Abstract: An adjustable cane includes a grasping mechanism, an actuator, an adjustable length inelastic linkage, a magnetic pickup, hanging tip and self-standing base. Pivotally mounted to the distal end of the cane, the grasping mechanism includes a pair of fingers defining a narrow valley for grasping small objects and a wide valley for grasping large objects. The adjustable length inelastic linkage transmits force from the actuator to the grasping mechanism. The magnetic pickup is mounted to the grasping mechanism to facilitate retrieval of ferrous objects. The hanging tip supports the cane from horizontal surfaces. The self-standing base allows the cane to stand upright on any flat surface.

Abstract: An adjustable cane includes a shaft with proximal and distal ends. The shaft has a hollow cavity formed therein and extending along a major length of the shaft and terminating subjacent to the proximal end. A stop member is threadably attached to the distal end of the shaft and extends about an entire circumference thereof. A handle has upper and lower portions, and the lower portion is removably attached to the proximal end of the shaft. A rectilinear core member with top and bottom ends is telescopically interfitted within the distal end of the shaft and penetrates the cavity, and a cap is removably fitted over the bottom end. A mechanism telescopically adjusts the core member within the shaft in such a manner that the shaft remains statically affixed to the handle while the core member linearly displaces along the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: An ambulatory support and traction device used as a flexible foot (1) added to a walking aid, such as a cane or crutch (6), is provided. The flexible foot (1) includes a bendable coil or spring (3) that allows angulation of a walking aid shaft (4) relative to the foot (1) without the loss of adherence of the foot to a ground surface (19). The allowance of angulation of the walking aid shaft (4) improves ambulatory support and balance when leaning on the walking aid or when traversing an inclined surface and can assist the user in rising from a sitting position to a standing position without repositioning of the foot. The flexible foot (1) has a rigid base (2) for structural support and a traction sole (17) to adhere to surfaces both indoors and outdoors and on different surfaces and environments.

Abstract: This invention refers to a stick (1) intended for use by a person moving in a forward direction on a surface, comprising an elongated stick shaft (2) and a handle component (12). The handle component is angled in relation to the stick shaft (2). The invention also refers to a handle component.

Abstract: A compact and easy-to-use walking assisting device capable of reducing constrained feeling given to a user and allowing a free swing of the arms of the user in walking. The walking assisting device comprises one or more leg links to which ground contact members are connected at their lower ends respectively and a load transfer portion connected to the upper ends of the leg links, in which at least a part of the weight of the user is supported by the leg links via the load transfer portion, wherein the load transfer portion includes a seat member for the user to sit astride, wherein connecting portions with the upper ends of the leg links connected thereto are attached to the undersurface of the seat member, and wherein the connecting portion have a degree of freedom allowing the forward/backward and lateral swings of the leg links.

Abstract: A mono-crutch for assisting the ambulation of individuals having injured or otherwise debilitated lower extremities. The mono-crutch having upper leg support with inner and outer support pads, a lower leg support for cradling a wearer's lower leg, and a ground contact member. The inner and outer support pads are configured so as to be able to be swapped or raised/lowered relative to one another, thereby allowing both right legged and left legged configurations to be created using the same mono-crutch.

Abstract: A mobility aid having interchangeable features is disclosed. A plurality of handles, shafts, and/or tips are provided of different shapes, sizes, and materials so that different users can select different features based on preference or changing support needs. Each handle and each tip is connectable to each of the provided shafts so that a user may switch out handles or tips as desired. Also disclosed is a shaft for a mobility aid having an upper portion and a lower portion with a telescoping relationship and a locking device, such as a rocking or rocker switch, interposed therebetween. The locking device allows the mobility aid to be locked into a fully expanded position, released for a semi-collapsed position, or released into a fully collapsed position.

