context of FIG. 8C. For example, the base 160 can be created using an injection molding process. As explained above, if the base 160 includes an overmolded layer, the base 160 can be created by first obtaining a rigid core (e.g., via injection molding), which may be solid or hollow, and then performing an overmold process to create the overmolded layer. Performance of block 334 can include adding a hardened or durable layer to the portion of the base 160 that is expected to come into contact with the ground.

[0125] At block 336, the lower elongated portion 150 and base 160 are joined together. For example, the base 160 may include a base neck 162 that has dimensions and a form factor allowing it to fit snugly inside of the lower end 159 of the lower elongated portion 150. It is to be appreciated that if the base 160 has an overmolded layer, that overmolded layer can be created after the base 160 and lower elongated portion 150 have been joined together. Thus, part of block 334 can be performed after block 336. It is to be appreciated that block 336 could be completed after block 370 of the method 300.

[0126] At block 338, optionally, an inner sleeve cap 156 may be created. As explained above, if included, the inner sleeve cap 156 may be created via an injection molding process. At block 340, optionally, the inner sleeve cap 156 may be attached to the inner sleeve portion 155 of the lower elongated portion 150. For example, the inner sleeve cap 156 may include features that allow it to be inserted into or attached to the lower elongated portion 150. It is to be appreciated that block 340 could be accomplished before or after block 370 of the method 300.

[0127] At block 342, optionally (e.g., if a closure fastener is included in the folding cane 100), the second portion of the closure fastener is added (e.g., attached to or included in) the lower portion 140 (e.g., in the lower elongated portion 150). The second portion of the closure fastener is complementary to the first portion of the closure fastener, which means that the second portion is configured to engage with the first portion. For example, as explained above, the second portion of the closure fastener may comprise a recess 174 in the lower elongated portion 150, which may contain a magnet 172 to attract a post 175 (or the recess 174 may provide a metallic surface that attracts magnets, if the post 175 is magnetic). Thus, block 342 may comprise creating a recess 174 in the lower elongated portion 150 and / or adding / attaching a magnet 172 or magnet-attracting surface to the lower elongated portion 150. As explained above, if included, the closure fastener can alternatively be non-magnetic and / or of a different type or configuration than described in the context of the examples herein.

[0128] Although FIG. 8D shows the blocks in a particular order, it is to be appreciated that the order may be changed. For example, block 334 can be performed before block 332. As another example, block 338 can be performed before any or all of block 332, block 334, and block 336. As yet another example, block 342 can be performed before any or all of block 334, block 336, block 338, and block 340.

[0129] In the foregoing description and in the accompanying drawings, specific terminology has been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. In some instances, the terminology or drawings may imply specific details that are not required to practice the invention.

[0130] To avoid obscuring the present disclosure unnecessarily, well-known components are shown in block diagram form and / or are not discussed in detail or, in some cases, at all.

[0131] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation, including meanings implied from the specification and drawings and meanings understood by those skilled in the art and / or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. As set forth explicitly herein, some terms may not comport with their ordinary or customary meanings.

[0132] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” do not exclude plural referents unless otherwise specified. The word “or” is to be interpreted as inclusive unless otherwise specified. Thus, the phrase “A or B” is to be interpreted as meaning all of the following: “both A and B,” “A but not B,” and “B but not A.” Any use of “and / or” herein does not mean that the word “or” alone connotes exclusivity.

[0133] As used in the specification and the appended claims, phrases of the form “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “one or more of A, B, and C” are interchangeable, and each encompasses all of the following meanings: “A only,” “B only,” “C only,” “A and B but not C,” “A and C but not B,” “B and C but not A,” and “all of A, B, and C.”

[0134] To the extent that the terms “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “with,” and variants thereof are used in the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” i.e., meaning “including but not limited to.”

[0135] The terms “exemplary” and “embodiment” are used to express examples, not preferences or requirements. The term “coupled” is used herein to express a direct connection / attachment as well as a connection / attachment through one or more intervening elements or structures.

[0136] The terms “over,” “under,” “between,” and “on” are used herein refer to a relative position of one feature with respect to other features. For example, one feature disposed “over” or “under” another feature may be directly in contact with the other feature or may have intervening material. Moreover, one feature disposed “between” two features may be directly in contact with the two features or may have one or more intervening features or materials. In contrast, a first feature “on” a second feature is in contact with that second feature.

[0137] The term “substantially” is used to describe a structure, configuration, dimension, etc. that is largely or nearly as stated, but, due to manufacturing tolerances and the like, may in practice result in a situation in which the structure, configuration, dimension, etc. is not always or necessarily precisely as stated. For example, describing two lengths as “substantially equal” means that the two lengths are the same for all practical purposes, but they may not (and need not) be precisely equal at sufficiently small scales. As another example, a structure that is “substantially vertical” would be considered to be vertical for all practical purposes, even if it is not precisely at 90 degrees relative to horizontal.

[0138] The term “dimensions” refers to at least one quantitative physical measurement (e.g., one or more of length, width, height, depth, thickness, diameter). The term “form factor” refers to the overall shape, layout, and / or physical configuration of a device or part. The form factor includes, for example, proportions, arrangement of features, profile, and / or general spatial arrangement.

[0139] The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the dimensions, shapes, and sizes of the features may differ substantially from how they are depicted in the drawings.

