Quadra Walker
OwnerHerbert R. Burnhaminventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A surface walker for human beings consisting of a chassis holding four articulated, movable limbs for walking. Each limb rests on foot, ski or float. Chassis is topped with cushioned seat whereon user lies prone on chest and belly with access to limbs, which are activated with arms and legs. Chassis height and limb length are adjustable. User regulates walking gait, limb stride and motion frequency of limbs. Walker advances on land and water and diverse landscapes. Design incorporates optional computer-controlled power assistance for walker motion and use of mechanical hand for enhanced traction and anchoring effects.
Claims13
A four-limbed mechanism named Quadra Walker, operated by a human being with arms and legs for walking over diverse surfaces in a prone position characterized by
- a central chassis box containing a set of articulated joints for holding the upper end of walking limbs;
- a set of articulated walking limbs, each upper end thereof coupled to its corresponding joint at one upper end inside said chassis box and coupled to a ski, foot or float at its lower or distal end;
- a set of skis or feet connected to the said distal end of a corresponding set of limbs, designed for ground travel;
- an alternate set of skis having blades for skiing on ice or rollers for skating on a solid surface;
- a set of floats connected to the said lower or distal end of a corresponding set of limbs, designed for walking over water;
- a wheel unit in support of the chassis box using adequate suspension means;
- a set of stabilizers designed to share load with the limbs, each stabilizer consisting of a limb member having a ski or wheel at the ground end for providing support to user;
- a power plant in mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic or combination thereof relationship with the limbs, designed to provide mechanical assistance for locomotion;
- a computer programmed to control power assistance to limbs, connected therewith and with user via related command pad;
- a mechanical hand operated by user to obtain support and traction on the field.
A mechanical hand comprising a set of one or more phalanges consisting of one or more sections in pivoted connection therebetween and with a carpal box;
- a plurality of cables connected with the phalanges and running through the carpal box, through guides and through a carpal tunnel, on to a remote tensioning lever or to power assisted means activated by the user for performing a clasping action.
A system for using and regulating the motion of the QW when operated in a power-assisted mode by a computer, comprising in combination,
- a set of limbs movably held at a central chassis box, a power source, a computer as command center or brain, and a set of electric motors or artificial muscles located on the limbs, characterized in that the electric motors or artificial muscles are driven in accordance with the motion program selected by the user which consists of a selection of walking gaits and asynchronous commands which operate in combination with a selection of limb lengths, stride lengths and stride frequencies.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.