Abstract: A detachable control handle for an extended grip system is provided for attachment with an interface of a portable grip device including a pair of spaced apart connector tabs extending from a rigid frame of the portable grip device and forming a pair of parallel captivation channels. The control handle can include an elongate grip handle and a pair of opposed support arms attached to the grip handle and extending away at angles from each other. The support arms can be more flexible in a perpendicular direction of the portable grip device. A crossarm can extend between the pair of support arms proximate a second end portion for establishing a preset inboard spacing maintaining the pins and support arms in an after-attached arrangement that can interfere with connecting and disconnecting. A method includes a user flexing the engagement members and pins for guiding the attachment.

Abstract: A recreational power and stabilizing apparatus according to various aspects of the present technology includes an elongated handle body, a spring member coupled to the elongated handle body, and a traction element. The spring member comprises a compound curving element having a lower power region and a high power region. The traction element is coupled to the spring member and engages the ground during use.

Abstract: A reacher attachment assembly of use with a cane. The attachment assembly attaches a reacher to a cane such that the reacher is stored out of the way of the tip of the cane so as not to interfere with the cane when the reacher is not in use, but allows the reacher to be slid into position for use so that the cane tip does not interfere with the reacher. The attachment assembly may comprise a distal mount securely attached to the cane and slidingly attached to the reacher, a spring mount securely attached to the reacher, and a spring between the distal mount and the spring mount, such that the spring retains the reacher out of the way when not needed but allows the reacher to be extended downward relative to the cane for use.

Abstract: The invention provides an operating control 28, comprising: a braking body 26 which is adjustable between a braking position, in which the braking body 26 is brought into frictional contact with a braking surface U, and a release position, in which the braking body 26 is pulled back from the braking surface U, a load input portion 22, which is set up to receive a loading force from a user, and a load trigger mechanism 42, 46 which converts a loading force acting on the load input portion 22 into an adjustment movement of the braking body 26 from the release position into the braking position.

Abstract: An ice cleat designed to fit slidably onto the finger of a retrieving tip for a cane, crutch, walking stick or the like, without use of tools to provide the walking aid user with anti-skid protection on icy or snow covered surfaces.

Abstract: An improved cane with an internal grasping apparatus including an actuator on the cane handle and a plurality of clamps that extends from the foot or base of the cane. A cord system within the casing of the cane connects the actuator to the clamps so that when the actuator is in use, the clamps close or open to either grasp or release objects, depending on the amount of pressure applied to the actuator. Applying pressure to the actuator extends a plurality of clamps from the distal end of the cane that can be used to assist with grasping of objects. Releasing pressure to the actuator on the cane handle will retract the clamps back into the distal end of the cane to where the clamps are hidden.

Abstract: Stabilizer support for crutches and/or walking sticks, comprising a cylindrical body (1) with vertical axis within which there is a seat destined to receive a portion of a crutch or walking stick (S). The stabilizer support comprises more extractable feet (5) which, in a retracted position, are vertical and are inside the said body (1) while, in the extracted position, are spread apart and are external to the said body (1) thus forming a stable base of the stabilizer support. Furthermore, the stabilizer support comprises a knob (6) through which a slide (4) is made to vertically move inside the said body (1), the said feet (5) being connected with the said slide (4).

Abstract: A combination ambulatory assistance and electrical shock defensive device includes an elongated body of adjustable length and having a hand grip at one end thereof and a foot pad at a generally opposite end thereof. A high-voltage power unit is associated with the body and actuated by a trigger mechanism. Conductive contacts extend through the foot pad and are conductively coupled to the high-voltage power unit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An Assistive Walking Device that provides added support to persons requiring a mobility aid. Three or more stiff or flexible spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures are attached to a support or frame structure that includes a handle or grip. The three or more spherical structures attached to the support structure or frame, absorb shock during the walking motion and grip the ground, thus improving walking stability. The three or more spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures can vary in size, composition, construction design, pattern arrangement and pliability characteristics, and the frame or support structure to which the spherical structures are attached is variable in design according to the specific application requirements of the person requiring the mobility aid.

Abstract: An adjustable cane includes a grasping mechanism, an actuator, an adjustable length inelastic linkage, a magnetic pickup, hanging tip and self-standing base. Pivotally mounted to the distal end of the cane, the grasping mechanism includes a pair of fingers defining a narrow valley for grasping small objects and a wide valley for grasping large objects. The adjustable length inelastic linkage transmits force from the actuator to the grasping mechanism. The magnetic pickup is mounted to the grasping mechanism to facilitate retrieval of ferrous objects. The hanging tip supports the cane from horizontal surfaces. The self-standing base allows the cane to stand upright on any flat surface.

Abstract: A remotely adjustable grip tip assembly for a walking aid, such as a crutch, cane, or walking stick that has a hollow tubular structure. The assembly includes a rod extending vertically within the hollow tubular structure, slots formed into the hollow tubular structure near its top and bottom ends, an adjustment screw or pin fitting into each slot, a spring near the bottom end of the hollow tubular structure, and a moveable gripper foot at the bottom end of the hollow tubular structure.

Abstract: Provided herewith is a walking cane device that converts into a tool for grasping items out of the normal reach of an individual. The device comprises two vertical members, pivotably connected to each other. One end of the device is a handle end and the other end is the tip end. Upon releasing a locking mechanism the handle end can be opened up, thereby opening up the tip end to provide a gripper end for grasping objects distant from the handle end. The gripper end being shaped to provide a flat gripper portion for grasping objects as well as a concave surface portion for gripping cylindrical objects. Upon closing the apparatus, the two vertical members interlock to prevent the members from separation during use as a cane. Also provided is a detachable broader base that can be secured to the tip of the device when utilized as a cane.

Abstract: The Crutch Lift is a device designed to lift and lower a patient from a seated position to a standing position unassisted, then can be used as walking crutches. When lowered down the crutches are 3 feet long, which make it easier to transport or store.

Abstract: A walking cane having an integral item retrieval means includes an elongated hollow shaft having a J-shaped handle member at an upper end. A lever is slidably positioned immediately beneath the handle member that is operably connected to a pivotal claw on the lower end of the shaft. Lifting the lever pivots the claw against the lower end of the shaft to trap an object therebetween.

Abstract: A collapsible snowboarder pole is divided into a number of segments. The segments are stored in a housing that also functions as a handle when the pole is in use. Tent pole technology enables the segments to fold out and hold shape. The pole segments mate with one another and are held in place by an elastic cord. The cord provides sufficient elasticity to allow the user to pull apart the pole segments enough to disengage them from one another when collapsing the pole.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An upper tubular member is telescoped within a lower sleeve or sheath having a cane foot at its lowermost end. The sleeve is adjustably set along the member to set the length of the cane by a detent assembly employing a pawl and aperture arrangement. An article grasping mechanism is located at the lower end of the upper tubular member and includes a pair of toothed jaws with meshing teeth. The jaws extend from the tubular member at one end, opposite a handle attached to the tubular member at the other end. A lever is attached at the handle end and is coupled to the jaws via cables and pulleys. The jaws are biased open and are closed by the cables as the handle is squeezed closed. The sleeve encloses the jaws in the closed state when not in use. When the sleeve is removed from juxtaposition over the jaws, the jaws are biased open by torsion springs. The handle and lever are then used to close the open jaws over an article to be grasped.

Abstract: A visual stimulation cane or walking stick assists a Parkinson's Disease patient in overcoming a sudden immobility or freezing episode. The cane carries a visual indicator, which can be a plastic strip or leg, and which can be extended when needed to provide visual stimulation to initiate stepping. An actuator mechanism can include a plunger at the base of the cane, and a pivot member on which the indicator leg is carried. A lock/unlock knob allows the cane either to be used as a normal walking cane without visual stimulation, or to be used to overcome a freezing episode.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable snow pole which is particularly useful by snowboarders. In the retracted position the pole is adapted to be mounted on the snowboard between the front and rear bindings. In the extended position the pole is adapted to be gripped by the snowboarder at one end and utilizes a basket affixed to the opposite end of the pole to push the user along the surface of the snow or ice enabling him to more easily traverse a flat area or to aid him in getting upright after a fall. The length of the snow pole is adjustable to a plurality of positions. The grip end of the pole is pivotally mounted and the plate or basket end can be rotated upwardly such that a portion of the basket overlaps the rear leg or knee of the user to support the rear end of the snowboard when the user is seated on a chairlift. Detent mechanisms provide easy access for extending and retracting the pole. A second detent mechanism enables a pivotable and removable connection of the grip end of the pole from the snowboard.