[0140] Although specific embodiments have been disclosed, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, features or aspects of any of the embodiments may be applied, at least where practicable, in combination with any other of the embodiments or in place of counterpart features or aspects thereof. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A folding cane, comprising: an upper portion comprising: a handle, and an upper elongated portion coupled to the handle, wherein the upper elongated portion comprises an outer sleeve portion distal from the handle; a lower portion comprising: a base, and a lower elongated portion coupled to the base, wherein the lower elongated portion comprises an inner sleeve portion distal from the base; and an elastic cord coupling the lower portion to the upper portion, wherein an inner surface of the outer sleeve portion is configured to engage with an outer surface of the inner sleeve portion.

2. The folding cane recited in claim 1, wherein: the handle comprises a handle neck situated in the upper elongated portion; a first end of the elastic cord is coupled to the handle neck; the base comprises a base neck situated in the lower elongated portion; and a second end of the elastic cord is attached to the base neck.

3. The folding cane recited in claim 2, wherein: the handle neck comprises a first cord fastener; the first end of the elastic cord is attached to the first cord fastener; the base neck comprises a second cord fastener; and the second end of the elastic cord is attached to the second cord fastener.

4. The folding cane recited in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a closure fastener for retaining the folding cane in a folded position, wherein: a first portion of the closure fastener is attached to or included in the upper portion; and a second portion of the closure fastener is attached to or included in the lower portion, the second portion of the closure fastener being configured to engage with the first portion of the closure fastener.

5. The folding cane recited in claim 4, wherein: the first portion of the closure fastener comprises a post extending from the upper elongated portion; the second portion of the closure fastener is situated in a recess of the lower elongated portion; and the post is configured to fit within the recess of the lower elongated portion.

6. The folding cane recited in claim 5, wherein the closure fastener is magnetic.

7. The folding cane recited in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, in the folded position, the base is situated adjacent to a portion of the handle.

8. The folding cane recited in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the inner sleeve portion of the lower portion is configured to be matingly engaged with the outer sleeve portion of the upper portion.

9. The folding cane recited in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an exposed portion of the handle comprises: a horizontal grip portion; a vertical portion extending from the upper elongated portion; and a curved portion connecting the horizontal grip portion to the vertical portion.

10. The folding cane recited in claim 9, wherein: the curved portion is situated entirely forward of a front side surface of the upper elongated portion; and the horizontal grip portion extends laterally both forward of and behind the front side surface of the upper elongated portion.

11. The folding cane recited in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the horizontal grip portion is textured.

12. The folding cane recited in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the handle further comprises: a rigid core; and an overmolded layer.

13. The folding cane recited in claim 12, wherein the overmolded layer comprises silicone, and / or the rigid core comprises a polymer.

14. The folding cane recited in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the upper portion and / or the lower portion comprises aluminum.

15. The folding cane recited in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least a portion of the upper portion and / or at least a portion of the lower portion is hollow.

16. The folding cane recited in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the upper portion further comprises a plunger situated inside the outer sleeve portion, wherein the plunger is configured to move in response to the inner sleeve portion being inserted into the outer sleeve portion.

17. The folding cane recited in claim 16, wherein the plunger comprises a hole, and wherein the elastic cord passes through the hole.

18. The folding cane recited in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a length of the upper elongated portion is approximately equal to a length of the lower elongated portion.

19. The folding cane recited in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the lower elongated portion is at least partially hollow, and wherein the inner sleeve portion comprises an inner sleeve cap covering an opening in the lower elongated portion, the opening being distal from the base.

20. The folding cane recited in claim 19, wherein the inner sleeve cap comprises a hole, and wherein the elastic cord passes through the hole.

21. A method of manufacturing a folding cane, the method comprising: fabricating an upper portion, the upper portion comprising a handle and an upper elongated portion;fabricating a lower portion, the lower portion being separate from the upper portion, the lower portion comprising a base and a lower elongated portion; attaching a first end of an elastic cord to the upper portion; and attaching a second end of the elastic cord to the lower portion, thereby joining the lower portion to the upper portion.

22. The method recited in claim 21, wherein fabricating the upper portion comprises: performing an extrusion process to create the upper elongated portion.

23. The method recited in claim 22, wherein fabricating the upper portion further comprises: performing an injection molding process to create a rigid core for the handle; and performing an overmolding process to cover at least a portion of the rigid core with an overmolded layer.

24. The method recited in claim 23, wherein: the upper elongated portion comprises metal; the rigid core comprises a polymer; and the overmolded layer comprises silicone.

25. The method recited in claim 23 or claim 24, further comprising, before performing the overmolding process joining the rigid core to the upper elongated portion.

26. The method recited in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein fabricating the upper portion further comprises: performing an injection molding process to create plunger; and inserting the plunger into an end of the upper elongated portion that is distal from the handle.

27. The method recited in claim 26, wherein the plunger comprises a polymer.

28. The method recited in any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein fabricating the lower portion comprises: performing an extrusion process to create the lower elongated portion.

29. The method recited in claim 28, wherein fabricating the lower portion further comprises: performing an injection molding process to create an inner sleeve portion of the lower portion; and joining the inner sleeve portion to an end of the lower elongated portion that is distal from the base.

30. The method recited in any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein: the handle comprises a handle neck with a first cord fastener; the base comprises a base neck with a second cord fastener; attaching the first end of the elastic cord to the upper portion comprises attaching the first end of the elastic cord to the first cord fastener; and attaching the second end of the elastic cord to the lower portion comprises attaching the second end of the elastic cord to the second cord fastener.

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