US Patent 7159830 Grip tip

A spiral-wound tip is presented for use on a walking assistance device, a robotic arm or digit, or other device needing a slip-resistant point of contact with its environment. The tip is constructed by winding a sheet of rubber or other elastic material into a spiral plug. The plug can be mounted within a hole at the extremity of a device. Alternatively, the sheet can be wrapped around the exterior of the extremity. The lamina of the spiral-wound plug separate upon impact with an object, increasing the gripping power of the tip.