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 universal platform support assembly (10) provides for vertical and horizontal adjustment to secure the assembly to a wide array of walker (W) styles and sizes. A forearm receiving member (20) can be pivoted for comfort of the user and a push handle (24) associated therewith may be selectively positioned fore and aft, as well as rotated, for additional fit and comfort. Enlarged knobs (32) that may be conveniently grasped and manipulated secure the various adjustable components together allowing assembly and adjustment to proceed without using tools.

Abstract: A forearm crutch cushion system that includes an arm cradle cushion assembly and a hand grip cushion assembly. The arm cradle cushion assembly including a rectangular shaped, padded forearm contact section, left and right rectangular top fold-over securing sections formed along a top edge of the padded forearm contact section, left and right rectangular bottom fold-over securing sections formed along a bottom edge of the padded forearm contact section, and rectangular, left and right cradle end cover sections formed respectively in connection with left and right side edges of the padded forearm contact section.

Abstract: An improved underarm cane device including a cane having a Y-type structure with an upper end portion and two rods extending therefrom. The arm supporter structure includes an arm supporter and two ends, with each end of the arm supporter structure having a ring through which each one of the two rods of the upper end portion of the cane extends through, in order to arrange the arm supporter structure between the two rods of the upper end of the cane. The rings each have an outer side with a through bore and a protrusion. The protrusions at the outer sides of the rings including a groove. Bores are longitudinally arranged along the length of each of the two rods. Locking pieces are configured to secure the arm supporter structure between the two rods wherein each of the locking pieces secures the arm supporter structure on the two rods. The device includes L-shaped locking pieces each having a centrally positioned tenon, and each of the locking pieces having an inner side and outer side.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved umbrella handle with a hanging loop, wherein the hanging loop is capable of being winded around the handle and being fixed securely. The umbrella handle is provided a spiral concave groove of the surface which can be winded by the loop for obtaining a merged connection. A fixing ring is provided around the loop and is slidable to control a secure connection between the loop and the handle or to be released.

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: This disclosure relates to combination adjustable crutches and/or canes that can be converted from a crutch to a cane or vice versa. The present invention includes a main single support shaft made of lightweight-ridged square tubing. A unique handle that clamps onto said square support shaft. Additionally, a novel underarm support cradle with stem that telescopes inside said square support shaft to be adjusted up or down. Also, a novel way and means to provide auxiliary forearm support. Patient's hand wrist, forearm and upper arm then being in a natural ergonomic position, without twisting or bending of patient's hand, wrist and upper arm. Fatigue, discomfort, and pain then being minimized or eliminated. Also, a crutch/cane that can be firmly set aside, out of the way, in an upright position on a horizontal surface when not in use.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a cane assembly for the visually handicapped, to permit maximum tactile and auditory information between terrain touched by said cane assembly and a user thereof. The cane assembly includes a tapered metal cane shaft having an upper or proximalmost end and a lower or distalmost end. A metal handle with a finger groove is secured to the upper end of the shaft and a solid elliptically shaped plastic tip is secured to the lowermost tip of the shaft. The elliptically shaped solid attachable tip permits the cane assembly to provide superior touch and sound from all terrain encountered, without the likelihood of snagging on a crack or the like.

Abstract: A crutch including an extendible, locking shaft having an upper end and a lower end; a handgrip positioned to the front of the crutch and joined to the upper end of the shaft by a connecting arm; and an underarm at a level below the level of the handgrip, whereby the user's hand is positioned above the level of the user's underarm when using the crutch, to thereby pull upward on the handgrip during forward movement, instead of a pressing downward on the handgrip and underarm support.

Abstract: A walking aid device has a curved handle member designed to conform to the shape of the body which will allow a person to lean on the device when the hands and arms need to be free while standing. The handle member curves downwardly, slightly forwardly and continuing in a downward bow to connect to an appendage or shaft portion. The shaft portion bends slightly inwardly and continues straight down to a foot member. The walking aid device allows a person to walk with the momentum of using a cane and the stability of using a walker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthopedic crutch that includes a pair of vertical supports which may be formed from tubular members, connected together at one end by a cross-member, which may be cushioned, forming an armpit support. The other ends of the vertical supports are bent inwardly and connected to an adjustable support leg assembly. A handgrip assembly is disposed intermediate the opposing ends of the vertical supports. The handgrip assembly includes a horizontal cross-member, rigidly secured between the vertical supports, a pair of telescoping members and a yoke assembly. One telescoping member, formed as an extending tubular member, is rigidly secured intermediate the opposing ends of the horizontal cross-member. The other telescoping member, which includes a tubular portion, formed with a slightly larger diameter to enable telescoping action between the two telescoping members, is rigidly secured to the yoke assembly which includes two depending legs.

Abstract: In a walking stick comprising a rod with a handle structure formed at one end of the rod, the handle structure includes a cylindrical opening receiving indicating or signaling instruments.

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 protective apparatus for walkers, hikers, and others incorporating a section containing a switchable combination alarm and incapacitating defensive fluid and incorporating a socket for attachment of a camera or lanyard, a storage section, a battery and electrical alarm section incorporating a socket for attachment of an optional walking stick and in a second variation a handle for use as part of a walking cane and in a third variation, an electrical prodding device in place of the storage section and contact points for the electrical prodding device extending from the battery and alarm section.

Abstract: A walker adapted for every one of those who have widely different degrees of difficulty in walking. The walker includes a pair of leg members each having a front wheel pivotable about a vertical shaft, a rear wheel and a pair of legs, and a support member detachably mounted on the leg members and having a pair of armrests and a support rod provided at one end thereof and extending in a width direction. The support member can be raised and lowered relative to the leg members and can be turned 180.degree. so that its front and back are reversed relative to the leg members. It is thus possible to mount the support member so that the support rod is in front or back of the user according to the degree of difficulty in walking, posture and build of the user. It is also possible to adjust the height of the armrests by raising and lowering the support member relative to the leg members, as well as the distance between the armrests.

Abstract: A stable tubular crutch having a continuous one piece body, with an adjustable hand grip and riveted underarm support. The crutch is made of a tubular member, bent to form an elongated, flattened, fully enclosed, ovate structure with parallel spaced apart sections, within which the adjustable hand grip is positioned. An end of the tubular member longitudinally extends from the ovate structure in line with the major axis thereof and an independently adjustable straight tubular leg is interfitted with the extending end by an adjustable connection. A tubular underarm support, is fitted within a contoured section of the tubular member and is riveted thereto for a fixed connection. The adjustable hand grip is a short tube with a closed end supporting an extending hook. The base of a Y-shaped plastic member, with integrated metal rod (extending out of the fork of the Y) is slidingly retained, with a spring loading, in the open end of the 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 compactly collapsible, sectional Lofstrand-type crutch. The crutch features four sectional components: a stud section, a lower tubular member, and an upper tubular member, each telescopingly attached to one another along a longitudinal axis, and a tubular support member removably seated on the upper tubular member. The tubular support member features a support handle, which pivots upwardly into a recess defined within the tubular support member, thereby allowing the support handle to be subsumed into the recess and streamlining the folded assembly for storage. The tubular support member has a forearm sleeve for encircling the forearm of the user when the crutch is in use; when in a storage position, the forearm sleeve is pivotable to become aligned parallel and lateral to the tubular support member. The nested arrangement of the telescoping components shorten the overall length of the crutch to a convenient storage size.

Abstract: A knee crutch for supporting a patient, comprising a knee receptacle, one or more legs, an upright and a handle, allowing the patient to walk by grasping the handle and moving the knee crutch and injured knee forward, and to stand with hands free, by resting the abdomen against the handle.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a walking assistance crutch which is comfortable to use, and which can keep a user from falling on his face by its existence even if he falls down by accident.Features in structure of the crutch according to the invention are as follows. More specifically, the crutch comprises a crutch main body including an armpit rest at its upper end, a foot portion at its lower end, and a handle grip at its intermediate portion. A vertical length or width W of the armpit rest is increased, and a portion of the armpit rest to be held beneath a shoulder of a user is formed to have a substantially triangular cross section so that it has curved surfaces which conform with contours of an inner side of an upper arm and a breast side wall of the user.

Abstract: Forearm rests are combined with a conventional invalid walker. The forearm rests are located generally spaced above the normal hand-grips. The forearm rests are advantageous for providing inward lateral support to the user's outwardly flexed forearms while the user is grasping the hand-grips and while the user is one of (i) maneuvering the walker and (ii) partly supporting and stabilizing him or herself while standing and walking. The forearm rests provide better stability and support for a user who has diminished arm strength and/or diminished motor control over his or her arm muscles. The forearm-rests can be formed in an accessory apparatus that allows attachment to a conventional walker (without forearm rests) in order to enhance the walker and give it the desirable forearm rests.

Abstract: Novel composites are formed from a low rigidity oriented and non-oriented gelatinous elastomer composition of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) or poly(styrene-ethylene-proplene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil. The gelatinous elastomer composition is physically interlocked with an open cell sponge thereby displacing the air space within the sponge and the gel rigidity is found to be greater than about the sum of the combined rigidity of the gelatinous elastomer composition and sponge alone. The gelatinous elastomer composite exhibits a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous elastomer composites can be made firm or soft and flexible.

Abstract: Solid (e.g. wooden) and tubular crutches, are adapted for use with standard bolt-supported hand grips, are modified for use with a bolt supported hand grip, at a desired incline for user comfort. The angle of incline, from normal lateral placement, is predetermined and the parallel spaced apart sections of the crutch are correspondingly apertured along such angle, i.e. with through apertures, to permit placement of the hand grip supporting bolt at such angle. A series of correspondingly angled apertures on the crutch bows allows for height adjustment similar to the standard laterally aligned apertures. The angled aperturing may be in addition to the lateral apertures to permit both inclined and lateral hand grip placement as desired. Alternatively, the hand grip itself is formed with an integral incline, whereby, when it is normally laterally affixed to the laterally aligned apertures of standard crutches with a standard bolt and wing nut connection, an inclined grip is provided.

Abstract: A crutch comprises a pad enclosing an arm piece, two bow rods connecting the hollow arm piece longitudinally, a handpiece connecting two bow rods transversely, a pipe clamped by the lower portions of two bow rods, an extensible rod inserted beneath the pipe, a tip cushion covering the lower end of the extensible rod, and a mount confining the lower ends of the pipe and two bow rods. A plug is disposed on the upper end of the pipe. The pipe has a plurality of adjusting holes.

Abstract: A walking stick for aiding support of a walking individual. The inventive device includes a stanchion assembly having a handgrip assembly secured to an upper end thereof. A ground engaging assembly is secured to a lower end of the stanchion assembly for rollingly engaging a ground surface during walking and for supporting the walking stick in an upright orientation during periods of non-use thereof.

Abstract: A set of crutches, having tubular aluminum construction with a Y-type lower support means, which extend upward to elbow height, being adjustable in height, and having an extended horizontal top surface, of sufficient length to accommodate the distance between the largest portion of the forearm and hand of the user, having at its rear an energy absorbing pad to communicate with the user's forearm, being incorporated into an adjustable collar for the forearm, a padded horizontal arm rest extending forward from the adjustable collar, and having a padded vertical hand-hold to function as a hand-rest, to enable the weight of the user to be supported by the forearms and not the hands so that the crutches are usable by an individual who has lost hand strength due to arthritis or other degenerative process, and being equipped with a storage pouch suspended from within the frame of the crutches by Velcro means.

Abstract: A planar seat support of generally V-shaped configuration is pivoted at an apex end to a side of an upstanding support post and includes a narrow width handle section to the front and above a planar seat, which is pivotably mounted to the upper edge of an opposite side seat support section of the seat support. The seat is mounted for limited pivoting with respect to the seat support to facilitate strapping of the walker to the thigh and leg of an afflicted limb of the user with the user in sitting position. A second handle section is integral with the post and extends upwardly therefrom to the side of the seat support, and the first and second handle sections terminate in oppositely directed tubular handles. Grasping of the handle carried by the support post after strapping of the walker to the user's thigh and leg permits the user to easily raise himself to an upright standing position while remaining seated on the seat.

Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are fromed from an intimate melt blend admixture of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil.The gelatinous composition is transparent and have a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous products of this invention are soft, flexible, and have elastic memory, characterized by a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram to about 700 gram Bloom. These and other properties are particularly essential for the gelatinous composition to have utility as toys, therapeutic hand exercising grips, shock absorbers, acoustical isolators, components for cushions, and other uses.

Abstract: A dual handled cane having the handles spaced at a predetermined distance to provide excellent uprisal characteristics is disclosed. The cane is a unitary structure having an upper handle which is useful whenever a user is in a standing position. A lower handle is spaced a preselected distance from the upper handle and a preselected distance from the tip of the cane. An infirmed user can use the lower handle as a grip when the user is rising from a chair. The second handle is connected to the shaft of the cane, that is, the straight shaft portion of the cane by a gooseneck wherein both handles are geometrically centered over the load bearing shaft of the cane. A load bearing shaft generally comprises two elements; one, a telescoping lower element which includes the tip of the cane and an upper element into which the lower element slides so that the length of the shaft may be adjusted to fit more comfortably the height of a particular individual.

Abstract: The Versatile and Universal Handle has a bilaterally symmetrical, curvilinear shape of predetermined proportions with a tapered, variable grip. The handle includes a proximal gripping area, an intermediate area, and a distal area. The proximal gripping area preferably makes an angle of between eight degrees and fifteen degrees with respect to the intermediate area. The intermediate area preferably makes an angle of approximately one degree to five degrees with respect to the distal area. These three areas flow smoothly in transition from one to the next. In cross-section the handle appears as an ellipse with its exact shape, eccentricity, and size varying considerably with position along the major axis. The cross-sectional shape through the mid-section of the proximal gripping ares is very near circular with a markedly smaller cross-sectional area than at either end of the proximal gripping area.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a convertible adjustable crutch/cane which is initially used as a crutch and subsequently used as a cane after the need for a crutch no longer exists. The crutch/cane includes a novel connector hand/grip support that is made of lightweight, high strength molded plastic. The connector hand/grip eliminates the need for complicated metal working steps previously required in known prior art devices. Additionally, there is disclosed a novel underarm support which is economical to produce requiring a minimum amount of material and is useful in a single support crutch.

Abstract: In the present invention, an adjustable mobility assist device is provided which has a base, means for obtaining leverage against a stationary object, and grasping means which allow the user to reach out and up while rising from a seated position. In its several embodiments, the device can be adapted for use in rising from a chair, bed, or commode. Handles are provided so that the device can also assist in walking. Arms are also included for supporting the users arms, a reading or eating tray, and the like. The device is portable and can be moved from one piece of furniture to another within the home with the user.

Abstract: A brace for assisting a disabled person in rising from a sitting position to a standing position has a handle extending from a vertical support such as a leg of a walker. The handle is moveable affixed to the vertical support by a coupling for positioning the handle for rising and for storage on the walker while walking. The handle is positioned above a lower horizontal member of the brace for enabling the person to rise from the sitting position. A handle grip is formed to cause optimum use of forearm muscles during the rising movement. A friction pad is affixed within an aperture of the coupling for retarding movement of the handle and hold it in a desired position along the vertical support. The brace has a U-shaped bracket for securing the apparatus in a stored position during transport. A pad is affixed within the bracket cradle for sound absorption.

Abstract: An adjustable crutch (10) includes upper and lower assemblies (12, 14) which are slidably interconnected with one another is constructed of hollow aluminum pipes, or tubing, (16, 18, 42, 44) interconnected by glass or fiber-reinforced nylon members (20, 22, 54). Walls of the hollow aluminum tubing extend into annular cavities (26) formed in the glass or fiber-reinforced nylon members, with molded-in bosses, or plugs, (28) of glass or fiber-reinforced nylon material extending into bores of the aluminum tubing. A hand grip support (54) has shear pins (64) for selectively engaging holes (66) in upper shafts (16, 18). A hand grip (68) on the hand grip support is laterally offset and the upper shafts are separated by at least 5 inches. The hand grip defines a holding notch (78) for interconnecting two crutches so that they can be easily held by one hand while only one of the crutches is used. A foam arm cushion (32) has a convex top edge (34) and concave side surfaces (36a, 36b ).

