1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to walking aids, and more particularly, to walking aids which utilize support devices for balance and support thereof.
2. Description of Related Art
Walking aids such as canes, crutches, walking sticks, or other devices which include at least one elongated member are commonly used to assist ambulatory individuals who have pain issues, trouble keeping balance, and/or other disabilities which impair their ability to walk, rise from a sitting position, sit from a standing position, or otherwise move normally. Walking aids help such individuals with these functions, which in turn can improve activity levels and help facilitate better social interaction. As walking aids which are simple, light weight, and non-intrusive (e.g. having a small footprint or periphery) are generally desired, they are typically built with a narrow construction. Otherwise, the walking aid may itself become an obstacle if it is too bulky, heavy, or obtrusive. As a result, walking aids tend to have a fairly high center of gravity and are prone to tipping over, a situation which can pose significant problems or risk for an individual relying on easy access to the walking aid from a sitting or standing position. For example, the individual might be unable to bend over to pick up the walking aid, or may risk a fall and further injury. The individual may also wish to have both hands free with easy access to the walking aid in certain situations where there are no places to lean the walking aid, such as in stores or while waiting in line.
A number of designs have been developed to help support the walking aid, such as, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,651,684 to Spitzer; U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,245 to Van Helvoort; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,828 to Jorgensen. These references disclose walking canes with various types of stand mechanisms and associated activation mechanisms. While such conventional methods and systems have generally been considered satisfactory for their intended purpose, there remains a continuing need in the art for simple, light-weight, non-intrusive devices for assisting individuals with the issues discussed above.