BigFoot Mobility Device End Tip

Abstract

A pseudo-frustoconical shaped unitary rubber end unit for an ambulatory device, such as a cane, comprising, a bottom hexagonal base and a top circular rim, wherein said base is about four times the diameter of said rim and functions to provide significantly enhanced support and stability; and a central cylindrical “socket” created by six deeply recessed side walls and a resultant six member rib-like frame that functions to optimize device's shock absorption capabilities and forward propulsion of the user. The hexagonal base may be asymmetrical or symmetrical, and the ribs may be of uniform or non-uniform dimensions. The hexagonal base and the rib-like frame act synergistically to compress and rebound under loads creating a twisting “spring assist” action that both absorbs shock and helps propel users forward. The broad base has a slightly recessed underside permitting the mobility device to be self-standing.

1 . A floor-engaging end piece of a mobility device for providing ambulatory support for a user, of essentially a pseudo-frustoconical shape comprising, a unitary rubber unit with a central cylindrical “socket” created by six deeply recessed side walls and a resultant six member rib-like frame, wherein said frame functions to propel a user through each phase of their gate while optimizing said device's shock absorption capabilities. 
     
     
         2 . The end piece of  claim 1 , wherein said rib-like frame comprises six evenly spaced ribs lying at about 40 to 50 degrees from the horizontal plane. 
     
     
         3 . The end piece of  claim 2 , wherein at least two of said six ribs are wider at the bottom base to provide additional stability. 
     
     
         4 . The end piece of  claim 2 , wherein at least two of said ribs are thinner in the mid-section than on the ends to provide additional shock absorption and forward propulsion of said user. 
     
     
         5 . The end piece of  claim 2 , further comprising a bottom hexagonal base and a top circular rim, wherein said base is about four times the diameter of said rim and functions to provide significantly enhanced user stability, and to permit said device to be self-standing. 
     
     
         6 . The end piece of  claim 2  wherein said circular rim and said central cylindrical “socket” encompass a cylindrical cavity for housing the lower end of a mobility device. 
     
     
         7 . The end piece of  claim 6 , wherein said lower end of a mobility device is a cylindrical metal tube of a cane or crutch press fitted into said cylindrical cavity. 
     
     
         8 . The end piece of  claim 5 , wherein said hexagonal base further comprises a hexagonal shaped underside surface with a plurality of rings and recesses wherein said rings expand under compression to increase traction of said device to the floor. 
     
     
         9 . The end piece of  claim 8 , wherein the rim of the outer ring of said plurality of rings is the only of point of contact of said device with the floor in a non-compression state and functions to minimize traction of said hexagonal underside surface to the floor when lifting said mobility device. 
     
     
         10 . The end piece of  claim 8 , wherein said hexagonal underside has a concave downwardly facing surface when viewed from overhead. 
     
     
         11 . A floor-engaging end piece of a mobility device for providing ambulatory support for a user, of essentially a pseudo-frustoconical shape comprising, a unitary rubber unit with a central cylindrical “socket” created by six deeply recessed side walls and a resultant six member rib-like frame that functions to propel a user through each phase of their gate while optimizing said device's shock absorption capabilities; and an asymmetrical bottom hexagonal base. 
     
     
         12 . The end piece of  claim 11 , wherein said six member rib-like frame lies about 40 to 50 degrees from the horizontal plane, and further comprises two front and two rear ribs longer and thicker than the two side ribs to provide additional stability and shock absorption. 
     
     
         13 . The end piece of  claim 11 , wherein at least two of said six ribs are wider at the bottom base to provide additional stability. 
     
     
         14 . The end piece of  claim 11 , wherein at least two of said ribs are thinner in the mid-section than on the ends to provide additional shock absorption and forward propulsion of said user. 
     
     
         15 . The end piece of  claim 11 , further comprising a bottom hexagonal base and a top circular rim, wherein said base is about four times the diameter of said rim and functions to provide significantly enhanced user stability and to permit said device to be self-standing. 
     
     
         16 . The end piece of  claim 11 , wherein said asymmetrical hexagonal base further comprises an asymmetrical hexagonal shaped underside surface with a plurality of rings and recesses wherein said rings expand under compression to increase traction of said device to the floor surface. 
     
     
         17 . The end piece of  claim 16 , wherein the rim of the outer ring of said plurality of rings is the only point of contact of said device with the floor in a non-compression state to minimize traction when lifting said mobility device. 
     
     
         18 . The end piece of  claim 16 , wherein said asymmetrical hexagonal shaped underside has a concave downwardly facing surface when viewed from overhead. 
     
     
         19 . The end piece of  claim 16 , wherein said asymmetrical hexagonal shaped underside surface maintains continuous contact with the floor throughout a stride.