Abstract: Walking aid apparatus comprises handle portion and a shaft portion including a ground-contacting ferrule, the shaft portion comprising telescopically-mounted cylindrical spindle and sleeve elements and a spring means acting between seats of said spindle and sleeve elements resiliently to restrain relative axial sliding movement, in which the apparatus includes a sliding friction-reducing means between at least one end of the spring means and the associated seat, whereby the handle portion and the ferrule are axially rotatable to accommodate twisting movement as between the user and the ground in use. The sliding friction-reducing means results in controlled rotation as between the spring means and the spindle and/or elements with considerable benefits to the user in avoiding tortional loading to the twist, elbow and/or shoulder joints which can be especially painful to those who suffer from arthritis.

Abstract: An ergonomically enhanced crutch that has a unitary upright member that is readily manufacturable and which has a upper section and a lower section that are generally straight sections. An intermediate section forms an indentation and a handle extends from the indentation outwardly for gripping by the patent. The crutch also includes an upper arm cradle that is affixed to the unitary upright member in a telescoping manner and its location is adjustable by the user to a comfortable position. Similarly, a bottom member is telescopingly affixed to the lower section and can be adjusted along the length of the lower section for the convenience and comfort of the patient. The upper arm cradle thus is angularly inclined upwardly in the direction the patient is facing to provide added comfort for the patient.

Abstract: The present stick is comprised of first and second tubes telescopically connected together. The tubes are biased away from each other by a coaxial coil spring. A shaft is positioned within the first tube, and is biased outwardly from an outer end of the first tube by another coaxial coil spring. A cam is attached to an inner end of the shaft. Holes are arranged on the first tube adjacent the cam. Balls are positioned inside the first tube between the cam and the holes. Detents are arranged along the second tube. When the shaft is released, the balls are forced outwardly through the holes and into detents which are aligned with the holes to lock the first and second tubes together. When the shaft is depressed, the balls are retracted by the cam away from the detents and allow the first and second tubes to telescope.

Abstract: A locking mechanism interconnects telescoping outer and inner tubes between extended and retracted lengths, such as for a trek or ski pole. A detent or pin movably extends between the outer and inner tubes to secure the tubes with respect to one another. A connector sleeve can be disposed on one tube, and movably receive the other tube therein. A button can be carried by the sleeve, and is depressable to force the pin away from the outer tube, allowing the inner tube to slide. The button can be formed on an annular band that deforms when the button is depressed, and the resiliently returns to its initial shape when released to bias the button away from the detent or pin.

Abstract: A stick structure. The stick structure is resiliently extensible and adjustable in length. The adjustment of length of the stick can be easily achieved by both right-handed and left-handed users. The stick includes multiple fitting tubes nested in each other and an adjusting/locating device and a resilient extensible device disposed at the fitting sections of the fitting tubes. When rotating clockwise or counterclockwise any of the fitting tubes, the rotary body is rotated to forcedly stretch apart the damper to tightly abut against the inner circumference of another fitting tube so as to easily adjust the length of the stick and fix the stick. In addition, depending on use in different environments, the stick is freely and resiliently extensible to a certain extent.

Abstract: A detachable knee or lower leg support system for crutches which reduces the walking and standing effort when one lower leg or foot has to be protected from weightbearing. The system comprises 1. a cushioned support which can be fixed as required to a crutch by one or several clamp elements and 2. a rest element which should be used in elbow or forearm crutches for greater safety. The rest element is not required in axillary crutches. It pushes against the thigh or lower torso of the user and provides additional stability by securing a parallel alignment of crutch and thigh.

Abstract: An improved crutch consists of a crutch pad, a main tube, an auxiliary tube, a handgrip and an adjustment tube. The adjustment tube is coupled with the main tube through the bottom end of the main tube to form an integrated body therewith and are extensible and adjustable to a length desired to suit users' requirements. The auxiliary tube is fastened to one side of the main tube. The hand grip is bridged between the main tube and the auxiliary tube to form a firm and steady crutch.

