Abstract:
An apparatus having an upper frame adapted to at least partially encircle a person; a lower frame; a scissor mechanism for coupling the upper frame to the lower frame, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame can be varied by adjusting the scissor mechanism; and a telescoping rod coupled to the scissor mechanism for locking the scissor mechanism, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame is locked by the telescoping rod.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to an adult walker for assisting the disabled or those who have difficulty ambulating and, more specifically, with an adult walker for seated or standing use. Even more specifically, this invention relates to an adult walker with provisions for incontinent persons. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     Adult walkers and wheelchairs are known in the art which assist the mobility of persons, such as the elderly or disabled, who are unable to walk or move around without assistance. These devices have improved the range of activity of such persons under conditions where available assistance by personnel is limited. A person requiring mobility assistance may also be incontinent, dictating a device which both provides mobility and security while accommodating incontinence needs and providing for the comfort of the user. 
     Wheelchairs are one method of providing mobility, and the prior art includes wheelchair commodes for use by incontinent persons. However, since the wheelchair provides no exercise or movement for legs, these muscles will atrophy more quickly and ultimately diminish the physical strength of the patient. 
     Various types of adult walkers are commonly used by elderly or disabled persons who have the capability of supporting their weight on their legs and walking, but cannot do so unassisted because of a tendency to stumble or fall. For example, elderly persons who reside in long-term care facilities frequently have a great need to exercise and to convey themselves from one location to another, but are afraid to do so without the assistance of an aid. 
     A wide variety of adult walkers have been devised for elderly or disabled persons. Adult walkers typically consist of a rigid frame supported on the floor. Numerous frame variations are found in the art. For the more ambulatory, the adult walker legs rest directly on the floor. The person lifts the frame, extends it forward with his arms, and walks for one or more steps before lowering the frame to the floor. Other frame variations incorporate a combination of wheels and legs so that the adult walker may be tilted and rolled forward. For the less ambulatory, the adult walker may be supported solely by three or more wheels, and the person need only apply a lateral force to move the walker. Tipping can be a hazard, especially since the elderly or disabled may have limited balance. Depending on the number and location of wheels and/or legs, the adult walker may fail to provide sufficient lateral support against tipping, especially if the person is overweight. 
     Most adult walkers are vertically adjustable so that users of different sizes and/or needs can be accommodated. Commonly the adjustment is provided by a type of telescoping leg. 
     Adult walkers may have an enclosed design with a moveable portion that allows the person to enter or exit when open while providing additional support and security in the closed position. Alternately, the adult walker may have an open front or back that allows for support while providing ease of entry and exit. 
     Some adult walkers have a seat or sling. This allows the walker to fully support the person in a seated position and may also be used to prevent falls. The support may be integral or removable. Some adult walkers have a strap or multiple straps to assist in securing the person and preventing falls. 
     Another feature of some adult walkers is a foldable design or a design that allows for easy disassembling. This allows the walker to be more easily transported or stored. 
     Persons using adult walkers may have need of additional medical equipment while using the walker. Some walkers are equipped with support or attachment devices for medical equipment such as IV bags or medication dispensers. However, walker designs to accommodate incontinence are not found in the prior art, even though persons requiring walker use may be incontinent as well. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Several embodiments of the invention advantageously address the needs above as well as other needs by providing an adult walker for seated or standing use. 
     In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as an apparatus comprising an upper frame adapted to at least partially encircle a person; a lower frame; a scissor mechanism for coupling the upper frame to the lower frame, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame can be varied by adjusting the scissor mechanism; and a telescoping rod coupled to the scissor mechanism for locking the scissor mechanism, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame is locked by the telescoping rod. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features and advantages of several embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following more particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an adult walker frame. 
         FIG. 2  is a plan view of a top horseshoe frame. 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of a bottom horseshoe frame. 
         FIG. 4  is a detail of a top pivot attachment. 
         FIG. 5  is a detail of a bottom pivot attachment. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the adult walker frame. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a top cover for the adult walker frame. 
         FIG. 7A  is a cross-section view of the top cover for the adult walker frame. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a bottom cover for the adult walker frame. 
         FIG. 9  is a plan detail of a seat. 
         FIG. 10  is a detail of a support belt. 
