Cushioning Foot for Cane, Crutch, or Walking Aid

Abstract

A cushioning foot for a mobility aid includes an elastomeric or rubber foot configured to compress under axial and angular loading. A collar is affixed to the distal end of a shaft of the mobility aid and includes a flange for contacting and compressing the elastomeric or rubber foot under axial and angular loads.

1 . A foot for canes, crutches, or walkers in which a load bearing circular flange is positioned near the distal end of an axial shaft, said flange imparting a force to the cylindrical walls of said foot thereby providing improved shock absorption. 
     
     
         2 . The foot of  claim 1  in which said foot is made from a medium to soft elastomeric or rubber material. 
     
     
         3 . The foot of  claim 2  in which an abrasion-resistant elastomeric or rubber tread surface is affixed to the bottom of the foot. 
     
     
         4 . The foot of  claim 1  in which said foot is made from a medium to high durometer abrasion-resistant material. 
     
     
         5 . The foot of  claim 1  in which said flange is part of a cup-shaped collar that affixes to the distal end of the shaft. 
     
     
         6 . The foot of  claim 5  in which the bottom of the collar provides a closed surface at the end of the shaft. 
     
     
         7 . The foot of  claim 6  in which said closed surface is domed or flat. 
     
     
         8 . The foot of  claim 5  in which there is a vertical gap between said closed surface and the inner surface of the foot, so as to allow vertical travel between the collar and the inside surface of the foot. 
     
     
         9 . The foot of  claim 1  in which said foot is an inverted truncated cone shape.