Abstract: A telescopic and foldable crutch structure includes an armpit seat, two telescopic inner tubes each having a top end on which the armpit seat is disposed, two telescopic outer tubes telescopically receiving the inner tubes, a handle adjustably coupling the telescopic inner and outer tubes with each other, a locking cam having a locking pin, two coupling blocks, two outer coupling tubes, an adjusting outer tube, an adjusting inner tube, a cap member fitted on bottom ends of the outer coupling tubes and the adjusting outer tube and a pad member fitted on a bottom end of the adjusting inner. The adjusting outer tube is tightened by the locking cam, The adjusting outer tube, is pivotally connected with the telescopic outer tubes by the locking pin and tightened between the telescopic outer tubes by the locking cam. The locking cam is adapted to be pulled upward, permitting the adjusting outer tube and the outer coupling tubes to be folded upward.

Abstract: An adjustable hand grip is provided that can slide along the vertical supports of an orthopedic crutch. The hand grip can be easily fixed to the supports at different vertical elevations to accommodate the user by using a locking member that includes a pin that is biased inwardly into apertures provided on the vertical supports.

Abstract: The upper portion is comprised of an angled metal tube (2) assembled to a cast plastic part (3) having a handle (30) and an arcuate extremity (31) connected by an elongate body (32) the internal face (33) of which assumes the contour of the tube (2) over approximately half the circumference and which has an orifice (37) facing two orifices (22, 23) which are diametrally opposite in the tube (2) and which are facing an orifice (43) provided in a counter-part (4) having one face (42) partially assuming the contour of the tube (2) and an assembly screw (5) enabling the tube (2) to be affixed to the part (3) and to the counter-part (4).

Abstract: A crutch structure including an armpit seat, a lateral tube assembly having two lateral tubes, a handle assembly, a middle supporting tube, a bottom cap and a telescopic tube. The lateral tubes are symmetrically arranged, each including an outer semi-circular tube section and an inner rectangular beam section. Multiple aligned pairs of transverse through holes are formed on predetermined portions of the lateral tubes. Lower portions of the lateral tubes first extending downward and toward each other and then extending straight downward in parallel with each other. The handle assembly is adjustably locked on the lateral tubes. The middle supporting tube includes a central circular tube section having multiple aligned pairs of circular through holes formed on front and back sides of the circular tube section, and two lateral substantially C-shaped outward open rib sections corresponding to the rectangular beam sections of the lateral tubes.

Abstract: An adjustable forearm crutch, wherein the fork support is formed with a central reinforcing rib for increasing the bending-resistant strength of the fork support, the reinforcing rib and the adjacent wall of the fork support defining a recess. After the fork support is molded, the recess can serve as a standard face for the processing procedure so that when punching holes on the fork support, no deflection will take place. The fork support and fixing tube being inserted in through holes of a sleeve member so that the waste chips and water produced when processing the fork support can be easily removed. The through hole of the sleeve member for receiving the fixing tube is formed with an annular groove which provides a resilient clamping effect, the end of which is cut into several equal sections for providing resilient clamping effect, so that the adjusting tube is firmly supported at two points without loosening or swinging.

Abstract: A hand grip for canes, crutches, walkers, outrigger skis, tools, etc., includes an elongated body possessing an axially inner end provided with a recess configured for partially receiving an elongated cylindrical support member of the ambulation aid, and an axially outer end including an enlarged circular ridge for preventing axial displacement of a user's hand. A mounting post extends axially through the body, transversely securing the hand grip to the support member. An obliquely forwardly and downwardly inclined platform on an upper side of the body adjacent the inner end applies a major portion of the user's weight to the hypothenar muscles of the user's hand. A depression formed axially outwardly of the platform provides a downwardly and axially outwardly curving concave load bearing surface for engagement with thenar muscles of a hand of a user such that the thumb of the user's hand is maintained in a palmar abducted orientation.

Abstract: Novel composites are formed from a low rigidity gelatinous elastomer composition of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil. The gelatinous elastomer composition is physically interlocked with an open cell sponge thereby displacing the air space within the sponge and the gel rigidity is found to be greater than about the sum of the combined rigidity of the gelatinous elastomer composition and sponge alone. The gelatinous elastomer composite exhibits a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous elastomer composites can be made firm or soft and flexible.

Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are formed from an intimate melt blend admixture of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil.The gelatinous composition is transparent and have a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous products of this invention are soft, flexible, and have elastic memory, characterized by a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram to about 700 gram Bloom. These and other properties are particularly essential for the gelatinous composition to have utility as toys, therapeutic hand exercising grips, shock absorbers, acoustical isolators, components for cushions, and other uses.

Abstract: A stick-like apparatus for a physically handicapped person including a grip handle and a forearm supporting rod which rotates together with respect to a main rod so that the user can sit in an easy posture and can easily impose force on the stick-like apparatus when he stands up from a chair or when he goes upstairs.

Abstract: A combination ski pole grip, and a form-fitting hand strap which can be comfortably worn by a skier and selectively secured to a pole grip for use in all alpine and nordic skiing and competition. The hand strap comprises a wrist band and a palm strap which traverses across the skier's palm and which is wider proximate the wrist band than a midsection disposed between the thumb and index finger. The wrist band forms an inverted V-shape over the palm and above the wrist such that the hand strap provides the thumb and wrist with a full range of motion, does not migrate up the hand, cannot rotate about the skier's wrist, provides better application of poling force, and generates no pressure points on the hand and wrist. The palm strap includes a securing mechanism, as does the pole grip, such that the hand strap can be quickly and easily detached and reattached from the pole grip at any time the skier chooses.

Abstract: In the present invention, an adjustable mobility assist device is provided which has a base, means for obtaining leverage against a stationary object, and grasping means which allow the user to reach out and up while rising from a seated position. In its several embodiments, the device can be adapted for use in rising from a chair, bed, or commode. Handles are provided so that the device can also assist in walking. Arms are also included for supporting the users arms, a reading or eating tray, and the like. The device is portable and can be moved from one piece of furniture to another within the home with the user.

Abstract: Described is an orthopedic crutch with an adjustable hand grip that can slide along the vertical supports and be fixed to the supports at different vertical elevations to accommodate the user.

Abstract: The handles of a pair of crutches have male and female coupling elements which enable them to be removably and rotatably fixed to one another. Crutches fixed in this manner can then be placed in a stable manner against any support at an elevation above their center of gravity.

Abstract: An adjustable hand grip that can slide along the vertical supports of an orthopedic crutch is provided. The hand grip can be easily fixed to the supports at different vertical elevations to accommodate the user by providing a sleeve that surrounds and slides over each vertical support. Each sleeve has an aperture that can be aligned with the apertures in the vertical support. A bracket that extends between the vertical supports rigidly connects the sleeves. A locking member for locking the sleeve to a vertical support is provided and comprises a generally U-shaped clamp that surrounds a portion of the sleeve and a pin that can be inserted through aligned apertures in the sleeve and vertical support so that the hand grip is firmly fixed to the vertical support.

Abstract: A walking aid (10) which comprises an elongate shaft (12) having a handle (14) at or near its upper end, characterised in that the handle is inclined at an angle (.alpha.) to the axis of the shaft and comprises a central column (24) adapted to be held by the hand, the column having toward the lower portion thereof a laterally extending platform (26) capable of supporting the ulnar border of the hand. The handle is gripped downwardly, in a similar manner to a pistol grip, and the inclination of the handle to the shaft ensures that the wrist can be maintained in its neutral position which involves least strain to the user. The angle (.alpha.) can be adjusted according to patient needs by providing a pivot mounting (22) and a relevant lock between shaft and handle.

Abstract: A back treatment device comprising a spaced pair of adjustable crutches (26L, 26R), for supporting the upper body of a user. Each crutch includes an air-inflatable underarm member (44) for comfort. A pair of forearm rests (140L, 140R) and a pair of padded handles (70L, 70R), all adjustable, are positioned such that a handle and rest are located laterally of a respective crutch. The three pairs are movably supported such that the user can be alternately supported on each pair or on combinations of pairs. A spring scale (90) is mounted between lower ends of the crutches such that the user sits on the scale while monitoring a conveniently located weight indicator. By slightly depressing his or her shoulders, the user uses the body support members (crutches, forearm rests, handles) to induce spinal traction. Feedback from the scale allows the user to accurately control the traction with minimum effort. Using the device takes pressure off of spinal discs while symmetrically strengthening supportive back muscles.