Abstract: An orthotic device for assisting a user in walking includes an underarm support assembly configured to support a user's weight without damage to their nerves, and upright support pivotally connected to the underarm support assembly and a ground engaging assembly pivotally connected to the upright support. In one embodiment, the underarm support assembly is spring biased relative to the upright support to bias the upright support to an orientation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal dimension of the underarm support. The ground engaging assembly is also biased to bias the ground engaging assembly to a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upright support while allowing the ground engaging assembly to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the upright support and about an axis parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the upright support.

Abstract: An orthotic device for assisting a user in walking includes an underarm support assembly configured to support a user's weight without damage to their nerves, and upright support pivotally connected to the underarm support assembly and a ground engaging assembly pivotally connected to the upright support. In one embodiment, the underarm support assembly is spring biased relative to the upright support to bias the upright support to an orientation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal dimension of the underarm support. The ground engaging assembly is also biased to bias the ground engaging assembly to a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upright support while allowing the ground engaging assembly to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the upright support and about an axis parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the upright support.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling persons with impaired mobility to enter and leave a bathtub includes a water inflatable shell having a shape such that when fully inflated the shell wedges between opposed bathtub sidewalls and has a top tapering to a platform at about the level of the top of the sidewalls so that the person may lower and raise himself into and out of the bathtub by releasing and adding water from and to the shell, respectively, and the period of time required to transit a distance between the top of the sidewalls and below the top of the sidewalls is briefer than a comparable distance below the top of the sidewalls by virtue of the reduced volume of the tapered top of the shell. Horizontal tubes of elliptical cross section contribute to the tapered shape of the top and add stability.

Abstract: An improved inflatable cushion lift assembly for use in a bathtub by a person taking a bath. The lift assembly is positioned on the floor of a bathtub and is connected to the bathtub faucet to inflate the cushion. The cushion may be deflated while a person is sitting thereon to lower a person to the floor of the tub. Furthermore, the cushion may be inflated while the person is sitting on the cushion on the floor of the tub to raise the user upwardly to allow the user to exit the tub easily. The present improvement inhibits undesired movement of the cushion while being used by utilizing a rigid bottom panel and/or rigid top panel. Furthermore, the interior of the cushion may be provided with baffles or the like for dampening water oscillations within the cushion. The cushion, for reasons of stability, may also be tiered or formed in layers such that the cushion inflates or deflates in stages.

Abstract: An improved inflatable cushion lift assembly for use in a bathtub by a person taking a bath. The lift assembly is positioned on the floor of a bathtub and is connected to the bathtub faucet to inflate the cushion. The cushion may be deflated while a person is sitting thereon to lower a person to the floor of the tub. Furthermore, the cushion may be inflated while the person is sitting on the cushion on the floor of the tub to raise the user upwardly to allow the user to exit the tub easily. The present improvement inhibits undesired movement of the cushion while being used by utilizing a rigid bottom panel and/or rigid top panel. Furthermore, the interior of the cushion may be provided with baffles or the like for dampening water oscillations within the cushion. The cushion, for reasons of stability, may also be tiered or formed in layers such that the cushion inflates or deflates in stages.