Motorized walker

• US 4,768,536 A
• Filed: 03/06/1987
• Issued: 09/06/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Junior F. Hawkins
• Original Assignee: Junior F. Hawkins
• Inventors: Hawkins, Junior F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hafer, Robert A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Sam, Charles H.
• Application Number:
  US07/022,652
• Time in Patent Office: 550 Days
• Field of Search: 135/67, 135/68, 180/907, 280/242 WC, 280/289 WC, 280/7.1, 280/87.1, 280/250, 318/139
• US Class Current: 135/67
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2003/043 with a drive mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2003/046 with braking means
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 3/04 Wheeled walking aids for disabled persons A61H3/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 180/907 Motorized wheelchairs

Abstract

The Motorized Walker is a device containing a frame assembly which a person walking can hold onto for support and help prevent a fall which might otherwise occur. This device need not be picked up between steps since an electric switch mechanism will activate a motor which will move the device the distance required between steps. This motorized feature permits support to be available at all times and the person using the device to walk faster than might otherwise be possible. This device also permits a person to walk where picking up a non-motorized walker might result in a fall since support is removed while the unit is being moved or where picking up a non-motorized walker is a formidable task.

Claims

1. A motorized walker comprising

a frame having a lower front and a lower rear and including an axle means rotatably secured to the lower front of said frame;

a pair of front wheels rotatably secured to the axle means for supporting said frame;

a pair of swivel type caster wheels secured to the lower rear;

a front compartment means secured to the lower front and extending substantially across the entire length of said lower front;

a motor means secured in said front compartment for producing rotational energy;

a power source means disposed in said front compartment and electrically engaged to said motor means to supply power to the same;

a control circuit means secured to the frame and electrically engaged to said motor means and to said power source means; and

a coupling means engaged to said motor means and to said axle means for transferring rotational energy from the motor means to the axle means;

said control circuit means comprises a first integrated circuit means;

a second integrated circuit means connected electrically in series with said first integrating circuit means;

a first resistor secured electrically between said first and said second integrated circuit means;

a third integrated circuit means secured electrically in series with said second integrated circuit means;

a second resistor secured electrically between the second and the third integrated circuit means;

a first transistor having a first transistor base connected electrically in series with said third integrated circuit means and further including a first collector and a first emitter;

a third resistor secured electrically between the third integrated circuit means and the first transistor base;

a second transistor having a second transistor base connected electrically in series with said first emitter and further including a second collector and a second emitter;

a fourth resistor secured electrically between the first emitter and the second transistor base; and

a third transistor having a third transistor base connected electrically in series to said second emitter and further including a third collector and a third emitter that is electrically grounded.

2. The motorized walker of claim 1 wherein said second collector is engaged electrically to a diode to prevent feedback voltage from destroying the third transistor and the second transistor when the motor means shuts off and its magnetic field collapses.

3. The motorized walker of claim 2 additionally comprising a first switch means engaged electrically to said second collector and to said third collector and to said motor means.

4. The motorized walker of claim 3 additionally comprising a fifth resistor engaged electrically to said second transistor base and to said fourth resistor to insure that when no positive pulse is sent to the second transistor base, the second transistor is in an off condition.

5. The motorized walker of claim 4 additionally comprising a first variable resistor engaged to said power source, a second variable resistor connected in series with said first variable resistor and electrically engaged to said third integrated circuit means;

and a third variable resistor electrically engaged to said second variable resistor and electrically grounded.

6. The motorized walker of claim 5 additionally comprising a sixth resistor electrically engaged to the power source and to the first and the second integrated circuit means and a seventh resistor electrically grounded and electrically secured to said first and said second integrated circuit means, said sixth and seventh resistor providing a reference voltage for said first integrated circuit means.

7. The motorized walker of claim 6 additionally comprising an eighth resistor electrically engaged from said first integrated circuit means across said second integrated circuit means and electrically engaging to said second resistor between said second and said third integrated circuit means;

and a ninth resistor electrically engaging to said first resistor between said first and said second integrated circuit means and to said eighth resistor, said eighth and ninth resistor each having an ohmic value wherein the ratio of the ohmic value of the eighth resistor to the ohmic value of the ninth resistor determines the amplitude of a triangle wave generated by said second integrated circuit means.

8. The motorized walker of claim 7 additionally comprising a capacitor secured electrically across said second integrated circuit means to determined a period of oscillation of a square wave generated by the first integrated circuit means.