Abstract: A novel end assembly for canes and other walking aids having a linear adjustable hydraulic shock absorber threaded into the distal end of the cane and facility for mounting various cane and walking aid ends.

Abstract: An improved crutch includes an improved shock absorbing mechanism, lighting components, and an improved tip component. The improved shock absorber mechanism utilizes compressible spheres that are compressed when a person supports all or partial of their body weight onto the crutch and are uncompressed when the weigh is removed. This compression of the spheres absorbs any impact from the walking surface to the person's body. The elasticity of the compressible spheres is adjusted by forming a central through-opening through the sphere, varying the number of the sphere, their diameter and material.

Abstract: A system for a walking cane is provided. The walking cane may include a stem and a base, and the base may be provided in the shape of a human foot. The base may be made of various types of materials, such as a flexible silicone or rubber material. The foot shape may provide a natural, ergonomic feel for the user.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing cane tip apparatus for user comfort and improved cane tip longevity includes a tip base having a base top side, a base bottom side, and a base perimeter. A tip sidewall is coupled to the tip base. The tip sidewall has a sidewall outer face, a sidewall inner face, and a sidewall top rim. The sidewall inner face defines a cane cavity to slidingly receive a tip end of a cane. A bottom plate is coupled to the tip base within the cane cavity. A compression spring is coupled to the bottom plate and is oriented perpendicular to the base top side. A top plate is coupled to the compression spring and engages a distal end of the tip end of the cane to compress the compression spring when weight is pushed onto the cane.

Abstract: A shock absorbing ferrule for a shaft of a crutch, an elbow/forearm crutch, a walker and other devices used during assisted ambulation, wherein the shock absorbing ferrule mitigates impact, potentially reducing injury during their use. The shock absorbing ferrule includes a ferrule having a viscoelastic walled cylindrical socket, which is an annular longitudinal cavity fitted with a shock absorbing assembly. The shock absorbing assembly includes at least one compression spring and a push plate. The compression spring has an outside diameter that is less than the inside diameter of the socket and is seated on the metal distribution washer and under the push plate. The push plate is a metal disk with a smooth perimeter edge having an upper side that is in abutment with an end of the shaft and a lower side that is in abutment with the compression spring.

Abstract: A spring-loaded tip attachment for a walking aid features a compression spring having axially opposing proximal and distal ends, a mount connected to the proximal end of said compression spring and configured for attachment to a shaft of said walking aid at or proximate a bottom end thereof, and a shoe connected to the distal end of said compression spring for spring-loaded contact of said shoe with a ground or floor surface during use of said walking aid. A plurality of attachments are respectively configured with different spring rates intended for users within different body weight categories. Attachments with greater spring rates are given to users in higher-weight categories, and attachments with lesser spring rates are given to users in lower-weight categories.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pole, such as a Nordic walking pole, at the lower free end of which a tip body is provided, which has an end attachment, which is closed at the bottom and which has a central accommodating opening for accommodating a bottommost tube segment of the pole body. Furthermore, the tip body has an outer circumferential elastic elastomer spring element, which is connected axially above an upper end of the end attachment and which reaches around the bottommost tube segment of the pole body or a middle axial segment of the insertion element at least partially in the circumferential direction and which damps an axial relative motion of the bottommost tube segment of the pole body and/or of the insertion element in relation to the end attachment when an axial force is applied.

Abstract: A camera support apparatus includes a telescopically collapsible monopod, a clamp structure with a support clamp at one end which is adapted for securing the clamp structure to the monopod and a frame clamp at an opposite end, and a stabilizer frame loop which is frictionally engaged with the frame clamp in such a manner as to enable the loop to be set in a selected angular relation to the monopod and readjusted as needed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cane end having attachment means and force absorbing means. In some embodiments, the force absorbing means is a blade capable of deflecting, compressing, and/or flexing under load.

Abstract: A releasable lock assembly for use with a collapsible pole assembly having a first shaft section slidably secured to a second shaft section includes a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the first and second shaft sections in an extended position. The releasable lock assembly further includes a stop assembly having an elongated member having first and second ends, wherein the first end is secured to one of the first and second shaft sections and the second end secured to the other of the first and second shaft sections. The stop assembly further comprises a stop assembly biasing member configured to urge the first and second shaft sections into a collapsed position.

Abstract: A ground contact device having a module with at least a portion of the module's outer surface being curved. The ground contact device also having a planar surface, oriented in a plane parallel to a surface suitable for walking, on the module's inside surface. In addition, the planar surface contains a plurality of prosthetic mount holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shock absorber insert for retro fitment into the body of an existing walking aid, such as a crutch, to dampen the impact force between the walking aid and a ground surface. Known shock absorbing walking aids can be relatively expensive to manufacture, heavy to use and do not provide for adjustment of the shock absorber. The shock absorber insert (1) of the present invention comprises a piston cylinder (11) with an end wall (11A); a piston (5) which moves axially within the piston cylinder (11) and a damper (10) located on a piston rod (9) and abut the end wall (11A) to reduce the speed of movement of the piston rod (9) within the piston cylinder (11). The shock absorber insert is either mid mounted between an upper (2) and lower (3) shaft or bottom mounted into a lower end of the lower (3) shaft.

Abstract: A force absorbing device is provided for use with a walking aid having proximal and distal tubes arranged in a telescoping configuration for relative movement therebetween along a longitudinal axis. A proximal end member is affixed within a hollow bore of the proximal tube with no relative movement between the proximal tube and the proximal end member. A distal end member is longitudinally spaced from the proximal end member and affixed to a proximal end of the distal tube with no relative movement between the distal tube and the distal end member. A resilient damper is located longitudinally between, and affixed to both of, the proximal and distal end members. The resilient damper compresses under a compressive force to absorb at least a portion of the compressive force while permitting relative longitudinal movement between the proximal and distal tubes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tip assembly for a mobility device such as a cane or walking stick, for example. The tip assembly including a specially shaped extension for enhanced gripping of the surface upon which the associated mobility device is being used. The tip assembly also generally includes a dampening element to assist in dissipating the reverberations of contacting the tip assembly with hard surfaces over time.

Abstract: A walking stick that takes inspiration from nature to absorb energy in the downward first motion of a walking stride and then return the stored energy to aid in propelling the walker forward in the final forward motion of the walking stride all the while keeping the walker in an ergonomically correct position which minimizes discomfort and reduces wasted energy. The walking stick that is the subject of this patent application utilizes a dual flexure spring configured in an S-shape (hereafter referred to as an S-flexure spring) as an extension of the straight shaft of the stick. The shape and location of the S-flexure spring are such that the spring force helps propel the walker forward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shock absorber insert for retro fitment into the body of an existing walking aid, such as a crutch, to dampen the impact force between the walking aid and a ground surface. Known shock absorbing walking aids can be relatively expensive to manufacture, heavy to use, and do not provide for adjustment of the shock absorber. The shock absorber insert (1) of the present invention includes a piston cylinder (11) with an end wall (11A); a piston (5) which moves axially within the piston cylinder (11) and a damper (10) located on a piston rod (9) and abutting the end wall (11A) to reduce the speed of movement of the piston rod (9) within the piston cylinder (11). The shock absorber insert is either mid mounted between an upper (2) and lower (3) shaft or bottom mounted into a lower end of the lower (3) shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a moulded crutch tip in addition to a method of manufacturing such a crutch tip. This method preferably uses a mould which defines a single continuous volume which in turn defines an upper region, and a lower region. A crutch tip is formed by closing off the upper or the lower region of the volume with at least one blank structure, and then introducing a first mouldable material into the remaining open region of the mould. This blank structure is then removed from the previously closed volume and then a second mouldable material is introduced into the mould. In some embodiments this manufacturing method may be fully automated.

Abstract: A support for a walking aid such as a crutch, a walker or a cane is disclosed. The support is configured for providing enhanced balance on adverse terrain that may contain obstacles and/or have slippery spots. In an embodiment of the present invention, the support comprises a flat bottom and an upwardly angled slit that provides an upper and a lower section configured for contorting in a manner as to enhance friction with the walking terrain thus reducing the probability of slippage. In an alternate embodiment, the support comprises an oval shaped bottom and a downwardly angled slit. This support is configured facilitating walking and providing support in rough terrain.

Abstract: Walking aids are described which are of simple construction but which allow for both resilience, i.e. the part of the walking aid which is gripped by the user and the ground-engaging end (3) can be resiliency pressed together, as well as a degree of angular flexibility so that the end (3) stays aligned with the ground even if the stick, crutch or the like (1) is angled relative thereto. This is achieved in particular by the use of a bellows structure (2) between the shaft (1) of a walking aid and a ground-engaging foot (3).

Abstract: A force absorbing device is provided for use with a walking aid having proximal and distal tubes arranged in a telescoping configuration for relative movement therebetween along a longitudinal axis. A proximal end member is affixed within a hollow bore of the proximal tube with no relative movement between the proximal tube and the proximal end member. A distal end member is longitudinally spaced from the proximal end member and affixed to a proximal end of the distal tube with no relative movement between the distal tube and the distal end member. A resilient damper is located longitudinally between, and affixed to both of, the proximal and distal end members. The resilient damper compresses under a compressive force to absorb at least a portion of the compressive force while permitting relative longitudinal movement between the proximal and distal tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for establishing dynamic ground contact is disclosed. A ground contact tip is attached to one end of an elongate member. The ground contact tip contains a connecting portion and a base portion that is opposite the connecting portion. A flexible core connects between the base portion and the connecting portion. At least one limiting ring is positioned on the flexible core. The elongate member is permitted to rotate through a range of angles while the flexible core allows the base portion to remain flat against the ground. At the maximum allowable angle, the limiting rings allow the ground contact tip to cease flexing and become rigid, so that the user can push against the ground at an angle, while the base portion remains flat against the ground.

Abstract: A walking aid for use on a support surface is provided. The walking aid includes an elongated member having an upper end and a lower end and defining an interior cavity and a longitudinal axis, a stopper coupled to the lower end of the elongated member, and a support apparatus for supporting the walking aid. The support apparatus is translatable through the stopper and the interior cavity to a retracted position within the stopper and interior cavity, and to an extended position projecting from the stopper. The support apparatus is also biased radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis, and configured to extend away from the longitudinal axis and contact the support surface in the extended position.

Abstract: An improved crutch assembly and walking aid is provided. The crutch assembly can be retrofitted to an existing walking aid and provides spring assisted motion. The assembly includes a ball-in-socket joint and a spring operably connecting the joint to a walking aid shaft.

Abstract: An articulated grip pad is disclosed which includes a vertical supporting member that has a generally spherical bottom end. The crutch also includes a gripping pad having a bore. The generally spherical end of the vertical support is securely received into the bore.

Abstract: There is provided a tip configured for removable attachment to a walking aid device. The tip includes a base member, a shaft, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs. The shaft includes a bore therein extends upward from a central portion of an inner surface of the base member to accept a distal end of a walking aid device. The plurality of spaced apart ribs extend from an outer rim of the base member to the shaft and are configured to flex in response to a downward compressive force on the shaft.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-legged walking cane where each leg operates independently of each other by employing compressible legs, enhancing stability thru the complete gait cycle.

Abstract: An improved crutch assembly and walking aid is provided. The crutch assembly can be retrofitted to an existing walking aid and provides spring assisted motion. The assembly includes a ball-in-socket joint and a spring operably connecting the joint to a walking aid shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of walking aids, which may comprise a handle, a shaft, and a base, are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shock absorber insert for retro fitment into the body of an existing walking aid, such as a crutch, to dampen the impact force between the walking aid and a ground surface. Known shock absorbing walking aids can be relatively expensive to manufacture, heavy to use and do not provide for adjustment of the shock absorber. The shock absorber insert (1) of the present invention comprises a piston cylinder (11) with an end wall (11A); a piston (5) which moves axially within the piston cylinder (11) and a damper (10) located on a piston rod (9) and abut the end wall (11A) to reduce the speed of movement of the piston rod (9) within the piston cylinder (11). The shock absorber insert is either mid mounted between an upper (2) and lower (3) shaft or bottom mounted into a lower end of the lower (3) shaft.

Abstract: A walking aid for use on a support surface is provided. The walking aid includes an elongated member having an upper end and a lower end and defining an interior cavity and a longitudinal axis, a stopper coupled to the lower end of the elongated member, and a support apparatus for supporting the walking aid. The support apparatus is translatable through the stopper and the interior cavity to a retracted position within the stopper and interior cavity, and to an extended position projecting from the stopper. The support apparatus is also biased radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis, and configured to extend away from the longitudinal axis and contact the support surface in the extended position.

Abstract: A stick that is excellent in shock absorption and is also excellent in stability is provided. A stick body is provided with a telescopic extension pipe formed by fitting an outer tube and an inner tube together in a nesting manner. Inside the extension pipe, a velocity-dependent damper that damps the relative sliding movement between the outer tube and the inner tube, and a compression coil spring that concentrically fits onto the damper and urges the extension pipe so as to be extended are connected in parallel. According to such a stick, the shock transmitted to the hand can be mitigated as the compression coil spring contracts upon landing. Also, since the damper suppresses unwanted vibration of the extension pipe, the length of the stick quickly becomes stable after landing, allowing the user to keep stable balance with the stick.

Abstract: An ambulatory aid is revealed. The ambulatory aid includes a hollow main rod and a hollow support pole connected with each other, and a cushion unit therebetween. The main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit all have insertion holes, aligned with each other. By insertion pins inserted into the insertion holes, the main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit are assembled with each other. The structure of the assembly of the main rod, the hollow support and the cushion unit is more firm and tighter. When the ambulatory aid is pressed by a larger pressure, the assembly will not come loose and move around and the unstable walking stick makes the users fall down due to a loss of support.

Abstract: A walking assistance device is disclosed that includes a support member having a first end and a second end. Attached to the support member is a hand grip, and attached to the second end is a base member. The base member includes a rounded surface that is configured to rotatably pivot relative to a walking surface as a user walks. The base member may further include a foot portion that has a toe and a heel. The toe and the heel may be the same length, or alternatively they may have varying lengths. Additionally, a pad is optionally attached to the foot portion and may be configured with tread to engage the walking surface in a way that provides traction to the walking assistance device.

Abstract: A ferrule is disclosed which includes a housing having an aperture at a first end which is adapted to receive a leg of an ambulatory aid. The ferrule includes a gliding component having a gliding surface at a second end of the housing. The gliding surface is adapted to slidably engage a floor surface. The ferrule also includes a traction component located at the second end of the housing. The traction component selectively engages the floor surface with a traction surface.

Abstract: The present invention includes a walking cane having a handle assembly, a support assembly and foot member. The handle assembly includes first and second generally upright rigid posts. A shaft adaptable for grasping by a user's hand connects to each end of the posts. Pliable mounts dispose between the terminal ends of the shaft and each post. The mounts, biased against the shaft, permit omni-directional movement of the shaft relative to each post. The support assembly connects to the handle assembly and includes three parallel elongated rods spaced apart from one another in a triangular formation. The handle assembly can be adjusted relative to the support assembly by means of two cooperating shims. The foot member connects to the support assembly and contacts the ground. The cane provides a light-weight shaft and a shock absorbing handle assembly to assist in relieving hand, wrist and arm strains.

