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United States Patent Application	20060254632
Kind Code	A1
Willis; Philip M.	November 16, 2006

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Claims

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1. A walking cane comprising: a.) an elongated shaft terminating in oppositely disposed distal and proximal ends, b.) a handle assembly moveably connected to said proximal end an including a grip, and c.) said handle assembly selectively adjustable both axially and rotationally relative to said shaft.

2. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said handle assembly comprises a mounting portion interconnecting said grip to said shaft.

3. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said grip is moveable with said mounting portion relative to said shaft.

4. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said grip is moveable relative to said mounting portion.

5. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said grip is axially positionable at various distances from said distal end.

6. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said grip is rotationally connected to said mounting portion and selectively disposable into any one of a plurality of angular orientations relative to said shaft.

7. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said grip is threadedly connected to said mounting portion.

8. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said grip is moveable relative to said mounting portion.

9. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said grip is rotationally connected to said mounted portion and selectively disposable into any one of a plurality of angular orientations relative to said shaft.

10. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 9 further comprising an alignment assembly at least partially disposed on both said grip and said mounting portion and cooperatively structured therewith to facilitate selective disposition of said grip into any one of said plurality of angular orientations.

11. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said alignment assembly comprises an alignment member disposed in interconnecting relation with aligned portions of said grip and said mounting portion.

12. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 11 wherein said alignment assembly further comprises a plurality of alignment segments disposed on said grip and said mounting portion; said alignment member disposable in concurrently retaining engagement with aligned ones of said alignment segments.

13. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said plurality of alignment segments comprise a plurality of recessed portions at least one of which is formed on each of said grip and said mounting portion.

14. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said alignment member is removably disposable between said grip and said mounting portion and at least partially within aligned ones of said recessed portions.

15. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said shaft comprises a plurality of elongated sections disposable into and out of an operative position, said operative position comprising said plurality of sections disposed in coaxial relation to one another.

16. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 15 further comprising at least one joint assembly including two mating portions each disposed on a different one of adjacent elongated sections, said mating portions structured for removable mating engagement with one another when said shaft is in said operative position.

17. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein each of said mating portions include a stabilizing segment, corresponding ones of said stabilizing segments disposable in abutting engagement with one another when said plurality of elongated sections are in said operative position.

18. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein each of said stabilizing segments are at least partially defined by an outer peripheral portion of a corresponding one of said mating sections.

19. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein each of said stabilizing segments comprise a substantially annular configuration.

20. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein cooperative ones of said stabilizing segments include an outer surface cooperatively disposed and configured for removable, mating engagement with one another.

21. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said mating sections of each joint comprise a male section and a female section cooperatively dimensioned and configured for removable, mating engagement with one another.

22. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 21 wherein said male section comprises an elongated member having an outwardly converging exterior surface and a cylindrical surface connected to one another along the length of said male section.

23. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 22 wherein each of said male and female sections include a stabilizing segment removably disposed in abutting engagement with another.

24. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a surface engaging end member connected to said distal end of said shaft and structured to facilitate non-sliding engagement with a supporting surface.

25. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein said end member comprises a base and a peripheral flange extending both radially and axially outward from said base, said peripheral flange formed of sufficiently flexible material to at least partially collapse upon engagement with the supporting surface.

26. A walking cane assembly comprising: a.) an elongated shaft having oppositely disposed distal and proximal ends, b.) a handle assembly adjustably connected to said proximal end and including a grip and a mounting portion c.) said handle assembly selectively adjustable both axially and rotationally relative to said shaft, d.) at least one joint assembly detachably connecting separable sections of said shaft, and e.) said joint assembly including a stabilizing assembly at least partially disposed on each of said separable sections, and f.) said stabilizing assembly structured to stabilize a linear orientation of said shaft when in an operative position.

27. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 26 wherein said mating sections of said joint assembly comprise a male portion and a female portion each disposed on a different one of adjacent separable sections of said shaft, said male and female portions structured for detachable, mating engagement with one another when said shaft is in said operative position.

28. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 27 wherein said male section comprises and elongated member having an outwardly converging exterior surface and a substantially cylindrical exterior surface connected to one another along the length of said male section.

29. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 28 wherein said stabilizing assembly comprises a stabilizing segment formed on each of said male and female sections, said stabilizing segments removably disposed in abutting engagement with one another when said shaft is in said operative position.

30. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 26 further comprising a surface engaging end member connected to said distal end of said shaft and structured to facilitate non-sliding engagement with a support surface.

31. A walking cane assembly as recited in claim 30 wherein said end member comprises a base and a peripheral flange disposed radially and axially outward from said base; said peripheral flange being formed of a material of sufficient flexibility to define a non-slipping engagement with the supporting surface.

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Description

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention is directed to a collapsible walking cane assembly selectively disposable between an operative position and a collapsed position and having an adjustable length. The angular orientation of a hand grip relative to a remainder of the cane assembly may also be varied and a stabilizing assembly is provided to facilitate stability of the shaft when in the operative position.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Many individuals suffer from a lack of mobility because of age, medical conditions or a variety of other factors. As a result, such individuals frequently require some type of mechanical aid or device in order to facilitate there support on or travel over the variety of different supporting surfaces. Known mobility aiding devices which are currently in use and readily available on the commercial market include walker assemblies and wheel chairs. In the former category, a walker structure allows an individual to support oneself in a stable, upright orientation, while standing or walking.

[0005] Conventional walker assemblies also allow individuals to safely traverse a variety of different support surfaces such as floors, sidewalks, streets, ground surfaces, etc. As such, walker assemblies incorporating conventional structural and operative features may include supporting wheels, rollers, etc. When present, such wheel or equivalent structures increase the mobility of a user, but may possibly reduce his/her stability, especially when all of the legs of a given walker frame include a wheel or roller structure connected thereto.

[0006] The advantages of the walker assembly of the type described above include a generally smaller, lightweight frame which may be more easily stored and/or transported when not in use. As such, conventional walker assemblies may in fact be collapsible or foldable in order further facilitate the disposition thereof within convenient or appropriate storage areas.

[0007] As set forth above wheelchairs represent another category of mobility aiding devices which are used by those individuals having more significant physical limitations. An increased use of wheelchairs has occurred in recent years, due at least in part, to an increasingly aging population. As such, the development of the wheelchair in various forms has progressed from the smaller, manually propelled wheelchair structures to the heavier, larger wheelchair assemblies which are motorized. While the more sophisticated, motorized wheelchairs have distinct advantages in terms of facilitating mobility without requiring manual exertion, cost, weight, maintenance, etc. are sometimes considered disadvantages.

[0008] Yet another category of mechanical mobility aides, which is perhaps most commonly used, includes walking canes. While it is recognized that a walking cane can be used for decorative purposes and/or as a fashion accessory, the majority of cane structures are specifically designed to be used as an aide to physically challenged individuals not requiring a wheelchair or walker assembly. However, when needed, a cane assembly should include sufficient structural integrity to allow an individual to stand or walk over a variety of different surfaces in a safe, reliable and stable manner.

[0009] It is well recognized that walking canes, walking sticks and like devices have been in use for hundreds of years and as such typically comprise a one piece elongated shaft having some type of handle or hand gripping portion secured to one end thereof. However, recently there has been an increased demand for a cane structure which is more structurally versatile. For example, there is a recognized need for a walking cane assembly to overcome any disadvantages and problems associated with known or conventional canes, such as by being at least partially collapsible or foldable into a reduced volume configuration. Such capabilities would allow the storage and transport of a cane assembly more easily and/or in a smaller area. At the same time, any structurally modified and operationally versatile waling cane assembly should be reliably stable and used to aide in the support or mobility of a physically challenged individual. However, the providing of such stability should not detract from the preferred lightweight structure of a proposed walking cane assembly.

[0010] Other features preferably associated with a newly proposed walking cane assembly should be the ability to easily and efficiently adjust its overall length in order to accommodate users of various sizes. Also when a preferred cane assembly incorporates a collapsible or foldable feature specific structural components should be associated therewith which serves to stabilize at least the elongated shaft portion of the cane when being disposed and maintained in an operative, ready to use position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention is directed to a walking cane assembly having the structural versatility to be selectively disposed between a collapsed or folded position and an operative position. Moreover, the various structural components of the various preferred embodiments of the cane assembly of the present invention are cooperatively structured and disposed to allow a certain degree of adjustability of the cane assembly. Such adjustable features include, but are not limited to, a variance in the length of the cane assembly and a selective positioning of a hand grip of the handle assembly in any of a plurality of angular orientations relative to the length or longitudinal access of the shaft. As such, the walking cane assembly of the present invention can be quickly and easily adjusted to accommodate users of different sizes, while also being readily adaptable to accommodate the personal preferences or physical demands of a user.

[0012] The selective positioning, of the cane assembly in either the aforementioned collapsed or operative positions is accomplished by forming the shaft portion thereof to include a plurality of elongated sections disposed in coaxial, end-to-end relation to one another when in the operative position. Each of the elongated sections is substantially hollow and dimensioned to accommodate an elongated resilient material cord, strap, band, etc, on the interior thereof. As structured, the interior, resilient material band exerts a biasing force on the shaft which serves to firmly maintain the elongated sections thereof in the coaxial, aligned, operative position. However, the exterted biasing force is such as to permit a separation of the elongated sections into a folded or collapsed orientation, as will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

[0013] Reliable and stable support of a cane user, while standing or walking, is a recognized necessity. Accordingly, the structural integrity of a cane assembly used as mobility aid should be sufficient to withstand forces exerted thereon, at least in the 250 pound range. Therefore, the strength and stability of the cane assembly of the present invention is intentionally enhanced through the provision of a stabilizing assembly. The stabilizing assembly is directly associated and cooperatively structured with each of a plurality of joint assemblies. Each joint assembly is disposed and structured to removably connect the plurality of elongated segments to one another, when the shaft is in the aforementioned operative position. Moreover, the stabilizing assembly comprises two mating and or abutting stabilizing segments associated with the mating portions of each joint disposed and structured to removably connect corresponding ends of the elongated segments of the shaft in the operative position.

[0014] As set forth above, cooperatively disposed components of the cane assembly are cooperatively structured to provide for selective adjustment of both the length of the shaft and the specific angular orientation of a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a hand grip and an elongated mounting portion which serves to removably connect the grip to the proximal end of the shaft. The connection between the handle assembly and the shaft is such as to allow the mounting assembly and the attached grip to be adjusted along the length of the shaft adjacent to the proximal end. In addition, the grip is removably secured to the outer most end of the mounting portion of the handle assembly and is preferably attached thereto by a mating, threaded connection. As such, the grip maybe rotated relative to the mounting portion as well as the shaft, when the mounting portion and the shaft are fixedly, but removably secured to one another. This rotational movement facilitates a minor adjustment in the operative length of the cane assembly by allowing the grip to rotate towards or away from the outer most end of the mounting portion.

[0015] However the rotational, threaded interconnection between the grip and the mounting portion may be considered even more significant by allowing the grip to be selectively disposed in any one of a plurality of angular orientations relative to the axis of the mounting portion, as well as the shaft to which it is removably but fixedly attached. One benefit of varying the angular orientation between the grip and the mounting portion is the ability to position or orient a connection assembly, serving to interconnect the handle assembly and the shaft, at various, less noticeable locations relative to the grip. Personal preferences of a user may thereby be accommodated.

[0016] Other structural and operative features of the various preferred embodiments of the cane assembly of the present invention comprise a surface engaging end member or "tip" which is specifically structured to add stability to a user of the cane assembly. More specifically, the surface engaging end or tip includes a peripheral flange made of a material having a predetermined flexibility and protruding outwardly from a base and or housing portion of the tip. Further, the predetermined degree of flexibility of the peripheral flange is such as to at least partially collapse when engaging a user supporting surface. A non-sliding, non-slipping engagement of the surface, by the tip and the distal end of the shaft to which it is attached is thereby accomplished, regardless of the type or texture of the supporting surface.

[0017] Therefore, the cane assembly of the present invention overcomes recognized disadvantages and problems associated with cane type mobility aides conventionally known and commonly used by the elderly and/or physically challenged individuals. Included in the various operative and structural features of the preferred embodiments of the subject cane assembly is the ability to selectively adjust its physical characteristics to accommodate the size as well as other requirements of a user. In addition, the cane assembly is capable of being selectively disposed in either an operative position, when intended for use, or a collapsed position, so as to assume a smaller volume for storage and/or transport. In addition, while the cane assembly of the present invention comprises a lightweight construction the cooperative nature of the various components of the cane assembly provide reliable stability as well as firm engagement with the surface over which the user of the cane assembly is traveling.

[0018] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of at least one preferred embodiment of a cane assembly of the present invention in an operative position.

[0021] FIG. 2 is detailed view in exploded form and partial cut-away of a joint assembly associated with the elongated shaft of the cane assembly of the embodiment in FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 2a is an end view taken along line 2a-2a of FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. 2b is an end view taken along line 2b-2b of FIG. 2.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a detail view in partial cutaway of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 in a collapsed or folded position.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a detail view in exploded form and partial cutaway of associated structural and operative components of a handle assembly of a preferred embodiment of the cane assembly of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 4a is an end view taken along line 4a-4a of FIG. 4.

