US4062371A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Walking cane
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-05-19
•
Granted: 1977-12-13
•
Expires: 1996-05-19
Abstract
Abstract This disclosure pertains to a walking cane, for use by the blind, having a portion of the shank thereof adapted with a solar cell. The current produced by the cell recharges a battery stored within the hollow interior portions of the cane. A lamp is selectively energized by operating a control switch. The lamp provides illumination, warning others of the disabled condition of the user. A buzzer or other alerting device is selectively included in the electrical circuit which enables the user to test the successful illumination of the lamp.
Inventors
- 👤 Lawrence A. Bolen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:32
CPC Classifications
F; F21; F21L; F21L4/00; F21L4/08; A; A45; A45B; A45B3/00; A45B3/02; A45B3/04; F21V; F21V33/00; F21V33/008; F21S; F21S9/00; F21S9/02; F21S9/03; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S135/00; Y10S135/91; Y10S136/00; Y10S136/291; Y10S320/00; Y10S320/18; Y10S320/19
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A walking cane comprising a rechargeable battery, light responsive means for electrically charging said rechargeable battery upon being exposed to light rays, a lamp, audible signalling means for electrically signalling the user that said rechargeable battery is in a charged condition and said lamp is electrically intact, switch means for selectively electrically allowing said rechargeable battery to energize said lamp and said audible signalling means simultaneously and for allowing said rechargeable battery to energize said lamp.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
76 words
A walking cane comprising a rechargeable battery, light responsive means for electrically charging said rechargeable battery upon being exposed to light rays, a lamp, audible signalling means for electrically signalling the user that said rechargeable battery is in a charged condition and said lamp is electrically intact, switch means for selectively electrically allowing said rechargeable battery to energize said lamp and said audible signalling means simultaneously and for allowing said rechargeable battery to energize said lamp.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The walking cane as claimed in claim 1 wherein said light responsive means comprises an electrical cell, said cell producing an output current when said cell is exposed to visible light rays.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
116 words
The walking cane as claimed in claim 2 wherein said switch means comprises said cell in a parallel electrical circuit with said rechargeable battery, said switch means including a switch having a first operating position and a second operating position, a first series circuit comprising said lamp and said buzzer and said switch when said switch is in said first operating position connected electrically in parallel with said rechargeable battery, a second series circuit comprising said lamp and said switch when said switch is in said second operating position connected electrically in parallel with said rechargeable battery, said switch means including a disconnected position wherein the terminals of said switch are in an open circuited position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The walking cane as claimed in claim 1 wherein said walking cane further comprises a cavity, said rechargeable battery and said non-visual signalling means are housed within said cavity.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-12-12 | 1981-06-13 | 1981-12-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-12-12 | 1985-06-13 | 1985-12-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-12-12 | 1989-06-13 | 1989-12-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |