WALKER HAVING AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED PROTECTIVE DYNAMIC PADDING
A walking aid (100, 200) has been configured with static padding (112) and air bags (114) to protect the user in case of a fall. The air bags (114) are generally not deployed. However, the walking aid has a tilt sensor (128) which, when a fall is detected, triggers air bag ignitors (116). In one embodiment, the tilt sensor (128) may comprise one or an array of sensors, and may further be coupled through microprocessor control to a dynamic active suspension ( 102) that controls both the height of the walker and the height of individual legs such that the walker will land softly, while adjusting individual leg heights where necessary or appropriate to stabilize the user to reduce the chance of a fall. In addition to providing more extensive protection for the user, the walking aid has several additional options which increase the comfort and convenience it offers. Such options can include locking hinges (120), allowing the walking aid to fold up; rubber (124) on the end of the legs where they contact the ground; wheels (126) on the legs; brakes for the wheels; height adjustable legs (102, 122); a water bottle holder; a basket; a removable or folding seat; a dashboard (140) including various communications devices such as cellular telephones, emergency call buttons, locators, and the like; and audio-video devices.