WO2010036112A2

WO2010036112A2 - Walking stick holder

Info

Publication number: WO2010036112A2
Application number: PCT/NL2009/050576
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alphonsus Arnoldus Kagen Maria Marcus
Original assignee: Bin Innovations B.V.
Priority date: 2008-09-26
Filing date: 2009-09-25
Publication date: 2010-04-01
Also published as: NL1035988C; WO2010036112A3

Abstract

A walking stick holder (1), connectable to a walking stick and configured to detachably secure the walking stick to an object suitable for supporting said walking stick. The walking stick holder comprises two clamp surfaces (21, 31), at least one of which is pivotable. The at least one pivotable clamp surface (31) may be disposed opposite the other clamp surface first upon attachment of the walking stick holder (1) to the object, inter alia avoiding situations wherein the object has to be jammed in between already opposing clamp surfaces.

Description

Title: Walking stick holder

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for reliably securing stick- like objects, such as, in particular, walking sticks.

Background

Many people use walking sticks, canes, walking staffs, crutches and the like - hereinafter generally referred to as walking sticks -,to support themselves while getting on their feet, standing and walking, and in particular to maintain their balance while doing so. Different types of walking sticks have in common that they comprise an elongate leg that is configured to support at least part of the body weight of a user, and a handle or grip that enables a user to wield the walking stick. It is generally impossible to have a walking stick stand up straight independently, i.e. without additional support. This is a consequence of the typically small foot of the stick and the relative large length of the leg that is attached to it. Furthermore, the weight distribution of a walking stick is typically such that it easily tips over and falls to the ground when a user has loosely parked the stick against for example a wall or a piece of furniture. This poses a problem to many users since the reason they employ a walking stick is their diminished physical ability: to them picking up a walking stick that has fallen over can prove a difficult or even impossible task.

Different technical solutions have been suggested to enable one to temporarily park a walking stick without the risk that it falls down. These solutions may be divided into two main categories.

A first category concerns location-bound walking stick holders wherein the holder is fixedly connected to an object, such as a table or a cupboard. A walking stick that is temporarily unused may be slid or clamped into the holder. A disadvantage of this type of holder, which is not connected to the walking stick but instead to a stationary object, is that the walking stick cannot always be parked at a location that is convenient to the user, but merely at those locations where a walking stick holder happens to be installed. A second category concerns mobile walking stick holders. This type of holder is preferably connected to a walking stick such that it need not be carried around as a separate item, which might for example lead to its loss. A mobile walking stick holder may comprise a support surface or a clamp that enables a user to support the walking stick on, or clamp it to, for example, a tabletop. A clamp typically offers a more reliable way of securing the stick than a simple support surface. Operating the clamp, however, may be difficult as the clamp surfaces thereof may have to be spread apart before the clamp can engage an object. In particular when this is to be done manually, for example getting one's hands on a clamp surface and pushing or pulling it in a desired direction, this may demand skill and force on the side of the user. In some cases, the clamp surfaces may 'conveniently' be separated by forcing the object to which the clamp is to be applied therebetween. Unfortunately this latter approach may easily lead to damage to the object, for example in the form of scratches or dents, especially when a walking stick is repeatedly secured this way.

It is an object of the present invention to provide for a mobile walking stick holder that is easily securable to an object, such as for example a tabletop, substantially without causing damage thereto.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the invention a walking stick holder, connectable to a walking stick and configured to detachably secure the walking stick to an object suitable for supporting said walking stick, is provided. The walking stick holder comprises a body, a first clamp surface on a first clamp element that is slidably connected to the body and that is movable between a first position and a second position, and a second clamp surface on a second clamp element that is pivotably connected to the body and that is movable between a third position and a fourth position. The walking stick holder further comprises a pretension element that is configured to drive the first clamp element, including the first clamp surface, towards the second position. The first clamp surface and the second clamp surface are disposed substantially opposite to each other when the second clamp element is in the third position, in which condition both clamp surfaces are driven towards each other by at least the action of the pretension element so as to clampingly engage the object.

The first clamp surface, provided on a slidable first clamp element, may typically be a substantially flat surface (portion) that extends in a plane substantially perpendicular to a length direction of a leg of a walking stick to which the walking stick holder - in use - may be connected. The first and second positions of the first clamp element may correspond to different locations along said length direction, between which the first clamp element, and hence the first clamp surface provided thereon, is slidably movable. The second clamp element, including the second clamp surface, is pivotable between a third position and a fourth position. Typically, the third position may be an unfolded position in which the second clamp element protrudes from the body of the walking stick holder thereby disposing the second clamp surface opposite the first clamp surface, such that the first and second clamp surfaces may together serve as a clamp to engage an interpositioned object to which the walking stick holder is to secure the walking stick. The third position need not be a fixed, predetermined position embedded in the design of the walking stick holder. Instead, it may vary from situation to situation. It may, for example, depend on the thickness of the object to be clamped, in which case it may correspond to a maximally obtainable deflection of the third clamp element, i.e. a position in which further pivotal movement of said clamp element is obstructed by the object to be clamped. The fourth position, in contrast, may typically be a folded or collapsed position in which the second clamp surface and/or the second clamp element does not, or at least to a lesser extent than in the third position, protrudes from the body of the walking stick holder. The second clamp element may typically be stored in its fourth collapsed position during normal use of the walking stick. It may first be pivoted into its third position when an object (to which the walking stick is to be secured) has been brought into such a position relative to the walking stick holder, that said pivoting amounts to either directly bringing the second clamp surface into clamping contact with the object, or to bringing the second clamp surface into such a position that it may be brought into clamping contact with the object without frictionally sliding it across a surface thereof (which might cause scratches). Accordingly, any forceful and potentially damaging action to push the object between two immediately engaging clamp elements is not required. Furthermore, as will become clear from the detailed description of certain embodiments of the walking stick holder hereafter, the first clamp element may be configured to interact with second clamp element in order to control or trigger the movement of the second clamp element between its third and fourth positions, so as to automatize this function and to improve the overall user-friendliness of the device. To this end the first, slidable clamp element may serve as a bolt or latch that, typically in its first or second position, is configured to lock the second, pivotable element in its fourth position. Moving the first clamp element from its locking position may then release the second, pivotable clamp element, allowing it to take up its third position.