Abstract: An improved forearm crutch includes an adjustable shaft, a forearm cuff affixed to an upper end of the shaft, a manifold affixed in proximity to the lower end of the shaft, and three legs affixed to said manifold, the legs including an anterior leg, a posterior leg, and a lateral leg, wherein each leg is disposed at an acute angle to the shaft, wherein the anterior and posterior legs are over six inches in length, wherein the lateral leg is at least two inches longer than the anterior and posterior leg, and wherein the lateral leg is flexibly engageable to the ground by means of either flexible legs or gel-type crutch tips engageable to the ground.

Abstract: A crutch having a first side direction, a second side direction opposite the first side direction, a third side direction perpendicular to the first side direction and a fourth side direction opposite the third side direction, the crutch including an elongate leg having a top end, a top portion, a middle portion, a bottom portion, and a bottom end, wherein the elongate leg extends from a saddle to a foot and has a handle disposed on the middle portion, wherein the saddle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the handle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the third side direction of an axis extending between the leg and the foot, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the first side direction of an axis extending between the top end of the elongate leg and the bottom end of the elongate leg; and wherein the handle is cantilevered and has a

Abstract: An assistive cane and a tip assembly therefore are provided. The assistive walking cane includes a handle used to hold the walking aid, a shaft connected to the handle that transmits a load from the handle, and a ferrule connected to the shaft that receives the load from the shaft. The ferrule includes an inner core, an outer support, and a lower base. The inner core is contained within a space defined by the outer support and the lower base. The outer support includes a plurality of downwardly extending sidewalls to define the inner core receiving space. The inner core is made of a relatively softer material than the outer support and the lower base, the lower base made of a relatively softer material than the outer support. Thus, when a load is applied to the assistive cane the inner core provides for a gradual resistance to the user applying the load, thus cushioning the impact, and the sidewalls deflect or bend outwardly, thus increasing the surface area of the lower base.

Abstract: An improved crutch assembly and walking aid is provided. The crutch assembly can be retrofitted to an existing walking aid and provides spring assisted motion. The assembly includes a ball-in-socket joint and a spring operably connecting the joint to a walking aid shaft.

Abstract: A cushioning foot for a mobility aid includes an elastomeric or rubber foot configured to compress under axial and angular loading. A collar is affixed to the distal end of a shaft of the mobility aid and includes a flange for contacting and compressing the elastomeric or rubber foot under axial and angular loads.

Abstract: Provided is a crutch that may be collapsed for storage and shipment, adjustable for different users and mitigates the affect of the enrich striking the ground. A saddle support surface is coupled to two rails that extend and slide through a handrail and a wishbone. The rails may be secured with respect to the handrail and wishbone in a variety of positions, enabling the distance between the support surface and the handgrip and the length of the crutch to be adjusted. In addition, the rails may be positioned in the handrail and wishbone such that the support surface fits against the handrail and the handrail against the wishbone. A shock tube extends from and slides through the wishbone and may be secured in a variety of positions to adjust the length of the crutch to account for different users and to minimize the length for storage and shipment.

Abstract: An improved crutch assembly and walking aid is provided. The crutch assembly can be retrofitted to an existing walking aid and provides spring assisted motion. The assembly includes a ball-in-socket joint and a spring operably connecting the joint to a walking aid shaft.

Abstract: A pseudo-frustoconical shaped unitary rubber end unit for an ambulatory device, such as a cane, comprising, a bottom hexagonal base and a top circular rim, wherein said base is about four times the diameter of said rim and functions to provide significantly enhanced support and stability; and a central cylindrical “socket” created by six deeply recessed side walls and a resultant six member rib-like frame that functions to optimize device's shock absorption capabilities and forward propulsion of the user. The hexagonal base may be asymmetrical or symmetrical, and the ribs may be of uniform or non-uniform dimensions. The hexagonal base and the rib-like frame act synergistically to compress and rebound under loads creating a twisting “spring assist” action that both absorbs shock and helps propel users forward. The broad base has a slightly recessed underside permitting the mobility device to be self-standing.

Abstract: The invention is a multi-legged walking cane where each leg operates independently of each other by employing compressible legs, enhancing stability thru the complete gait cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shock absorber insert for retro fitment into the body of an existing walking aid, such as a crutch, to dampen the impact force between the walking aid and a ground surface. Known shock absorbing walking aids can be relatively expensive to manufacture, heavy to use and do not provide for adjustment of the shock absorber. The shock absorber insert (1) of the present invention comprises a piston cylinder (11) with an end wall (11A); a piston (5) which moves axially within the piston cylinder (11) and a damper (10) located on a piston rod (9) and abut the end wall (11A) to reduce the speed of movement of the piston rod (9) within the piston cylinder (11). The shock absorber insert is either mid mounted between an upper (2) and lower (3) shaft or bottom mounted into a lower end of the lower (3) shaft.

Abstract: A walker with wheels that are retracted upon the application of a force of predetermined magnitude to permit a user to move the walker when he or she partially leans on the walker while providing a solid anchored support if he or she leans with more weight exceeding a predetermined magnitude. The walker includes a structural elongated assembly with a handle and forearm cuff at one end. The other end is rigidly mounted to two base assemblies that are kept at a parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The base assemblies have a bottom surface. Retractable wheels are mounted to the base assemblies. The wheels are spring biased to protrude beyond the bottom surface so that they support the walker when at rest and as long as the user does not apply a force that exceeds a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: An improved mobility assistance apparatus for use by a person as a walking aid, e.g. a cane, crutch, or walker, has a support capable of bearing vertical forces during use of the apparatus as a walking aid and a resilient device connected to a lower portion of the support for ground engagement. The device has a dynamic response characteristic to forces associated with ambulating using the apparatus as a walking aid which generates propulsive force to aid mobility. Two coiled springs are monolithically formed with the device at an upper end thereof. A flexible elongated member is connected to a radially inner, free end of each of the coiled springs and extends about a return at a lower portion of the device for resiliently expanding the coiled springs to store energy with force loading of the apparatus during use and to release stored energy during force unloading to generate propulsive force to aid mobility.

Abstract: A removable shock absorbing tip for a walking aid. The tip may be comprised of a shaft engaging member for connecting the tip to the shaft of a walking aid, an outer shell, and a biasing member. The biasing member may disposed within the outer shell in abutment with the shaft engaging member. The biasing member may also be disposed around the shaft engaging member and in abutment with the outer shell. The biasing member may be a spring, a fluid-filled cushion, or a member formed of elastomeric material. The outer shell may be formed of transparent or translucent material to permit the biasing member to be visible to a user for ease of identification.

Abstract: The present invention includes a walking cane having a handle assembly, a support assembly and foot member. The handle assembly includes first and second generally upright rigid posts. A shaft adaptable for grasping by a user's hand connects to each end of the posts. Pliable mounts dispose between the terminal ends of the shaft and each post. The mounts, biased against the shaft, permit omni-directional movement of the shaft relative to each post. The support assembly connects to the handle assembly and includes three parallel elongated rods spaced apart from one another in a triangular formation. The handle assembly can be adjusted relative to the support assembly by means of two cooperating shims. The foot member connects to the support assembly and contacts the ground. The cane provides a light-weight shaft and a shock absorbing handle assembly to assist in relieving hand, wrist and arm strains.

Abstract: There is provided a standing aid comprising a leg engaging means and a handle and wherein the standing aid is adapted such that, in use, a user can brace the leg engaging means against a leg and pull on the handle so that the user is aided to move from a seated position to a standing position. Also provided is a method of using the aid.