         FIG. 11  is a detail of an incontinence garment. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , an adult walker  100  in one embodiment of the invention is shown. The top portion of the adult walker  100  includes a top horseshoe  102 , a top front plate  104 , a left top rear pivot attachment  106 , a left top front pivot attachment  108 , a right top rear pivot attachment  110 , a right top front pivot attachment  112 , a left top front plate  114 , a left top rear plate  116 , a right top front plate  118 , and a right top rear plate  120 . The bottom portion of the adult walker  100  includes a bottom horseshoe  122 , a bottom front plate  124 , a left bottom rear pivot attachment  126 , a left bottom front pivot attachment  128 , a right bottom rear pivot attachment  130  and a right bottom front pivot attachment  132 , a left bottom front plate  134 , a left bottom rear plate  136 , a right bottom front plate  138 , a right bottom rear plate  140 , a left bottom middle plate  142 , a right bottom middle plate  144 , a plurality of locking wheels  146 , and a plurality of non-locking wheels  147 . Joining the top and bottom horseshoes  102 ,  122  on the left side are a top left outer rod  148 , a top left inner rod  150 , a bottom left outer rod  152 , a bottom left inner rod  154 , a plurality of left outer tubes  156 , and a left inner tube  158 . Joining the top and bottom horseshoes  102 ,  122  on the right side are a top right outer rod  160 , a top right inner rod  162 , a bottom right outer rod  164 , a bottom right inner rod  168 , a plurality of right outer tubes  170 , and a right inner tube  172 . 
     The top horseshoe  102  in one embodiment of the invention is made of ¼ inch solid aluminum rods which form the a top inner horseshoe rail  174  and a top outer horseshoe rail  176 . Each horseshoe rail  174 ,  176  is formed in a horseshoe shape, with the top horseshoe rails  174 ,  176  running parallel with an approximately 2 inches clear distance between the rails. The top horseshoe rails are joined at the horseshoe shape ends so that the top horseshoe rails  174 ,  176  are continuous. The top horseshoe rails  174 ,  176  at the horseshoe shape ends form an arc. The front of the adult walker  100  is designated as the location of the midpoint of the horseshoe shape, and the rear of the adult walker  100  is designated as the location of the horseshoe ends. The length of the top horseshoe  102  in this embodiment is approximately 36″ measured along the line of symmetry of the top horseshoe  102 . The top front plate  104  in a pointed oval shape is coupled to the underside of the front portion of the top horseshoe  102 . The top front plate  104  is made of aluminum or other suitable material. The top front plate  104  is oriented so that the front curved edge of the top front plate  104  aligns with the front edge of the top horseshoe  102 . The left top front plate  114  approximately 2.5 inches×2.5 inches is coupled to the underside of the top horseshoe  102  at approximately a one-third point along the left side of the top horseshoe  102 , starting at the front of the top horseshoe  102 . The right top front plate  118  approximately 2.5 inches×2.5 inches is coupled to the underside of the top horseshoe  102  at approximately a one-third point along the right side of the top horseshoe  102 , starting at the front of the top horseshoe  102 . The left and right top front plates  114 ,  118  are made of aluminum or other suitable material. The left top rear plate  116  approximately 2.5 inches×2.5 inches is coupled to the underside of the top horseshoe  102  so that one side of the plate aligns with the left end of the top horseshoe  102 . The right top rear plate  120  approximately 2.5 inches×2.5 inches is coupled to the underside of the top horseshoe  102  so that one side of the plate aligns with the right edge of the top horseshoe  102 . The left and right top rear plates  116 ,  120  are made of aluminum or other suitable material. The left top rear pivot attachment  106  is shown on the left side of the top horseshoe  102  near the top horseshoe&#39;s left end. The left top front pivot attachment  108  is shown on the left side of the top horseshoe  102  near the left edge of the top front plate  104 . The left top pivot attachments  106 ,  108  span horizontally between the parallel top horseshoe rails  174 ,  176 . The right top rear pivot attachment  110  is shown on the right side of the top horseshoe  102  near the horseshoe&#39;s right end. A right top front pivot attachment  112  is shown on the right side of the top horseshoe  102  near the right edge of the top front plate  104 . The right top pivot attachments  110 ,  112  span horizontally between the parallel top horseshoe rails  174 ,  176 . The pivot attachments are described in more detail below. 
     The bottom horseshoe  122  in one embodiment of the invention is made of ¼ inch solid aluminum rods which form the bottom inner horseshoe rail  178  and bottom outer horseshoe rail  180 . Each horseshoe rail  178 ,  180  is formed in a horseshoe shape, with the bottom horseshoe rails  178 ,  180  running parallel with an approximately 2 inch clear distance between the rails. The bottom horseshoe rails are joined at the horseshoe shape ends so that the bottom horseshoe rails  178 ,  180  are continuous. The bottom horseshoe rails  178 ,  180  at the horseshoe shape ends form an arc. The length of the bottom horseshoe  122  in this embodiment is approximately 36 inches measured along the line of symmetry of the bottom horseshoe  122 . The bottom front plate  124  in a pointed oval shape is coupled to the underside of the front portion of the bottom horseshoe  122 . The bottom front plate  124  is made of aluminum or other suitable material. The bottom front plate  124  is oriented so that the front curved edge of the bottom front plate  124  aligns with the front edge of the bottom horseshoe  122 . The left bottom rear pivot attachment  126  is shown on the left side of the bottom horseshoe  122  near the horseshoe&#39;s left end. The left bottom front pivot attachment  128  is shown on the left side of the bottom horseshoe  122  near the left edge of the bottom front plate  124 . The left bottom pivot attachments  126 ,  128  span horizontally between the bottom horseshoe rails  178 ,  180 . The right bottom rear pivot attachment  130  is shown on the right side of the bottom horseshoe  122  near the horseshoe&#39;s right end. The right bottom front pivot attachment  132  is shown on the right side of the bottom horseshoe  122  near the right edge of the bottom front plate  124 . The right bottom pivot attachments  130 ,  132  span horizontally between the bottom horseshoe rails  178 ,  180 . The six bottom plates  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  are shown coupled to the underside of the bottom horseshoe  122 . The bottom plates  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  are made of aluminum or other suitable material and are sized to provide secure attachment to the underside of the bottom horseshoe rails  178 ,  180  and also to provide sufficient area for wheel attachment. The left and right bottom rear plates  136 ,  140  are located at the left and right ends of the bottom horseshoe  122 , respectively. The left and right bottom middle plates  142 ,  144  are located approximately halfway between the front and rear of the walker frame. The left and right bottom front plates  134 ,  136  are approximately equidistant the middle wheel, with sufficient clearance given for the adjacent front pivot attachment. 
     The top horseshoe  102  and the bottom horseshoe  122  are connected vertically on each side by the series of adjustment rods  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  168 . These rods  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  168  provide vertical support of the top horseshoe  102  and vertical adjustment of the height of the top horseshoe  102 . On each side of the walker  100 , the adjustment rods  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  168  form a vertical double-X shape, with one X on top of the other X. The double-X, also referred to as a scissor mechanism, extends on the left side from the left side of the top horseshoe  102  to the left side of the bottom horseshoe  122 . The left top X is formed by the left top outer rod  148  and the left top inner rod  150 . The top end of the left top outer rod  148  is coupled to the left top front pivot attachment  108  so that the left top outer rod  148  may pivot or rotate in a vertical plane. The left top outer rod  148  extends diagonally downward and to the rear. The top end of the left top inner rod  150  is coupled to the left top rear pivot attachment  106  so that the left top inner rod  150  may pivot or rotate in a vertical plane. The left top inner rod  150  extends diagonally downward and to the front. The left bottom X is formed by the left bottom outer rod  152  and the left bottom inner rod  154 . The bottom end of the left top outer rod  148  is coupled to the top end of the left bottom outer rod  152  so that the outer rods  148 ,  152  may rotate in the same plane. The bottom end of the left bottom outer rod  152  is coupled to the left bottom front pivot attachment  128  so that the left bottom outer rod  152  may rotate or pivot in a vertical plane. The bottom end of the left top inner rod  150  is coupled to the top end of the left bottom inner rod  154  so that the left bottom inner rods  150 ,  154  may rotate in the same plane. The bottom end of the left bottom inner rod  154  is coupled to the left bottom rear pivot attachment  126  so that the left bottom inner rod  154  may rotate or pivot in a vertical plane. Where the top X connects to the bottom X, a left horizontal telescoping adjustment tube  182  joins the front side of the X to the rear side of the X. The left telescoping adjustment tube  182  is comprised of the two left outer tubes  156  and the left inner tube  158 . One left outer tube  156  is located at each end of the left inner tube  158  so that the outer tubes  156  may slide over the ends of the inner tube  158 , lengthening or shortening the left telescoping adjustment tube  182 . The left