The pretension element may be a mechanical spring of any suitable kind, such as, for example, a compression spring, an extension spring or a torsion spring, and may take any suitable form, such as that of a helical or coil spring, a leaf spring, a gas spring, a fluid dampened spring, etc. The pretension element's primary purpose is to effect the clamping action that drives the first clamp element and the second clamp element, and thus the first clamp surface and the second clamp surface, towards each other (at least) when the second clamp element is in the third position. To this end, the pretension element may engage or act upon the first clamp element, the second clamp element, or on both clamp elements at the same time. It is noted that any action of the pretension element on a clamp element need not be direct, but may involve the interposition of other elements, parts or objects, including the object to which the walking stick holder is (to be) attached (which is of course positioned between the first and second clamp surfaces during clamping). To be able to distinguish between the first position and the second position of the first clamp element, the second position thereof may be defined by the action of the pretension element during clamping: the pretension element is configured to drive the first clamp element towards the second position. In other words, clamping may take place when the first clamp element is being driven towards or into the second position, and when the second clamp element is being driven towards or into the third position. In order to judge which position is to be regarded as the second position, firstly direct action of the pretension element on the first clamp element may be taken into consideration, and secondly — in the absence of direct action (i.e. when the pretension element does not directly engage or act upon the first clamp element) — any indirect action.

As its name implies, the pretension element may typically be pretensioned. This may mean that the element effects at least some direct or indirect driving or urging action on the first and/or second clamp element, irrespective of the precise positions that they are in. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that such a universal driving action may not always be required, for example because the design of the walking stick holder provides for one or more rest configurations, in particular configurations in which no clamping action occurs, which might allow for relaxation of the pretension element. Although a finite force of the pretension element may often still be desired to force or keep the holder in such a rest configuration, this may not be strictly necessary. Accordingly, the term pretension element is not to be construed restrictively, but merely implies that the element is set up such that it can exert a driving or urging force on the first and/or second element when the latter is in the third position.

In a first, general embodiment of the walking stick holder according to the present invention, the pretension element may be connected to or be in engagement with the second clamp element. It may further be configured to continuously drive or rotate the second clamp element towards the third position, and in doing so, to drive the first clamp element towards the second position, in order to clampingly engage the object.

To enable the pretension element to impart motion to the second clamp element, it may further be connected to the body, the first clamp element, or any other part against which it may react. In case the pretension element acts between the second clamp element and the body, the second position of the slidable, first clamp surface may typically correspond to a discrete stop position, allowing the second clamp surface to be actively driven towards the essentially stationary first clamp surface that occupies this second position. In case the pretension element acts between the second clamp element and the first clamp element, its action will generally be aimed at dynamically driving the two clamp surfaces towards each other. In such a case, provisions may be made to ensure that the clamp surfaces can still be brought into contact with an object to be clamped one by one, so as to avoid the necessity of forcing the object into between to concurrently engaging clamp surfaces upon attachment. An advantage of the first, general embodiment is that it allows for an elegant design of the walking stick holder, comprising very few elements. One pretension element or mechanical spring may suffice for a design that offers full ease of use, particularly because the single pretension element may take care of both the clamping action of the walking stick holder and the pivoting motion of the second clamp element. In another, second general embodiment of the walking stick holder according to the present invention, the pretension element may act directly on the first clamp element so as to continuously force it towards its second position. In such an embodiment the third position of the second clamp element may correspond to a discrete, unfolded stop position. Accordingly, as soon as the second clamp element is in the third position, the pretension element may continuously force the first clamp element towards the second position and therewith towards the second, 'passively awaiting' second clamp surface, so as to clamp the object therebetween. When a walking stick, provided with a walking stick holder according to this second general embodiment is used during for example walking, the second clamp surface may be in the fourth, collapsed position. The first clamp surface may then be in the second, lower position as a result of the action of the pretension element. When the user is done using the walking stick, he may secure it to for example a tabletop by first bringing the first clamp surface into contact with a top side of the tabletop. This may be done without paying attention to the second clamp surface that at this point is still in its fourth, folded up position, which prevents it from coming into contact with either the top side or a bottom side of the tabletop. This means that contacting the first clamp surface with the top side of the tabletop may be done in a smooth, downward movement of the walking stick. The first clamp surface may be brought into contact with the top side of the tabletop in its entirety at once, en need not be moved/relocated anymore across the tabletop later, as will become clear hereafter. Consequently, scratches on and dents in the tabletop are prevented. When the first clamp surface has been brought into contact with the top side of the tabletop, the first clamp surface may be moved from its second, (relative to the substantially vertically oriented walking stick) lower position towards its first, higher position. This essentially happens automatically when the aforementioned downward movement of the walking stick is continued. During the downward movement of the walking stick, and during the relative to the walking stick upward movement of the first clamp surface - which is now caught behind the tabletop — towards its first position, a force needs to be exerted on the walking stick that opposes to the action of the pretension element. However, this force may generally be so small that is can easily be applied, even by less able-bodied users. When the walking stick has been moved downwards sufficiently, the second clamp surface may be pivoted from its fourth, collapsed position into its third, folded out position. The interpretation of the term 'sufficiently' here may be dependent on the thickness of the tabletop. The second clamp surface is now opposite the bottom side of the tabletop and, when the tabletop is thought away for a moment, also opposite the first clamp surface. If the walking stick is released carefully, the pretension element will drive the first clamp surface back towards its second, lower position, and thus towards the second clamp surface. This will clamp the tabletop between the first and the second clamp surface. In this way, the walking stick may reliably secured to the tabletop, without the risk of the walking stick falling over due to its own stability. It is understood that that the walking stick may be detached from the tabletop by going through the above steps in reverse. According to a further elaboration of the invention, the walking stick holder comprises means configured to move the second clamp element towards the third position when the first clamp element is being moved from the second position towards the first position.

Although it is possible to manually move the second clamp element from the fourth, collapsed position towards the third, unfolded position upon parking the walking stick, this is preferably done automatically from the viewpoint of user-friendliness. Movement of the second clamp element towards the third position is desired when the first clamp element is moved from the second position towards the first position. The means that control the movement of the second clamp element may be diverse, and for example comprise springs, spring pivots and/or passive coupling elements, whereby the coupling elements may transfer the movement of the first clamp element onto the second clamp element.

According to a further elaboration of the invention, the walking stick holder comprising means configured to move the second clamp element towards the fourth position when the first clamp element is being moved into the second position.

Although it its possible to manually move the second clamp element from the third, unfolded position towards the fourth, collapsed position upon detachment of the parked walking stick, this is preferably done automatically from the viewpoint of user-friendliness. Movement of the second clamp element towards the fourth position is desired when the first clamp element is moved towards the second position. The means that control the movement of the second clamp element may be diverse, and for example comprise springs, spring pivots and/or passive coupling elements, whereby the coupling elements may transfer the movement of the first clamp element onto the second clamp element.

According to an elaboration of the walking stick holder, the second clamp element is at least partially received in the body when it is in the fourth position. In its fourth, collapsed position, the second clamp element may preferably be stored inside the body in order to limit the number of protrusions projecting from the body. This reduces the risk of jamming the second clamp element into an object upon attachment thereto, or of accidentally catching the second clamp element on an arbitrary object when the walking stick is being used as such, which might lead to damage of said objects and of the walking stick holder.

According to an elaboration of the walking stick holder, it is provided with at least one ring or ring-shaped element configured to receive a leg of a walking stick. Although the walking stick holder may be neatly integrated with or incorporated in a walking stick, e.g. by a manufacturer of the walking stick, it may alternatively be provided as separately marketable add-on. In such a case, the walking stick holder, more particularly the body thereof, may be provided with a ring of ring-shaped element, e.g. a band that is elastic or hand tightenable by a screw, that is capable of receiving a leg of the walking stick so as to securely attach the holder thereto.

According to an embodiment of the walking stick holder, the first clamp surface and/or the second clamp surface is provided with a deformable material.

The deformable material may ensure that a clamp surface optimally contacts a surface of the object to which the walking stick is secured. More contact with the object (i.e. contact over a larger surface area) means a better grip on the object, and therefore a more reliable connection. This is particularly important in case the surface of the object is not flat but curved or shaped irregularly.

According to an embodiment of the walking stick holder, the first clamp surface and/or the second clamp surface is provided with an antiskid material. The anti-skid material prevents a clamp surface from being easily displaced relative to a surface of the object with which it is in contact, and therefore increases the reliability of the connection.

According to a further elaboration of the walking stick holder, it further comprises a curved or bent hook configured to enable a user to hang a walking stick that is provided with the walking stick holder.

Clamping the walking stick holder to an object may not always be the most desired option to temporarily park a walking stick. The walking stick holder may therefore be provided with a hook that allows a user to hang the walking stick by way of alternative. This provides the user with the choice as to how to store or put away the walking stick in a particular situation. It is noted that the hook may often provide a real supplement that is not rendered superfluous by a handle of the walking stick. A handle typically extends in a radial direction relative to the leg of the walking stick, and is consequently insufficiently curved to provide for a stable hanging or suspension provision.

