Ambulatory aid warning device

Claim 2

An ambulation aid warning device for alerting a user when the ambulation aid is tilted beyond a specified angle for proper use, comprising: a case for attachment to an ambulation aid; a power source attached to the case; one or more gravity sensitive switches attached to the case whereby gravity causes at least one switch to close when the ambulation aid is tilted beyond a specified angle for proper use; a warning indicator; and an electrical circuit connecting the power source, the gravity switch(es)and the warning indicator for activating the warning indicator when one or more of the gravity switches are in a closed position thereby alerting the user so improper use will not occur.

Claim 3

The warning device of claim 1 wherein the gravity sensitive switch(es) are mercury switches.

Claim 4

The warning device of claim 1 wherein the gravity sensitive switches are baffled mercury switches comprising: a container having a first end and a second end; electrical contacts extending into the first end of the container; mercury placed in the container so it may flow from one end of the container to the other, for electrically connecting the electrical contacts when the mercury is in the first end of the container; and one or more baffles between the first end and the second end of the container for baffling the flow of mercury from the first end to the second end of the container.

Claim 5

The warning device of claim 3 wherein the baffle comprises a disk attached to the container and wherein the disk has apertures therein for the mercury to flow through.

Claim 6

The warning device of claim 1 wherein the warning indicator comprises a buzzer.

Claim 7

The warning device of claim 1 wherein the warning indicator comprises a light.

Claim 8

The warning device of claim 1 wherein the warning indicator comprises a vibrator attached to the ambulation aid.

Claim 9

The warning device of claim 1 further comprising an on/off switch connected to the electrical circuit for breaking the circuit.

Claim 10

An ambulation aid having a warning device for alerting a user when the ambulation aid is tilted beyond a specified angle for proper use, comprising: a power source attached to the ambulation aid; one or more gravity sensitive switches attached to the ambulation aid whereby gravity causes at least one switch to close when the ambulation aid is tilted beyond a specified angle for proper use a warning indicator attached to the ambulation aid; and an electrical circuit connecting the power source, the gravity switch(es) and the warning indicator for activating the warning indicator when one or more of the gravity switches are in a closed position thereby alerting the user so improper use will not occur.

Claim 11

An ambulation aid having a warning device for alerting a user when the ambulation aid is tilted beyond a specified angle for proper use, comprising: a power source attached to the ambulation aid; one or more gravity sensitive switches attached to the ambulation aid whereby gravity causes at least one switch to close when the ambulation aid is tilted beyond a specified angle for proper use a warning indicator attached to the ambulation aid; and an electrical circuit connecting the power source, the gravity switch(es) and the warning indicator for activating the warning indicator when one or more of the gravity switches are in a closed position thereby alerting the user so improper use will not occur.

Claim 12

The ambulation aid of claim 9 wherein the gravity sensitive switch(es) are mercury switches.

Claim 13

The ambulation of claim 9 wherein the gravity sensitive switches are baffled mercury switches comprising: a container having a first end and a second end; electrical contacts extending into the first end of the container; mercury placed in the container so it may flow from one end of the container to the other, for electrically connecting the electrical contacts when the mercury is in the first end of the container; and baffles between the first end and the second end of the container for baffling the flow of mercury from the first end to the second end of the container.

Claim 14

The ambulation aid of claim 9 wherein the warning indicator comprises a buzzer.

Claim 15

The ambulation aid of claim 9 wherein the warning indicator comprises a light.

Claim 16

The ambulation aid of claim 9 wherein the warning indicator comprises a vibrator.

Claim 17

The ambulation aid of claim 9 further comprising an on/off switch connected to the electrical circuit for breaking the circuit.

Claim 20

An ambulation aid having a warning device for alerting a user when the ambulation aid is not properly positioned for use, comprising: a case for attaching to the ambulation aid; power source attached to case; a plurality of mercury switches held at an angle by one or more adjustable switch mounts, said switch mount(s) being attached to the case and being adjustable so the angle of each mercury switch may be adjusted to close said switch when the ambulation aid is tilted beyond a specified angle; a warning indicator attached to the case; and an electrical circuit connecting to the power source, the mercury switch(es) and the warning indicator, said warning indicator activating when a mercury switch is in a closed position to alert the user when the ambulation aid is not properly positioned for use.

Claim 21

An ambulation aid having a warning device for alerting a user when the ambulation aid is not properly positioned for use, comprising: a case for attaching to the ambulation aid; power source attached to case; a plurality of mercury switches held at an angle by one or more adjustable switch mounts, said switch mount(s) being attached to the case and being adjustable so the angle of each mercury switch may be adjusted to close said switch when the ambulation aid is tilted beyond a specified angle; a warning indicator attached to the case; and an electrical circuit connecting to the power source, the mercury switch(es) and the warning indicator, said warning indicator activating when a mercury switch is in a closed position to alert the user when the ambulation aid is not properly positioned for use.

Claim 22

The warning device of claim 17 further comprising an on/off switch connected to the electrical circuit for breaking the circuit.

Claim 23

The warning device of claim 17 wherein the warning indicator comprises a buzzer.

Claim 24

The warning device of claim 17 wherein the mercury switches are baffled mercury switches.