Abstract: A crutch constructed of two adjacently located, elongated, parallel upper and lower bows which can be moved in relationship to each other to form a vertical support of readily varied length. These bows have the same design and are therefore interchangeable, significantly reducing inventory requirements. Each bow has a series of parallel horizontal notches with the bows positioned so that the notches on each bow are on contacting surfaces. A pin inserted into parallel, adjacent notches on the two bows in cooperation with two or more collars or caps on the ends of one end of each bow fixes the relationship between the shafts which, in turn, defines the length of the vertical support. A similar concept can be used to lock a moveable centrally located lower bow between two parallel outer upper bows. This assemble provides a strong, adjustable length crutch for any height patient using only two different pairs of bow lengths.

Abstract: A stageless adjusting/locating device for various kinds of sticks enables both right-handed user and left-handed users to conveniently stagelessly adjust the length of a stick. The stick is composed of multiple telescopic fitting tubes including mother fitting tubes and daughter fitting tubes nested in the mother fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device is disposed at each of the mother and daughter fitting tubes. The adjusting/locating device includes a screw member formed by a threaded rod having outer threads and a locking member composed of two semicylindrical bodies mating with the threaded rod. A fastening ring is fixedly fitted around the locking member. The inner circumferential faces of the two semicylindrical bodies are formed with inner threads. An upper and a lower end of the inner threads are formed with thick sections converging from thin sections. The inner wall faces of the thick sections are formed with semielliptic arch faces.

Abstract: A pull pin assembly with a first rod or pole, having a first hole and a second notch or hole, and a second rod or pole, having third hole, the second rod or pole being slidably contained within the first rod or pole, so that the first hole is superimposable on the second hole. A main body has a central hollow dimensioned to contain the first rod or pole, and has at least one resilient tab cut out from the main body. A boss on the tab extends into the central hollow to engage the second notch or hole of the first rod or pole. A pull pin body, integral with the main body, extends radially outward from the central hollow. The pin body has a space extending into the central hollow. A pull pin is slidably disposed in the space of the pull pin body to move from a first position extending into the central hollow through the first hole to a second position outside of the central hollow.

Abstract: Stick structure which is resiliently extensible and adjustable in length. The adjustment of length of the stick can be easily achieved by both right-handed and left-handed users. The stick includes multiple fitting tubes nested in each other and an adjusting/locating device and a resilient extensible device disposed at the fitting sections of the fitting tubes. When clockwise or counterclockwise rotating any of the fitting tubes, the rotary body is rotated along therewith to forcedly stretch apart the damper to tightly abut against the inner circumference of another fitting tube so as to easily adjust the length of the stick and fix the stick. In addition, in accordance with different using environments, the stick is freely resiliently extensible to a certain extent.

Abstract: A stair walker device for aiding ambulatory persons in ascending ad descending stairs, ramps and other uneven walkable surfaces. A pair of hand-controlled levers used separately or together to adjust the front legs, by controlling the extension or retraction of a pair of front leg portions. The rear legs are adjusted for the user's height once only by suitable adjustable fastening. The sides of the stair walker frame can be readily folded for storage or for carrying.

Abstract: A retractable upright pole for a tent has multiple tubes receivable in one another and each tube having a ball-spring combination and multiple bores defined to correspond to the ball-spring combination of another tube to secure the connection between two adjacent tubes. The upright pole further has a chain-spring combination inside the tube to be in combination with the ball-spring combination to secure the connection between two adjacent tubes.

Abstract: A multiple-fold umbrella shaft, consisting of a plurality of tubes telescopically engageable with one another, includes an inner tube having concave quadrants designated as Vi, and an outer tube slidably engageable with the inner tube and having concave quadrants designated as Vo, forming a relationship as defined by a formula of Vi−Vo≧1 in order for preventing twisting and vibration of the tubes and for enhancing a smooth folding or unfolding operation when closing or opening the umbrella.