According to a further aspect of the invention, another walking stick holder, connectable to a walking stick and configured to detachably secure the walking stick to an object suitable for supporting the walking stick, is provided. The walking stick holder comprises a body; a first clamp element provided with a first clamp surface and a second clamp element provided with a second clamp surface, both clamp elements being connected to the body, wherein the second clamp element is pivotably connected to the body such that it is movable between a first position and a second position; a bolting mechanism configured to releasably bolt the second clamp element in the second position; and a drive element, such as a mechanical spring (e.g. a pretension element), that, when the second clamp element is released from its bolted second position, drives the second clamp element towards the first position, so as to clampingly engage the object in between the first and second clamp surfaces. The first clamp element need not necessarily be slidable relative to the body; it may, for example be pivotable or otherwise movably arranged. In the general case of a movable first clamp surface, the bolting mechanism may advantageously comprise the first clamp element. In alternative embodiments wherein the first clamp element is immovably arranged relative to the body, the bolting mechanism may preferably be configured and arranged to be operated, directly or indirectly, by said object upon attachment and/or detachment of the walking stick holder thereto.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention, taken together with the accompanying drawings, which are meant to illustrate and not to limit the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic, exploded front perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a walking stick holder according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic, exploded rear perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the walking stick holder shown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 3A-3D are respectively schematic side views (upper) and perspective views (lower) of the first exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, which in conjunction illustrate the operation thereof; Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a walking stick holder according to the present invention, mounted on a walking stick;

Figs. 5A-5D schematically illustrate, in a number of side views, how the second embodiment of the walking stick holder shown in Fig. 4 can be secured to an object, such as a tabletop; and

Figs. 6-7 schematically illustrate the working of a mechanism for automatically folding in and out the second clamp element as incorporated in the embodiment of the walking stick holder shown in Fig. 4.

Detailed Description

Figs. 1 and 2 are schematic exploded perspective views of a first exemplary embodiment of a walking stick holder 1 according to the present invention. The walking stick holder 1 may comprise a body 10, a first clamp element 20, a first clamp surface 21, a second clamp element 30 and a second clamp surface 31. It may further comprise a number (here: two) of pretension elements 80, a number (here: two) of bushings 81, and a clamp medium 82.

The body 10 may exhibit a number of features, such as a guide profile 11 for cooperation with the second clamp element 30, a number (here: four) of mounting protrusions 12 for cooperation with the clamp medium 82, a number (here: two) of shaft protrusions 14 for cooperation with the bushings 81, and an elongate recess 13 configured to at least partially receive a leg of a walking stick.

The first clamp element 20 may be provided with a slot 24 (see Fig. 2) that is configured to receive the guide profile 11 provided on the body 10, such that — in an assembled state of the walking stick holder 1 — the first clamp element 20 is slidably movable, back and forth, over the guide profile 11 in a controlled manner. In principle, the guide profile 11 may have any suitable shape. The first clamp element 20 may further include a forwardly protruding hook portion 25. An underside of the hook portion 25 may provide for the first clamp surface 21. If desired, the first clamp surface 21 may be provided with a coating 84 of deformable and/or antiskid material, such as, for example, rubber. The first clamp element 20 may also comprise one or more recesses 26, each for supportively receiving an end portion of a pretension element 80, thus providing for an engagement provision. The second clamp element 30 may comprise a bracket 35, including two structurally identical, parallelly extending side arms 36 and a transverse element 37 that interconnects the side arms 36 at opposing extremities thereof. Each side arm 36 may further be provided with a mounting hole 38 that is configured for receiving a bushing 81. The mounting hole 38 may be provided near an extremity of the respective side arm 36 remote from that connected to the transverse element 37. The transverse element 37 may provide for the second clamp surface 31. If desired, the second clamp surface 31 may be provided with a coating 85 of deformable and/or antiskid material, such as, for example, rubber. In an advantageous alternative embodiment, the transverse element 37 may be a roller that is rotatably mounted in the side arms 36. Such a roller, which may have an outer surface of a deformable and/or antiskid material, may allow for easier detachment of the walking stick holder 1 from an object to which it is secured relative to an immovable, fixed coating (as illustrated). This will become clear from the discussion of the operation of the walking stick holder 1 with reference to Fig. 3. The pretension elements 80 may be formed by torsion springs, as illustrated. Alternatively, other types of mechanical springs may be used even though this may require a somewhat different design of the walking stick holder 1 (see for example the second exemplary embodiment discussed hereafter). In addition it is noted that although the depicted first exemplary embodiment of the walking stick holder 1 uses two pretension elements 80, one pretension element may suffice. Upon assembly of the walking stick holder 1, the bushings 81 are inserted into the mounting holes 58 in the respective side arms 36 of the brackets 35, and through the coils of the pretension elements 80, whereby the cylindrical shaft protrusions 14 on the body 10 are received within the bushings. The described assembly step may be preferably be performed when the first clamp element 20 is already slidably mounted on the body 10, such that one end / leg of each of the pretension elements 80 may be received inside a respective recess 26 of said clamp element. The other end / leg of each pretension element 80 may be caught on a cam (not shown), for example provided on an inside of the respective side arm 36 with which it is in contact. Any pretension element 80 thus installed interconnects the first 20 and second 30 clamp element.

