Abstract: Apparatuses and methods assist in mobility of a person. According to an embodiment of the invention, a device for enhancing mobility of a physically-impaired person comprises: a first member that comprises an elongated portion; and a second member that is configured to slidably receive the elongated portion of the first member and to have negative draft relative to the elongated portion of the first member. According to another embodiment of the invention, there is a method for producing an apparatus for assisting in ambulation. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first member that comprises an elongated portion; and providing a second member, including: forming a recess in the second member for slidably receiving the elongated portion of the first member; and tapering the recess to have negative draft relative to the elongated portion of the first member.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a crutch comprises a crutch body having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end for engaging the ground during ambulation; and a variable-spring-rate spring coupled to the crutch body to provide shock absorption for the crutch, wherein the spring provides greater spring rate with increased compression of the spring. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for producing an apparatus for assisting ambulation of a person comprises: providing at least one member that supports some weight of the person in the course of using the apparatus; and forming a material of lower durometer than the at least one member, wherein the material, at each of multiple points along an axis of compression, has substantially non-equal thickness perpendicular to the axis of compression.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for assisting ambulation comprises: a first member; a second member adjustably connected to the first member, the first and second members together spanning an adjustable height; and at least one tab, integrally formed on the first member, that, when engaged, opposes adjustment of the adjustable height. According to another embodiment, a method for producing an apparatus for assisting in mobility comprises: forming a first member including integrally forming a stop on the first member, wherein the stop is not merely a bore through the first member; providing a second member; and adjustably connecting the second member to the first member, wherein the first and second members together span an adjustable height, and wherein the stop is configured as capable of being engaged to oppose relative motion against the second member to thereby oppose adjustment of the adjustable height.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mobility-assistance device comprises: a body having an upper end and a lower end, the body comprising an elongated member at the lower end that terminates in a lower tip, the lower tip being formed integrally with the elongated member and being without any substantial flange, the lower tip having at least one bottom surface; the elongated member being elongated along a longitudinal axis; and a resilient ground contact that attaches to the body at the lower tip. The body transfers weight to the ground contact axially via the bottom surface, and overall area of the at least one bottom surface is substantially greater than non-empty area of a cross section of the elongated member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method is for producing a crutch.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an mobility-aid apparatus comprises: a first member that includes an exterior, a second member adjustably connected to the first member, and a lock. The first member is made using a mold that includes at least a first form unit that forms a first portion of the exterior and a second form unit that forms a second portion of the exterior. There is at least one boundary on the exterior between the first and second portions. The first and second members together span an adjustable axial length. The lock fixes the adjustable axial length against at least one of contraction or expansion, wherein the lock engages, or exists on, the first member not on the at least one boundary on the exterior of the first member. According to an embodiment of the invention, a method is for producing an apparatus for assisting in mobility.

Abstract: An underarm crutch according to an embodiment comprises an underarm support that is placed underarm of a person during use; and at least one elongated member that bears weight and that includes a polymeric material as a structural basis, wherein the underarm support is coupled to the at least one member to help support weight of the person; wherein the underarm crutch has height during use, a substantial portion of which height is contributed by the at least one elongated member; and wherein the underarm crutch comprises substantially no metal, whereby the underarm crutch is capable of not triggering an alarm by an airport metal detector. An apparatus according to another embodiment comprises: a crutch that is substantially composed of injection molded plastic and that includes no metal; wherein the crutch, when viewed using x-ray, has appearance that differs from appearance of a metal crutch.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods assist in mobility of a person. According to an embodiment of the invention, a device for enhancing mobility of a physically-impaired person comprises: a first member that comprises an elongated portion; and a second member that is configured to slidably receive the elongated portion of the first member and to have negative draft relative to the elongated portion of the first member. According to another embodiment of the invention, there is a method for producing an apparatus for assisting in ambulation. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first member that comprises an elongated portion; and providing a second member, including: forming a recess in the second member for slidably receiving the elongated portion of the first member; and tapering the recess to have negative draft relative to the elongated portion of the first member.