DESC RI PTI O N

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1 ] The present invention generally relates to devices and apparatuses for supporting an individual. More particularly, the present invention resides in a portable monopod support and stabilizing device for standing individuals. [Para 2] There are many occupations and instances where individuals must stand erect for prolonged periods of time. Musicians, for example, be they singers, conductors or instrumentalists, must sometimes stand for very long periods, hours even, during some performances. Sales and checkout clerks at department stores, grocery stores and the like must also stand erect for many hours at a time during their shift. There are many other occupations and activities which require an individual to stand in a relatively confined area or even in the same location for many minutes or hours. There are other instances which are not occupation related which also require standing for long periods of time. For instance, homemakers or individuals standing in line, such as at an amusement park or waiting for tickets.

[Para 3] Fatigue, discomfort, pain and even injury can result from standing erect for prolonged periods of time. People have even been known to faint, including choir members, during very long performances. Also, proper posture can be extremely important to performing music at one's best. Of course, the fatigue, discomfort and pain associated with standing erect for prolonged periods of time hinders such posture. Furthermore, many individuals with injuries, arthritis or other conditions simply cannot stand erect for prolonged periods.

[Para 4] Of course, chairs, stools, benches and the like are well known for enabling one to sit and relieve the fatigue, pain and discomfort to the back, legs, knees, feet, etc., at least temporarily. However, in many of the situations in which an individual must stand erect for prolonged periods of time, such chairs, stools, benches, etc. simply are not practical. For example, a choir standing on stadiu m-style bleachers does not have sufficient room for chairs, stools or the like. Moreover, such chairs, stools and the like cannot be used while the individual is standing and performing.

[Para 5] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for an apparatus which is portable and small and can support and stabilize an individual who must stand erect for prolonged periods of time. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[Para 6] The present invention resides in a device which is portable and small and can support and stabilize an individual who must stand erect for prolonged periods of time. The support device is configured as a monopod in order to facilitate its use in areas lacking space, as well as to make the device easy to transport and store. Moreover, the device of the present invention is configured so as to support an individual while he or she is standing erect, and not in a seated position, which is desirable in many circumstances.

[Para 7] Generally, the device comprises a single elongated shaft having a support attached to a top end thereof and a tip attached to the bottom end thereof for engaging a support surface. The support is configu red to be at least partially disposed below a pelvis and extend between the legs of the human supported by the device. When in use, the device is either placed in front of or behind the user such that the shaft extends either in front of or behind the individual supported by the device with the support disposed below the pelvis and between the legs of the individual.

[Para 8] A single elongated non-linear shaft extends between the support and the tip. In one embodiment, the shaft is generally curved along a length thereof. In another embodiment, the shaft includes a bend formed therein. The bend of the shaft defines an upper portion of the shaft and an adjacent lower portion of the shaft angularly offset from one another. Typically, the shaft includes a bend therein adjacent to the bottom end of the shaft so as to define the upper and lower portions of the shaft, the upper portion of the shaft being of greater length than the lower portion of the shaft.

[Para 9] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the shaft is selectively adjustable in length. The shaft may comprise a pull slidably received within a tu be. A locking mechanism is used to lock the length of the shaft. Such a locking mechanism may comprise a series of generally aligned apertures formed in the tube, and a pin associated with the pu ll and biased so as to extend through an aligned aperture of the tube to lock the tu be and pull with respect to one another.

[Para 1 0] Preferably, the tip is configured to grippingly engage the su pport surface, such as a floor or ground surface. As such, the tip may comprise an elastomeric material. Typically the bottom surface of the tip has a larger diameter than the shaft. The tip may include channels formed on the bottom surface thereof, or a plurality of projections extending therefrom for grippingly engaging the surface.

[Para 1 1 ] In one embodiment, a projection extends generally transverse to the shaft intermediate the ends thereof. The projection is configured to facilitate transport or storage of the device.

