New kind of walker (Prototype)
 

For the past couple of years, I've been designing on a new kind of walker for people with Parkinson's or anyone between a walker and a wheelchair. I've seen the problem of freezing and experienced it myself when using existing walkers.
Most of the time I can walk without any assistance at all, when my meds are "on". I can even walk in the middle of the night (not as good) when I'm unmedicated. But when I'm in-between doses and my meds are totally off, I quickly find myself unable to walk. This can happen in as little as 15 minutes. I would normally find a secure place and just wait it out. But if I'm gone for the day, I'll bring my modified walker along. I can move it around folded and open it up when I need it. I can even use it as a normal walker, the seat is removable.
It's still only a prototype, but it works. I'm having another one built right now that's simpler in design, easier to open up, lighter and have more room inside. It's an on going project. I'm hoping a manufacturer will be interested in making it available to the public.
It couldn't hurt.

What do you think?
You'll need to download this video. Hope you can download it, it's worth a peek.
P.S. I was filmed using and talking about my walker during my "off" times.

https://www.yousendit.com/dl?phi_act...WlQyWGZ2Wmc9PQ




EnJoy life
Max

Can't download video.
 

I just tried to download my video, couldn't do it. I'll try to post it on You-Tube in the next day or so and see it that works.
I'll post a new link when it's ready....
Sorry, Max

I saw it Max - very KOOL and looked easy to use and get thru doors. You are very talented!!! Wish you great success with it's development. One question - what happens if you have a big butt?:D

TG
It came thru my ZUNE

Just put on a bigger seat!!! HA
 

It's so good to laugh!! Thanks TG.
Max, I was easily able to download and watch your video. First, I'd just like to say what a great job on the video and I really liked the music and your cat is gorgeous.
Your idea looks terrific- I also really liked the portability and of course the seat. It did look as if the seat might be kind of digging in from the video but then the accessibility it provides - makes up for it I'm sure.
I have a three wheeled bike that I absolutely love because of the seat- (you can rest and not wear out your leg muscles) and of course it is balanced so you can just stop and be sitting and resting.
It gives me such a feeling of freedom to be able to move like that.
The real downside of the bike is that it is not portable at all.
Congratulations on a great idea. I hope it is very successful for you.

Max, that's brilliant!
 

That is great! The only thing I'd put on a wish list might be an ultralight core for at home that you'd dock with the strong exoskeleton when heading out into the world.

You'd probably run into legal hassles, but a good name for it could be the "Tranformer" after the kids' toy.

Figure out how we could make our own out of a skateboard, lawn chair, and washing machine and we could do competitive racing to get a manufacturer for you.:D

Call it Antiskidstransformerator and make that washing machine a wringer washer and I'll race you any time Rick.:D

TG

Tulip Girl and Victorialou,
Thank you for your compliments.
I'm still trying to find a seat that works better than that unicycle seat I'm currently using. I'm also thinking about making a walker that you back into instead of walking into. That way you can grab the seat , to lock it into place, from the front instead of the back. Believe me, for a male this would be a definite benefit.
I also have a 3-wheeled bicycle, mine is made by: Varna Bicycles and Tricycles. Varna Bicycles and Tricycles. The one I use is called " Varna Utility Trike" . The neat thing about it is, it tilts and rides just like a bicycle.


Reverett123,
Thank you for the chuckle, good one. I'm working on it.
I would often go to the recyclers for parts. I would often buy old mountain bikes for the tubing, parts ,etc. I would always ask for assistance to get the bike into my little mini cooper. The helper would tell me: "There's no way that bike is going to fit in the back of your car". I told him: " No problem, I'll just use my electric hacksaw and cut the bike frame in two". So I proceeded to do so, to his amazement. Another time, I cut the bike ahead of time and went to the cashier to purchase it. And told her: "I can only afford to buy half of the bicycle now, I'll come by next week to purchase the other half". She also gave me one of those strange looks.
Got to enjoy life.
Max
PS I now have my video on You-Tube.
YouTube - Parkinson's Disease "A new kind of Walker"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9YwX47BHMA

Awesome!
 

That is a great idea on how to adapt the walkers we use . One of the wheelchairs I use is called the Invacare AT'm. I have a rehab type chair(Which my walker fits to the back of, for easy removal when I am in the position to do a little walking) that I use with my disability van.
But the AT'M is a supplemental chair, like a regular fold up wheelchair with a small detachable battery with a motor on it .The chair easily folds and fits in a in to a car trunk and very lightweight, so can be used without having to use my handicap van.

Further down the line a optional small motor could be added to your invention,(similar to that on the AT'M) making it truly a one size fits all assistive device. Many people regardless whether they have PD or other physical disabilities could revert from stand alone walking,assisted walking whilst seated or if needed motorized assist with your invention. An all in one device like this would do away with the need for chair and walker and would be great whilst out and one needs further assistance to walk as the day goes on.

well done!

http://www.draisin.com/en/index.htm

Since you have a tryke, I thought you might be interested in these. Bikes@Vienna in Vienna Virginia sells them. That is where we got our tandem recumbent bike - used, we souped it up but no motor. I am the stoker and my husband is the captain and I follow him where ever he goes.

TG
oops - a bit far from BC