Abstract: A cane (2) having a hollow shaft (4) with a handle (6) secured to one end of the hollow shaft (4) and a pivoted arm (38) being supported adjacent the opposite end of the hollow shaft (4). The pivoted arm (38) is connected to a trigger mechanism (80), located at adjacent the handle (6), via a pair of overlapped internal coupling mechanisms (34, 60, 62, 64, 70, 72, 74) which facilitate adjustment of the axial length of the coupling between the pivoted arm (38) and a trigger mechanism (80). The pivoted arm (38), when in a retracted position, is at least partially housed within a second end of the shaft (4) and axially spaced from the second opposed end of the shaft (4). The pivoted arm (38), when in an extended position, is able to abut against and sweep across a desired floor or surface to facilitate retrieving a desired object (O).

Abstract: Pepper spray canister is mounted in the tubular bore of a cane or walker leg or handle, and is actuable by a trigger mounted adjacent, or in, the handle after release of a safety interlock. Several embodiments are shown, both with the canister in the handle or remote therefrom, and wherein the spray can exit the base (tip) of the cane leg or adjacent the handle. One embodiment comprises a trigger interlock button sleeve mountable at the top of the leg with the canister, actuable by a rod passing down the leg, located adjacent the lower end of the leg. Other embodiments include a straight, T-shaped or L-shaped handle which houses the canister. Several trigger mechanisms are shown: first at the rear juncture of the handle and leg; at the forward juncture thereof; or on the forward top surface of the handle.

Abstract: An improved tip for a crutch or cane includes a heel portion extending rearwardly from the tip at an upward angle such that the bottom surface of the heel portion frictionally engages the floor when the cane is tilted rearwardly from a vertical. The heel is made of rubber or other high friction material and is provided with treads on its bottom surface to enhance frictional engagement of the floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongate support element, such as a walking stick, crutch or umbrella stick, comprising an elongate hollow stick which is provided on its underside with two supporting legs which are tiltable between a folded-in position and a folded-out, active position, wherein on the upper part of the stick an actuating element is arranged for actuating the supporting legs and the actuating element is connected to a drive member extending through the hollow stick, wherein the drive member comprises a rod extending through the hollow stick and provided on its underside with a gear rack in addition to pinions each connected to a leg and engaging in the gear rack.According to a preferred embodiment a stick is therefore provided on its underside with a piece in which the legs are rotatably mounted and in which the transverse wall is arranged through which the rod extends, which transverse wall also functions as stop means for limiting the movement of the legs in the folded-out position.

Abstract: An articulated stair walker for traversing staircases including a frame with first and second side sections. Each side section includes a vertical front leg, a vertical rear leg, a horizontal upper tie bar and a horizontal lower tie bar. Each tie bar is pivotally coupled to a front and rear leg of a side section. The side sections are coupled together by an upper and a lower cross bar rigidly affixed between the vertical front legs. Further provided is a lock pin being slidably coupled to each of the side sections and operated by a lever in an L-shaped configuration. One quadrant cam with a plurality of slots is coupled to each of the lower horizontal tie bars. Associated therewith is a lock pin movably coupled to one of the sections and positionable within a slot of the quadrant cam. By this structure, the user may lift the lock pin upwardly to allow the rear legs to be moved downward relative to the front legs.

Abstract: A controller for wheeled vehicles includes a mechanism which selectively shifts the vehicle between a mobile and a stable state. The vehicle may be a walker for easing an operator's efforts in walking and includes a selectively actuable stabilizer which fixes the position of the walker or releases it for rolling motion, thus providing a stable state or a mobile state, respectively. An actuator such as a button, pressure sensor, or lever, electrically and/or mechanically actuates a stabilizer brake mechanism to engage or release the brake and thereby allow the walker's mobility to be controlled when the actuator operates the brake to stabilize or to slow the motion of the walker. Preferably, lift applied to the vehicle itself releases the brake and allows mobility. The actuator may control an electrically actuated braking mechanism, in response to a sensor such as a strain gauge that may be adjusted to the needs of the patient; alternatively, lifters may be provided to act in response to the lifting force.

