US1542894A - Combination cane or the like and signal - Google Patents

Description

June 23, 1925.

P. P. LANGNER COMBINATION CANE OR THE LIKE AND SIGNAL Filed Oct. 2, 1924 27221022502" P/lt/L P LANG/V5? I ple and Patented June 23, 1925.

UNITED STATES,

PAUL P. LANGNER, or MINNEAPOIJS, MINNESOTA. 1

COMBINATION CANE on rrnn LIKE AND SIGNAL.-

Application filed October 2, 1924'. Serial No. 741,121.

To all whom it may concern: 1

Be it known that I, PAUL P. LANGNER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Minneapolis, in the county of Hennepin and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Combination Canes or the like and Signals, of which the following is a specification. I

This invention relates to devices used in guiding and aiding physically afflicted peothe main object is to provide an improved construction of cane andmeans in connection therewith serving as a stop signal, whereby a blind or crippled person may signal motorists and others so as to give him the right of way when crossing a street or street intersection. Further and more specific objects will be course of the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, in which:

The single figure shows an elevation of a cane or staff embodying my invention.

Although a cane, as the term is commonly used, is shown in the drawing and described throughout the specification and claims, it will beunderstood that any similar device such as a staff, walking stick, crutch, umbrella, or the like,may be'used in the same manner and for the same purposes, and to that extent the term cane will be understood as a broad term to include and em brace any of such devices.

The cane I have illustrated consists of a rigid rod A, having a curved handle B at its upper end. At its lower end the cane is provided with a rigid member C in which is mounted a roller D, the forked portion'of the member being offset, as at E, in the same plane with the handle B, so that when the cane is held. in its normally inclined position, as shown, the roller will properly en-. gage the floor or sidewalk on which the afflicted person is walking.

Secured upon, and near the-lower end of the cane rod A, by suitable means snch as collars F, a sign G. This sign is preferably red so as to be clearly distinguishable as a signal or' semaphore, and

disclosed in the printed suitable words such .as Cripple, Disabled or Stop, properly warn drivers of vehicles to be care-, ful and give the rightof way to the person holdi'ngthe cane. The sign'may be provided with suitable lighting or illuminating lights (notshown) so that it will be equally efleotiv'e at night. I

If the word Blind, for instance, is arranged longitudinally of the sign plate, it may be raised to a horizontal or correct reading position as the erson crosses the street. This sign is pre erably on the opposite side from the handle, so that the holderof the cane, if blind, will know that the sign is in a vertical plane position when he grasps the handle in its normal or rearward position, as shown.

When walking on a floor or sidewalk where there is no particular danger of vehicular trafiic, the blind person may keep the roller in constant engagement with the ground, and will not have to pick or feel his way as with an ordinary cane, and in this manner will be kept informed ofzthe surface condition he is treading or advancing upon. 5

It 1s understood that various modifications on it is written or Blmd,

so as'to may be made in the general design and structural details of the device as herein dis closed, provided, however,that such modifications come within the spirit and scope of the appended claims."

Having now therefore disclosed my invention what I claim is: y 1. A1 cane, having a handle at its upper end, a sign plate secured near the lower end of the cane, said sign plateand handle p'rojecting from the cane in a common plane.

2. A cane, having a handle at its upper' end, asign secured near thelower end of the cane, said sign and handle projecting from the cane in a common plane but at opposite sides of the cane. f {In testimony whereof I aflix my signaure. 1

PAUL P. LANGNER.

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