[0027] FIG. 4b is an end view taken along line 4b-4b of FIG. 4.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a detail view in perspective of an alignment member associated with an alignment assembly connected to the handle assembly, as represented in FIGS. 4, 4a and 4b.

[0029] FIG. 6 is an assembled view in partial cutaway representing the alignment member of the embodiment of FIG. 5 in its intended, aligning position relative to the handle assembly.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a surface engaging tip or end member mounted on and directly associated with a distal end of the shaft of the cane assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a bottom end view along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

[0032] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0033] As shown in the accompany drawings, the present invention is directed to a walking cane assembly generally indicated as 10 and comprising a shaft generally indicated as 12 which is represented in FIG. 1 in its operative position. When so positioned, the shaft 12, comprises a plurality of elongated sections 14, 15, 16, 17, etc. disposed into a coaxial orientation. The specific number of the elongated sections 14 through 17 may vary. However, there should be at least two of such sections to facilitate disposition of the cane assembly 10 in the collapsed position of FIG. 3. By way of example only the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, comprises four elongated sections. As described in greater detail hereinafter, the primary reference to FIGS. 2, 2a and 2b, adjacent ones of the plurality of elongated sections 14 through 17 are interconnected by a joint assembly 18 which facilitates the selective disposition of the sections 14 through 17 in either the operative position of FIG. 1 or in a collapsed, folded position of FIG. 3.

[0034] As disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 4, the walking cane assembly 10 also includes a handle assembly generally indicated as 20. The handle assembly 20 and an associate mounting assembly 22 is cooperatively structured to facilitate selective adjustment of the handle assembly 20 relative to the shaft 12. As such, there may be an adjustable variance in the overall height of the cane assembly 10, as well as a preferred angular orientation of a grip 26, relative to the mounting portion 22 and shaft 12, when the mounting portion 22 and the shaft 12 are removably but fixedly interconnected to one another.

[0035] With primary reference to Figures and 2, 2A and 2b, the selective positioning of the shaft 12 between the operative position of FIG. 1 and the collapsed or folded position of FIG. 3 is facilitated by the structural and operative features of each of a plurality of joint assemblies 18. The number of joint assemblies 18 will of course depend upon the number of the plurality of elongated sections 14 through 17 which comprise the shaft 12. For purposes of clarity FIGS. 2, 2a and 2b represent a single joint assembly 18, wherein each of the joint assemblies 18 may include a substantially equivalent structure.

[0036] Accordingly, the one or more of the joint assemblies 18 comprise mating portions 19 and 23 which are disposed on or connected to different ones of corresponding ends of adjacent elongated sections, such as 14 and 15. More specifically, mating portions 19 and 23 are structured to define male and female mating portions respectfully. As such, male mating portion 19 includes an elongated outwardly extending mating member having an angular, converging exterior surface 19' which can also be defined as a frusto-conical configuration. Integrally or otherwise fixedly attached thereto is an elongated, substantially cylindrical exterior surface 19'' extending from the convergent end of the angular surface 19' to the extremity 25 of the male mating portion 19.

[0037] As also represented the elongated sections 14 and 15, as well as the remaining sections 16 and 17 are at least partially hollow and include an interior channel communicating with open end of extremity 25'. The hollow interior of the elongated sections 14 through 17 accommodates an elongated, flexible material cord, strap band or like biasing member 28 which serves to exert a biasing, retaining force on each of the elongated sections 14 through 17. The biasing, retaining force provided by the elongated elastic material member 28 is sufficient to facilitate the retention of the elongated segments 14 through 16 in the operative position of FIG. 1. However, the biasing force exerted on the plurality of elongated segments 14 through 16 can be overcome by a separating, pulling action exerted on adjacent ones of the elongated sections 14 through 16 serving to separate the joint 18 as indicated in FIG. 2 and thereby allow the elongated sections 14 through 16 to be selectively disposed in the folded or collapsed position of FIG. 3. While not shown for purposes of clarity opposite ends of the biasing member 28 may be attached or connected to the shaft 12 adjacent the opposite, proximal and distal ends 12' and 12''.

[0038] Moreover, the joint assembly 18 includes the female mating portion 23 having an interior, angularly and inwardly converging mating surface 23' as well as a substantially cylindrical interior surface 23''. Further, mating surfaces 23' and 23'' are dimensioned, disposed and configured to matingly engage the outwardly converging surface 19' and the cylindrical surface 19'' when the mating portions 19 and 23 are brought into mating engagement with one another, as generally represented in FIG. 1.

