Abstract: A droneboarding system is disclosed. The droneboarding system includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) for pulling a droneboarder riding a board over a surface, a harness, a tow handle and a plurality of tension lines. Each tension line is attached to the drone and to either the tow handle or the harness. The tension lines are configured in a manner that provides mechanical control of the flight path of the drone. A remote power supply is adapted to be carried by the droneboarder. One of the tension line carries an electrical conductor from the remote power supply to the drone. The electrical conductor provides electrical power from the remote power supply to the drone.

Abstract: Disclosed are a telescopic stand column and a tent having same. The telescopic stand column comprises an inner tube and an outer tube sleevedly connected to each other, and a lock mechanism fixing the inner tube and the outer tube together. The inner tube has an open end portion inserted to the outer tube, and at least one side wall of the open end portion is opened with a strip-shaped opening. The lock mechanism comprises a tensioning component providing a tension to expand the open end portion outward along a direction perpendicular to a length direction of the inner tube, and a matching assembly fixed to the open end portion to fit with the tensioning component. Operation holes corresponding to the tensioning component are provided on side walls of the inner tube and outer tube. The telescopic stand column of the present disclosure facilitates operation, and increases a load-carrying capacity.

Abstract: Water rescue systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. One water rescue system, includes, one or more poles, with one or more J-hooks attached thereto; and a sling made from a length of line to form a loop sized to accommodate a torso of a victim to be rescued from a body of water, and wherein one of the one or more J-hooks is positioned to hold the sling in position during the placement of the sling over the victim.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly for positioning within an opening in tissue including an outer frame positionable outside a patient and defining an opening therein dimensioned to receive a surgical instrument therethrough. The outer frame includes first and second portions. The first portion is biased into locking engagement with the second portion such that a first engagement structure is in locking engagement with a second engagement structure. An inner member is positionable within a patient and a flexible member extends between the inner member and outer member and is operatively associated with the outer member. The first portion is movable to overcome the bias to move the first and second engagement structures to a disengaged position, wherein in the disengaged position at least one of the first and second portions is movable with respect to the other portion to adjust the tension on the flexible member to retract tissue.

Abstract: Presented are intelligent electronic footwear and apparel with controller-automated features, methods for making/operating such footwear and apparel, and control systems for executing automated features of such footwear and apparel. A method for automating a collaborative operation between an intelligent electronic shoe (IES) and an intelligent transportation management (ITM) system includes receiving, via a detection tag attached to the IES shoe structure, a prompt signal from a transmitter-detector module communicatively connected to a traffic system controller of the ITM system. In reaction to the received prompt signal, the detection tag transmits a response signal to the transmitter-detector module. The traffic system controller uses the response signal to determine a location of the IES's user, and the current operating state of a traffic signal proximate the user's location.

Abstract: An ambulatory aid, such as a walking cane, including an elongate shaft, a handle at a first, upper end of the shaft, and a foot piece at a second, lower end of the shaft opposite the first end. The cane shaft can be adjustable at a top end, middle, a bottom end, or any combination thereof. The top of the cane shaft is aligned at a more posterior angle then the bottom of the shaft. The handle of the cane is elongated and extends posterior and anterior to the shaft. In a particular embodiment, a posterior portion of the handle is longer, and optionally larger in surface area than an anterior portion of the handle such that the handle is configured so that when the person's hand is gripping the handle, the handle will be offset over the shaft.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a walking assistance device includes a support member adapted to support a user of the device and a curved tip mounted to the support member, the curved tip including a curved outer surface adapted to contact the ground or a floor surface during use of the device, the curved outer surface having a non-constant radius that changes as a function of angular position along the curved outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a positioning control mechanism applied to an expandable baton including a first pipe provided with a clamping groove portion on two opposite inner walls thereof and a second pipe inserted into the first pipe and provided with shifting holes on two opposite wall surfaces thereof. The positioning control mechanism includes an activating mechanism and a releasing rod. The activating mechanism is formed by two activating blocks movably positioned in the shifting holes and hooked with each other to form a releasing hole therebetween. The releasing rod is mounted inside the first pipe and, when one end of the releasing rod is inserted into the releasing hole, the outer edges of the activating block can be retracted inwardly and is not inserted in the clamping groove portion, so the second pipe can be retracted into the first pipe and positioned to form a short-rod shape.

Abstract: A beverage can handle includes a first arm having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a protrusion for supporting a first lip of a beverage can. The protrusion is shaped for inhibiting slippage of the first lip of the beverage can off of the protrusion. The beverage can handle also includes a second arm that is slideably coupled to the first arm and extendable from a storage position to an extended position relative to the first end of the first arm. The second arm has a first end and a second end. The first end includes a groove for releasably mating with a second lip of the beverage can when in the extended position. The groove is shaped for inhibiting slippage of the second lip of the beverage can out of the groove when the second arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: Devices and systems are described including a walking aid including a linear rod having a first end and a second end, a hand grip disposed in proximity to the first end of the linear rod, two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet at the second end of the linear rod, at least one sensor configured to detect a parameter of a walking surface in proximity to the second end of the linear rod, and a controller including a microprocessor and circuitry, the controller operably coupled to the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet and the at least one sensor, and including circuitry configured to receive information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface from the at least one sensor and circuitry configured to actuate at least one of the two or more extendable and retractable self-leveling load-bearing feet in response to the information regarding the detected parameter of the walking surface.

Abstract: A variable-length crutch 1 has a main body 2, a foot 5 extensible and retractable with respect to the main body 2, and an actuator, which actuator involves a motor 6, a rotary output shaft 9, an irreversible worm transmission converting rotation of the motor shaft 9 into linear movement of the foot 5 with respect to the main body 2, a sensor 10 for extending the foot 5 with respect to the main body 2, and a programmable module 8 connected to the motor 6 to control extension and/or retraction of the crutch to a preprogrammed length and to stop the motor 6 when the length is reached.

Abstract: Visual assistance systems and related methods are disclosed. A visual assistance system includes a visual assistance service configured to receive and display images from a user device on an electronic display for a live assistant. The visual assistance service is also configured to transmit assistant audio from the live assistant conveying information derived by the live assistant's review of the images. A visual assistance system comprises a user device configured to capture and transmit the images to the visual assistance service. The user device is also configured to receive the assistant audio from the visual assistance service, and reproduce the assistant audio to a user of the user device. The user is registered with the visual assistance service as having at least a minimum level of visual disability. A method of operating the visual assistance system includes receiving the images from, and transmitting the assistant audio to the user device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic anti-tipping device uses electromagnets to steady users and prevent falls by persons with impaired mobility and balance. The device's steadying effect is accomplished by magnetically attracting the legs and/or wheels of balance and mobility assisting apparatus (“balance and mobility aid(s)”) to a stationary surface such as a floor which is made of or covered with a magnetically responsive material. In one embodiment, the device's electromagnet attraction to the floor or other stationary surface is actuated when the operator of the device triggers the device's mechanism or sensor by grip or touch. Once actuated, and until deactivation by the user, the device's electromagnet(s) secure the legs or wheels of the balance and mobility aid to the magnetically responsive floor or other stationary surface. The electromagnets are battery-powered.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy structure includes one or more eaves, one or more fixed eave mounts, one or more sliding eave mounts and one or more vertical poles. Each of the vertical poles has a top end and a bottom end. Each of the vertical poles is connected by at least one of the one or more eaves. At least one of the fixed eave mounts is coupled to at least one of the eaves and attached proximate to the top end of at least one of the vertical poles. At least one of the sliding eave mounts is coupled to at least one of the eaves and slidingly coupled to one of the vertical poles between its top end and its bottom end. One or more detent elements include a round or spherical detent surface that engages an opening of the one or more vertical poles.

Abstract: An illuminated walking cane including a handle, a pole, and a rubber tab on the distal end of the pole. The handle includes a compartment for at least one battery connected through an electric circuit to a plurality of luminous sources. The luminous sources are placed in different heights on the inside of the cane. The cane also contains a series of tubular extended pieces that enlarge and shorten by fitting one into the other, in telescopic action. An automatic trigger mechanism allows the cane to be both retractile and protractile.

Abstract: The present invention is a single leg sitting device which has a collapsible leg which fits inside the seat for compact transportation or to turning the seat into a walking stick.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hiking stick, which enables the lengths of multi-stage support pipes to be quickly and simply adjusted by a simple touch and elastically supports the weight of a user when walking with the stick.

Abstract: An adjustable positioning structure for a walking stick contains an outer rod, an inner rod, an actuation post, a pushing, and an expending member. The outer rod includes a griping head, a limiting sleeve with shoulder, and a first screwing section. The inner rod includes an anti-slip pad, a flange, and a slot. The actuation post includes a second screwing section, a bushing with a through hole, a holding sheath, a bolt, and a stopping piece. The pushing member includes a conical face defined thereon, a second end inserted into the inner rod, an orifice, and a spring being biased against the pushing member and the stopping piece. The expending member includes an aperture, a nut, a plurality of expansion sheets vertically extending around an outer wall thereof and surrounding around the actuation post, and a resilient loop fitted on a distal end thereof.

Abstract: A cane includes a tube, an extension rod telescopically mounted within one end of the tube, and a control mechanism sandwiched between the tube and the extension rod. The tube defines a first aperture and a second aperture. The extension rod defines a plurality of holes. The control mechanism is movable among a first position where the control mechanism is positioned in a selected one of the holes in the extension rod, and the tube, the extension rod and the control mechanism are prohibited from moving axially with respect to one another; a second position where the extension rod and the control mechanism together are allowed to move axially with respect to the tube; and a third position where the extension rod is allowed to move axially with respect to the control mechanism and the tube.

Abstract: A stick has a first tube member and a second tube member connected to each other in the length direction; and a connection member connected to one end portion of the second tube member, wherein the first tube member is selectively locked to or unlocked from the connection member, the second tube member is rotatably connected to the connection member. When the first tube member is locked to the connection member, the first tube member and the connection member are fixed to each other, and the second tube member is freely rotatable relative to the first tube member.

Abstract: A cane includes a shaft portion having a first end and a second end. A handle is pivotably coupled proximate to the first end of the shaft portion. An elongate member is pivotably attached to the handle and extends generally parallel to the shaft portion. A spring biases the elongate member toward the handle.

Abstract: A telescoping cane with folding platform has a telescoping mechanism to adjust the height. A bottom portion of the cane is pivotally attached to a platform. The platform pivots upward into a parallel position with a shaft of the cane for a stowed position. In a deployed position, the platform is pivoted to a perpendicular position. The wider base of the platform assists a user in balancing his stance when using the cane. The pivoting assembly is further provided with a locking mechanism to maintain the platform in a deployed or stowed position. The cane is also equipped with a platen to assist with placement of user's foot upon the platform, which aids in stabilizing the cane when attempting to rise from a seated position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates an improved mechanism for adjusting a telescoping member. The telescoping member includes at least two sections including a first pole member having an outer diameter and an inner diameter; and a second pole member having a second pole inner diameter larger than the first pole outer diameter; a collet having a top portion securely coupled to the inner diameter arranged on a lower portion of the first pole member and a bottom portion extending beyond a lower end of the first pole member, the collet further comprising an external thread; and a handle member arranged on top of the first pole member, the handle member comprising an actuator button coupled to an internal spring coupled to a rod extending through the first pole member, the rod terminating in a plunger end, the plunger end extending through the collet.

Abstract: A cane that can efficiently use a rubber tip (60) is provided from the aspect of ecology. The cane comprises a grip part (10) located at the upper end of a first cane body (20), the rubber tip (60) located at the lower end of the first cane body (20), and a button (52) and holes (36a-36d) for rotating the grip part (10) and rubber tip (60) in four steps, wherein the button (52) and holes (36a-36d) also serve as a fixing part for fixing the grip part (10) and rubber tip (60) after those have been rotated.

Abstract: A walker adapted to navigate stairways and inclined surfaces is provided.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for a hiking pole for detachably axially fixing a pipe section that can be inserted into an opening of the clamping apparatus. The clamping apparatus has a plastic collar, which substantially directly encloses the pipe section at least in an axial section and clamps the same in the closed state, wherein at least in the region enclosing the pipe section the plastic collar has at least one axial slot making the circumference of the plastic collar variable in that region and is designed in a substantially peripheral manner in the remaining axial region. There are projections with a stop and a rotational axis for a clamping lever with an arm, the axis being arranged perpendicular to the axis of the transverse pin and perpendicular to the axis of the pipe section. The clamping lever also has a roll-off region, which is eccentric with respect to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A stick is provided in which a gripping tube is fixed to a front end portion of an upper connection tube having a large diameter and a circular-arc engagement portion formed by a front-end cut portion of the gripping tube is tightened or loosened with the operation of a cam lever so that the outer periphery of a lower connection tube is fixed in a pressurized and gripped state or the pressurizing force is released, wherein a contracted tube portion is formed in the outer periphery of the lower connection tube at the portion with which the circular-arc engagement portion comes into contact when the lower connection tube is pressed into the upper connection tube so as to reach a shortened position, and when the cam lever is locked at the shortened position, the circular-arc engagement portion comes into contact with the contracted tube portion having a small outer diameter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates an improved mechanism for adjusting a telescoping member. The telescoping member includes at least two sections including a first pole member having an outer diameter and an inner diameter; and a second pole member having a second pole inner diameter larger than the first pole outer diameter; a collet having a top portion securely coupled to the inner diameter arranged on a lower portion of the first pole member and a bottom portion extending beyond a lower end of the first pole member, the collet further comprising an external thread; and a handle member arranged on top of the first pole member, the handle member comprising an actuator button coupled to an internal spring coupled to a rod extending through the first pole member, the rod terminating in a plunger end, the plunger end extending through the collet.

Abstract: A length adjustable cane for assisting a user with mobility on surfaces having different heights includes a cylindrical outer tube and a cylindrical core member configured to be received in the outer tube and telescopically movable between retracted and extended configurations relative thereto. A handle is connected to an upper end of the core member. An actuator lever is coupled to the handle and accessible to a hand of the user, the actuator lever being movable between actuated and released configurations. A latching mechanism is situated in the outer tube proximate the open end thereof. A drawbar having an elongate configuration is positioned in an interior of the core member. The drawbar includes a first end coupled to the actuator lever and a second end operatively coupled to the latching mechanism. Operation of the actuator lever operates the latching mechanism to selectively allow length adjustment of the cane.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for a hiking/skiing pole for axially fixing a pipe section, comprising a plastic collar, which encloses the pipe section at least in an axial section and clamps the same in the closed state, wherein the plastic collar comprises at least one axial slot on either side of which a projection is arranged on the plastic collar, each comprising a coaxial passage opening arranged substantially perpendicular to the pipe section axis and through which a transverse pin penetrates, which on the outside of the second projection has a stop and which on the outside of the first projection has a rotational axis for a clamping lever comprising a lever arm, and a roll-off region, by means of which the distance between the stop and a metal counter surface on the outside of the first projection is reduceable by pivoting the clamping lever into the closed position.

Abstract: A releasable lock assembly for use with a collapsible pole assembly having a first shaft section slidably secured to a second shaft section includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the first and second shaft sections in an extended position. The releasable lock assembly further includes a stop assembly having an elongated member having first and second ends, wherein the first end is secured to one of the first and second shaft sections and the second end secured to the other of the first and second shaft sections. The stop assembly further comprises a stop assembly biasing member configured to urge the first and second shaft sections into a collapsed position.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for helping disabled person to get off bed has a handle, a telescopic rod extended directly from a bottom of the handle and a foot support pivotally connected to a distal end of the telescopic rod.

Abstract: The accessorized cane device provides advantages such as the focus on handle comfort. The lower rounded edges of the t-handle add to comfort, as does the t-handle itself. High density memory foam further adds to handle comfort, as does the finger slot. The sprung sliding action of the two sleeves contributes to comfort and function. The release mechanism may provide sprung use and un-sprung use. The spring loaded button is disposed conveniently within the bottom of the t-handle. The clock even provides an alarm and therefore offers further advantage. The light is especially useful, as placing a cane during walking in low light conditions can be extremely hazardous to a user. The stand provides for more secure standing for a user, and also for allowing the cane device to stand by itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stick (23), such as, for example, a trekking, downhill skiing, hiking or Nordic walking stick, which has a stick handle (28), a stick tube (24) comprising at least three telescopic tubular sections (25, 26, 27), and a stick point (29). Two adjacent tubular sections can each be adjusted relative to each other. The stick (23) according to the invention has a damping device (1) with a compression spring device (35), wherein an axial pin (2) which is secured axially on a second tubular section (26) is guided in a guide sleeve (10) held in a rotationally fixed manner in a first tubular section (25).

Abstract: A stick that is excellent in shock absorption and is also excellent in stability is provided. A stick body is provided with a telescopic extension pipe formed by fitting an outer tube and an inner tube together in a nesting manner. Inside the extension pipe, a velocity-dependent damper that damps the relative sliding movement between the outer tube and the inner tube, and a compression coil spring that concentrically fits onto the damper and urges the extension pipe so as to be extended are connected in parallel. According to such a stick, the shock transmitted to the hand can be mitigated as the compression coil spring contracts upon landing. Also, since the damper suppresses unwanted vibration of the extension pipe, the length of the stick quickly becomes stable after landing, allowing the user to keep stable balance with the stick.

