Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A multipurpose walking assistance apparatus (100), the apparatus (100) comprising:
a seat (102), wherein a bottom of the seat (102) is provided with a main supporting leg (104) and auxiliary legs (106a-106b) such that the main supporting leg (104) acts as a stick, and extends to terminate at a handle end (108) and a foot end (110) opposite to the handle end (108); and
a holder (112) attached to the handle end (108) of the main supporting leg (104) through an extended arm (114), wherein the holder (112) is adapted to hold an umbrella (116).
2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) is operable to convert between an unfolded state and a folded state.
3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder (112) is a grip head clamp.
4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder (112) is an adjustable enough to enable a user to adjust a height, an angle, and a positioning of the umbrella (116).
5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the holder (112) is rotated by the user to change a state of the umbrella (116) from a closed state to an open state.
6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary legs (106a-106b) are connected pivotally to the main supporting leg (104) at a pivot point to form a scissor-like structure.
7. A multipurpose walking assistance apparatus (100), the apparatus (100) comprising:
a seat (102), wherein a bottom of the seat (102) is provided with a main supporting leg (104) and auxiliary legs (106a-106b) such that the main supporting leg (104) acts as a stick, and extends to terminate at a handle end (108) and a foot end (110) opposite to the handle end (108); and
a holder (112) attached to the handle end (108) of the main supporting leg (104) through an extended arm (114), and adapted to hold an umbrella (116), wherein the holder (112) is a grip clamp head rotated by a user to change a state of the umbrella (116) from a closed state to an open state.
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the apparatus (100) is operable to convert between an unfolded state and a folded state.
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the auxiliary legs (106a-106b) are pivotally connected to the main supporting leg (104) at a pivot point to form a scissor-like structure.
10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the holder (112) is an adjustable enough to enable the user to adjust a height, an angle, and a positioning of the umbrella (116).
Date: 04 March, 2022
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant
, Description:BACKGROUND
Field of the invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a walking assistance apparatus and particularly to a multipurpose walking assistance apparatus.
Description of Related Art
[002] Old age is an integral part of human life. Every human being experiences old age and a period of the old age is mostly observed as a retired and resting stage. A person is compelled to go through pains and pleasures of this age like other phases of life before exiting this mortal world. An old-aged person is full of experiences and even though experiences are of immense help to a younger generation. The major problem faced by the old-aged person is pain and tiredness after being engaged in physical activity only even for a very short-term.
[003] Moreover, the old-aged person is not able to stand and walk for a long duration of hours. However, if they do so, they constantly need support from their walking stick, cane, or from any other person. Additionally, the old-aged person is very susceptible to harsh weather conditions. There could be several scenarios where the old-aged person shall have to handle extremely hard weather conditions. Therefore, the old-aged person who is already have less energy has to drain their remaining energy in harsh weather conditions. To avoid all these hardships, the old aged persons are usually dependent on other persons for getting their necessities to be fulfilled.
[004] There are no such commercially old-age aiding devices available that can serve a purpose for walking sticks along with providing shade in the harsh weather conditions.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced multipurpose walking assistance apparatus that can overcome limitations faced by conventional walking sticks.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a multipurpose walking assistance apparatus. The multipurpose walking assistance apparatus comprising a seat. A bottom of the seat is provided with a main supporting leg and auxiliary legs such that the main supporting leg acts as a stick, and extends to terminate at a handle end and a foot end opposite to the handle end. The multipurpose walking assistance apparatus further comprising a holder attached to the handle end of the main supporting leg through an extended arm, to hold an umbrella.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a multipurpose walking assistance apparatus. The multipurpose walking assistance apparatus comprising a seat. A bottom of the seat is provided with a main supporting leg and auxiliary legs such that the main supporting leg acts as a stick, and extends to terminate at a handle end and a foot end opposite to the handle end. The multipurpose walking assistance apparatus further comprising a holder attached to the handle end of the main supporting leg through an extended arm, to hold an umbrella. The holder is a grip clamp head rotated by a user to change a state of the umbrella from a closed state to an open state.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a multipurpose walking assistance apparatus that is suitable for old aged and elderly people.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a multipurpose walking assistance apparatus that is portable.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a multipurpose walking assistance apparatus that may be retracted when not in use.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a multipurpose walking assistance apparatus that is efficient, cost-effective, easy to operate, and easy to maintain.
