2007.33.54

"Cable Cane" folding cane

Hycor, Inc.

Six-segment folding long cane; steel cable in clear plastic tubing, locked at cast aluminum handle by lever which pivots into handle; handle secures to top of cane with hex key; aluminum segments are enameled in acrylic white epoxy, bottom segment is enameled red; bottom of each segment flares to fit over conical shape of the segment below; straight handle, enameled black, pewter colored braised wrist loop with a sliding black plastic tube to hold cane when folded; red nylon standard pencil tip with screw eye to secure bottom end of the cable assembly; label, "HYCOR/Woburn, Mass. 01801 U.S.A./Pat No. 3,669,133.

H-47.5 W-1 D-1 inches

ca. 1973

Hycor, Inc.

Woburn, MA

The MIT Center for Sensory Aids Evaluation and Development was founded in 1964 and blinded veteran John Dupress became its director. One of the student designs for folding long canes resulted in the "Cable Cane." Patent #3669133, issued in 1972. Available in 1973 AFB catalog for 11.95. Made by Hycor, Inc., North Woburn Industrial Park, Woburn, MA. 01801. The tension handle was supposed to provide "exceptional durability and rigidity." Available in lengths from 34-54" in 2" increments.

Gift of Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired