| US 7,540,342 B1 | ||
| Virtual walker apparatus | ||
| Robert John Ein, 4044 Palmetto Springs Way, Lexington, Ky. 40513 (US) | ||
| Filed on Mar. 17, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/390,309. | ||
| Claims priority of provisional application 60/366187, filed on Mar. 21, 2002. | ||
| Claims priority of provisional application 60/388602, filed on Jun. 12, 2002. | ||
| Int. Cl. B62D 51/04 (2006.01) | ||
| U.S. Cl. 180—19.1 | 17 Claims |
| 1. A walker apparatus comprising
a frame, said frame having a handle portion adapted to be gripped by a user during ambulatory movement following said walker
apparatus,
a plurality of wheels,
mounting means mounting each wheel on said frame,
a drive mechanism for controlling a direction and speed of movement of said walker apparatus,
connecting means connecting said drive mechanism to at least one of said plurality of wheels, said drive mechanism operative
when said walker apparatus is used,
an electrical circuit connected to, for controlling operation of, said drive mechanism, and control means for controlling
operation of said electrical circuit, said control means comprising a plurality of sensors located within an outsole portion
of a covering for each foot of the user, wherein each said covering for each said foot of the user includes said outsole portion,
wherein said outsole portion comprises said plurality of sensors located within said outsole portion, each said sensor arranged
in a position within each outsole portion to respond to characteristics that normally are recognized as criteria in a determination
of an individual's gait of movement of the user, and said sensors within each outsole portion adapted to provide a continuous
signal controlling said electrical circuit and said drive mechanism indicative of a total response of said sensors over time,
including any change in response that may occur indicative of a change in said gait of movement.
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