[0012] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0013] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic representation of a multipurpose walking assistance apparatus in a folded state, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic representation of the multipurpose walking assistance apparatus in an unfolded state with an umbrella in a closed state, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic representation of the multipurpose walking assistance apparatus in the unfolded state with the umbrella in an open state, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method of manufacturing the multipurpose walking assistance apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method of operation of the multipurpose walking assistance apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] "In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like."
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic representation of a multipurpose walking assistance apparatus 100 (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus 100) in a folded state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may act as a walking and supportive stick for a user when the apparatus 100 is in the folded state. The apparatus 100 may further be converted to an unfolded state, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the unfolded state of the apparatus 100 may provide a platform for the user to sit and rest. According to embodiments of the present invention, the user may be, but not limited to, an old-aged person, a differently-abled person, a sick person, an injured person, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the user.
[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may comprise a seat 102, a main supporting leg 104, auxiliary legs 106a-106b (hereinafter referred to as the auxiliary legs 106), a handle end 108, a foot end 110, a holder 112, an extended arm 114, and an umbrella 116.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the seat 102 may be provided to the user as the platform to sit. In an embodiment of the present invention, the seat 102 may be in a vertical position when the apparatus 100 is in the folded state. According to embodiments of the present invention, the seat 102 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a wooden material, a hard plastic material, a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seat 102 may be constructed of a metallic material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the seat 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the seat 102 may be of any shape such as, but not limited to, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, a semi-circle shape, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the seat 102 may be of a circular shape. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any shape of the seat 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the main supporting leg 104 may be arranged under a bottom of the seat 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the main supporting leg 104 may be arranged under the bottom of the seat 102 with a mechanism such as, but not limited to, a pivotal mechanism, a riveting mechanism, a nut and a bolt mechanism, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any mechanism for the arrangement of the main supporting leg 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The main supporting leg 104 may further act as a stick, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the main supporting leg 104 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, a hollow casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main supporting leg 104 may be constructed of the metallic material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the main supporting leg 104, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, a first end of the main supporting leg 104 may extend to terminate at the handle end 108 and a second end of the main supporting leg 104 may extend to terminate at the foot end 110 that may be opposite to the handle end 108.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary legs 106 may be arranged under the bottom of the seat 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the auxiliary legs 106 may be arranged under the bottom of the seat 102 with the mechanism such as, but not limited to, the riveting mechanism, the nut and bolt mechanism, a screw and washer mechanism, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism for an arrangement of the auxiliary legs 106 may be the pivotal mechanism. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any mechanism for the arrangement of the auxiliary legs 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. The auxiliary legs 106 may be connected pivotally to the main supporting leg 104 at a pivot point, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, a scissor-like structure may be formed at the pivot point. The auxiliary legs 106 may provide stability to the apparatus 100 when the auxiliary legs 106 are in the unfolded state (as shown in FIG. 1B), in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary legs 106 may further help in a weight distribution of the user to a larger surface area while being seated on the seat 102. According to embodiments of the present invention, the auxiliary legs 106 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the hollow casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary legs 106 may be constructed of the metallic material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the auxiliary legs 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the handle end 108 may be a first end of the main supporting leg 104. The handle end 108 may be configured to be held and/or grabbed by the user to hold the apparatus 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the handle end 108 may further have a grip that may enable the user to hold and/or grab the handle end 108 comfortably. According to embodiments of the present invention, the grip may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a soft foamy material, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the grip, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the foot end 110 may be opposite to the handle end 108 of the main supporting leg 104.