Abstract: A step-extending device is adapted for use in association with a walker to ascend or descend a stairway. The step-extending device may employ a first base and a second base, each of which is adapted to receive legs of a walker upon respective upper surfaces. The device may be used in connection with a frame that connects the first and second bases to each other. A cross member connects first and second bases. A frame includes one or more upright members with handles adapted for grasping and moving the step-extending device from one stair to another stair during use. The height of each of the first and second support bases is adjusted to approximate the height of stairs upon a stairway, so that stairs of essentially any height may be accommodated.

Abstract: An improved Terrain Engaging Appliance for a trekking pole which will supplement a standard pole tip and provide additional terrain engagement and traction. A freely function will reduce inadvertent telescoping trekking pole collapse, and shed mud and shed mud and snow readily.

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

Abstract: A 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: A collapsible snowboard pole is presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a snowboard pole can be provided with a manually expandable and compressible shaft, a basket at the tip, and a handle at the top. The basket can slide between a lower tip-ward (distal) position for storage and an upper top-ward (proximal) position for use. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention the pole can be expanded to full length and disengaged from a docking mechanism located at the back of a snowboard with one hand, while a user is in motion on the snowboard. Once disengaged, the user can easily deploy the basket to its full upward extension for use. Additionally, a user can dock a collapsed pole and secure it in a docking mechanism, or can insert the pole tip in a docking mechanism, then collapse the pole and then secure it in the docking mechanism, all with one hand while in motion on the snowboard.

Abstract: A walking assist device includes an elongate shaft having an adjustable length, a handle detachably connected to a proximal end of the elongate shaft, and a curved elongate base that matingly engages a distal end of the elongate shaft. The curved elongate base may have a curved top, a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of opposing sidewalls, and a curved bottom. The curved elongate base may also include a plurality of spaced apart ribs connected to and extending outwardly from the curved bottom, and a connection member connected to and extending outwardly from the curved top to matingly engage the distal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A stair-adjustable crutch characterized by an adjusting cuff having a cone with an elongated or extended, flared and offset lip and lip receptacle provided in the crutch foot to facilitate selective angular adjustment of the crutch foot and frame from an aligned configuration. This adjustment is effected by manipulation of a rod fitted with a pair of spaced-apart, wishbone-shaped legs extending into the cone, which legs are provided with shaped tabs or locks for selectively entering and exiting spaced-apart sets of vertical and angled slots in the cone of the adjusting cuff. Up and down movement of the adjusting rod facilitates both selective conventional operation of the crutch with the crutch foot in linear alignment, and angling of the crutch frame and upper crutch foot at the adjusting cuff with respect to the crutch foot below the adjusting cuff, to adjust the user's weight and more safely ascend and descend steps and stairs.

Abstract: A staff apparatus having a leg assembly with multiple movable legs. In one embodiment, the leg assembly includes three legs to form a tripod. The staff apparatus may include an adaptable magnetic-based mount for releasably attaching a camera, spotting scope, gun or arm rest, or other item. The mount may be movable or non-movable. A shaft may include multiple telescoping sections, and an upper section may telescope into a lower section. Various embodiments and features of the staff apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is for a foot assembly for a walking aid. The foot assembly is attached to a strut at a lower end of the walking aid. The foot assembly has a cylinder attached to a bottom of the strut and a foot pivotally attached to the cylinder by a foot bolt. The foot has a hemispherical portion and a flat ring portion. The foot bolt is positioned through a dome hole and a cylinder bottom opening, and the foot bolt is secured by a foot bolt nut that tightens on the foot bolt threads to attach the foot dome hemispherical portion to a concave cylinder bottom wall. A resilient foot pad is attached to a bottom of the foot. A spacer fits on the foot bolt and retains the foot bolt head inside the hemispherical portion.

Abstract: A joint mechanism for use in a rod for bearing at least a portion of a user's weight and a corresponding flexible tip for contacting a substantially horizontal surface. The joint mechanism includes a spring mechanism, a first bushing, and a second bushing. The spring member has opposed first and second ends. The first bushing is adapted for positioning in a hole in an end of the rod and has a cavity adapted to receive the first end of the spring member. The second bushing is adapted for positioning in a hole in the flexible tip and has a cavity adapted to receive the second end of the spring member.

Abstract: A cane having a substantially vertical member, a base attached to the substantially vertical member with at least three legs and a first tread proximate the substantially vertical member, a second tread moveably connected to the first tread, the second tread having at least one leg and being moveable from a retracted position to an extended position. A cane having a handle means for carrying the cane and for steadying a user of the cane, a platform means for stepping upon by the user, the platform means secured to the handle means and an extension means for retractably extending the platform means. A method of climbing a vertical rise that includes positioning, at a bottom of a vertical rise, a cane having an extendable platform, extending the platform, stepping upon the platform, stepping off the platform onto a surface higher than the bottom of the vertical rise; and retracting the platform.

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

Abstract: A personal lift aid for lifting and lowering ambulatory patients and other individuals by unassisted and assisted means. The invention device comprises of a stanchion assembly having a palm grip to an upper end thereof; three adjustable hand grips located below said palm grip; and a (step-on) anchor pad located at the lower end of the device to anchor the personal lift aid to the floor or ground during lifting and lowering of individuals. Methods of moving a person with the aid of the personal lift aid include methods of a caregiver assisting the person; methods of unaided moving by the person, and methods of traversing stairs.

Abstract: The invention comprises a range of motion device for use between a first member and a second member, rotatable connection between the first member and the second member, a range of motion limiting elements engageable on the first member and acting on the second member to limit the range of rotational movement of the second member relative to the first member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ordinary crutch modified with a straight support which may be formed from a solid, lightweight tubular member, said support connected at one end to near the bottom portion of the crutch and with a bicycle pedal-like cushion on the other end for which the calf, shin or cast of the injured leg or leg of the injured foot rests. Since the pedal can freely revolve from its attachment to the solid support member, the angle at which the leg rests on the pedal relative to the crutch may be readily optimized for the patient's comfort in order to relieve pain and discomfort. Also, fatigue from the body when supporting the dangling leg may be avoided as the leg no longer dangles with its concomitant “dead weight”, because the entire weight of the leg is resting on the cushion of the leg support, the knee is flexed or extended while standing, or while sifting.

Abstract: A nonslip walking stick rest disposed at a lower end of a walking stick, is characterized that, the walking stick rest is provided with a pliable plastic tray having a nonslip surface at a lower housing; the lower housing has a spherical recess provided with a shaft having a sphere at an interior thereof above the lower housing is a fixed middle housing; the shaft is provided with an upper housing; a spring is disposed at the upper portion of the shaft, and between the upper housing and the middle housing; and the upper housing has an insertion end for inserting to the lower end of the walking stick. When the walking stick is propped on the ground, the lower housing of the walking stick rest is capable of automatic adaptations for staying closely to the ground and preventing slipping.

Abstract: A cane comprising a shaft, an ergonomic handle that includes multiple storage/retention zones, an emergency assist handle, and an ergonomically enhanced tip, or foot. The emergency assist handle, when inserted into one of two sleeves located in the shaft, provides a user with a means for rising from the ground after a fall. The ergonomic handle of the present invention includes a compartment, or retention zone, into which any number of small, hand-held devices and may be inserted and is formed with an external, textured material that helps the cane to resist falling over when leaned against virtually any vertical surface at angles not precisely perpendicular to the ground. The elongated foot of the present invention is radically different in size, length, and configuration and, thereby increases the area in contact with the surface being traversed by a user by up to 200%, without changing the “feel” of the cane.

Abstract: A joint mechanism for use in a rod for bearing at least a portion of a user's weight and a corresponding flexible tip for contacting a substantially horizontal surface. The joint mechanism includes a spring mechanism, a first bushing, and a second bushing. The spring member has opposed first and second ends. The first bushing is adapted for positioning in a hole in an end of the rod and has a cavity adapted to receive the first end of the spring member. The second bushing is adapted for positioning in a hole in the flexible tip and has a cavity adapted to receive the second end of the spring member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detachable hip or thigh support mounted on top of a conventional forearm or elbow crutch instead of the crutch handle, which is removed and used on a strut attached to the crutch tube. The preferred embodiment of the invention uses a bicycle saddle as support. The user sits on the saddle much in the same manner as he would sit on a bicyle. He may rest his foot on an additional foot rest at the tip of the crutch. The invention allows a fully non-weightbearing gait which requires far less strength, especially in the arms, than the three-point gait with conventional crutches. The user controls the crutch tube of the device with the handle and the foot rest. It is recommendable to use an additional conventional crutch on the unaffected side for better control of balance.

Abstract: A walk assistance device includes a handle and a base connected to a lower end of the handle. Two brake members extend from two ends of the base and two frames are pivotally connected to the base. Each of the frames has two wheels connected thereto, a gap is defined between each of the brake members and the wheels. A spring is connected between each of the frames and the brake members when pushing the handle toward the wheels which are pushed upward by the ground to contact the brake members.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with a cane to facilitate picking up small objects from the floor. The apparatus, which is removably attachable to a cane, includes an actuator to be pivotally mounted near the handle of the cane, a grasping member pivotally mounted near the tip of the cane, and a cable mechanism, having a tubular sheath, extending along the cane to transmit motion between the actuator and the grasping member.

Abstract: A shock absorbing ski pole with an articulating hand grip that flexes to allow for angular motion between handle and shaft during normal use. The handle contains a spring mechanism that keeps the shaft angled away from the skier when no load is applied. When the skier plants their pole, his forward motion compresses the spring and the shaft flexes into a vertical position, in-line with the grip. The grip also contains a quick release mechanism that allows the ski glove to be quickly and directly attached and unattached to the grip. In addition, the basket of the ski pole is adjustable to allow for different ski conditions. The basket consists of two disks with petals that may be rotated relative to each other. By rotating the disks coincident to each other to reduce wind resistance. However, for soft snow conditions the disks may be rotated such that the petals are offset from each other creating a greater amount of contact with the snow.

Abstract: A plug for a walker. The plug comprises a plate with an aperture therein. A plurality of pins extend from the plate, the pins being positioned to engage in correspondingly positioned apertures in a walker body. The invention includes arms secured to a walker body by use of such a plug.

Abstract: A walking assistance device for assisting ambulatory movement of a user afflicted with Parkinson's disease is disclosed. The device includes a body member, a shaft member fixedly disposed in a lower end portion of the body member so as to extend generally in a first horizontal direction, a longitudinal projection member disposed rotatably about the shaft member so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the shaft member, and a mass member integrally formed with and disposed so as to oppose to the longitudinal projection member in a diametric direction of the shaft member.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a tip for stick use without any movable portion and any sliding portion, which is monolithically formed to be flexibly deformable having a restoring function as well as a simple constitution, and a stick shod with the same. The tip is mainly constituted of a lower portion 1 for contacting the ground, an upper portion 2 whereon a hole 6 to be inserted with the stick 3 is opened and a flexibly deformable portion 4 for connecting aforesaid lower portion 1 and upper portion 2 which is equipped with an annular concavity 5 on a peripheral surface. The above-mentioned three portions 1, 2 and 4 constituting the tip are fabricated monolithically from an elastic material.

Abstract: A sunshade base comprises a base adapted to engage with a support tube of a sunshade and two wheel assemblies each having a mounting plate and at least one wheel. The mounting plate is pivotally mounted to the base. The wheel is rotatably mounted to the mounting plate. The mounting plate is pivotable between a storage position in which the wheel does not contact the ground and an operative position in which the wheel is located on the ground and thus raises the base above the ground.

Abstract: An orthopedic walker having a rear crossbar which is pivotally mounted to two side frames allowing for sequential movement of one side frame forward relative to the other to facilitate walking. A pair of wrist guards are positioned at the top of each frame and the frames provide a smooth transitioning of a number of handholds to aid in standing from a seated position.

Abstract: A visual stimulation cane or walking stick assists a Parkinson's Disease patient in overcoming a sudden immobility or freezing episode. The cane carries a visual indicator, which can be a plastic strip or leg, and which can be extended when needed to provide visual stimulation to initiate stepping. An actuator mechanism can include a plunger at the base of the cane, and a pivot member on which the indicator leg is carried. A lock/unlock knob allows the cane either to be used as a normal walking cane without visual stimulation, or to be used to overcome a freezing episode.

Abstract: A personal lift aid for lifting and lowering ambulatory patients and other individuals by unassisted and assisted means. The invention device comprises of a stanchion assembly having a palm grip to an upper end thereof; three adjustable hand grips located below said palm grip; and a (step-on) anchor pad located at the lower end of the device to anchor the personal lift aid to the floor or ground during lifting and lowering of individuals.

Abstract: A walking assistance device for assisting ambulatory movement of a user afflicted with Parkinson's disease is disclosed. The device includes a body member, a shaft member fixedly disposed in a lower end portion of the body member so as to extend generally in a first horizontal direction, a longitudinal projection member disposed rotatably about the shaft member so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the shaft member, and a mass member integrally formed with and disposed so as to oppose to the longitudinal projection member in a diametric direction of the shaft member.

Abstract: A walking stick (10) has a rod-shaped shaft portion (14), a grip portion (15) formed at one end portion of the rod-shaped shaft portion (4) and a tip portion (16) formed at the other end portion of the rod-shaped shaft portion (14), and is structured such that in case of laying down and placing the walking stick (10) on a ground or a floor (11) along a longitudinal direction, a part (17) of the grip portion (15) is apart from the predetermined surface and the tip portion (16) is brought into contact with the predetermined surface (11), and in case of pressing the grip portion (15) to the ground or the floor (11), the grip portion (15) becomes a fulcrum and the tip portion (16) is apart from the ground or the floor (11) and stands up.

Abstract: An anti-slip base for a crutch including a frustro-conical body having a recess at a bottom end thereof, a ball-shaped housing arranged on a top end of the frustro-conical body, a raised camber formed inside the recess with an anti-slip surface thereon, an outlet passage extending between the ball-shaped housing and the anti-slip surface on the raised camber, and a plurality of radial slots formed in a bottom face of the body.

Abstract: A self-supporting umbrella has a handle at a base end portion of a front shank and a ferrule at a front end portion of said shank. The ferrule includes a plurality of legs which are capable of being opened and closed. A projection which extends inward is formed inside a base end of each of the leg portions so as to pivotally mount the base end of each of the legs on a ferrule base portion. A resilient member is fitted into a front end portion of the shank such that a leg operating member having a restricted section in an axially intermediate portion thereof can be disposed on a front end of the resilient member. The restricted section is adapted to pinch therein the projection. The leg operating member is urged by a resilient force of the resilient member toward the front end of the umbrella.

Abstract: An athletic pole including a handle, a s haft, and a handle-to-shaft transition assembly, the transition assembly being adapted for allowing the handle to articulate and for minimizing rotational motion of the handle relative to the shaft during pole operation. The transition assembly includes an enlarged shaft base on the shaft and an enlarged handle base on the handle. The shaft base includes a handle-base-engaging surface, a raised alignment post on the handle-base-engaging surface, axial splines formed with the alignment post, and radial splines extending along the handle-base-engaging surface of the shaft base. The handle base includes a shaft-base-engaging surface having spline grooves complementary to the radial splines and the axial splines of the shaft base.

Abstract: A cane (2) having a hollow shaft (4) with a handle (6) secured to one end of the hollow shaft (4) and a pivoted arm (38) being supported adjacent the opposite end of the hollow shaft (4). The pivoted arm (38) is connected to a trigger mechanism (80), located at adjacent the handle (6), via a pair of overlapped internal coupling mechanisms (34, 60, 62, 64, 70, 72, 74) which facilitate adjustment of the axial length of the coupling between the pivoted arm (38) and a trigger mechanism (80). The pivoted arm (38), when in a retracted position, is at least partially housed within a second end of the shaft (4) and axially spaced from the second opposed end of the shaft (4). The pivoted arm (38), when in an extended position, is able to abut against and sweep across a desired floor or surface to facilitate retrieving a desired object (O).

Abstract: A shock absorbing fixture for attachment to a device for aiding a user in walking such as a crutch. The fixture comprises a frame with a spring disposed within the frame that compresses under the weight of the user. The fixture is attached to the lower end of the device. The fixture reduces the shock on the user during use of the device. The device also has the capacity to be operated so that the crutch performs as a rigid crutch.

Abstract: A weight distribution and support device for use on an unstable support surface includes attachment means for engagement with the lower end of a ski pole and a support base, or umbrella, adapted to be opened and closed. The support sturcture has a plurality of support spines radially extending from the attachment means, and a covering which surrounds and is supported by the spines. When in its opened state, the support base or umbrella engages the surface of the snow, thereby allowing the user to lean upon the upper end of the ski pole, exerting a downward force upon the support base, and gaining stability when standing up in deep snow or other unstable conditions. The support device preferably includes a strap or other means secured to the outer covering to maintain the device in its closed state during transport and storage, or to allow the user to wear the device on his hand, without the need for a ski pole. The device may also be used as a support stand for equipment in sand or snow.

Abstract: An improved walking aid tip that is easy to use and provides for better support on smooth or slippery surfaces. The tip combines the features of an enlarged base for better stability on sand and gravel, a combination of convex and flat base to provide support for the user when the walking aid is positioned at a wide variety of angles with the ground surface, where the user is walking or standing still, a base made of a non-flexible rubber material so that the cane does not wobble and become unstable when in use and so that the base does not crack easily and have to be replaced frequently, an enlarged rigid support member that entirely covers and supports the rubber base so that the cane is less apt to wobble and so that the base is less likely to crack and have to be replaced prematurely, and a socket, a threaded screw, and a threaded screw hole to allow for easy installation of the tip. The enlarged base also allows people who would normally have to use a more cumbersome quad cane (e.g.

Abstract: A wheeled triple-leg walker includes an upright tube, two F-shaped armrest frames respectively turned about the upright tube, a stretcher bar having a first end pivoted to one armrest frame and a second end adjustably connected to the other armrest frame to maintain the contained angle defined between the armrest frames, three wheel assemblies respectively mounted on the armrest frames and the upright tube at a bottom side for supporting and moving the wheeled triple-leg walker on the ground, and two armrest pads respectively mounted on the armrest frames at a top side for supporting the user's forearms when the user moves the wheeled triple-leg walker and walks.

Abstract: The walker of the invention comprises a chassis including a bottom plate. A sole is engaged or engageable with the underside in use of the bottom plate and a liner is placed within the chassis. The movement characteristics of the walker being determined by the shape or configuration of the sole, or both the shape and configuration.

Abstract: A pivoting tip assembly for a walking cane, which accommodates both tilting and rotation of the shaft of the cane while the base of the tip remains in stationary engagement with the floor. A disk member is mounted to the lower end of the shaft for rotation about the long axis thereof, and has a rounded outer edge which engages the inner surface of a socket formed in the rubber tip. The disk member is sized to have a sliding fit with the inside surface of the socket, so that the disk is able to tilt within the socket as the shaft of the cane tilts back and forth. The opening at the top of the socket is sized larger than the shaft, so that the shaft can tilt through a predetermined range of angular movement before striking the lip of the cup; at the limit of travel, the shaft comes into contact with the resilient material of the cup, which provides a yielding stop to the tilting motion.

Abstract: An improved tip for a crutch or cane includes a heel portion extending rearwardly from the tip at an upward angle such that the bottom surface of the heel portion frictionally engages the floor when the cane is tilted rearwardly from a vertical. The heel is made of rubber or other high friction material and is provided with treads on its bottom surface to enhance frictional engagement of the floor.

Abstract: A dual handled walking-assist and uprisal-assist device is disclosed having the handles spaced at a predetermined distance to provide a stable structure for rising from and lowering to a seated position, in addition to serving as a walking aid. The walking- and uprisal-assist device has a structure having a first handle or first pair of handles which are useful whenever a user is in a standing position. A second handle or second pair of handles are spaced a preselected distance from the first handle or handles and at a preselected distance from the bottom of the device. An infirmed user can use the second handle or handles as a grip to push against when the user is rising from a chair. The second handle or handles are connected to one or more load-bearing shafts and the geometrical centers of the handles are positioned relative to the load-bearing shafts to provide a stable structure when used for uprisal and walking.

Abstract: A foot (12) for attachment to a bottom end of a leg (18) of a walker or other ambulatory aid. The foot includes a tubular collar (24) with a central passage (26) that receives the leg. A ski-shaped base (28) projects from the bottom of the collar, generally orthogonally relative to the central axis of the collar. The base extends further in the forward direction to form an extended ramp-angle tip section (30). A frustoconical bottom ground engaging surface (34) of the base slopes upwardly from a central lower-most area (60) of the base towards the left and right sides and towards the front and rear ends of the base. The outer perimeter edge (36) of the base is thus raised relative to the lower-most area of the base, particularly at the extended tip section. The foot also includes an internal expansion bolt assembly (46) to secure the foot onto the bottom of the leg.

Abstract: An improved walking aid tip that is easy to use and provides for better support on smooth or slippery surfaces. The tip combines the features of an enlarged base for better stability on sand and gravel, a combination of convex and flat base to provide support for the user when the walking aid is positioned at a wide variety of angles with the ground surface, where the user is walking or standing still, a base made of a non-flexible rubber material so that the cane does not wobble and become unstable when in use and so that the base does not crack easily and have to be replaced frequently, an enlarged rigid support member that entirely covers and supports the rubber base so that the cane is less apt to wobble and so that the base is less likely to crack and have to be replaced prematurely, and a socket, a threaded screw, and a threaded screw hole to allow for easy installation of the tip. The enlarged base also allows people who would normally have to use a more cumbersome quad cane (e.g.

Abstract: An adjustable-length cane with a grasping apparatus includes a trigger at one end of the cane and a finger at the other end. The trigger and the finger are pivotally mounted within the body of the cane and have portions extending out of the cane body through slots. A cord and pulley system within the cane body connects the trigger and the finger so that when the trigger is activated, the finger closes or opens to either grasp or release objects. The finger includes a locking clip or similar device which holds the cord at a preselected point. This feature allows the user to vary the amount that the finger opens, and it allows the grasping apparatus to operate optimally irrespective of the length of the cane. The grasping apparatus may be locked in the closed position by appropriately sliding a sleeve into a locking zone on the trigger.

Abstract: This exercise device extends the forearms of a human user to permit running on all fours as an animal runs. The device, usually used as a set of two, is long enough to approximately equalize the user's hip to foot distance and the distance from the user's shoulder to the device's extended end. It has a brace to be grasped by the user's hand with the back of the hand in the forward direction, with an arm embracing member to grasp the elbow end of the forearm, and a forearm support in contact with at least a portion of the wrist end of the forearm at its forward facing surface. The brace is connected to a post. The brace and post are slidable engaged and coupled by a shock absorbing coupling. The outer end of the post terminates in a foot that, during use, permits the brace and post to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the forward direction.

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 cane for use by a visually handicapped person which has a tip at its bottom end which has a relatively broad outwardly facing convex contact surface. When slid along the ground as the person walks, the cane tip, which is preferably a hollow shell, provides auditory and kinesthetic clues about the environment and any impediments in the path of the user, yet cannot get caught, stuck or hung up on any obstacles.

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 ).