[Para 1 2] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[Para 1 3] FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic view of a human being supported and stabilized in a standing erect position by the support device of the present invention;

[Para 1 4] FIGURE 2 is a side and top perspective view of the su pport device embodying the present invention; [Para 1 5] FIGURE 3 is a bottom and side perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 ;

[Para 1 6] FIGURE 4 is a side elevational view, illustrating a pivoting support and adjustable shaft of the device, in accordance with the present invention;

[Para 1 7] FIGURE 5 is an exploded perspective view of the device of the present invention;

[Para 1 8] FIGURE 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the device of the present invention in use and extending behind a user thereof;

[Para 1 9] FIGURE 7 is a diagrammatic view similar to FIG. 6, but illustrating the device of the present invention positioned in front of the user;

[Para 20] FIGURE 8 is a side perspective view of another device embodying the present invention;

[Para 21 ] FIGURE 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a tip of the device of the present invention;

[Para 22] FIGURE 1 0 is an enlarged and perspective view of another tip used in accordance with the present invention; and

[Para 23] FIGURE 1 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the device having a projection thereof placed on a hook for storage purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Para 24] As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of

illustration, the present invention resides in a portable support device 1 00 for supporting and stabilizing standing humans. With reference now to FIG. 1 , a device 1 00 embodying the present invention is illustrated in use supporting an individual 2 while that individual is standing substantially erect. As will be more fully described herein, the support device 1 00 is in the form of a

monopod and enables the user thereof to be at least partially supported and stabilized while standing substantially erect on the user's two feet. As a partial support for the standing individual, the individual is stabilized by the device 1 00 such that the individual is free to use both hands and arms as needed. In essence, the device 1 00 of the present invention serves as a third leg to create a functioning tri-pod in combination with the individual's own two legs 4 and 6.

[Para 25] With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the support device 1 00 is generally comprised of an elongated shaft 1 02 having a support 1 04 attached to an upper end thereof and a tip 1 06 attached to a lower end thereof.

[Para 26] The shaft 1 02 is comprised of a substantially strong and durable material so as to support at least a portion of a human's weight. In one embodiment, the shaft 1 02 includes a bend 1 08 so as to define an upper shaft portion 1 1 0 and a lower shaft portion 1 1 2 angularly offset from one another. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bend 1 08 is formed in the shaft 1 02 near the lower end thereof such that the upper shaft 1 1 0 is of a much greater length than the lower shaft portion 1 1 2. In fact, it is preferred that the lower shaft portion 1 1 2 be of a length of only inches, whereas the upper portion of the shaft 1 1 0 is at least a foot or two in length so as to accommodate an average sized adult human. The angular offset between the upper and lower portions of the shaft 1 1 0 and 1 1 2 enable the device 1 00 to support and stabilize the individual 2 on various support surfaces to a much greater extent than if the shaft portions 1 1 0 and 1 1 2 were not angularly offset from one another, and the bend 1 08 not present in the shaft 1 02.

[Para 27] With reference to FIGS. 2-5, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the shaft 1 02 is selectively adjustable in length. In the illustrated embodiment, a pole 1 1 4 is slidably insertable into a hollow tube 1 1 6 and extended therefrom and inserted therein in order to adjust the overall length of the shaft 1 02, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[Para 28] A locking mechanism is used to selectively lock the length of the shaft 1 02. This allows the device 1 00 to be adjusted in length to accommodate users of different height. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, the tube 1 1 6 has a plurality of aligned apertures 1 1 8 formed therein. The pole 1 1 4 has a pin 1 20 which is biased outwardly, such as by using a spring or other resilient member as is known in the art, such that the pin or button 1 20 extends through an aligned aperture 1 1 8, so as to lock the pole 1 1 4 with respect to the tube 1 1 6 and affix the length of the shaft 1 02. The button or pin 1 20 can be depressed inwardly and the pole 1 1 4 moved inward or outward the tube 1 1 6 so as to adjust the overall length of the shaft 1 02 until it is again locked into place in one of the apertures 1 1 8 of the tube 1 1 6. The vertical directional arrow in FIG. 4 illustrates the adjustable nature of the shaft 1 02. It will be appreciated that although the pin 1 20 and series of apertures 1 1 8 locking mechanism has been illustrated, other locking mechanisms, such as a clamp or the like, could be used instead. In addition to accommodating users of different height, the telescopic nature of the shaft 1 02 enables the device 1 0 to be moved into a relatively small and compact length for easy transportation and storage of the device 1 00.

