Abstract: A device for assisting a disabled person to rise from a seat to a standing position and for assisting a disabled person to sit from a standing position is provided. The device comprises a mat attached to floor rails which are attached to hand grips and forearm supports. In one embodiment, the device has a unitary construction, and in another embodiment, the device has a modular construction. The device is compatible for use with both wheelchairs and walkers.

Abstract: A foldable and lockable walker is disclosed that includes a pair of locking members provided on the cross-brace and cooperatively engaged to the horizontal portion of the side supports. The locking member receives a spring biased pin to lock the side supports against relative movement with respect to the cross-brace.

Abstract: Step canes for assisting a person in walking up and down stairs comprising an elongated and rigid cane for supporting the attitude of a user, the cane having a tip end adapted to contact a walking surface, a handle end adapted to provide a user a firm grip, and a downwardly extending intermediate portion therebetween; a platform rotatably coupled to the intermediate portion of the cane, the platform operable in an extended position to allow a user to walk up and down stairs and in a retracted position to allow a user to walk on a generally level surface; and a controller mechanism coupled between the cane and platform to place the platform in either the extended or retracted position.

Abstract: A conventional tubular aluminum crutch which is modified to be conveniently folded 180.degree. into a compact size and stored when not in use. This crutch is cut in half and by using load-bearing double-male ended couplers which are friction fitted into the lower section struts for slidably engaging the upper section struts. Two cables are secured below the coupler by roll pins in each support tube of the lower section. These cables are then inter-connected to bungee cord within the upper section struts, and the opposite end of the bungee cords are secured by roll pins inside the support tubes of the upper section struts. When used, an individual simply unfolds the crutch, thereby allowing the bungee cord to contract and slidably engage the couplers of the lower section within the open ends of the upper section.

Abstract: A collapsible recuperating walker having a seat frame and a standing frame is provided. The seat and standing frames are combined with bendable rods extending between the respective two side frames thereof. Each of the side frames are adjustable in height. The bendable rods are angularly displaced to collapse the walker to a smaller size for carrying and transportation. Casters are provided and are controlled to stop or to provide resistance, by means of brake units.

Abstract: A foldable walker that includes a single latch operator connected with each of left and right latches for the walker's left and right side frames, the left and right latches functioning to latch the left and right side frames open in the use position. Use of the single operator by only one of the user's hands allows both the left and right latches to unlatch the side frames from their open or use position, thereby allowing both those side frames to pivot closed into a collapsed or storage position against the front frame. In preferred form, the left and right latches also function to latch the left and right side frames closed in the storage position. In that preferred form, use of the single operator again by only one of the user's hands allows both the left and right latches to unlatch the side frames from their storage position, thereby allowing both the left and right side frames to pivot back open into the use position relative to the front frame.

Abstract: A walker for assisting a physically impaired person in ascending and descending stairs has the four legs pivotally attached to the upper frame of the walker. When the walker is in use, the legs are locked against any pivotal movement; so that the walker provides a stable support for the person using it. When stairs are to be negotiated, a locking member is released to permit relative pivotal movement of the legs with respect to the side portions of the walker frame to be effected. Thus, the front of the frame may be lifted relative to the rear, causing the legs to pivot generally toward the rear by an amount sufficient to permit the front legs to be placed on a step of a staircase. After this has been done, the legs again are locked into position; and the walker maintains this relative position so that the person using it may negotiate the stairs. A reverse of this operation is effected for descending stairs.

Abstract: A collapsible walker for elderly and disabled persons including first and second U-shape side frames which are pivotal relative to a front frame, enabling the walker to be collapsed substantially flat. At each corner between the front and side frames, a corner brace is provided in the form of a plastic sleeve which rides/slides on a horizontal rib in the side frame and a connecting rod which connects the sleeve to the front frame A detent in the sleeve snaps into catch slots in the horizontal rib to lock the walker in an open position. A pushbutton on the sleeve permits disengaging the detent from the catch slot.

Abstract: A walking support device is provided which allows the user to be placed in the device without lifting and is fully adjustable to provide partial or full sitting support for the user. Additionally, the device may be partially dissembled by hand and be folded to a compact size for easy transportability.

Abstract: This invention is easily assembled walking stick which disposes wheels at the lower end, and it enables user to walk forward in stable state without danger.This walking stick helps aged persons and sick persons and physically handicapped persons to walk.And it comprises the main walking stick with a wheel which has the hollow support bar disposed the forward wheel rotatably at the lower end and the assistant walking stick with a wheel which has the hollow assistant bar disposed the back wheel rotatably at the lower endThe main walking stick with a wheel and the assistant walking stick with a wheel are tied with the fastening bar member and the hook.The forward wheel is adjusted by the brake structure.The hollow support bar can be folded or contracted and expanded.And it helps user to walk in stable state.

Abstract: A weight-supporting walking aid has two side supports joined at the front to a crossmember by couplings which permit the side supports to be folded inward over the crossmember for storage and latch the side supports in the open position for normal use.

Abstract: A foldable walker having a front frame section, left and right side frame sections and a top frame section. The left and right side frame sections and the top frame section are all hingedly attached to the front frame section. The walker folds by disengaging the top section from the left and right side frame sections. The top section pivots downwardly to lie against the front frame section. The left side section pivots outwardly to lie against the front of the front frame section. The right side frame section pivots inwardly to lie against the top frame section and the rear of the front frame section.

Abstract: This invention discloses an adjustable and foldable ski pole which comprises two pole sections hinged together to be foldable into a uniquely convenient compact structure that can be carried safely and easily and can be easily stored in a car, boot bag or its own nylon bag while being adjustable for users of different heights. The ski pole has an especially robust construction to be durable and suitable for professional use. Further benefits are provided for retailers and ski rental agencies.

Abstract: A collapsible rolling cane adapted to assist an elderly or handicapped person in walking. The cane includes a front leg having a handle attached to its upper end at a height convenient to the user, a single front wheel being mounted on the lower end. A shorter tubular rear leg is pivotally connected at its upper end to the leaf of a first hinge joined to the front leg at a position below the upper end thereof. The lower end of the rear leg is joined to the midpoint of a transverse axle on either end of which a rear wheel is mounted.

Abstract: An improved walking assistance device which is also specifically adapted for traversing stairs comprises a rigid intertwined open framework supported by a front and rear pair of legs which permit the device to span multi steps in a stairway. The open framework includes forwardly extending arm rails parallel to the slope of the stairs. Other arm rails support a sling seat for the user person. The device is fitted with appropriate hinges for folding reduction in overall size for more convenient portability.

Abstract: The subject device is an auxiliary apparatus designed and structured to be appended to the lower part of a cane or crutch so that the user may have additional mechanical means to help lift his leg or foot with the aid of the crutch or cane. The device comprises in general an L-shaped frame member, the lower leg of which functions essentially as a stirrup upon which the foot can be placed, while the vertical is adapted, when so used, to be rested against the lower shank of the cane or crutch. An adjustable U-shaped collar is pivotally mounted to the upper leg of the L-shaped member serving to affix the L-shaped frame to the crutch shank. By pivotally mounting the L-shaped frame to the collar member, the L-shaped frame member can be pivotably moved to a position that is retracted upward out of the way when not in use.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to an improved pivotal positioning member for use as a joining knuckle of a shade, and particularly for a large beach umbrella. The pivotal positioning member includes an upper element and a lower element pivotally joined by a pin. The upper element is provided with a projection block on each side thereof which is slidably engaged with an arcuate groove defined on the top edge of each upright lug of the lower element; and at the bottom end of the upper element is disposed a number of positioning grooves which will be in selective engagement with the front end of a spring-biased locking piece mounted on the lower element so that the tilted upper element can be firmly fixed in a selective place with the opened canopy tilted at a desired angle, and the canopy will not be overtilted in operation as a result of the restraint of the projection block in association with the arcuate groove.

Abstract: The collapsible crutch includes an elongated head section, at least upper and lower elongated, hollow midsections, and an elongated foot section. The head section has a mechanism for supporting a portion of the person using the crutch. The midsections are connected together by an elastic cord. A detachable coupler connects the head section to the upper midsection and a similar detachable coupler connects the lower midsection to the foot section. In an assembled mode, these sections are substantially axially aligned. The collapsible crutch also includes a coupling mechanism that provides a conjoined, axially and laterally stable, subassembly of the upper and lower midsections.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus for coupling the component parts of a foldable device is provide. The hinge apparatus comprises a moveable sleeve adapted to tightly fit a guide and stop bushing operably connected with the support components of the foldable device. With the foldable device is in the use extended position, the moveable sleeve may surround and provide support to a hinge link. The hinge link is adapted to permit folding of the foldable device when the moveable sleeve is not surrounding the hinge link. A folding crutch comprising the hinge apparatus is provided. The folding crutch, comprising the hinge apparatus, provides the crutch user with safe, firm and sure support.

