Abstract: The collapsible crutch includes an elongated head section, at least upper and lower elongated, hollow midsections, and an elongated foot section. The head section has a mechanism for supporting a portion of the person using the crutch. The midsections are connected together by an elastic cord. A detachable coupler connects the head section to the upper midsection and a similar detachable coupler connects the lower midsection to the foot section. In an assembled mode, these sections are substantially axially aligned. The collapsible crutch also includes a coupling mechanism that provides a conjoined, axially and laterally stable, subassembly of the upper and lower midsections.

Abstract: A cushioning covering for a load bearing member of a medical crutch having a pair of transversely spaced columns, the load bearing member consisting of an underarm support fixed generally between the upper ends of the columns and a cushion disposed upon the underarm support, consists of an enclosed-volume-defining element formed of a cushioning fabric that is washable, soft to the touch and perspiration absorbent. The element has an opening for passage of the underarm support and cushion through the opening into the volume of the element, and elements disposed adjacent the opening for releasably securing the cushioning covering tightly about the entire surface of the load bearing member. A cushioning covering for engaging about the crutch hand grip support is also described.

Abstract: A method of exercise is disclosed which enables the user to exercise both the arms and the legs simultaneously. The method utilizes a device which includes a pair of arm braces having handles which can be gripped by the user. The arm braces have supports which rest on the ground. The length of the support is chosen such that the sum of the distance from the handle to the distal end of the support, plus the length of the arm of the user, is equal to the length of the user's leg, including the thigh. The arm braces, in effect, form extensions of the user's arms, and make the length of the arms equal to the length of the legs. With the aid of the device, the user can walk or run on all fours, without squatting or bending the knees appreciably, thereby exercising the arms and the legs at once.

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: 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.

Abstract: A platform crutch attachment having a wide selection of adjustments may be attached to a conventional invalid walker. The handle can be tilted, moved backwards or forwards, or rotated sideways and then securely locked to provide the user with the optimum grip position. A comfortable break-away cuff is located near the handle and positioned so that it is directly above the attaching points to the invalid walker. Upper and lower mounting brackets connect the shaft of the platform crutch to the upper and lower brace of the invalid walker respectively. The upper mounting bracket includes a bite plate having teeth which securely dig into the shaft of the crutch. The platform crutch can be mounted on either the left or right side of the invalid walker and adjusted so that the user obtains maximum comfort and security from the combination.

Abstract: A ski-pole or crutch is provided with a forearm yoke at its upper end and a pistol grip spaced below it. Both the yoke and pistol grip face rearward so that when the pistol grip is held in one hand the yoke can be swung into and out of locking engagement with the upper side of the forearm simply by bending the wrist, thereby providing greater maneuverability of the pole and support of the arm when needed for balance, support of the body and steering by planting the pole or dragging it.

Abstract: A crutch construction of the "Canadian" type that includes an elongated lower support assembly on the uppermost end of which a universally adjustable hand rest is interconnected. An upper forearm support assembly is provided with a forearm cuff member, the vertical axis of which is generally aligned with the vertical axes of the hand rest and the lower support assembly, wherein the forces exerted by the weight of the user on the crutch are transmitted directly through the aligned lower support assembly and hand rest for distribution to the hand of the user as located on the hand rest and through the forearm of the user as positioned in said cuff member.