Patent attributes
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.