Abstract: An assistive device for persons with an injured or disabled leg includes a main body comprising a crutch to which is pivotally attached a supporting structure. To assist the person in walking, the device can be used as crutch in the known manner, and the supporting structure is maintained in the same plane as the crutch. When the person wishes to be seated, one end of the device is placed on the seat adjacent the person and the supporting structure of the device is pivoted out of the plane of the crutch to provide a support for the opposite end.

Abstract: An adjustable length sport pole and coupling mechanism is shown and described. In one embodiment, the sport pole has a first pole assembly having a first pole and a sleeve, a second pole slidably received within the first pole assembly and a locking assembly. The second pole may have an outer surface with detents at defined locations along the pole axis. The locking assembly has a resilient locking element configured to contact and extend around an exterior portion of the second pole, and a collar movably coupled to the first pole assembly to move between a lock position and a release position. The resilient locking element extends around the second pole, and the locking element is configured so that it expands when it is attached to the second pole. The resilient locking element accordingly presses against the second pole.

Abstract: A collapsible cane for aiding a user to walk. The collapsible cane includes an elongate member. The elongate member has a plurality of tubular members. The tubular members include a plurality of intermediate tubular members extending between a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The elongate member is telescoping. A handle means for carrying the elongate member includes a housing, which is coupled to the first tubular member. An extension system selectively secures the elongate member in an extended position. The extension system comprises a plurality of locking pins. The locking pins are adapted to selectively lock a tubular member in a fixed position with relation to an adjacent tubular member. A draw line is coupled to the locking pins and is adapted to selectively remove the locking pins and unlock a tubular member from the fixed position.

Abstract: An ergonomically enhanced crutch that has a unitary upright member that is readily manufacturable and which has a upper section and a lower section that are generally straight sections. An intermediate section forms an indentation and a handle extends from the indentation outwardly for gripping by the patent. The crutch also includes an upper arm cradle that is affixed to the unitary upright member in a telescoping manner and its location is adjustable by the user to a comfortable position. Similarly, a bottom member is telescopingly affixed to the lower section and can be adjusted along the length of the lower section for the convenience and comfort of the patient. The upper arm cradle thus is angularly inclined upwardly in the direction the patient is facing to provide added comfort for the patient.

Abstract: A walking aid comprises a shaft and a foot assembly, in which the foot assembly includes in combination a sleeve member and a foot member adapted for relative axial sliding movement and including resilient movement-restraint means, the sleeve member being adapted for attachment to the shaft and including grip means for inhibiting or preventing removal from the shaft once attached thereto.

Abstract: An extendable stick having an outer pipe, an inner pipe, a core bar fixed on the outer pipe, a zigzag chain having a first portion and a second portion, an unlocking pipe, an unlocking member attached to one end of the unlocking pipe, an unlocking pin, and an unlocking finger grip attached to the unlocking pipe through a hole in the inner pipe by means of the unlocking pin, wherein the first portion being fixed to the inner pipe, the core bar running through the zigzag chain. The stick can optionally have a pedal and/or a spring to provide force to stretch the zigzag chain.

Abstract: A crutch has a pad, two bow rods connected to the pad downward, a handpiece connected to the bow rods transversely, a bolt and a butterfly nut fastening the handpiece and the bow rods together, a spring having two ends inserted through the bow rods, a sleeve having a through hole receiving lower portions of the bow rods, a pipe receiving the lower portions of the bow rods, the pipe having a taper end and a plurality of through apertures, and a tip cushion receiving the taper end of the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a length-adjustable tube for ski poles or walking sticks, comprising on outer tube and a telescopically foldable inner tube which be inserted into the outer tube to adjust the length of the tube. Also included, is a expansion device with an expansion element which is held on the insert section of the inner tube and which can be pressed apart by exerting a quasi-radial pressure. The expansion device enables the inner tube to be axially and tightly clamped in the outer tube. In order to ensure that the expansion device engages inside the outer tube in all cases, it is provided that the expansion element pertaining to the expansion device if fitted on the area where it can be pressed apart by exerting a quasi-radial pressure with at least one soft-elastic friction element compensating diameter tolerance between the inner and outer tube and protruding above the outer periphery.

