Handles for mobility devices

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.

1 . A mobility aid comprising:
 at least a handle, an elongated shaft, and a tip, wherein the handle has a portion extending substantially upright from the shaft, a portion extending outwardly at an angle from the shaft, and a top portion extending between the upright portion and the angled portion, wherein the angled portion and the top portion are each curved and the center of curvature of each portion is found on the side of the handle bearing the angled portion.   
     
     
         2 . The aid of  claim 1  wherein the angle between the upright portion and the angled portion is between 25 and 50 degrees. 
     
     
         3 . The aid of  claim 1  wherein the angle between the upright portion and the top portion is between 25 and 50 degrees. 
     
     
         4 . The aid of  claim 1  wherein the angle between the angled portion and the top portion is between 25 and 50 degrees. 
     
     
         5 . The mobility aid of  claim 1 , wherein the handle has a grasping portion comprising a resilient grip. 
     
     
         6 . The mobility aid of  claim 5  wherein the handle has a grasping portion comprising an unpadded portion. 
     
     
         7 . The mobility aid of  claim 6  wherein the resilient grip and unpadded portion are provided on opposing surfaces of the handle. 
     
     
         8 . The mobility aid of  claim 6  wherein the resilient grip is provided on an upper portion of the handle and the unpadded portion is provided on an underside portion of the handle. 
     
     
         9 . The mobility aid of  claim 1 , further comprising a grip for the handle of the mobility aid comprising: a connection portion for attachment to the handle, and a resilient tactile portion for contacting the hand of the user. 
     
     
         10 . The mobility aid of  claim 1 , wherein the handle has a forward portion extending in front of the elongated shaft and a rearward portion extending behind the elongated shaft. 
     
     
         11 . The mobility aid of  claim 10  wherein the forward portion comprises between 20 and 50% of the length of the handle.