Abstract: A novel mobility enhancement device such as a crutch instructed in one piece from tubular metal, such as titanium, suitably bent to form a forearm and hand support assembly by which the weight of the user is applied directly down onto a vertical shaft. A pair of these novel crutches formed in right hand and left hand fashion enable a person with severely limited use of both legs to be independently mobile and confident of the strength and stability of the crutches.

Abstract: Unlike the prior art crutch that in essence extends the shoulder to the ground to bear the weight of the injured person when walking, the novel walking device of the invention includes an upright staff that extends the pelvis to the ground on the side of an injury. Upper and lower receiving members for receiving and securing to the thigh and calf of an injured leg are attached to the staff and securing means secure the thigh and calf to said receiving means. The injured limb bears the load in compression rather than in shear.

Abstract: A crutch member includes spaced first and second legs joined at a lower distal end to a central support leg. A medial handle is positioned orthogonally between the first and second legs, with a swivel ring pivotally mounted orthogonally between the upper distal ends of the first and second legs.

Abstract: A mobility assisting device which includes a vertical support structure and a substantially planar base structure mounted to the vertical support structure so as to be articulatable relative thereto. Thus, the base remains parallel to the ground as the user rests upon the device and moves relative to the ground. Such a structure maximizes the stability of the device and minimizes the likelihood of slippage due to uneven, moist, icy or otherwise torturous terrain. The patient supporting structure is mounted to the vertical support structure so as to be pivotal relative thereto so as to avoid the translation of pressure points under the patient's arms and rubbing between the upper end of the crutch and the underarm. Further, the vertical support structure and the base structure are preferably spring mounted to one another so as to be urged into perpendicular relation.

Abstract: Clamping device attachable to the side of a crutch for carrying thin, flat, non-rigid articles or a 12 oz. beverage can, having a preload to firmly hold articles in place. The device is attachable to a variety of crutch frame cross-sections and widths by a single bracket at the top of the device connected to the crutch handgrip bolt by a wingnut. At least one adjustable strap prevents the lower end of the device from pivoting away from and banging against the crutch frame. One embodiment comprises an L-shaped member and a spring-biased hinged member connected to and preloaded against the L-shaped member for clamping articles therebetween. In another embodiment a molded plastic J-shaped member has a thinned portion at the base of the short leg of the J to provide resiliency. A spacer between the outer end of the resilient short leg and the clamp surface of the rigid long leg provides a preload force between them.

Abstract: The present invention is a walking assist device which comprises a shaft having a hand grip at one end and having an end piece at the other. A retractable member is positioned within the end piece and has a point at one end. The retractable member may be positioned in a first position such that the point protrudes from the end piece. The retractable member has a second position in which the point is retracted within the end piece. In an alternate embodiment, a locking mechanism is connected between the shaft and the retractable member to provide an alternately locked position in either the retracted or protruding position of the point.

Abstract: The assembly comprises at least one back support crutch that provide support while the user is in the seated position. Each of the crutches has a body support brace and an arm support support brace. Each crutch has a width adjustment mechanism and a height adjustment mechanism. These adjustments permit the user to take the weight off the spine and buttocks and, at the same time, allow the assembly to be used by all sizes of individuals. The body support brace and arm support brace have swivel hinges that allow the user to comfortably position the assembly for optimum comfort. Handle grips are provided and are adjustable to permit the user to place his or her hands in the most comfortable position, while maintaining their elbows in a relatively constant support location.

Abstract: A cane assembly, which is easily convertible between a single-tipped cane and a multitipped cane by operation of a single screw or nut, also includes an adjustable height shaft and enlarged pads on the arms of the multitipped cane to provide greater stability and load distribution to the cane assembly.

Abstract: A walking aid is provided with an ice-gripper foot attachable to either the shaft of a walking aid or to an existing foot on a walking aid. The ice gripper is a toothed tubular member. One embodiment is a walking cane with the tubular ice-gripper member attached in back-to-back and end-to-end relationship to a separate walking cane for convenient use of either end of the walking cane.

Abstract: The invention comprises a crutch and carrier assembly including a crutch having a top and a bottom portion and a pair of parallel side rails between the top and the bottom portion, with the side rails being spaced apart at a predetermined distance, and a carrier assembly including an elastic annulus having a inner circumference in its unstretched state, with the inner circumference being less than twice the distance around the side rails. The annulus is positioned to grippingly encircle the side rails. In one embodiment the crutch and carrier assembly further comprises a plurality of elastic annuli, each grippingly encircling the side rails.

Abstract: A temporary pylon that does not require the use of crutches. A wearer's knee and thigh are secured between two frame supports. Tubing extends below the support frame to allow the wearer to stand. A waist belt pivotably attached to the outer frame member secures the device to the wearer's body.

Abstract: A crutch includes a monolithic frame and has at least two different arm-engaging pieces associated therewith. The arm-engaging pieces are releasably attached to the frame by a locking mechanism and one of the pieces is a D-shaped forearm-engaging element and another of the pieces is a U-shaped armpit-engaging element. The arm-engaging pieces include pads in one form of the invention.

Abstract: An attachment for existing crutches includes a foldable mechanism having a knee supporting platform and which is shiftable from a horizontal use position, on the inside of a crutch, to a vertical stowed position. Provision is included for vertical adjustment of the platform whereby a user may easily select either mode of the device when transitioning from a walking to a standing, at-rest position. Alternate knee supporting platform structure is proposed, to accommodate the desires of the user.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for coupling the component parts of a foldable device is provide. The hinge apparatus comprises a moveable sleeve adapted to tightly fit a guide and stop bushing operably connected with the support components of the foldable device. With the foldable device is in the use extended position, the moveable sleeve may surround and provide support to a hinge link. The hinge link is adapted to permit folding of the foldable device when the moveable sleeve is not surrounding the hinge link. A folding crutch comprising the hinge apparatus is provided. The folding crutch, comprising the hinge apparatus, provides the crutch user with safe, firm and sure support.

Abstract: An improved height-adjustable crutch is provided in which the central carrier member, in which is telescopingly received an extensible leg member, is provided with laterally extending ribbed members, defining exterior concave surface, which matingly received therein the cylindrical portions of the diametrically-opposed tubes defining the lower extremity of the crutch proper. Each tube is coupled to a respective one of the ribbed members via a rivet, each rivet being independent of the other, so as to not to obstruct the interior, hollow passageway formed by the central carrier member, to allow for the sliding movement of the leg member in the central carrier member.

Abstract: An upwardly opening and downwardly tapering bag-type container is provided and receivable within the crotch area of a conventional Y-type crutch above the lower leg thereof and below the transverse handle of the crutch. Opposite side portions of the open upper end of the bag include tie straps for securement about opposite ends of the handle and the lower closed end of the bag includes tie straps for encircling the downwardly convergent lower portions of the side rails of the crutch immediately above the center depending leg thereof. The open upper end of the bag includes thistle-type fastener structure operatively associated therewith for releasably closing the open upper end of the bag.

Abstract: An improved axillary crutch is disclosed. The crutch has two inter-connected hollow-tube frame members. The bottom frame member is radially shaped at the end which comes in contact with the floor, the radial design of the bottom frame member being derived from the natural arching motion of the crutch. A radial crutch tip is fitted over the radial end of the bottom frame member. The bottom frame member telescopes into the top frame member. A bolt within the handle of the crutch passes through apertures in each frame member and is secured by a wing nut. The height of the crutch is changed by removing the bolt, telescoping the bottom frame member into or out of the top frame member and resecuring the bolt at the desired location. The handle can also be moved relative to the crutch by removing the bolt, changing the position of the handle, and securing the handle at the desired location by reinserting the bolt. Adjusting the crutch height and the handle height both can be accomplished in one step.

Abstract: A crutch cast support or crutch leg support is provided by a loop of flexible material attached to a crutch at a location of the crutch that is closer to a shoulder support of the crutch than to a hand hold of the crutch, the loop of flexible material hanging loosely from a mounting mechanism that mounts the loop to the crutch. Preferably, the mounting mechanism provides three degrees of freedom where the loop is mounted to the crutch to enhance swinging motion of the loop in a walking direction with respect to the crutch, in a direction transverse to the walking direction, and in rotation about an axis disposed in a longitudinal direction of the crutch. The loop of flexible material is provided by a strap, the length of which is adjustable, so that a leg of a user may be supported at a wide variety of places including the area of the knee, a location closer to the ankle than to the knee, and from below the foot.

Abstract: This invention is a multi-purpose stick which can be used as a walking stick, a leg support, an arm lifter, a leg and arm support, and the like. This is all accomplished through the provision of a stick which has a plurality of bends formed therein to make it suitable for multiple uses.

Abstract: A convertible crutch is disclosed having a generally L-shaped upper support section to a generally S-shaped central support section connected, in turn, to a substantially straight lower support portion. The connection mechanism between the upper support section and the central support section can be utilized to connect the upper support section to the lower support section and convert the crutch to a cane when the central support section is removed.

Abstract: A crutch is provided which is specifically designed for use by people who are overweight, or have scoliosis (a curvature of the spine condition), there being an S-curve defined in the upper portion of the crutch so that the crutch will comfortably fit into the underarm and yet bend out and continue downward spaced further out laterally from the body so that the hip of an overweight person or a person with scoliosis is detoured by the crutch. The crutch is made hinged and collapsible so that it is easier to store and transport to offset the slightly more cumbersome shape of the crutch because of the incorporation of the S-curve. The crutch also features three point adjustability so that the overall length of the crutch, and its length between the S-curve and underarm support, and between the handgrip and the ground and the handgrip and the underarm are independently adjustable.