To allow an assembled walking stick holder 1 to be attached to a walking stick, the back of the body 10 may be provided with an elongate recess 13 configured to receive a leg of the walking stick. The depicted recess 13 has a substantially circle-part- shaped cross sectional profile, configured to snugly receive a substantially cylindrical leg of approximately the same diameter. Other cross sectional profiles may of course also be used, depending on the cross sectional profile of the leg to be received. Once a leg of a walking stick is received within the recess 13, the walking stick holder may be fixed thereto by folding the preferably elastic clamp medium 82 around it, and securing this clamp medium 82 to the body 10 by pushing the mounting protrusions 12 on the body 10 through the holes 83 in the clamp medium. The mounting protrusions 12 may preferably have a relatively wide head that serves as a stop to prevent the clamp medium 82 from slipping off.

The body 10 and the first and second clamp elements 20, 30 may be made of plastic, for example through injection molding. Alternatively, one of more of said parts may be made of metal, which is typically heavier but may also be more robust.

Figs. 3A-3D jointly illustrate the operation of the first exemplary embodiment of the walking stick holder 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The upper drawings in Figs. 3A-3D are schematic side views, while the lower drawings are schematic perspective views of the successive stages that the walking stick holder 1 goes through upon application to an object (not shown). Since Figs. 3A-3D all relate to the same embodiment of the walking stick holder 1, reference numerals are not provided in every figure to improve drawing legibility. Fig. 3A shows the walking stick holder 1 in its rest or inactive configuration. The first clamp element 20 is slid down into its second, lower position. The reason that the lower position corresponds to the second position is due to the fact that the pretension elements 80 (not visible in Fig. 3) act directly on the first clamp element 20 and drive it downwards, at least during clamping. — In case the pretension elements 80 would not directly engage the first clamp element 20, but the body 10 instead (such that they would react against the body 10 to drive the second clamp element 30 into its fourth, unfolded position (see Figs. 3C and 3D)), which would allow the first clamp element 20 to move freely / unforced up and down the guide profile 11, then the lower position, in the terminology of this text, would be called the first position. After all, in that case the first clamp element 20 would be forced upwards by the (indirect) action of the pretension elements 80 during clamping, towards a higher, second position. — In the rest configuration of Fig. 3A, the second clamp element 30 is folded or collapsed against the body 10 so that it protrudes little therefrom. This position corresponds to the fourth position of the second clamp element 30. If desired, the slight protrusion of the second clamp element 30, more particularly of the second clamp surface 31 plus coating 85, may be eliminated altogether by adapting the design of the depicted walking stick holder 1, for example by including somewhat shorter side arms 36 and/or a recess in the body in which the second clamp surface 31 is receivable. Even though the second clamp element 30 may experience a driving force that is exerted by the pretension elements 80 and that urges it to rotate towards an unfolded position, it will not pivot. This is because the first clamp element 20 in its lower, second position blocks any tendency of the second clamp element 30 to rotate: the lower end 27 of the first clamp element 20 is in sliding contact with the upper extremities of side arms 36 of bracket 35, up to a point below the center of rotation of the second clamp element 30, which center effectively coincides with bushing 81.

Fig. 3B illustrates the situation wherein the first clamp element 20 is slid upwards relative to the body 10, towards its first, higher position. In actual use, this upward movement of the first clamp element 20 relative to the body 10 may be effected by catching the hook portion 25 of the first clamp element 20 on an object to which the walking stick holder 1 is to be secured, and then pressing (the walking stick attached to) the body 10 of walking stick holder 1 down. As the first clamp element 20 moves up relative to the body 10, it gradually unbolts or unlatches the second clamp element 30. In addition, it may further tension the pretension elements 80: as discussed, one leg of each pretension element resides in a recess 26 in the first clamp element 20, which element is now driven apart from the second clamp element 30 (not by the action of the pretension elements 80, but by the user that is applying the walking stick holder 1).

Fig. 3C shows a stage of application wherein the second clamp element 30 has been (partly) unbolted. The second clamp element 30 has moved into a (partly) unfolded position in which the second clamp surface 13 substantially faces the first clamp surface 21. In this stage, the pretension elements 80 may be said to drive the first and second clamp surfaces 21, 31 towards each other. Due to motion limiting restrictions in the design of the walking stick holder 1, this amounts to a substantially downward force on the first clamp element 20, and a clockwise rotational force on the second clamp element 30 (attempting to pivot it around bushing 81). In real use, the hook portion 25 of the first clamp element 20 is caught on the object in question, which prevents the first clamp element 20 from moving down relative to the body 10. In fact, if the user continues his downward push on the (walking stick attached to) the body 10 of the walking stick holder 1, the first clamp element 20 will continue to move up relative to the body 10. Accordingly, the second clamp element 30 is further unbolted, and eventually completely released, which allows the pretension elements 80 to drive and move the second clamp element 30 further into its third, unfolded position. As discussed, the third, unfolded position may at least partially be defined by the thickness of the object that is interposed between the first 21 and second 31 clamp surfaces. The third position shown in Fig. 3D is therefore merely illustrative and represents the maximum deflection of the second clamp element 30, which occurs only when no or an extremely thin object is present between the clamp surfaces 21, 31. Detaching the walking stick holder from the object is as simple as securing it thereto. By applying an upward force to the (walking stick attached to) the body 10, the user may use the object to drive the second clamp element 30 back into its folded, fourth position (Fig. 3B). This enables the pretension elements 80 to drive to first clamp element 20 down relative to the body 10, back into its second position, in which it securely bolts the second clamp element 30 in its fourth position, so as to arrive again at the rest configuration of Fig. 3A.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the first exemplary embodiment of the walking stick holder described with reference to Figs. 1-3 may be adapted in many respects without departing from the scope of the invention. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the pretension elements 80 both the first 20 and the second 30 clamp element. In an alternative embodiment, one end of the pretension element 80 may be directly connected to the body 10, while the other end may be connected to the second clamp element 30. In such an alternative embodiment, the first clamp element 20 may be freely movable along the guide profile 11 (i.e. without being subject to direct action of the pretension element 80), between an upper position (for example defined by a cam on the body 10 that limits further upward motion of the first clamp element 20), and a lower position, (for example defined by a stop surface on the body 10, provided at a lower end of the guide profile 11). Accordingly, the first clamp element 20 would be freely movable between the first (lower) and second (upper) position when the second clamp element 30 is held in the fourth (collapsed) position, such that, given a normal upright orientation of the walking stick holder, gravity (instead of spring action by the pretension element) would drive the first clamp element 20 towards the first (lower) position.