[Para 29] With continuing reference to FIGS. 2-5, an exemplary support 1 04 is shown. The support 1 04 is not to be sat on in the traditional sense, in that the individual does not place his or her buttocks on the support 1 04 and sit thereon. Instead, as shown in FIGS. 1 , 6 and 7, the support 1 04 is configured to be placed in the individual's crotch, so as to be disposed and extend between the user's legs 4 and 6 with the user's pelvis 8 resting thereon. The user 2 straddles the support 1 04 between his or her legs 4 and 6, wherein the user's pelvis 8 rests on the support 1 04 so as to support the upper body of the user 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Thus, the support 1 04 must be of a sufficiently narrow width so as to comfortably fit between the user's legs 4 and 6, while still providing a sufficient area so as to support the user's pelvic region 8 thereon. By way of example, a typical support 1 04 would be at least two inches in width but less than eight inches. The length of the support 1 04 must be sufficient so as to extend between the user's legs 4 and 6 while enabling the user to slightly lean backwards, as illustrated in FIG. 6, or forward, as illustrated in FIG. 7, onto the support 1 04. Preferably, the support 1 04 is cushioned to provide comfort to the user.

[Para 30] With particular reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the support 1 04 is attached to the upper end 1 22 of the shaft 1 02 such as by insertion of a bolt 1 24 through an aperture 1 26 so as to secure the support 1 04 onto the shaft 1 02. Other attachment means are contemplated by the present invention, such as clamps or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the support 1 04 may be positioned pivotally and rotated to suit the comfort and needs of the user.

[Para 31 ] With reference now to FIGS. 6 and 7, diagrammatic views for purposes of illustration are shown with the user 2 at least partially supported and stabilized by the device 1 00. FIG. 6 illustrates the device 1 00 with the shaft extending behind the user 2, and the user 2 slightly leaning backwards onto the support 1 04, whereas FIG. 7 illustrates the device 1 00 positioned in front of the user with the shaft extending downwardly from the user to the support surface 1 0 with the user leaning slightly forward. The same device 1 00 can be used in either direction, with the positioning of the device 1 00 being either a preference of the user 2 or a preferred position depending upon the activity in which the user 2 is engaged.

[Para 32] It will be appreciated that the device 1 00, in order to be used properly, will not be perfectly vertical with respect to the ground surface 1 0. Instead, typically the lower portion 1 1 2 of the shaft 1 02 is substantially vertical with respect to the support surface 1 0, while the upper portion 1 1 0 of the shaft 1 02 is angled towards the user. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 by the dashed vertical line, there is an angle a, which the upper portion of the shaft 1 1 0 extends away from vertical. This is typically between five degrees and forty degrees from vertical. A more typical range is between fifteen degrees and thirty-five degrees from vertical. It will also be seen that there is an angle between the supporting surface 1 0 and the upper portion 1 1 0 of the shaft 1 02 which forms an angle ( 2. This angle on forms an imaginary plane at approximately the bend 1 08 which may be substantially parallel to the support 1 04, as illustrated by the dashed lines. Notwithstanding this, the upper body of the user 2 is typically in more of an upright position. The support 1 04 can be pivoted to a position where it is substantially parallel with the floor or other support surface 1 0 which further enables the individual's upper body to be more in an upright position. Although, the upper body of the user 2 may be slightly angled backwards when positioned according to FIG. 6, or leaning slightly forward when positioned according to FIG. 7. The angular offset between the upper and lower portions 1 1 0 and 1 1 2 of the shaft 1 02 facilitates the user 2 being positioned substantially erect standing on his or her legs 4 and 6 while being at least partially supported by the device 1 00. In conjunction with the user's legs 4 and 6, the monopod device 1 00 essentially cooperatively forms a tripod arrangement and stable base with the user's legs 4 and 6. The gripping action between the tip 1 06 and the supporting surface 1 0 is

significantly enhanced by the curve or angle providing contact of the tip nearer to the user than the projected end of the line of force along which the user's body weight is transferred to the supporting surface 1 0. The resulting torque forces the tip 1 06 into maximum contact; the resulting friction causing the gripping of the device to the supporting surface.

[Para 33] It will be appreciated that other configurations of the shaft are possible and yet achieve the objectives of the present invention. More particularly, the shaft of the device of the present invention is non-linear such that the configuration of the shaft and the force applied thereto enhances the gripping engagement of the tip 1 06 with the floor or support surface 1 0. It has been found that having a non-linear shaft provides benefits which exceed that of a straight or linear shaft or pole. As such, the shaft could include more than one bend therein, for example to create a recurved or "S-shaped" shaft.

[Para 34] With reference now to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the device 200 is shown with a non-linear shaft 202. The shaft 202 is curved along a length thereof so as to form a single curved shaft 202. A support 204, similar to that described above, is attached to an upper end of the shaft 202 and a tip 206 is attached to a bottom end thereof.