Abstract: A walking aid (1) for attachment to a leg (2) of a walking stick or crutch, comprises a foot plate (3), and an attachment device in the form of a rubber molding (6) for attaching the foot plate (3) to the leg (2). The foot plate (3) and the attachment device (6) are constructed and arranged such that in use with the leg (2) attached to the foot plate (3), a portion (8) of a peripheral edge (5) of the foot plate (3) protrudes a sufficient amount (l) to enable the leg (2) when resting on the ground to be tilted to a substantially upright position by appropriate application of foot pressure to the portion (8), thereby enabling a person with disability to pick up a dropped walking stick or crutch.

Abstract: A convertible cane construction 10 including a pair of cane members 20, 20 connected to one another by a pair of collapsible arm members 30, 30′. Each collapsible arm member 30, 30′ is movable between a fully extended mode which widely separates the cane members 20 and a fully collapsed mode which joins the pair of cane members 20, 20 into a quasi-single cane configuration. Each collapsible arm member 30, 30′ includes a pair of lever arms 31, 32 pivotally connected to one another on one end and pivotally connected to one of the cane members 20, 20 on the other end.

Abstract: A stick-used stageless adjusting device for both left-handed and right-handed users to conveniently adjust the length of the stick. The stick is formed by an upper fitting tube and a lower fitting tube fitted into the upper fitting tube. The stageless adjusting device is disposed at top end of the lower fitting tube and includes a movable body and a brake body. The movable body includes two conic bodies and a thread rod connected between the conic bodies. The conic faces of the conic bodies are opposite to each other. The brake body is formed with an annular groove on outer circumference for a rubber ring to insert therein and composed of two semicylindrical halves. Each half is disposed with a thread for screwing with the thread rod of the movable body.

Abstract: A walker for assistant people ambulating, particularly on stairs climbing, is a free standing frame comprising a pair of reverse U-shaped frame members that are interconnected by braces at its sides and front, having the walker open on its rear side to allow access by the user. The horizontal parts of the U-shaped members provide handles for gripping the walker. A pair of adjustable front legs are telescopically inserted in the frame and are held in fixed position relative to the frame by a spring lorded pin mounted on the frame passes through the hole on the frame and the front leg. In one embodiment, hand actuated controls mounted on the handles allow the user to pull the pin out of the holes whereby the front legs extend by falling under the force of gravity to the desired length where the pin re-locking the front legs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a speed control pole to be used by a skater. The speed control pole has an elongated shaft with an upper end and a lower end, a roller/wheel mounted to the lower end of the shaft, a braking mechanism for contacting the roller, and a hand grip system for actuating the braking mechanism. The braking mechanism includes a brake pad which is caused to be moved inwardly against the roller and downwardly into contact with a skating surface when actuated. The brake pad includes an arcuately shaped surface for contacting the roller and a lower surface formed by two angled substantially planar surfaces. During a braking mode of operation, the arcuately shaped surface is brought into contact with the roller. During a pushing off mode of operation, the arcuately shaped surface remains in contact with the roller and the substantially planar surfaces are sequentially brought into contact with the skating surface.

Abstract: A collapsible luggage cart characterized by left and right telescoping members having top sections and bottom sections, the top sections being pivotally connected so that when the cart is extended for use the telescoping members provide an A-frame back for the cart, each bottom section having an axle on which a wheel is mounted, and each bottom section having a forwardly-extending arm pivotally connected to it, so that when the cart is to be collapsed, the arms are swung upwardly into the bottom sections, the telescoping members are then pivoted together until they are side by side, and finally the telescoping members are collapsed into the bottom sections, the exterior surfaces of which together then substantially enclose the collapsed cart.