Attention is now invited to a second embodiment of the walking stick holder 1 according to the present invention, which will be discussed with reference to Figs. 4-7. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of a walking stick holder according to the present invention, mounted on a walking stick 2. On the right of Fig. 4, the walking stick 2 and the walking stick holder 1 are depicted in an overall picture; on the left of Fig. 4, the walking stick holder is shown enlarged. In Fig. 4 the walking stick holder 1 is depicted in a rest configuration.

The second embodiment of the walking stick holder 1 may comprise a body 10 that may be secured to the walking stick 2 by means of a number (here: two) of (screw-tightenable) rings or ring shaped elements 86. The ring shaped elements 86 have an inner diameter that corresponds roughly to the diameter of the leg of the walking stick 2. Through the use of ring shaped elements 86 of a different diameter the walking stick holder 1 may be attached to walking sticks 2 of correspondingly variable thicknesses. This type of mounting provision thus makes the walking stick holder 1 universally applicable. It further allows the walking stick holder 1 to be attached onto a walking stick 2 after manufacture thereof, even by a user. Alternatively, the walking stick holder 1 may be integrated into the walking stick 2 during manufacture thereof, so that the walking stick holder is largely incorporated into the leg of the walking stick 2.

The walking stick holder 1 further comprises a first clamp element 20, which extends from within to outside of the body 10 via a slit 15 provided therein. The first clamp element 20 comprises a cylindrical portion 28 (see Figs. 6 and 7) by means of which it is slidably movable inside the body 10. The part of the first clamp element 20 that is located on the outside of the body 10 comprises, at its upper side, a bent or curved hook 87 that allows the walking stick to be hung or suspended, for example from a doorknob, a chair or another piece of furniture. At the lower side of the part of the first clamp element 20 that is located outside of the body 10, an arcuated structure 29 is provided, which structure ends in a forked part 29'. A lower side of this forked part 29' provides for the first clamp surface 21. Within the body 10, and therefore invisible in Fig. 4, is a pretension element. The pretension element may interconnect the first clamp element 20 and the body 10, such that the second clamp element 20 is continuously forced downwards, possibly more forcefully as it moves further upward relative to the body 10. The pretension element 80 may for example be a helical spring.

Largely hidden within the body 10 is a second clamp element 30. The second clamp element 30 is pivotably connected to the body 10, and movable between a collapsed, fourth position (shown in Figs. 4 and 6) and a folded out, third position (shown in Fig. 7). The second clamp element 30 may be in engagement with or connected to a second pretension element, e.g. a mechanical (torsion) spring or any other kind of driving element, that is configured to continuously force the second clamp element 30 towards its third, folded out position. The second clamp element 30 provides for a second clamp surface 31. In the third, folded out position of the second clamp element 30, this second clamp surface 31 substantially faces the first clamp surface 21 on the first clamp element 20.

The first clamp element serves 20 serves as a bolt or latch. In its lower, second position it prevents the second clamp element 30 from pivoting outward, from its fourth into its third position. First when the first clamp element 20 is moved towards its higher, first position, the second clamp element 30 is unlocked and enabled to be forced and moved into its third position.

Now that the basic construction of the walking stick holder 1 has been clarified, its operation will be illustrated with reference to Figs. 5A-5D. Figs. 5A-5D schematically illustrate four stages in the process of securing a walking stick 2 provided with a walking stick holder 1 to a an object 3, e.g. a tabletop. Since Figs. 5A-5D all relate to the same, second embodiment of the walking stick holder 1, not all reference numerals are not provided in every figure to improve drawing legibility. Fig. 5A shows how the first clamp surface 21, provided at a bottom side of the arcuated structure 29, is being brought into contact with a top side 3a of object 3. This may be done without paying attention to the second clamp surface 31, which at this point is still in its fourth, folded up position, which prevents it from coming into contact with either the top side 3a or a bottom side 3b of the object. This means that contacting the first clamp surface 21 with the top side 3a of the object may be effected in a smooth, downward movement of the walking stick 2. The first clamp surface 21 may thereby be brought into contact with the top side 3a of the object in its entirety at once, en need not be moved/relocated anymore across said top side later, as will become clear hereafter. Consequently, scratches on and dents in the top side 3a are prevented.

