Abstract: An improved device for assisting one in the donning of a sock, stocking, or like foot covering. The device comprises a handle member from which laterally and transversely depend a pair of sock expanding and holding members which are adapted to be placed within a sock to spread same for permitting easy entry of the foot of a user. An improved control bar extends between the wire-like handle members and permits the spacing between same to be adjustable to any of a plurality of distances, correspondingly varying the distance between the sock engaging members. An auxiliary holding member may be provided for facilitating use of the device by an amputee.

Abstract: A clutch and safety overload for portable, power driven, hand tools is described. The clutch comprises a fixed half and a movable half which are urged into contact with each other more firmly as the load requirements increase. The load torque is fed back to the movable clutch half by a gear driven by the output spindle and which meshes with helical gearing carried by a jackshaft on which the movable clutch half is mounted. In one embodiment the overload safety is part of the clutch itself and involves a rotation of the movable clutch half in response to an overload condition, and against a spring force, which causes it to be displaced axially with respect to the jackshaft and out of engagement with the fixed clutch half. In a second embodiment, the overload safety comprises a mechanical linkage which disengages the clutch halves when the output stroke of the driven tool exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: This invention relates to elbow crutches and provides a crutch to enable a patient with leg disability to raise himself from a sitting position to a standing position. Basically the invention consists in an elbow crutch, the length of which is adjustable under the control of a manually operable lever. In particular, the crutch comprises two telescopically arranged tubular members and a spring urging one tubular member outwardly with respect to the other. A rack and pawl are provided to prevent relative movement between the two members, and the pawl is controlled by the manually operable lever. Normally a patient will use a pair of crutches in accordance with the invention, and will initially operate the lever of each crutch to reduce the length of the crutch to the minimum by pressing the crutch on the floor. He can then raise himself by supporting his weight on the two crutches alternately and operating the control lever of the crutch which is not supporting his weight to allow that crutch to extend.