[0039] In order to provide reliable stability the shaft 12 when in its operative position, particularly at the locations of the joint assemblies 18, the exterior surfaces 19, 19' and the interior surfaces 23' and 23'' are cooperatively structured the manner described. However, additional structural features to further facilitate the stability and firm interconnection of the plurality of elongated sections 14 through 16 comprise a stabilizing assembly directly associated with each of the joint assemblies 18. More specifically, each stabilizing assembly 18 includes two stabilizing segments 30 and 32 each disposed on a different one of adjacent elongated segments, such as at 14 and 15, and in direct association with the mating male section 19 and the mating female section 23, respectively. In a most preferred embodiment, the stabilizing segments 30 and 32 comprise annular peripheral portions disposed and configured to assume abutting engagement with one another when the corresponding elongated sections 14 and 15 are in the operative position, in coaxial alignment with one another.

[0040] As should be apparent, the stabilizing segment 30 substantially surrounds the base of the converging, angular exterior surface 19' and is located substantially contiguous to the junction of the exterior surface 19' and the remainder of the corresponding elongated section 14. The stabilizing segment 32, associated with the elongated section 15 and the female mating portion 23, is located at the outer extremity of the converging or angularly oriented interior surface 23'. As such, when the male mating portion 19 is inserted in mating engagement within the interior of the female mating portion 23, the stabilizing segments 30 and 32 will be disposed in abutting engagement with one another as the adjacent segments 14 and 15 assume the coaxially aligned orientation, which at least partially defines the operative position of the shaft 12.

[0041] With primary reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 through 4b, the handle assembly 20, including the elongated mounting portion 22, is cooperatively structured with at least a portion of the proximal end 12' of the shaft 12 to facilitate longitudinal adjustment of the handle assembly 20 relative to the remainder of the shaft 12. As such, the hand grip 26 as well as the mounting portion 22 can be adjusted along the length of the shaft 12 in an area adjacent to proximal end 12' and either towards or away from the distal end 12'' and/or the surface engaging tip or end portion 60. Therefore, the overall length of the cane assembly 10 can be easily and quickly adjusted to accommodate different sizes of the user.

[0042] More specifically and with reference to FIG. 1, the longitudinal adjustment of the handle assembly 20 relative to the proximal end 12' is accomplished by an adjustable connecting assembly 38 including a plurality of apertures 40 formed in the mounting assembly 22. The connecting assembly 39 further comprises a spring biased finger or button, normally biased to protrude outwardly as indicated in FIGS. 3 and 3a. Accordingly, when the proximal end 12' passes into the interior of the mounting portion 22, the biased finger 42 may be aligned with and extend outwardly from any of the apertures 40. As such the longitudinal distance between the handle portion 20 and the distal end 12'' of the shaft 12 may be adjusted or varied to shorten or lengthen the overall longitudinal dimension of the cane assembly 10. Other features associated with the mounting portion 22 include an externally threaded segment 43 which is designed to threadedly receive a locking cover nut 45 thereon as also representing in FIG. 1.

[0043] With primary reference to FIG. 4 the hand grip 26 is preferably detachable from the corresponding end of the mounting portion 22. This removable connection may be at least partially defined by external threads 36 disposable in mating engagement with internal threads (not shown) formed on the interior of the corresponding end of the mounting portion 22. This threaded connection also provides for the adjustable rotation of the hand grip 26 and mounting portion 22 relative to one another, such that the hand grip 26 may assume any of a plurality of angular orientations relative to the length or central longitudinal axis of the mounting portion 22. Additional external threads as at 37 are provided to facilitate attachment of an internally threaded locking cover nut or like structure 39.

[0044] Therefore and as set forth above, the hand grip 26 is movably and removably connected to the mounting portion 22 of the handle assembly 20 and more specifically is allowed to rotate relative to the length or central longitudinal access of the mounting portion 22. Moreover, various features of the cane assembly 10, including its appearance, are enhanced by allowing the handle grip 26 to be selectively disposed in any one of a plurality of angular orientation relative to the length of the mounting portion 22 as well as the remainder of the shaft 12, such as when the mounting portion 22 and the shaft 12 are fixedly but removably connected to one another in the operative position of FIG. 1.