Fig. 5B illustrates how the downward movement of the walking stick 2 may be continued. As a result the first clamp element 20, while being guided by the body 10, is pushed upward relative to the body 10. Together with the clamp element 20, the first clamp surface 21 provided at a lower side thereof slides from the second position to the first position.

Fig. 5 C illustrates the stage wherein the walking stick 2 has been moved downward sufficiently far for the first clamp element 20 to unlock the second clamp element 30, so as to allow the second clamp element 30 to pivot outward into its third, folded out position. The interpretation of the term 'sufficiently' here may, of course, be dependent on the thickness of the object 3. As the second clamp element 30 pivots outward, its upper side, which provides for the second clamp surface 31, is disposed substantially opposite the bottom side 3b of the object 3 (and likewise opposite the first clamp surface 21). If the walking stick 2 is released carefully from the position shown in Fig. 5 C, the pretension element (not visible) will drive the first clamp element, including the first clamp surface 21, back towards its second, lower position (relative to the body 10), and thus towards the second clamp surface 31. As a result the object 3 will be clampingly engaged between the first and second clamp surfaces 21, 31, whereby the first clamp surface 21 engages the top side 3a of the object 3 and the second clamp surface engages the bottom side 3b thereof. This situation is shown in Fig. 5D. Thus, by performing the steps outlined in Fig. 5 the walking stick 2 may reliably connected to the object 3, without the risk that the stick 2 falls over due to its own instability. It will be clear that the walking stick 2 may de detached from the object 3 by performing the above described steps in reserve order.

Figs. 6 and 7 schematically illustrate the operation of a mechanism that may ensure that the second clamp element 30 automatically collapses into its fourth position when the first clamp element 20 moves into its second, lower position, and folds out into its third position when the first clamp element 20 moves into its first, higher position. The configuration of the walking stick holder 1 depicted in Fig. 6 corresponds to that shown in Fig. 5A, while that depicted in Fig. 7 corresponds to that shown in Fig. 5D. Figs. 6 and 7 depict the body 10 as being transparent, so as to make the mechanism visible.

In Figs. 6 and 7 the cylindrical portion 28 of the first clamp element 20 that is located within the body 10 is visible. Said cylindrical portion 28 is movable up and down, whereby the body 10 serves as a guide for the cylindrical portion. A pretension element (not shown), such as a mechanical spring, may engage the cylindrical portion 28. The pretension element may, on the one hand, be connected to the cylindrical portion 28, and on the other hand, to the body 10. The pretension element may be configured to continuously drive the cylindrical portion 28, and hence the entire first clamp element 20, downward, that is towards the position that the first clamp element 20 occupies in Fig. 6. This is the second position of the first clamp element 20. At the lower side of the cylindrical portion 28, a push element 28' may be provided whose function will be elucidated infra. It will be clear that the cylindrical portion 28 is connected to the other parts of the first clamp element 20, e.g. bent book 87 and the arcuated structure 29 including the forked part 29' thereof, via slit 15 in the body 10. Also visible in Figs. 6 and 7 is how the second clamp element 30 may be connected to be body by means of a spring pivot 16. The spring pivot 16 may be integrated into the second clamp element 30, and provides for such a pretension that the second clamp element 30 is continuously driven towards the third, folded out position shown in Fig. 4. The second clamp element 30, which in the depicted embodiment of the walking stick holder 1 may be described as substantially plate-like, may comprise two parts 39a, 39b which may be formed integrally. The parts 39a, 39b may extend on different, opposing sides of the spring pivot 16. Part 39a may be configured for cooperation with the push element 28' on the cylindrical portion 28, as will be described below.

The working of the mechanism is as follows. When the first clamp element 20, more particularly the first clamp surface 21 thereof, is positioned on, for example, a top side 3a of an object 3 (cf. Fig. 5A), and the body 10 that is connected to the walking stick 2 is moved downwards (cf. Fig. 5B), the first clamp element 20 will move upward relative to the body 10. In Fig. 6 this means that the cylindrical portion 28, including the push element 28' provided thereon, moves upward within the body 10. Part 39a, which is forced against the push element 28' by the action of the spring pivot 16, will no longer prevent the second clamp element 30 from pivoting. As the cylindrical portion 28 moves further upwards, the second clamp element 30 pivots further outward, towards its third, fully folded out position (shown in Fig. 7). Obviously, the second clamp element 30 only pivots towards its third position when it is not obstructed by an object that is present below the first clamp surface 21. The outward pivoting movement of the second clamp element 30 may therefore occur at once, whereby the second clamp element 30 is not gradually but suddenly driven from the fourth into the third position. The snap-sound that may be generated when the second clamp element 30 is driven into its third position may serve as a signal to the user indicating that the walking stick holder 1 is ready to engage the object.