[Para 35] In a particularly preferred embodiment, as described above, the shaft 202 is comprised of a pole 21 4 slidably received within a tube 21 6 such that the overall length of the shaft 202 is adjustable. Once again, a locking mechanism is provided for locking the length of the shaft, such as the illustrated series of apertures 21 8 having a pin or button 220 extendable therethrough so as to selectively lock the pole 21 4 and tube 21 6 relative to one another.

[Para 36] The shaft 202 is of such a curvature such that an individual straddling the support 204 and supported by the device 200 exerts a downward force through the shaft 202 and to the tip 206 in such a manner that the tip 206 is firmly gripped and engaged with the underlying support surface 1 0. Moreover, similar to the angular embodiment illustrated above, the tip 206 and lower portion of the shaft 202 are generally vertical with respect to the horizontal support surface 1 0 when in use, whereas the u pper portion of the shaft 202 extends towards the user and support 204 at a non-vertical angle. In essence, the obtuse angle of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 -7 is replaced with an arcing shaft so that the same angle is accomplished gradually over the entire length of the shaft 202. The arcing shaft 202 may also include an increased, but still slight angle, near the tip 206, as deemed necessary to maximize torque and engagement with the supporting surface 1 0.

[Para 37] It has been found that the non-linear configuration of the shaft 1 02 or 202 enhances the gripping of the tip 1 06 or 206. The tip 1 06 or 206 is typically of a larger diameter at the base 1 28 thereof than the diameter of the shaft 1 02 or 202. The stability of the tip 1 06 or 206 is an important feature of the invention as a considerable amount of weight and force will be applied thereto. For indoor settings, the tip 1 06 or 206 is typically comprised of an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane having a desirable Shore value so as to grip the surface, which may comprise a tiled, wood, or similar slick surface.

[Para 38] With reference now to FIG. 9, a tip 1 06 or 206 is illustrated having channels 1 30 formed in the bottom surface 1 28 thereof. Such channels 1 30 have been found to facilitate the gripping of the tip 1 06 or 206 on otherwise slippery surfaces, such as tile, polished wood, and the like. Air is able to escape from the channels 1 30 as the elastomeric tip 1 06 or 206 is compressed onto the support surface. FIG. 1 0, on the other hand, illustrates a tip 1 06 or 206 having a plurality of protrusions 1 32 extending therefrom which serve to dig into and grip other supporting surfaces, such as grass, dirt, carpet or the like. Thus, it will be appreciated that the tip 1 06 or 206 can be comprised of various materials and have various configurations so as to securely grip and provide a supported base for the device 1 00 or 200 when in use.

[Para 39] Although in the preferred embodiment the tip has a generally flat bottom surface 1 28, it will be appreciated that the tip can also be beveled. This can also be used to create the desired angle between the ground surface 1 0 and the shaft. In any event, the user's body weight travels along the line of the shaft to the support surface 1 0 and acts as a clamping force that also torques the shaft forcing the tip to fully engage the supporting surface.

[Para 40] With reference now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 1 1 , the device 1 00 may include a projection 1 34 which is configured to facilitate transport or storage of the device 1 00 or 200. Such a projection 1 34 can comprise a handle grip, as illustrated. The handle grip projection 1 34 is attached to the shaft 1 02 so as to extend generally transverse thereto. The projection 1 34 can be used to hold and carry the device 1 00 or for hanging, such as on a hook 1 36 of a door, wall, or other surface for storage purposes. Of course, it will be appreciated that the projection handle 1 34 is for sake of convenience in carrying and storing the device 1 00. The projection 1 34 can have different configurations than that illustrated, so as to hang on a belt loop or pants pocket, sling or the like so as to allow the user to transport the device 1 00 without having to hold it in his or her hands.

[Para 41 ] It will be appreciated that the device of the present invention provides many advantages which are simply not currently available in other devices to individuals who must stand erect for prolonged periods of time. The device of the present invention is very small and portable. Moreover, the device of the present invention needs very little room to be used, enabling it to be used by individuals where a stool or chair simply would not be accommodated. Furthermore, the configuration and design of the present invention is

particularly suitable for musicians, singers and the like who must be in an essentially erect and standing position for posture and appearance purposes, which could not be provided by sitting on a stool, chair or the like. The device of the present invention will significantly reduce the fatigue, discomfort, pain and injury associated with standing for long periods, while still allowing the individual to perform the necessary tasks, many of which require both user's hands and arms.

[Para 42] Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.