Abstract

An adapter is employed to assist in the releasing of spring-loaded pushbuttons of the sort frequently associated with invalid equipment. The adapter comprises a collar, a plunger which passes through a hole in the collar, and a pressure plate connected at one end of the plunger. In the preferred embodiment the adapter is employed to release a pushbutton that locks an inner tubular telescoping member with respect to an outer tubular member. The collar is provided with an interior opening which may be force fitted into position around the outer tubular member. When correctly aligned, the plunger is located directly opposite the pushbutton to be depressed. By applying force from the palm of the hand to the pressure plate it is possible to depress the spring loaded release button and thereby unlock the telescoping members. The apparatus just described has two principal advantages: First, it prevents users from getting their fingers caught in the hole between the two telescoping members as the telescoping members collapse; and, second, it allows invalids, such as those individuals with arthritis, to depress the pushbutton with the palm of the hand.