Since antiquity, humans have created support devices to help individuals stand when they are sick or injured. The use of support devices dates back to 2830 BC. An Egyptian tomb's entrance carving depicts a figure leaning on a crutch-like staff. Crutch design has progressed from Tiny Tim's basic "T" in A Christmas Carol to lightweight metal braces with ice-gripping tips or energy-storing tips that act as shock absorbers and are slip resistant.