Abstract: A locking device interacting with a drive member and including an inner tube and an outer tube; where the inner tube has a first free end that projects from, and is axially displaceable from, a first end of the outer tube; where there is a locking member on the other end of the inner tube, said locking member providing the means whereby the inner tube and the outer tube can be releasably locked in various axial positions relative to each other; where the locking member includes a tubular locking sleeve that is slotted by at least one axially aligned slot and a wedge that includes wedge surfaces, the wedge surfaces being, when acted upon by a drive member, displaceable along and relative to interacting wedge surfaces of the locking sleeve, such displacement pressing the locking sleeve against the outer tube, the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for a hiking/skiing pole for detachably axially fixing a pipe that is insertable into an opening of the clamping apparatus. The clamping apparatus includes a plastic collar, which encloses an axial portion of the pipe and clamps the pipe in a closed state, the plastic collar includes at least one axial slot making the circumference of the plastic collar variable. On opposite sides of the slot first and second projections are arranged on the plastic collar and include a coaxial passage opening that is arranged perpendicular to the pipe axis and through which a transverse pin penetrates. The outside of the second projection has a stop and the outside of the first projection has a rotational axis for a clamping lever, that includes a lever arm, which at least partially encloses the plastic collar when the clamping apparatus is closed, and has an eccentric roll-off region.

Abstract: An ambulatory aid is revealed. The ambulatory aid includes a hollow main rod and a hollow support pole connected with each other, and a cushion unit therebetween. The main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit all have insertion holes, aligned with each other. By insertion pins inserted into the insertion holes, the main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit are assembled with each other. The structure of the assembly of the main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit is more firm and tighter. When the ambulatory aid is pressed by a larger pressure, the assembly will not come loose and move around and the unstable walking stick makes the users fall down due to a loss of support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stick (23), such as, for example, a trekking, downhill skiing, hiking or Nordic walking stick, which has a stick handle (28), a stick tube (24) comprising at least three telescopic tubular sections (25, 26, 27), and a stick point (29). Two adjacent tubular sections can each be adjusted relative to each other. The stick (23) according to the invention has a damping device (1) with a compression spring device (35), wherein an axial pin (2) which is secured axially on a second tubular section (26) is guided in a guide sleeve (10) held in a rotationally fixed manner in a first tubular section (25).

Abstract: An ambulatory aid is revealed. The ambulatory aid includes a hollow main rod and a hollow support pole connected with each other, and a cushion unit therebetween. The main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit all have insertion holes, aligned with each other. By insertion pins inserted into the insertion holes, the main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit are assembled with each other. The structure of the assembly of the main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit is more firm and tighter. When the ambulatory aid is pressed by a larger pressure, the assembly will not come loose and move around and the unstable walking stick makes the users fall down due to a loss of support.

Abstract: A walking stick (10) having a shaft (12) having a first portion (34) and a second portion (36) received within the first portion (34) such that the second portion (36) can slide relative to the first portion (34). A first transverse handle (18) is provided at an upper end of the shaft (12) and a second handle (20) is provided pivotable between a retracted position in which the second handle (20) is generally parallel to the shaft (12) and an extended position in which the second handle (20) extends transversely to the shaft (12). A spring member (48) is provided for biasing the second portion (36) of the shaft (12) to slide outwardly from the first portion (34) and a locking mechanism is provided having a trigger (38) adjacent the first handle (18).

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 mechanical assembly (1) for the connection between a first modular element (3) and a second modular element (6) of telescopic poles having a diameter (D1) lower than the other (D2) and being slidingly coupled each other, in such a way as to axially protrude one (6) from the other (3) at a common end (4); the mechanical assembly (1) comprises a grasping device (2; 51), fixed to a modular element (3) at the end (4) and, in particular, a cursor (5) operable by the user, axially movable along the modular elements (3, 6) and cooperating with an elastically yielding portion (7; 52), belonging to the grasping device (2; 51) and protruding from the end (4), in order to set the elastically yielding portion (7; 52) between a rest position, in which the elastically yielding portion (7; 52) is released and the modular elements (6) are free to slide, and an operating position, in which the elastically yielding portion (7; 52) is compressed by the cursor (5) in such a way to block the relative movement between the modula

