Patent ID: 6055998
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: A61H

Abstract:
A shock absorbing fixture for attachment to a device for aiding a user in walking, the device having a plurality of set holes, comprising:a hollow frame having a first end and a second end, the second end being movable in relation to the first end between a resting position and a stressed position, the frame having a maximum length when the second end is in the resting position and a minimum length when the second end is in the stressed position, the second end being adapted for placement onto an underlying surface;means for attaching the frame to the device for aiding the user in walking such that the frame is inserted within an end of the device;means for adjusting the position of the frame on the device for aiding the user in walking so as to adjust the total length of the combined frame and device;shock absorbing means secured to the frame, the shock absorbing means configured to resist movement of the second end from the resting position to the stressed position, the shock absorbing means having a defined level of resistance and being configured to permit movement of the second end from the resting position to the stressed position only in response to force on the second end which is greater than a defined level of resistance;a tension adjusting screw mounted in the frame adjacent the shock absorbing means, wherein turning the screw changes the resistance of the shock absorbing means; andmeans for selectively tightening the frame to prevent movement from the resting position to the stressed position.