When the walking stick holder 1 is detached from the object 3, the pretension element may drive the first clamp element 20 back into its lower position, shown in Fig. 6. The push element 28' will thereby contact part 39a of the second clamp element 30, and force the entire second clamp element, against the force exerted thereon by the pivot spring 16, back into its fourth, collapsed position. The forked part 29' and the arcuated structure 29 of the first clamp element 20 enable an unobstructed return of the second clamp element 30 into the position shown in Fig. 6. Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described above, in part with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment" etc means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, it is noted that particular features, structures, or characteristics of one or more embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner to form new, not explicitly described embodiments.

List of elements

1 walking stick holder

2 walking stick 3 object

3a top side of object

3b bottom side of object

10 body of walking stick holder

11 guide profile on body for cooperation with first clamp element 12 clamp medium mounting protrusions

13 elongate recess for receiving walking stick

14 shaft protrusion

15 slit in body

16 spring pivot connecting body and second clamp element 20 first clamp element

21 first clamp surface

24 slot for receiving guide profile provided on body

25 hook portion of first clamp element

26 recess configured to receive an end of the pretension element 27 lower end of first clamp element

28 cylindrical portion 28' push element

29 arcuated structure 29' forked part 30 second clamp element

31 second clamp surface

35 bracket

36 side arm of bracket

37 transverse element of bracket 38 mounting hole in side arm extremity 39a, 39b opposing parts of second clamp element

80 pretension element

81 bushing

82 elastic clamp medium

83 mounting holes in clamp medium

84 coating for first clamp surface

85 coating for first clamp surface

86 ring or ring shaped element

87 bent hook

Claims

ClaimsWe claim:

1. A walking stick holder (1), connectable to a walking stick and configured to detachably secure the walking stick to an object suitable for supporting said walking stick, comprising:

- a body (10); - a first clamp surface (21) on a first clamp element (20) that is slidably connected to the body and that is movable between a first position and a second position;

- a second clamp surface (31) on a second clamp element (30) that is pivotably connected to the body and that is movable between a third position and a fourth position; and

- a pretension element (80) that is configured to drive the first clamp element (20), including the first clamp surface, towards the second position, wherein the first clamp surface (21) and the second clamp surface (31) substantially face each other when the second clamp element (30) is in the third position, in which condition both clamp surfaces are driven towards each other by at least the action of the pretension element (80) so as to clampingly engage the object.

2. The walking stick holder (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first clamp element (20) is configured to lock the second clamp element (30) in its fourth position, so as to prevent it from moving into the third position.

3. The walking stick holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pretension element (80) is connected to the second clamp element (30), and wherein the pretension element is configured to drive the second clamp element (30) towards the third position, and to thereby drive the first clamp element (20) towards the second position, so as to clampingly engage the object.

4. The walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1-3, wherein the first clamp element (20) is freely movable between the first and second position when the second clamp element (30) is held in the fourth position, such that, given a suitable orientation of the walking stick holder, gravity will drive the first clamp element (20) towards the first position.

5. The walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1-4, wherein the second clamp element (30) includes a rotatable roller, an outer surface of which provides for the second clamp surface.

6. The walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1-5, wherein the body (10) is provided with an elongate recess (13) configured to at least partially receive a leg of a walking stick.

7. The walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1-6, further comprising:

- an at least partly elastic clamp medium (82) that is provided with a number of mounting holes (83); and

- a number of mounting protrusions (12), provided on the body (10) and configured for cooperation with the mounting holes (83), such that the clamp medium (82) is connectable to the body through the mounting protrusions, thus allowing the walking stick holder to be connected to a leg of a walking stick arranged between the clamp medium and the body.

8. The walking stick holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means (16) configured to move the second clamp element (30) towards the third position when the first clamp element (20) is being moved from the second position towards the first position.

9. The walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1, 2 and 8, further comprising means (28', 39a) configured to move the second clamp element (30) towards the fourth position when the first clamp element (20) is being moved into the second position.

10. The walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1-9, wherein the second clamp element (30) is at least partially received in the body (10) when it is in the fourth position.

11. The walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1-10, further comprising at least one ring or ring-shaped element configured to receive a leg of a walking stick.

12. The walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1-11, wherein the first clamp surface and/or the second clamp surface is provided with a deformable material.

13. The walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1-12, wherein the first clamp surface and/or the second clamp surface is provided with an antiskid material.

14. The walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1-13, further comprising a bent hook so as to enable one to hang a walking stick (2) that is provided with the walking stick holder.

15. A walking stick (2) provided with a walking stick holder (1) according to any of the claims 1-14.

16. A walking stick holder (1), connectable to a walking stick and configured to detachably secure the walking stick to an object suitable for supporting the walking stick, comprising:

- a body (10);

- a first clamp element (20) provided with a first clamp surface (21) and a second clamp element (30) provided with a second clamp surface (31), both clamp elements being connected to the body, wherein the second clamp element (30) is pivotably connected to the body such that it is movable between a first position and a second position;

- a bolting mechanism configured to releasably bolt the second clamp element (30) in the second position; - a drive element (80) that, when the second clamp element (30) is released from its bolted second position, drives the second clamp element towards the first position, so as to clampingly engage the object in between the first and second clamp surfaces (21, 31).

17. The walking stick holder (1) according to claim 16, wherein the bolting mechanism comprises the first clamp element (20).