Abstract: A compacting, adjustable walking aid comprising a shaft (20) made up of three rigid tubular members (22, 23, 24) arranged in telescopic fashion adjustably connected to one another by spring-loaded push button release pins (25) in cooperation with apertures in the tubes. A readily removable underarm support (30) secured by a release pin (25A) caps the upper shaft tube (22). A readily removable crutch handle (32), secured by a hand operated release assembly (32C), extends perpendicularly from a designated portion of the upper tubular member (22). This invention may be readily compacted telescopically to approximately one third of its extended length. By removing the upper shaft tube (22), and capping the middle shaft tube (23) with the appropriate attachment, this invention may be readily converted from a full-sized crutch to a forearm crutch (46), or a cane (48). Shock absorbing end tip (34) may be replaced with a quad tip attachment (50) transforming the cane to a quad cane.

Abstract: An integral snap button and anti-rattle member is provided for locking the length of and decreasing the play and rattle between inner and outer tubes of an adjustable-length telescoping tube assembly. The member fits into the inner and outer tubes and a button formed thereon passes through an opening in the inner tube and one of a plurality of openings in the outer tube to adjustably lock the length of the assembly. A collar formed on the member fits within the outer telescoping tube to decrease play and rattle between the tubes of the assembly. The member is easily manufactured as an integral or one-piece member and is easily installed in the assembly.

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: An expandable baton having a gripping tube, a center tube, and a striking tube that collapse into an axial bore formed in the gripping tube. The gripping tube includes an extended support surface formed on the decreasing diameter tapered portion contained on its first end. The center tube includes an extended support surface on each of its first and second ends to prevent fracture on each of the ends during use of the baton. The striking tube is machined and includes a tapered portion formed on its second end that engages the center tube when the baton is in its extended position. An end cap having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of axial bore formed in the gripping tube is attached to the first end of the striking tube. The end cap includes a nesting portion having a nesting surface that engages the inner diameter of the axial bore of the gripping tube when the baton is in its retracted position. An angled surface on the end cap aids in aligning the striking tube within the gripping tube.

Abstract: A multiple-fold umbrella includes: a central shaft consisting of a plurality of tubes telescopically engageable with one another having a top or innermost tube having a smallest diameter or width and having a cross section formed with a plurality of quadrants each concave radially inwardly towards a longitudinal axis of the central shaft with at least two neighboring concave quadrants converging to form a ridge portion and a socket defined between the two neighboring concave quadrants for storing a spring catch in the socket, with the tubes gradationally curving their quadrants radially outwardly from their concave quadrants to form a lowest or outermost tube having a cross section of circular shape for a smooth holding by the umbrella user; and a rib assembly consisting of at least a top rib, a stretcher rib, an intermediate rib, an outer connecting rib and an inner connecting rib pivotally connected with one another and connected to an upper notch and a runner on the central shaft, with the inner connecting

Abstract: A cane holding apparatus and method for permitting a cane user to conveniently retain a cane free of the user's hands while maintaining the cane available for immediate use. A preferred embodiment of the cane holder apparatus includes a cane, hook-pile fastening material secured to the cane, a flexible panel adapted for being removably secured to a belt worn by the user, and loop-pile fastening means on the outerside of the worn panel for cooperating with the hook-pile fastening means on the cane for releasably securing the cane to the panel when the cane is placed to the panel with at least a portion of the hook-pile fastening material contacting at least a portion of the loop-pile fastening material.

Abstract: A hiking pole comprised with a telescoping staff, a handgrip extending outwardly from the rear of the staff when the staff is in an upright position, the handgrip including an elongated hand engaging section having an outer end and an inner end, the handgrip having a longitudinal axis at an angle of from about 10.degree. to about 45.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the staff, the handgrip inner end being attached to the staff at a position whereby a user's hand is raised to at least the level of the user's chest to grasp the handgrip; and a balance section projecting toward the front of the staff, the balance section having a longitudinal axis at an angle of from about 10.degree. to about 45.degree. relative to the staff longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A portable safety mechanism housed in a cane, a walking stick or a belt-carried housing. In each of such embodiments, the portable safety mechanism includes a processor, a transmitter, a receiver, and an outside image sensor or scanner, a warning device such as an audible warning device or warning light. The scanner may, for example, sense the shape of a traffic signal or the color of a traffic signal.