Abstract: A hinge element consists of a tube connector attached to the end of a tube, the end of the tube connector having a notched head portion. Pivotably attached to the notched head of the connector is a bracket element having a spherically shaped, notched end which engages the ends of a spring and a limiting wire. The limiting wire and spring are attached at their other ends to a cross bar and a second tube in which the hinge element and the first tube may slide coaxially. A hand grip is also disclosed which consists of a central grip portion with two cylindrical parallel holes having slits on the outside thereof. At the outer edges of the slits are ribs which, when the outer portions of the grip are tightened, focus the compressive forces generated by the tightening toward the tube portions, thereby creating a strong frictional hold. The hinge and grip configurations are found in a bitubular orthopedic crutch having three sections.

Abstract: The crutch comprises adjustable elements (1, 7, 10, 12) applied to each of the two crutches and operated, during walking, by the corresponding hand. The adjustable elements applied to each crutch comprise a lever (1) pressed by hand (14) and fulcrumed (2) on a support (3) fastened along sleeve (4) of the crutch; a rod (5) controlling piston (6) of hydraulic damper (7), whose fluid (8) is made to pass through an opening of adjustable size to vary the pressure, being connected to the rod.

Abstract: A reducible walking aid is disclosed that incorporates three bitubular sections in slidable engagement with one another in the preferred embodiment. The first and third sections are connected via a pair of elastic cables attached to slidable, bidirectional hinge elements anchored to the near ends of the first and third sections, with the cables running through the tubular sections of the second section. To reduce the size of the walking aid, one pulls in opposite directions on the first and second bitubular sections. Once the hinges are generally clear of the second section, the first section is folded over the second section in one direction. The third section is folded in the opposite direction in a similar fashion to accomplish the complete folding of the crutch.

Abstract: A crutch of tubular construction has two crutch bows with straight parallel lower ends, between which is a leg carrier tube held by an upper fastener and lower rivets, and a crutch leg telescoped in the carrier tube. Weak points are avoided by gradually flattening the bows from a cylindrical cross section at the upper fastener through intermediate partially flattened bow portions to fully flattened bow ends at the lower rivets.

Abstract: A height adjustable crutch comprised of a one piece member which can serve as the combination of the bow and the carrier without any bolt and pins used in conventional types for securing them, so the structure of the height adjustable crutch is simpler and stronger than the conventional types that we can find today.

Abstract: A crutch of the bifurcated type having a handgrip which is angularly offset relative to the armrest to accommodate the natural positioning of the hand and wrist. One or both support struts carrying the handgrips may be bent outwardly to carry the handgrip at a selected angle or brackets attachable to a conventional crutch may be used for the same purpose.

Abstract: An article carrying receptacle attachable to an item of invalid support equipment such as a wheelchair, crutch or walker. The invalid support equipment mounts a bracket at a position away from the usual working surfaces of the item. A basket has a hook mounted thereon which is operable to overlap and releasably engage the bracket to support the basket at the convenience of the user.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a crutch enables bulky objects or numerous items to be carried with little difficulty. The device includes an elongate, cylindrical tube having stoppers at each end within which a keyholder and an object carrier such as a net or a rope can be carried. The tube is attached to a crutch, preferably a single-shaft aluminum crutch, by means of a clamp. The clamp avoids the need for modification of the crutch and enables the device to be attached to crutches of any cross-sectional configuration. The device also includes a flexible casing which may be fitted in place about the crutch and the tube. The casing is equipped with various pockets for receiving items such as address books, checkbooks, and the like.

Abstract: A shrink wrapped plastic package for shipping crutches. The package includes a pair of crutches disposed in face-to-face relation with each crutch including a pair of side members connected at their central portions by a hand grip and connected at the upper ends by an arm member. The side members, hand grip and arm member define an opening in the crutch. A relatively stiff tray is disposed within the aligned openings of the crutches and the rubber accessories for the crutches, such as the hand pieces, arm pieces, and crutch tips, are disposed in the tray. A plastic shrink wrapped covering surrounds the crutches and encloses the tray and accessories.

Abstract: An accessory pouch mounting upon a crutch, having a central cavity for the portage of small articles, and having attached exterior pockets to carry additional items separately, and having attached exterior loops to which larger bundles may be tied for portage. A snugly fitting fabric envelope surrounds the side members of a common Y-type crutch and a fabric bottom in the fabric envelope closes the lower portion of the accessory pouch thus formed with a trouser-like fit against the side members of a common Y-type crutch. A pair of binding posts pass through holes in the upper portion of the fabric envelope, and locate in the standard handle adjustment holes provided in the side members of a common Y-type crutch, thereby securing the accessory pouch against relative movement or slippage upon the Y-type crutch.