Abstract: A cane having a handle, and a trigger means slidably held in a hollow body of the cane adjacent to the handle. An upper portion of the cane is telescopically mounted in a lower portion so as to adjust the length of the cane, and the slidable trigger means is actuated so as to rotatably move a holding arm outwardly from a slotted opening within a hollow bottom portion of the cane, towards a support foot of the cane to pick up remote objects.

Abstract: Step canes for assisting a person in walking up and down stairs comprising an elongated and rigid cane for supporting the attitude of a user, the cane having a tip end adapted to contact a walking surface, a handle end adapted to provide a user a firm grip, and a downwardly extending intermediate portion therebetween; a platform rotatably coupled to the intermediate portion of the cane, the platform operable in an extended position to allow a user to walk up and down stairs and in a retracted position to allow a user to walk on a generally level surface; and a controller mechanism coupled between the cane and platform to place the platform in either the extended or retracted position.

Abstract: A novel form of crutch is provided which can be used, particularly by paraplegics, to move between sitting and standing positions. The crutch includes a unique foot mechanism which gives added stability to the user of a pair of the crutches during such sitting/standing transitions, and which can be retracted so as to avoid interference with normal crutch-aided walking. A set of such powered crutches, incorporating both power extension/retraction and power foot adjustment, are capable of extended powered operation with on-board electrical power, and use power only for adjustment and are self-locking into adjusted positions. The power assist of the crutches are controllable from switches strategically located by the crutch handles so the user can manipulate the control switches without releasing his/her hold on the crutch handles. Also disclosed is a unique method of assisting disabled persons, using such crutches, to move between seated and standing positions without further assistance.

Abstract: A combination cane and reaching apparatus includes a cane body having a longitudinal axis and terminating in a pair of ends, a top end having a handle member including a grip portion extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the cane body longitudinal axis, and a bottom end terminating in a cane tip. A trigger portion is secured to the cane body proximate the handle member, and includes a trigger element and a trigger pivot axis. A jaw portion is secured to the cane body proximate the cane tip, and includes a jaw element, a jaw pivot axis, and a spring. A string capture or lock portion is attached to the cane body between the trigger portion and jaw portion. A cable or string segment connects the trigger element and jaw element, with the string segment bearing a bead or knot along its length proximate the string lock portion.

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: A slip resistent apparatus for walking aids such as canes, crutches and walkers is disclosed. The apparatus provides a spring biased, lever actuated, selectively operable, ground engaging probe slidingly displaced within the vertical structure of the walking aid. The probe is a pointed elongate rod. A hand operated lever with attached actuating arm is affixed to the walking aid and rests against the upper portion of the rod. Actuation of the lever transmits a compressive force to the spring biased probe extending the pointed tip to make engagement with the ground, thus providing a slip resistant walking aid. The sliding rod is adjustable in length to accommodate different heights of walking aids and is adapted to fit the different types of walking aids including canes, crutches and walkers.

Abstract: An anti-skid device according to the teachings of the present invention is shown utilized with a cane, crutch, or the like and includes a gripping member having a plurality, preferably three, non-skid pins which are vertically adjustable therein. The gripping member is preferably vertically movable by and rotatable about a vertical pin which is parallel to and spaced from the crutch. For moving the gripping member from a biased, raised, non-engaged position to a lowered, engaged position, a pivot member is provided pivotally mounted to the crutch at a point intermediate its first and second ends. The first end of the pivot member engages with and pushes the vertical pin upon which the gripping member is mounted. An actuating handle located adjacent the handhold of the crutch is pivotally interrelated to the second end of the pivot member by a cable attached therebetween.

Abstract: A crutch containing a retractable metal point wherein an elongated lower central member, adjustably secured between longitudinal support members of the crutch, houses a first retractable elongated metal rod pointed at one end and connected at its other end to a second retractable rod of reduced diameter which passes through a hollow hub disposed at the top of the central member. The hub is provided with a slot through which a pin is connected to said second rod and radially projects outwardly. A spring circumscribes the second rod and applies a spring loading to the first rod when in projected position. A resilient end cap fits over the end of the elongated member and contains an axial bore and an aperatured metal plate through which the metal point projects when in projected position.