Abstract: A cane tip having a body incorporating a resilient shock-absorbing member which has radial projections extending to the surface of the cane tip. The cane tip includes a bore defining a bore axis. The bore is configured to receive the shaft of a cane. Vertical ribs protrude radially into the bore and extend in a direction that is substantially parallel to the bore axis.

Abstract: A walking stabilizer equipped to combat the effects of akinesia paradoxica by employing a novel method and device to regulate and actuate a projection instrument which generates a pattern perpendicular to the user's direction of travel. The regulating and actuating device comprises a two pole series switch circuit configuration in tandem with the walking stabilizer's novel dual action braking mechanism. The projection device is only operable when the user concurrently selects its use and when the walker stabilizer is free for movement or in contact with the patient.

Abstract: A guiding device and method to provide information about a path traveled by a user. The device features a cane having a magnet mounted on a distal end. The magnet is attracted to a magnetic pathway formed on a walking surface by a buried cable or applied surface. Nodes positioned at points or intersections along the magnetic path have magnetic switches triggering a broadcast of additional information to the user concerning the magnetic path at the triggered node and along any divergent magnetic paths extending from the node. The device and method can be used to aid visually impaired and even sighted people around areas of residence such as homes and hotels, and public places such as airports and zoos.

Abstract: A walking assistancing device having leg links (2L, 2R) connected to a load transfer portion (1) via first joints (3), wherein each leg link is free to bend and stretch at a second joint (5) in the middle of the leg link and is formed in such a length that the leg link is bent with the second joint projecting forward of a reference line (L2) even if a user is standing upright, where the reference line is defined as a line connecting a forward/backward swing fulcrum (3a) of the leg link to a third joint (7) at the lower end of the leg link, thereby improving the stabality by diminishing a moment in a forward tilting direction generated in the leg link when the user is standing upright.

Abstract: A cane is disclosed that includes a handle having a lower protrusion; a shaft having a top projection matingly secured to a bottom recess of the protrusion; and a sleeve adapted to securely put on the protrusion, an upper portion of the shaft, or a joining portion of the protrusion and the upper portion of the shaft. The invention can increase structural strength of the cane.

Abstract: A cane is disclosed that includes a handle having a lower protrusion; a shaft having a top projection matingly secured to a bottom recess of the protrusion; and a sleeve adapted to securely put on the protrusion, an upper portion of the shaft, or a joining portion of the protrusion and the upper portion of the shaft. The invention can increase structural strength of the cane.

Abstract: An ergonomic support staff apparatus for supporting a user upon a surface is provided. The apparatus generally includes a longitudinally extended support member. The apparatus also includes a grip handle member adjustably coupled in position along the support member. The grip handle member includes a grip portion which protrudes laterally outward from the support member to extend in inclined manner relative to the support member. Use of the resulting apparatus enables the range of requisite arm swing motion for manipulation of the support member into stable engagement of the given surface to be minimized.

Abstract: A shock absorbing cane, including a shaft and a handle, the shaft having a self propelling and repositioning forward motion when compressed handle is lifted by user. The shaft extends from the handle and the handle is shock-absorbing for absorbing impact when the shaft strikes against an unyielding surface. The handle includes a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a dampening assembly. The fixed portion is affixed to the shaft and the movable portion is movably mounted to the fixed portion. The dampening assembly includes a tension spring disposed in the fixed portion of the handle, with one leg thereof extending into the shaft to preload the tension spring by biasing against the shaft, and with the other leg thereof extending via a rod into and affixed to the movable portion of the handle, thereby allowing the movable portion of the handle to resiliently move relative to the shaft and absorb impact when the shaft strikes against the unyielding surface.

Abstract: An apparatus comprised of: a base unit having a top portion and a bottom portion; a leg supporting structure on the top portion at an angle and adapted to receive the lower portion of a user's leg; one or more temporary securing member(s) to temporarily secure the user's leg to the leg supporting platform; and at least one rolling member positioned below the bottom portion, such that the user is able to move using a free leg and the apparatus without the use of hands.

Abstract: The present invention is a gait therapy device which facilitates the lower extremities particularly the action of flexion at the hip and knee to aid a patient in assisted ambulation, as well as knee, foot and ankle action. The gait trainer apparatus comprises: (a) a moveable frame adapted to move along the ground; (b) at least one motion responsive wheel attached to the frame and adapted to contact the ground and to turn as the frame moves along the ground, and at least one wheel having an offset motion portion having a right side and left side; (c) a left foot attachment, the left foot attachment connected to the left side of the offset motion portion by a flexible or elastic member; and (d) a right foot attachment, the right foot attachment connected to the right side of the offset motion portion by a flexible or elastic member.

Abstract: An adjustable crutch, cane or similar walking aid for assisting everyday movement for temporarily injured and even permanently handicapped persons, the crutch having telescoping crutch tubes; encasing a locking gas spring crutches which can instantaneously and controllably be adjusted in length during use, thereby considerably facilitating such common physical activities as sitting down, standing up, negotiating stairs or other obstacles and other similar everyday mobile activities. The locking gas spring functions by internal gas pressure and the telescoping crutch tubes are extended as the internal gas pressure seeks to reach the lowest energy state by maximizing its internal volume. For safety purposes a disengagement mechanism is provided so that extension occurs up to a preset level dictated by the user, and can even be overridden if desired.

Abstract: The invention is a device for coupling and releasing the wrist strap to/from the handgrip of a pole for sporting activities, comprising: a buckle associated with the wrist strap; a seat obtained in the handgrip to house the buckle; means for coupling the buckle comprising an elastic tab that projects from the body of the buckle and a support surface obtained in the seat that cooperate by mutual contact when the buckle is constrained to the handgrip; means for coupling the buckle that can be maneuvered by the user. The releasing means comprise a release lever that can be maneuvered by the user and is housed inside the seat, wherein in said release lever it is possible to identify a central core with a rotation pin, a maneuvering end that can be reached by the user and a release end that cooperates by contact with the elastic tab to move it away from the support surface.

Abstract: A walking stick includes a body (10), a handle (20) formed at one end of the body and configured to be grasped by a hand of a user, and a balance structure (60). The balance structure is mounted to a distal end of the handle via screws or hooks or other means. In use, the walking stick acts as a lever in which the hand of the user acts as a fulcrum and the balance structure is pulled downward because of the pull of gravity to facilitate lifting the body of the walking stick. The balance structure may be made of metal, plastic or any other material. The weight of the balance structure may be desired according to demand. The walking stick has a simple structure with low cost and is convenient to users.

Abstract: A walking aid device for assisting a user to walk by presenting a true 3-D obstacle that is automatically activated during normal use of a cane or walking support, to which the device is attached proximal to the floor end, and during use when in an extended position is non-parallel to the floor surface, is perceived by the user to be an obstacle over which the foot on the same side of the user's body must step. A method of use providing for attaching the device to the cane or walking support and using it in a cycle that produces a walking-type motion for the user.

Abstract: A walking aid apparatus comprising a sitting member which a user sits astride and leg links each coupled to a connection provided on the undersurface of the sitting member in such a way as to be free to swing in the forward/backward direction, which improves the stability of the sitting member. The connection is adapted in such a way that a forward/backward swinging fulcrum of the leg links is located above the sitting member. More specifically, the connection is provided with an arc-shaped guide track longitudinal in the forward/backward direction and having the center of curvature above the sitting member, so that each of the leg links swings along the guide track in the forward/backward direction. If the leg links are allowed to swing freely also in the lateral direction, preferably the lateral swinging fulcrum of the leg links is also located above the sitting member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pole grip (1), particularly for walking sticks, trekking poles, alpine ski poles, cross-country ski poles and Nordic walking poles, comprising a grip body (3) and a hook-like device (14) for attaching a hand-retaining device particularly provided in the form of a hand strap or a glove. Latching means (6, 11) are placed in the area of the hook-like device (14) in such a manner that a strap-shaped, ring-shaped or eyelet-shaped device (33), which is inserted from above into the hook-like device (14) and which is provided on a hand-retaining device, is fixed in the hook-like device (14) in a self-latching manner. This simple and self-latching mechanism enormously simplifies use and is preferably combined with a safety release in the event of a heavy load acting in the opening direction of the hook-like device.

Abstract: Provided herewith is a walking cane device that converts into a tool for grasping items out of the normal reach of an individual. The device comprises two vertical members, pivotably connected to each other. One end of the device is a handle end and the other end is the tip end. Upon releasing a locking mechanism the handle end can be opened up, thereby opening up the tip end to provide a gripper end for grasping objects distant from the handle end. The gripper end being shaped to provide a flat gripper portion for grasping objects as well as a concave surface portion for gripping cylindrical objects. Upon closing the apparatus, the two vertical members interlock to prevent the members from separation during use as a cane. Also provided is a detachable broader base that can be secured to the tip of the device when utilized as a cane.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a user in walking is provided. The apparatus includes a shaft with an axis through the center. The shaft has an elongated portion and a tip on one end for contacting the ground. A handle with a plurality of finger receiving portions are present that extend around a portion of the outer perimeter of the handle. The handle has an axis through the center and the finger receiving grooves are oriented at an angle to the axis of the handle so that the finger receiving grooves extend along a portion of the length of the axis of the handle. The top of the handle is oriented so that the finger receiving grooves are between the top and the shaft.

Abstract: A cane having a base having at least one wheel, a substantially vertical member connected to the base, a brake within the vertical member, the brake including at least one actuator and a brake pad and a hand grip proximate the actuator wherein the brake is engageable by the application of a substantially downward force from a user's hand while the user's hand is on the hand grip and a method for using same. A cane having a brake releasable and engageable by the substantially downward force of a user's hand while the user's hand substantially continuously maintains a grip on the cane and while the user walks beside the cane. A cane having a plurality of hand grips, an upright member connected to the plurality of hand grips, a base, having wheels, connected to the upright member, a brake connected to each of the plurality of hand grips wherein the brake is engageable by a hand having a substantially continuous grip on any of the plurality of hand grips.

Abstract: A cane having a horizontal handle and a shaft extending down from the handle. A connector between the underside of the handle and the shaft is narrowed below the handle to a small cross-section and is of sufficient length that a user's fingers can straddle the connector with comfort and without the connector urging the fingers outwardly. The connector is of a strong material, such as titanium.

Abstract: A comfort cane includes a cane shaft having an upper end and lower end thereof, and a two-piece handle affixed to the upper end of the cane shaft. The handle includes a rigid body portion substantially defining a profile of the handle in a top view of the handle, and a top portion attached to the body portion. The top portion is soft and resilient with respect to the body portion.

Abstract: A quick action lock for vertically adjustable legs of a stilt or workbench utilized by construction workers, as for example, installers of wallboard. The lock includes a pair of horizontally aligned squeeze spring fingers completely positioned within the confines of the telescoping struts of the legs for biasing a pair of stop pegs outwardly into alignable holes formed in such struts.

Abstract: A walking cane having an integral item retrieval means includes an elongated hollow shaft having a J-shaped handle member at an upper end. A lever is slidably positioned immediately beneath the handle member that is operably connected to a pivotal claw on the lower end of the shaft. Lifting the lever pivots the claw against the lower end of the shaft to trap an object therebetween.

Abstract: An Assistive Walking Device that provides added support to persons requiring a mobility aid. Three or more stiff or flexible spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures are attached to a support or frame structure that includes a handle or grip. The three or more spherical structures attached to the support structure or frame, absorb shock during the walking motion and grip the ground, thus improving walking stability. The three or more spherical or partial spherical-shaped structures can vary in size, composition, construction design, pattern arrangement and pliability characteristics, and the frame or support structure to which the spherical structures are attached is variable in design according to the specific application requirements of the person requiring the mobility aid.