Abstract: There is disclosed a lower leg or foot support crutch having a cushion support for engaging the leg below the knee and for transmitting the forces applied through the cushion directly downward to a ground engaging leg. In one embodiment there is shown a dual ground support arrangement having level seeking ability for the leg supports.

Abstract: A mechanized crutch having vertically adjustable leg rest and body bracket, a wide tread wheel, a drive belt, gearing and a drive wheel are mounted on an elongated leg means. The leg rest and body bracket provide body support. The drive belt, gearing and drive wheel are arranged on the elongated leg means to transmit locomotive power from the drive wheel to the wide tread wheel mounted on the bottom of the elongated leg means. The drive wheel, which may be manual or battery powered, is located within reach of the user's hand on the side of his injured leg. Stabilization is provided by front and rear outrigger tubing having small wheels which roll on the walking surface.

Abstract: A folding connector mechanism is housed within a single stile which is divided into major and minor parts. The major part constitutes the lower section of the crutch and the minor part is a portion of the upper section of the crutch. When the crutch is in its use position the weight of the user is transmitted by the folding connector mechanism directly from the lower end of the minor part of such stile to the upper end of the major part of such stile and is not carried by any cross pins or the like. The folding connector mechanism includes a lock button for locking the two sections of the crutch together when the crutch is in its use position. The lock button is positioned closely adjacent the handle of the crutch so that the user can grasp the handle with the thumb of such hand on the lock button while grasping the lower section of the crutch with his other hand. He then depresses the button while pulling the two sections of the crutch apart.

Abstract: A crutch assembly including a cross-member adapted to be strapped to a user, and a pair of spaced crutch members attached to the cross-member in such a way as to be free to pivot through a solid angle with respect to the cross-member.

Abstract: A pair of crutches of walker type, each crutch being foldable by being made of sections that snap lock together, a lowest section being hollow to carry tools and other items therewithin, a middle section carrying a folding shelf for holding packages and a top section including a hollow handle for carrying keys and coins while a suspended bag under the handle carries other items, the crutch lower end including interchangable discs to suit different walking surfaces such as grass, concrete and the like.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for use as a "walker" for the aged or infirm. The orthopedic device having a tripod frame mounted on a U-shaped base element. Attached to the tripod frame are adjustable crutch-like shoulder support members and hand grips together with an adjustable seat for custom fitting the "walker" to the person. The seat is capable of moving downward and away from the user to permit the user to easily step in and out of the "walker".

Abstract: A foldable crutch having an upper portion and a lower portion of substantially equal lengths, connecting means adapted for pivotally connecting the adjacent ends of the upper and lower portions, and a locking mechanism adapted to hold the upper and lower portions in the linearly stretched state against the pivotal movement.

Abstract: A crutch carry-all attachment for holding letters, papers, cigarettes, pocket radios, pencils and the like, of unitary preferably all plastic construction having outwardly opening grooves which engage the side rails of a crutch to removably secure the attachment in place.

Abstract: An upright is provided including upper and lower ends and the lower end of the upright includes a foot for frictionally gripping an upwardly facing support surface. The upper end of the upright defines a pair of horizontally spaced apart opposite side portions between which a horizontal upwardly opening cradle is supported for angular adjustment about an axis extending transversely of the cradle and between the opposite side portions. One of the opposite side portions includes a cane handle supported therefrom for angular displacement about its longitudinal axis and projecting above the cradle and one end of the cradle includes an outwardly convex end wall while the other end of the cradle is open and includes an endwise outwardly projecting support arm from whose outer end a second upwardly opening cradle is supported.

Abstract: A protective and/or decorative cover for a walking aid which has a plurality of interconnected members, including at least one support member and one or more leg members, said cover being of flexible material and including one or more non-split primary tube portions with open ends to slidably enclose one or more of said leg members, and one or more elongate secondary tube portions which are split longitudinally for wrap-around enclosing engagement with other leg or support members. Each split tube portion has opposed edge surfaces which are provided with releasable, interengaging fastening means to hold each split tube portion about its related support or leg member in a neat and close engagement.

Abstract: A device to assist ambulation. The device includes an arcuate edge whose center of curvature is located substantially at a point of load transfer from the body to the frame of the device. That point moves in the ambulation direction as a consequence of rolling contact of the arcuate edge with the ground. The arc is not necessarily a circular arc. In one embodiment, the load transfer point is at the knee, and the device can increase the stride of a normal leg or can act as a prosthetic substitution for a missing lower part of a leg. In another embodiment, the load transfer point can be at the armpit, and the device becomes a support in the nature of a crutch that renders crippled ambulation surprisingly smooth and stable. In fact, the device is so stable that the user can at least partially be sling-supported by it. In another embodiment, the load transfer point is at the hand, and the device can be used as a cane.