Somatosensory terminal feedback cane

Abstract

A cane that includes a handle and a pylon that includes a satellite leg control operably connected to the handle. The cane further includes a terminal feedback device that is operably connected to the pylon. The terminal feedback device includes a plurality of satellite legs. The terminal feedback device also includes a plurality of wheels on individual axles. Each wheel is operably connected to a single satellite leg.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cane comprising:
 a handle;   a pylon comprising satellite leg control operably connected to the handle; and   a terminal feedback device operably connected to the pylon, wherein the terminal feedback device comprises:
 a plurality of satellite legs; and 
 a plurality of wheels on individual axles, wherein each wheel is operably connected to a single satellite leg. 
   
     
     
         2 . The cane of  claim 1 , wherein the terminal feedback device is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. 
     
     
         3 . The cane of  claim 2 , wherein in the open position the plurality of satellite legs descend 110 degrees to allow peripheral environment detection as the cane is advanced forward in a laterally static fashion hence without swing. 
     
     
         4 . The cane of  claim 2 , wherein the cane further comprises:
 a sliding cuff operably connected to the pylon and to the plurality of satellite legs via a simple cable system, wherein the sliding cuff is configured to move the terminal feedback device between the open position and the closed position.   
     
     
         5 . The cane of  claim 4 , wherein the simple cable system is affixed proximally to the sliding cuff which locks into position at 60 degree intervals and distally to the midportion of each of the plurality of satellite legs. 
     
     
         6 . The cane of  claim 5 , wherein the sliding cuff is configured to be maneuvered in an up and flexed satellite leg or closed position and a down and extended satellite leg or open position. 
     
     
         7 . The cane of  claim 1 , wherein the terminal feedback device further comprises a plurality of suspension systems, wherein each satellite leg is operably connected to a single suspension system. 
     
     
         8 . The cane of  claim 7 , wherein the terminal feedback device has a plurality of satellite legs with individual suspension mechanisms. 
     
     
         9 . The cane of  claim 8 , wherein the suspension mechanisms are independent suspension mechanisms. 
     
     
         10 . The cane of  claim 9 , wherein each individual suspension mechanism is attached to a distal portion of the satellite leg that bears the individual axle of the terminal wheel. 
     
     
         11 . The cane of  claim 1 , wherein the cane is operable in a folded or closed position to enable the user to swing the cane to detect obstacles above the ground. 
     
     
         12 . The cane of  claim 1 , wherein there is a recess in the handle or pylon adapted to receive a further cane. 
     
     
         13 . The cane of  claim 1 , wherein the handle of the cane comprises a wrist loop to wrap around the distal arm in case the subject's grip slips and the device is caught by the loop attachment. 
     
     
         14 . The cane of  claim 1 , wherein the satellite legs of the terminal device comprise vertical displacement joints within the distal aspect of the pylon to allow the open and closed or flexed and extended position of the cane.