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sports stick with a variable length including an upper tube to which a hand grip is connected, a lower tube adapted to be inserted into and withdrawn from the upper tube, and fixing means adapted to securely fix the lower tube to the upper tube, wherein the fixing means includes: a rod body disposed inside the lower tube at one side periphery thereof in such a manner as to be mounted inside the upper tube at the other side periphery thereof by the sequential formation of a screw thread portion and a flat portion along the outer periphery thereof; a tapered member adapted to be fixed to the flat portion formed along the outer periphery of the rod body and having a tapered surface formed along the outer periphery thereof; and a pressurizing member mounted at the screw thread portion formed along the outer periphery of the rod body in such a manner as to encompass the tapered member.

Abstract: A power adjustable crutch assembly is provided for assisting a user in transitioning between a seated position and a standing position. The assembly includes a support configured for positioning under an arm of a user. An upper frame is coupled to and extends downwardly from the support. A lower frame is slidably coupled to the upper frame. An adjustment assembly is operationally coupled to the lower frame and the upper frame. The upper frame is adjustable to extend a selectable length from the lower frame. A foot configured for frictionally engaging a ground surface is coupled to a bottom of the lower frame.

Abstract: A linearly adjustable device comprising a main body including at least two body sections each having a longitudinal axis, and a linear actuator. The sections are operatively connected together for linear movement relative to one another in the axial direction. The linear actuator is operatively mounted to the main body for causing the relative axial movement between the body section. The linear actuator includes a drive and a power transmission mechanism operatively connected to the drive. The transmission mechanism includes an elongated threaded member operatively connected to one of the body sections and a cooperating threaded member operatively connected to another of the body sections such that relative rotation between the elongated threaded member and the cooperating threaded member causes relative movement of the body sections.

Abstract: A method of operating a portable, foldable, and multifunctional mobility aid apparatus that assists a user in standing, sitting, and/or walking process. The apparatus has an integrated power source and is based on 4 wheels. Users can stand on it and drive it as an electric mobility device, or disable it and use it as a passive walker. The apparatus has a pair of supporting beams with adjustable width to be placed under the user armpits and support the user in standing up, sitting down, and/or moving around. The apparatus can be controlled by a control panel mounted on a pair of handles, and its functions can be controlled by the user with no need for help from another person. The apparatus can be minimized by a combination of multiple telescopic vertical minimization mechanisms and multiple folding mechanisms.

Abstract: A cane that has: a handle; a first tube attached to the handle; a second tube in slideable communication with the first tube, the second tube in communication with a cane tip; a spring located in the first tube, and in operable communication with the second tube; the spring preloaded such that when the second tube is fully extended from the first tube, the spring exerts generally about a value F1 of force on the second tube, tending keep the second tube extended from the first tube. A method for using a retractable cane to assist in sitting down. A method of using a retractable cane to rise from a sitting position. A method of using a retractable cane to assist in picking an object up.

Abstract: A stick is provided in which a gripping tube is fixed to a front end portion of an upper connection tube having a large diameter and a circular-arc engagement portion formed by a front-end cut portion of the gripping tube is tightened or loosened with the operation of a cam lever so that the outer periphery of a lower connection tube is fixed in a pressurized and gripped state or the pressurizing force is released, wherein a contracted tube portion is formed in the outer periphery of the lower connection tube at the portion with which the circular-arc engagement portion comes into contact when the lower connection tube is pressed into the upper connection tube so as to reach a shortened position, and when the cam lever is locked at the shortened position, the circular-arc engagement portion comes into contact with the contracted tube portion having a small outer diameter.

Abstract: An adaptable mobility aid device is disclosed that has length-adjustable front and rear legs, a handle, and a knee support platform coupled to the legs and the handle, the legs being adjustable within a range of lengths suitable to straddle steps for ascending and descending stairways, as well as to function on the level, or on a ramp. The lengths of the legs can be adjusted in tandem via single-hand operability of an adjustment mechanism. The knee support platform provides support for an impaired lower leg of a user, not requiring the leg to contact the stairs, and also not requiring the leg to be held mid-air in a hopping motion. The handle enables one-handed use of the adaptable mobility aid device. In some embodiments, spring loaded pins or a pull bar to activate the pins, enable the single-hand operability of the adjustment mechanism.