Abstract: A detent mechanism for expandable batons of the type having a handle and at least one telescoping section. The detent mechanism including an elongated, substantially rectangular-shaped, locking button designed to provide a wide, flat surface to wide, flat surface contact for preventing deformation of the locking button and/or the mating tube of the telescoping baton section during the "recoil" and "bounce back" caused by the rapid extension of the baton to its expanded position. The locking button has radiused top edges and a top surface radiused to match the radius of the inner wall of the mating tube. The detent mechanism also includes a radiused inner recess for receiving the locking button and holding the baton in the retracted position and a biasing means in communication with the button for normally urging the button into the extended, projecting position.

Abstract: A portable banister, for use by a person in climbing or descending a staircase having a plurality of steps which are separated by risers, comprising a foot portion, a handgrip portion, and mast members extending between the foot portion and handgrip portion. The foot portion is stepped to match the contours of the staircase. In particular, the foot portion includes a pair of horizontal slabs which rest against sequential steps, and a vertical member which extends between the horizontal slabs and rests against the riser therebetween. The horizontal slabs extend parallel to each other. The distance between the horizontal slabs is adjustable to match the staircase. The mast members each extend between one of the horizontal slabs and the handgrip portion, and are each adjustable in length to vary the height and angle of the handgrip portion for the comfort and safety of the user.

Abstract: A single leg support crutch provides improved stability and balance to a user, who suffers from foot, ankle or lower leg injury, in order to enhance ambulatory movement of the user during recuperation. The leg support crutch comprises a unitary leg cradle that conforms generally to a user's thigh, knee and lower leg, and a plurality of fasteners that comfortably secure the leg support crutch to the user's leg while in a bended position. A support strut is releasably attached to the cradle and is positioned to support the weight of the user when standing or walking. A releasable coupling attaches the strut to the cradle at one of a plurality of locations. The multiple locations of the strut on the cradle allow the position of the strut to be adjusted in order to properly align the axis of the strut with the location of the user's femur in the cradle. As a result, the weight of the user is transferred more efficiently to the strut to improve the user's comfort when standing or walking.

Abstract: An improved combination hand weight and expandable baton is provided. The baton is adjustable for length and weight. The baton includes a handle section which is preferably a hollow cylindrical tube and at least one telescoping section capable of being contained within the handle section. The baton is provided with a removable end cap which has a tapered inner surface that captures a flared end portion of the interior telescoping section to provide a tight taper joint when the baton is in an expanded position. By providing different end caps, any number of intermediate telescoping sections may be placed within the handle section to vary both the weight and the expandable length of the baton.

Abstract: An expandable baton includes a plurality of sections adapted to be stowed in a nested, collapsed position. The sections may be opened by swinging the baton in a whipping action into a locked extended position. Each of these sections may be made of similar or dissimilar materials, with the tip section having at least a portion being made of a relatively high mass material to preserve strike force when used in a whipping motion and at least one other section being made of a lightweight material to reduce weight of the overall baton. The lightweight section includes lock zones of increased thickness for enhancing the strength and durability of the lightweight section and preserving the overall strength and durability of the assembled baton. The increased material in the lock zones permits the lock zones to be of a greater functional length than prior art single thickness baton sections.

Abstract: A multi-function support device to assist the mobility of people having minor to extreme handicaps includes an elongate main shaft having a plurality of telescoping tube sections axially movable relative to one another throughout a range of selected, locked positions to enable adjustment of an overall length of the device. A head assembly removably attaches to a proximal end zone of the main shaft and includes opposite arm members, with storage compartments therein. The arm members are angled outwardly and upwardly to define a support brace for supporting receipt under the user's arm and within the armpit. Various ground engaging tip members are interchangeably attachable to the distal end zone of the main shaft and a battery powered lamp, operable by a switch, directs light downwardly to illuminate the ground area where the tip member is to be placed while walking.