Abstract: An ergonomic support staff apparatus for supporting a user upon a surface is provided. The apparatus generally includes a longitudinally extended support member having upper and lower portions, and an intermediate shaft portion extending therebetween. The apparatus also includes a handle member coupled to at least one of the upper and intermediate shaft portions of the support member. The handle member protrudes laterally outward from the support member to define an angled grip portion disposed to extend in inclined manner relative to the support member. Use of the apparatus thereby enables the range of requisite arm swing motion for manipulation of the support member into stable engagement of the given surface to be minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual-purpose cane, which includes a shaft unit, a handgrip unit, which is provided at the top side of the shaft unit and alternatively set between a first mode for use as a handgrip and a second mode for use as a seat, and a footpiece unit, which is provided at the bottom side of the shaft unit and alternatively set between a received position for enabling the cane to be used as a walking stick and an extended position for enabling the cane to be used as a chair.

Abstract: An exercise cane that can be used for mobility, but it is also constructed for use as an exercise device while walking or jogging. The cane also includes optional features such as a battery operated light, a storage compartment, a drinking bottle with a container therefore, and a novel drinking straw that allows a user to take a drink without interrupting the physical workout.

Abstract: The invention relates to a walking or ski pole used in Nordic walking or skiing. To a prior art pole including a body part (1), a grip part (2), and a tip part (3), is connected a power sensor (6), a user interface (7), and a transmitting device (9) for transmitting the data from the power sensor to the user interface for the purpose of measuring the physiological effect of the pole-assisted exercise and for controlling the exercise performance.

Abstract: A convertible cane assembly comprises a pair of canes which can be used separately by a cane user. The canes include connections for securing the canes in side-by-side relation to provide a single cane which can be used in a normal manner. An important feature of the connections is the ability to easily separate the canes. In the single cane version, loads are preferably transferred through the entire length of both canes, meaning that the connections do not have to carry substantial loads.

Abstract: A foot mobility aid for helping a user with limited mobility in a leg and foot help move the user's leg and foot when walking. The foot mobility aid includes an elongate flexible strap with a pair of opposite ends. One of the ends of the strap is folded back over an adjacent portion of the strap and coupled to the adjacent portion of the strap to form a foot loop for extending the foot of a user therein.

Abstract: An automatic functioning light and warning system with remote signaling for use with mobility assistance devices, such as wheelchairs and walkers, having a housing, at least one detachable clamp connected to the housing, a battery-powered light incorporated into the housing, an internal audio alarm incorporated into the housing, an active or passive motion detection sensor and associated signal processing circuitry incorporated within the housing. The invention may use replaceable or rechargeable batteries as the power source. The remote receiver may be a stand alone device or interfaced into a monitoring system. A time delay circuit may be incorporated into the invention to automatically turn the light or alarm off at a predetermined time after activation and a sensor that prevents actuation of the light source when ambient light is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A foldable stick assembly includes a foldable tube unit, a sliding handle, a push rod unit, a ratchet socket, an upper ratchet, a pawl member, a lower ratchet, and a push block. The foldable tube unit includes a handle, an upper mounting tube, a lower mounting tube, an upper pivot sleeve, and a lower pivot sleeve. The push rod unit includes a main push rod and an upper push rod. Thus, the foldable stick assembly may be used to cut and remove the weeds and to loosen the soil. In addition, the foldable stick assembly is folded easily and conveniently, so that the volume of the foldable stick assembly is reduced, thereby facilitating storage and transportation of the foldable stick assembly, and thereby decreasing the cost of assembly.

Abstract: Ambulatory apparatus for aiding a user in going on foot comprising a walker including transparent receptacles having opposing upper and lower ends, handled structure supported by the upper ends, feet each carried by one of the lower ends and decorative filling contained by the receptacles between the upper and lower ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable support that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The adjustable support may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not is use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The adjustable support may be used as a traction splint, a walking stick, ski pole, or a crutch.