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the holder 112 may be attached to the handle end 108 of the main supporting leg 104 through the extended arm 114. The holder 112 may be adapted to hold the umbrella 116, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the holder 112 may be adjustable enough to enable the user to adjust a height, an angle, and a positioning of the umbrella 116. The holder 112 may further be rotated by the user to change a state of the umbrella 116 from a closed state to an open state, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the holder 112 may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a double grip clamp, a gag grip clamp, a grip clamp, a triple grip clamp, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the holder 112 may be a grip head clamp. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the holder 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the extended arm 114 may provide a stable and a rigid support to the holder 112. According to embodiments of the present invention, a first end of the extended arm 114 may be attached to the main supporting leg 104 and a second end of the extended arm 114 may be attached to the holder 112 with a medium such as, but not limited to, a wielded medium, the pivotal medium, the riveting medium, the nut and bolt medium, the screw and washer medium, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any medium for the arrangement of the extended arm 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the extended arm 114 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the extended arm 114 may be constructed of the metallic material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the extended arm 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the umbrella 116 may be arranged in the holder 112. The umbrella 116 may be adapted to provide shadow to the user, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the umbrella 116 may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a classic umbrella, a doorman umbrella, a golf umbrella, a bubble umbrella, a fashion umbrella, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the umbrella 116, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the umbrella 116 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a plastic material, a water-proof material, a cotton fabric material, a polyester material, a canvas material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the umbrella 116, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic representation of the apparatus 100 in the unfolded state with the umbrella 116 in the closed state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the seat 102 may be in a horizontal position when the apparatus 100 is in the unfolded state. The main supporting leg 104 and the auxiliary legs 106 may enable the weight distribution of the user sitting on the seat 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary scenario, the user may convert the apparatus 100 from the folded state (as shown in FIG. 1A) to the unfolded state, when the user feels tired and needs to sit on the seat 102. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user may push the handle end 108 towards a backward downward direction simultaneously, while lowering the seat 102 in the horizontal position. While changing the state of the apparatus 100 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the main supporting leg 104 and the auxiliary legs 106 may form the scissor-like crossed structure at the pivot point, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus 100 may further have a locking means (not shown) that may be engaged to prevent excessive lowering of the seat 102. The locking means may be engaged when the seat 102 is lowered to an optimal height as needed by the user, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the locking means may prevent accidental and sudden lowering of the seat 102 when the apparatus 100 may be used by the user in the unfolded state. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the holder 112 may be attached to the handle end 108, and may be supported using the extended arm 114 to hold the umbrella 116. In an exemplary scenario, the umbrella 116 may remain in the closed state when a weather condition may be favorable to the user.
[0036] FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic representation of the apparatus 100 in the unfolded state with the umbrella 116 in the open state, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary scenario, the user may change the state of the apparatus 100 from the folded state to the unfolded state. Upon changing the state of the apparatus 100, a position of the seat 102 may be changed from the vertical position to the horizontal position. While being seated on the seat 102, the weight of the user may be supported by the main supporting leg 104 and the auxiliary legs 106. Further, the height of the seat 102 may be adjusted by pushing or pulling the handle end 108 of the apparatus 100.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the user may further change the state of the umbrella 116 from the closed state to the open state when the weather condition may be unfavorable to the user. Upon changing the state of the umbrella 116, the user may adjust the height, the angle, and the positioning of the umbrella 116 by rotating the holder 112. According to embodiments of the present invention, the unfavorable weather conditions may be, but not limited to, a rainy weather condition, a sunny weather condition, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any unfavorable weather condition during which the user may change the state of the umbrella 116 from the closed state to the open state.
[0038] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 of manufacturing the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] At step 202, the apparatus 100 may be provided with the seat 102 that may be supported by the main supporting leg 104 and the auxiliary legs 106.
[0040] At step 204, the apparatus 100 may be provided with the handle end 108 at the first end and the foot end 110 at the second end of the main supporting leg 104.
[0041] At step 206, the apparatus 100 may be provided with the holder 112 to hold the umbrella 116 such that the holder 112 may be attached to the handle end 108 of the main supporting leg 104 through the extended arm 114.
[0042] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 of operation of the apparatus 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] At step 302, the apparatus 100 may enable the user to open the seat 102 of the apparatus 100 by changing the state of the apparatus 100 from the folded state to the unfolded state.
[0044] At step 304, the apparatus 100 may enable the user to change the state of the umbrella 116 from the closed state to the open state.
[0045] At step 306, the apparatus 100 may enable the user to adjust the height, the angle, and the positioning of the umbrella 116 by rotating the holder 112.
[0046] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.