Carol A Voss

US Patent:

20100154849, Jun 24, 2010

Filed:

Dec 22, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/341407

Inventors:

Lee Schulz - Brookfield WI, US
Mark Koehneke - Chicago IL, US
Carol Pritzlaff Voss - Milwaukee WI, US
Bob Unkel - Grafton WI, US
David Singer - Austin TX, US

International Classification:

A45B 9/02
A45B 9/00

US Classification:

135 65

Abstract:

A mobility aid, such as a cane, trek pole, or walking stick is disclosed in which the handle has an advantageous angular geometry. Also disclosed is a soft grip surface, such as a gel pad, for the handle of a mobility aid. The soft grip surface may be integral with the handle of the mobility aid or may be sold as a separate part for retrofitting existing mobility aids. The mobility aid may be provided with a variety of individualized handles for accommodating a users' desire for specialized comfort and personal stability needs.

US Patent:

20100154850, Jun 24, 2010

Filed:

Dec 22, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/341434

Inventors:

Lee Schulz - Brookfield WI, US
Mark Koehneke - Chicago IL, US
Carol Pritzlaff Voss - Milwaukee WI, US
Bob Unkel - Grafton WI, US
David Singer - Austin TX, US

International Classification:

A45B 9/00
A45B 1/00

US Classification:

135 66, 135 65, 135 75

Abstract:

A mobility aid in the form of a trek pole is disclosed. The trek pole has a lower portion adapted to be maintained in a generally upright position when in use, an upper handle portion, and a joint between the lower portion and the upper handle portion. The joint enables the upper handle portion to be moved between an upright position typical of a trek pole, in which the upper handle portion extends upwardly from an upper end of the lower portion, to a horizontal position which provides the advantages of a cane, in which the upper handle portion extends outwardly from an upper end of the lower portion.

US Patent:

20090159106, Jun 25, 2009

Filed:

Dec 22, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/341356

Inventors:

Lee Schulz - Brookfield WI, US
Mark Koehneke - Chicago IL, US
Carol Pritzlaff Voss - Milwaukee WI, US
Bob Unkel - Grafton WI, US
David Singer - Austin TX, US

International Classification:

A45B 9/00
A45B 9/02

US Classification:

135 75, 135 76, 135 65

Abstract:

A mobility aid having interchangeable features is disclosed. A plurality of handles, shafts, and/or tips are provided of different shapes, sizes, and materials so that different users can select different features based on preference or changing support needs. Each handle and each tip is connectable to each of the provided shafts so that a user may switch out handles or tips as desired. Also disclosed is a shaft for a mobility aid having an upper portion and a lower portion with a telescoping relationship and a locking device, such as a rocking or rocker switch, interposed therebetween. The locking device allows the mobility aid to be locked into a fully expanded position, released for a semi-collapsed position, or released into a fully collapsed position.