[0045] In order to more precisely determine each of the plurality of angular orientations in which the hand grip 26 may be disposed relative to the length of the mounting portion 22, another preferred embodiment of the present comprises an alignment assembly. As shown in FIGS. 4 through 4b, 5 and 6, the alignment assembly comprises an alignment member generally indicated as 44 having an annular or ring like base 46 and an elongated, protruding alignment finger or similar type protrusion 48. In addition, the alignment assembly 43 comprises one or more alignment segments 50 disposed on the hand grip 26 such as contiguous the external threads 37. Also, one or more alignment segments 52 are disposed on the corresponding end 22' of the mounting portion 22. In the preferred embodiment represented in FIGS. 4 through 4b, 5 and 6, the plurality alignment segments include at least one such segment 52 and/or recess disposed on the hand grip 26 contiguous to the external threads 37 and a plurality of alignment segments or recesses 52 formed on the outer extremity 22' of the mounting portion 22. However, it is emphasized that the reverse structure would function equally well, such as when the external thread 37 included a plurality of such alignment segments or recesses 50 and further therein where the extremity 22' of the mounting portion 22 had only a single alignment segment or recess 52.

[0046] In operation, the user selects any one of a plurality of angular orientations which the hand grip 26 is to assume relative to the mounting portion 22 and the shaft 12. When such an angular orientation is selected, the alignment segment 50, disposed on the hand grip 26, is aligned with an appropriate one of the alignment segments 52 formed on the extremity 22' of the mounting portion 20. The annular base or ring 46 is sized to be movable along the length of the exterior surface of the mounting portion 22. As such the ring 46 is disposed adjacent to the extremity 22' such that the protruding finger 48 extends across the junction 51 between the hand grip 26 and the mounting portion 22 and in interconnecting retaining relation with the aligned, alignment segments 50 and 52' as represented in FIG. 6. In at least one preferred embodiment the alignment segments 50 and 52 are defined by channels, recesses or like structures, the protruding finger or like protruding member 48 of the alignment member 44 is at least partially disposed within the recessed alignment segments 50, 52. Therefore the finger 48 will not interfere with the threaded attachment of the cover nut 39 on the grip 26 as described above. Moreover, the protruding finger 48 is formed of a sufficiently rigid or high strength material so as to retain the preferred and selected angular orientation of the hand grip 26 relative to the mounting portion 22 when the protruding finger 48 is operatively disposed in interconnecting relation between corresponding ones of the alignment segments 50 and 52.

[0047] Selection of a particular one of the plurality of angular orientations in which the hand grip 26 is disposed may be based, at least in part, upon the orientation or positioning of the connecting assembly 38 defined by the plurality of apertures 40 and the biasing finger 42 serving to interconnect the mounting portion 22 to the proximal end 12' of the shaft 12. By way of example, a user may prefer to dispose the connecting assembly 38 in a less obtrusive location, such as beneath the rear portion of the handle grip 26 as at 53. In contrast, connecting assembly 38 may also be located beneath the front portion of the hand grip, as at 55 and thereby face outwardly from what may be considered a front portion of the cane assembly 10. As yet another alternative, the connecting assembly 38 may be located on either side of the hand grip 26. A variety of other factors may also determine a preferred angular orientation of the hand grip 26 relative to the length of the mounting portion 20 and shaft 12.

[0048] Yet another structural feature of the present invention is demonstrated in FIGS. 1, 7 and 8. More specifically, a surface engaging member generally indicates as 60 preferably comprises a "tip" structure having a housing 62 with an interior channel or recess 64 for seating and attaching the distal end 12'' of the shaft 12. Further, the surface engaging tip or structure 60 may include a base 66 which is disposed, dimensioned and configured to absorb significant portion of the weight or force exerted on the cane assembly 10, such as at least 250 pounds, as conventionally applied. The surface engaging tip or like structure 60 also comprises a peripheral flange 68 which extends radially and to a certain extent longitudinally outward from the base 66, as well as at least the majority of the remainder of the housing 62. Further, the peripheral flange 68 is formed of a material having sufficient flexibility to "give" or at least partially collapse as the peripheral flange engages a supporting surface 70 as generally indicated by directional arrow 72. Accordingly, the degree of flexibility of the peripheral flange 68 facilitates a non-slipping and/or non-sliding contact with the support surface 70 as the cane comes into forced contact therewith. The stability of a cane assembly 10, as well as the user, relative to the supporting surface 70, is thereby significantly enhanced.

[0049] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0050] Now that the invention has been described,

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