Abstract: A crutch is provided which is specifically designed for use by people who are overweight, or have scoliosis (a curvature of the spine condition), there being an S-curve defined in the upper portion of the crutch so that the crutch will comfortably fit into the underarm and yet bend out and continue downward spaced further out laterally from the body so that the hip of an overweight person or a person with scoliosis is detoured by the crutch. The crutch is made hinged and collapsible so that it is easier to store and transport to offset the slightly more cumbersome shape of the crutch because of the incorporation of the S-curve. The crutch also features three point adjustability so that the overall length of the crutch, and its length between the S-curve and underarm support, and between the handgrip and the ground and the handgrip and the underarm are independently adjustable.

Abstract: A walking aid for handicapped persons comprises a collapsible frame having a first pair of support members pivotally connected to each other approximately at their mid-points for executing a scissor action when the frame is to be collapsed. A second pair of support members are coupled to the upper portions of the members of the first pair by hinged joints each having two axes of rotation, and in the operative state are spaced from the first pair of support members by hinged bracing struts. A centrally hinged transverse bracing member holds the hinged joints and patient support handles apart in the operative state. The frame is collapsed by folding the transverse bracing member and bringing the handles together, thereby causing the first pair of support members to execute a scissor action which automatically brings the rear feet towards the front feet, resulting in particularly compact collapsed structure.

Abstract: A locking assembly is disclosed which is suitable for releasably locking two articulated pivoting members in a fixed position with respect to each other. The locking assembly comprises a spring biased reciprocating latch, a plunger attached to the latch, and a catch plate adapted to rotate into locking engagement therewith. The plunger and latch are preferably integral with each other, so that the latch contains a minimum number of moving parts. The latch is designed so that simple palm pressure will cause it to disengage from the catch plate, to permit the pivoting members to move with respect to each other. The present locking assembly is of simple design and inexpensive manufacture, and is durable in use. The locking assembly is particularly applicable for use in invalid appliances such as collapsible walkers, where the users have limited manual dexterity.

Abstract: A foldable cane constructed in three sections each joined by pairs of hinge links having laterally displaced hinge pins which permit adjoining sections to be swung through 180.degree. relative to each other so that in the folded configuration of the cane the three sections are disposed along side each other in essentially parallel relationship to occupy a minimum amount of space. The pairs of hinge links are equipped with spring urged slidable locking sleeves for locking the hinge links in axial alignment when the cane is in use.

Abstract: A locking assembly is disclosed which is suitable for releasably locking two articulated pivoting members in a fixed position with respect to each other. The locking assembly comprises a spring biased reciprocating latch, a plunger attached to the latch, and a catch plate adapted to rotate into locking engagement therewith. The plunger and latch are preferably integral with each other, so that the latch contains a minimum number of moving parts. The latch is designed so that simple palm pressure will cause it to disengage from the catch plate, to permit the pivoting members to move with respect to each other. The present locking assembly is of simple design and inexpensive manufacture, and is durable in use. The locking assembly is particularly applicable for use in invalid appliances such as collapsible walkers, where the users have limited manual dexterity.

Abstract: There is herein described an improved light weight walking aid that is readily adjustable, is light weight, and that is easily changed from a securely locked-open configuration to compact folded configuration through novel pivoting and sliding mechanisms wherein the walking aid folds simultaneously in two dimensions.

Abstract: A walker comprising spaced, parallel frame members defining spaced, parallel handrails supported by pairs of legs with wheels at the lower ends of the legs, manually-operable linkage operable to mobilize and demobilize the wheels at the lower end of at least two of the legs, characterized in that the frame members are interconnected by linkage which enables folding the frame members into overlapping parallel relation to each other.

Abstract: Two sections of a structure are telescopically movable together and apart. When they are apart, the sections can be folded. When they are together, the ends of the section abut one another and transmit forces. A tubular end portion of one section slides into an annular space that is defined between a wall portion of the second section and a ring of collet jaws which surround such wall portion. A cam ring that is slidable on the second section is screw connected to a collet member of which the collet jaws are a part. Tightening of the cam ring causes a cam surface which it carries to apply laterally inwardly directed forces on the collet jaws, forcing them into tight squeezing contact with the tubular end portion of the second section.

Abstract: An invalid walker comprising a pair of interconnected upright posts having caster type wheels at the lower ends and crutch shoulder supports at the upper ends, and being adjustable in height. Trailing legs, which extend rearward and downward are pivoted to channel members extending from the posts to collapse them, and have integral stop members to engage the post to prevent over extension. A latch means on the channel member locks the trailing legs in their extended positions, but are easily released for collapsing the walker for placement in an automobile.

Abstract: A foldable walker is described which includes a bridge member comprising an elongated rod which is mounted at its first end to a side member of the walker and received at its second end through an aperture in a locking member carried on the front of the walker. The elongated rod has a recessed portion near its second end. The locking member is adapted to receive the second end of the elongated rod and engage or selectively dis-engage said rod in response to movement of a button member at the top of the locking member.

Abstract: A cane apparatus adaptable for use as an ordinary walking cane and also having the capability of assisting a person in walking on stairs. A support structure having a foot support platform is releasably mounted adjacent the lower portion of the cane to assist a person in walking up and down steps which might otherwise be too high. The height of the foot-bearing platform surface is designed to be about one-half the height of an average step to reduce the maximum necessary vertical distance between the feet of a person walking on steps to approximately one-half of what it would otherwise be. When the platform is in its lowered position for walking on stairs, the cane shaft is free for limited rotation from the vertical in all directions.

Abstract: A folding connector mechanism is housed within a single stile which is divided into major and minor parts. The major part constitutes the lower section of the crutch and the minor part is a portion of the upper section of the crutch. When the crutch is in its use position the weight of the user is transmitted by the folding connector mechanism directly from the lower end of the minor part of such stile to the upper end of the major part of such stile and is not carried by any cross pins or the like. The folding connector mechanism includes a lock button for locking the two sections of the crutch together when the crutch is in its use position. The lock button is positioned closely adjacent the handle of the crutch so that the user can grasp the handle with the thumb of such hand on the lock button while grasping the lower section of the crutch with his other hand. He then depresses the button while pulling the two sections of the crutch apart.

Abstract: A pair of crutches of walker type, each crutch being foldable by being made of sections that snap lock together, a lowest section being hollow to carry tools and other items therewithin, a middle section carrying a folding shelf for holding packages and a top section including a hollow handle for carrying keys and coins while a suspended bag under the handle carries other items, the crutch lower end including interchangable discs to suit different walking surfaces such as grass, concrete and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that can be used as a magician's prop that in one instance functions as a rigid walking stick or cane, but when released and actuated becomes coiled upon the floor and takes on the appearance of a snake with its head raised. This is accomplished by means of an inner core structure that is comprised of a series of disc like segments strung on a thin cable in a bead like fashion leading to a lever device disguised in the head that when compressed and latched draws the cable taunt compressing the discs one upon another causing the entire length of the body to become rectilinear and rigid in the form of a cane. In the head of the cane the latching device maintains the tension drawn on the cable; however, when unlatched the tension subsides, the discs separate a discrete distance and its body becomes flexible.

Abstract: A foldable crutch having an upper portion and a lower portion of substantially equal lengths, connecting means adapted for pivotally connecting the adjacent ends of the upper and lower portions, and a locking mechanism adapted to hold the upper and lower portions in the linearly stretched state against the pivotal movement.

Abstract: An invalid walker includes a means for locking at least one of the side frames in a hyperextended position. The walker includes a pair of U-shaped side frames whose front legs are connected by a cross brace member. Each of the rear legs of the side frames is connected to the cross brace member by a telescoping tubular device in which a first tube telescopes into and is received by a second tube. A pushbutton mechanism is housed inside the first tube and positioned within a first aperture in the first tube. The second tube includes a pair of locking apertures, one for locking the side frame in a first normal open position and the second for locking the side frame in a hyperextended position. The apparatus further includes a foot adjustment means for levelling the rubber foot of the hyperextended rear leg of the hyperextended side frame with the feet of the other three legs of the apparatus.

Abstract: A folding invalid walker includes an improved mechanism for rigidly locking the walker in its unfolded state. The mechanism comprises a pair of tubular telescoping members each having an inner portion which telescopes into an outer portion. A spring loaded button is used to lock the tubular telescoping member in its extended state. One end of each of the tubular telescoping members is riveted to the rear leg of the walker support and the other end is pivotally connected to a transversely disposed bar connecting both front legs of said walker. The rivet connection is slightly flexible so that the tubular telescoping member can flex a small amount with respect to the rear leg of said support as the walker is folded from its folded to its unfolded state and vice versa. The location of the pivot joint on the rear leg is such that a rivet can be used and a more expensive and less rigid pivot connection can be avoided.