Abstract: An object is provided, which has a portion to be in contact with a human's skin when used, and can suppress irritation of the human's skin. A skin-contact portion of the object to be in contact with the human's skin when used is coated with a carbon film. For example, the carbon-film-coated object is glasses having ear pieces of temples and node pads coated at least partially with carbon films having a function of suppressing skin irritation.

Abstract: A supportive walker includes a front frame, a rear frame, a pair of limitation plates, and at least one safety lock. The limitation plates are adapted to support relative movement of the front frame and the rear frame between an extended position and a folded position. The safety lock is adapted to selectively lock the front frame and the rear frame. The limitation plates are connected to the front frame and each has a passage defined therethrough to accommodate movement of the rear frame. The safety lock includes a mounting unit and a control unit such that the action of a spring force set outwardly pulls the control unit to move an inner protruding block along sliding slots at side wings of the mounting unit, and to further unlock the front frame and the rear frame so as to extend or fold the front frame and the rear frame.

Abstract: An ambulation aid which has a support structure for the patient that both supports the patient's weight, and is movable laterally with respect to the frame to accommodate sideways hip movement of the patient's gait. The inventors have observed that a patient's hip will shift laterally as the patient steps forward and places weight on the forward stepping leg. This causes prior art ambulation aids to jerk sideways. The present invention overcomes this by providing a support structure which can move sideways without requiring the entire frame to move sideways. In one embodiment, the support structure slides in a track behind the patient, allowing lateral movement. In another embodiment, the support structure includes a belt which either slides through rollers behind the patient, or is attached but is flexible to allow hip movement, or is attached to a slider behind the patient.

Abstract: An improved cane to assist walking, comprising a shaft, a base and an articulated connection allowing the base to pivot relative to the shaft, depending upon the slope of the surface below the base, the connection characterized in that articulation capability decreases as downward loading on the shaft is increased, and articulation capability increases as downward loading on the shaft is decreased. Articulation capacity may have a path of resistance that guides the user into selected patterns of therapeutic motion.

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 multi-functional walking stick that holds a variety of useful and safety-enhancing tools and devices in an efficient manner that eliminates the need to separately carry similar tools and devices on one's body when walking, hiking, traversing, climbing, and the like.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed walking cane with the sole purpose of reducing the force of impact and the associated impulses along the longitudinal axis of the cane shaft as generated when the cane tip hits the ground during walking. With a systematic approach taken to treat the interfaces between the cane, the user and the ground as a whole system and then followed by detailed analyses backed by human physiological and ergonomic studies, the resultant optimizations and improvements are made to achieve this objective. The resultant reduction in the force of impact and the associated impulses in said walking cane minimizes the risk of injuries such as the Repetitive Strain Injuries and other potential injuries to the wrist, hand, arm shoulder, back, spine, neck and the head. The immediate therapeutic benefits to a user are the lack of any undue fatigue and the almost effortless sensation associated with extended period of use of said ergonomic cane.

Abstract: A two-legged walker useful as a mobility assisting device for those temporarily or permanently disabled or infirm which is supported by the user's hand, not under the user's arms, is both lockably rigid and jointed to mimic and support the walking function of the user, is capable of multiple modes of use, is adjustable in its dimensions to fit the user's height and needs, and is adjustable to support use on stairs.

Abstract: A walking stick is generally known as a lightweight, straight, rigid wooden stick, held in one hand as an aid in walking. POWERFLEX DELUXE WALKING STICKS are a better concept of walking stick. They are designed to be used in pairs, (imagine a cross country skier without skis or snow), as an aid in walking, to relieve strain on lower body joints, (ankles knees, hips), and to exercise and tone the upper body muscles at the same time. The essential feature is the curved and slightly flexible shaft of the stick, which has a shock absorbing and power releasing effect.