Abstract: A special configured rehabilitating quadcane implement providing major advancements in the art; including: a.) positive vertical incremental adjustment of staff height to suit user; b.) the staff is readily rotatable 180.degree., so as to facilitate both left and right hand usage; c.) during final stages of rehib-recovery the cane-staff may be extracted from the quadleged-base spider via provision of a special safety-lock turn-flap device, enabling monocane use; d.) each of the quadlegs are independently adjustable as to ground-spread, thereby accommodating different stability requirements of patients. Most of the adjustments are provided via a well known spring-tensioned button-detent indexing device, whereby detent-holes are staged at regular intervals. Moreover, the adjustable quadlegged-base enables the user to align the leading edges of the two frontal-legs, so that the cane staff rocks forward exactly inline with the direction of walking.

Abstract: These and other advantages are achieved through the flanged, flat spring of the present invention. The spring comprises a single, C-shaped leaf element formed of a substantially flat base having an aperture therein for receipt of a detent button, a pair of flat spring legs radiating outwardly from the base in a direction generally opposite the direction of the projecting detent button, a pair of upturned feet attached to the legs, and a flange extending downward from each side of the base. The flanges increases the effective thickness of the spring, which results in a decreased bending stress and hence, a longer fatigue life. Therefore, the flanges increases the effective thickness of the spring without increasing the actual material thickness of the spring. In addition, the upturned ends of the legs provide a surface which can be more easily grasped to manipulate the spring within a baton tube.

Abstract: A portable telescopic weighted walking pole that includes a pole portion that is collapsible, telescopic, and tubular, maintaining apparatus, a weighted handle that is removably mounted and interchangeable, and handle mounting apparatus. The pole portion has a variety of lengths, so that the pole portion is length adjustable to accommodate users of different heights and can be collapsed to a small length for easy storage and transport. The maintaining apparatus maintains the pole portion at a desired length. The weighted handle is removably mounted to the pole portion, so that increased resistance is exerted on the arms of a user as the user walks and accomplishes dual-action exercising. The handle mounting apparatus removably mounts the weighted handle to the pole portion, so that the weighted handle can be interchanged with another weighted handle when desired by the user and can be removed for easy storage and transport.

Abstract: A height adjustable cane includes an upper tubular member configured to slidably receive a second tubular member in a telescoping manner. A plurality of apertures are formed in the first tubular member which allows a button of a snap button assembly to pass therethrough and lock the tubular members against relative movement. Using the push-button assembly and the telescopic feature, the length of the cane may be adjusted. Increased stability between the tubular members is provided by a cam locking assembly including a housing receiving a cam member. The cam member includes a lever and a raised camming surface that selectively engages an outer surface of the second tubular member.

Abstract: A stagelessly ajustable telescopic waking stick having a position retaining device is made up of an upper pipe and a lower pipe that are telescopically adjusted so as to permit the walking stick to be extended to any length within a limited range and be firmly retained at any selected length by the position retaining device so as to permit the telescopic walking stick to be suitable to people of various physical sizes.

Abstract: A self-adjusting crutch having a floating and moveable central leg. A prepositionable height fastener cooperates with a coupling collar, both of which are disposed on the central leg to predetermine the amount of extension. A fastener and coupler cooperate, for the leg to be extended and retracted repeatedly the exact same distance. The floating moveable leg can be releasably retained within the arm piece.

Abstract: A multiple section telescoping police baton is disclosed. The baton has a locking mechanism which is activated upon twisting of one section relative to the other in order to prevent sliding motion of one section relative to the other.

Abstract: A stagelessly adjustable telescopic waking stick having a position retaining device is made up of an upper pipe and a lower pipe that are telescopically adjusted so as to permit the walking stick to be extended to any length within a limited range and be firmly retained at any selected length by the position retaining device so as to permit the telescopic walking stick to be suitable to people of various physical sizes.