telescoping adjustment tube  182  is connected to a plurality of rod pivot points  184  so that the inner and outer rods  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  may rotate or pivot relative to the left telescoping adjustment tube  182 . The rotation of the inner and outer rods  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154  raises and lowers the top horseshoe  102 . The left telescoping adjustment tube  182  provides additional stability to the vertical adjustment and locks the top horseshoe  102  height in place. The operation of the vertical adjustment is described in more detail below. The vertical adjustment system as previously described is repeated on the right hand side of the adult walker  100 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a plan view of the top horseshoe  102  of the adult walker  100  is shown. Shown are the top horseshoe  102 , the top front plate  104 , the left top front pivot attachment  108 , the left top rear pivot attachment  106 , the right top front pivot attachment  112 , the right top rear pivot attachment  110 , the left top front plate  114 , the left top rear plate  116 , the right top front plate  118 , the right top rear plate  120 , the top inner horseshoe rail  174 , the top outer horseshoe rail  176 , a plurality of top cover bolt shafts  202 , and a plurality of eye hooks  204 . Each eye hook is coupled to and extends vertically downward from one of the top plates  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  118 ,  120 . The left and right top plates  106 ,  108 ,  118 ,  120  have one eye hook each, with the eye hook approximately centered on the plate. The top front plate  104  has two eye hooks  204  that are approximately evenly spaced along the rear crescent of the top front plate  104  shape. The eye hooks  204  are used to attach a seat  206 , a support belt  208  or other attachments. The top plates  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  118 ,  120  also have one top cover bolt shaft  202  each. The top cover bolt shafts  202  are coupled to the top of the top plates  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  118 ,  120  and extend upward vertically. The top cover bolt shafts  202  are located approximately centered on the left and right top plates  106 ,  108 ,  118 ,  120 , but are not required to align with the location of the eye hooks  204 . The top cover bolt shaft  202  coupled to the top front plate  104  is located along the line of symmetry of the horseshoe, approximately equidistant from the edge of the top horseshoe  102  and the edge of the top front plate  104 . The top cover bolt shafts  202  are used to attach a frame cover, which is detailed below. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 3 , a plan view of the bottom horseshoe  122  of the adult walker  100  is shown. Shown are the bottom horseshoe  122 , the bottom front plate  124 , the left bottom front pivot attachment  128 , the left bottom rear pivot attachment  126 , the right bottom front pivot attachment  132 , the right bottom rear pivot attachment  130 , the left bottom front plate  134 , the left bottom rear plate  136 , the right bottom front plate  138 , the right bottom rear plate  140 , the left bottom middle plate  142 , the right bottom middle plate  144 , the plurality of locking wheels  146 , the plurality of non-locking wheels  147 , and a plurality of bottom cover bolt shafts  302 . In this embodiment, two locking wheels  146  are shown. One locking wheel  146  is coupled to the underside of the left bottom rear plate  136 , and the second locking wheel  146  is coupled to the underside of the right bottom rear plate  140 . In this embodiment, five non-locking wheels  147  are shown. The wheels are coupled to the underside of the following plates  124 ,  134 ,  138 ,  142 ,  144 , one wheel per plate: the bottom front plate  124 , the left bottom front plate  134 , the right bottom front plate  138 , the left bottom middle plate  142  and the right bottom middle plate  144 . The wheels are located approximately in the center of the plates  134 ,  138 ,  142 ,  144 , with the exception of the non-locking wheel  147  coupled to the bottom front plate  124 , which is located at the front of the walker frame, on the line of symmetry, and between bottom horseshoe rails  178 ,  180  forming the bottom horseshoe  122 . The approximate wheel diameter for both locking and non-locking wheels  146 ,  147  is 3 inches. The bottom rear plates  136 ,  140  have one bottom cover bolt shaft each. The bottom cover bolt shafts  302  are coupled to the top of the bottom rear plates  136 ,  140  and extend upward vertically. The bottom cover bolt shafts  302  are located approximately centered on each bottom rear plate  136 ,  140 , but are not required to align with the location of locking wheels  146 . In this embodiment, two additional bottom cover bolt shafts  302  are coupled to the top of the bottom front plate  124  and are approximately evenly spaced along the rear crescent of the bottom front plate  124  shape. The bottom cover bolt shafts  302  are used to attach a plurality of bottom horseshoe covers  802 ,  804 ,  806  which are detailed below. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 4 , a detail of the top pivot attachment is shown. This detail applies to the left top front pivot attachment  108 , the left top rear pivot attachment  106 , the right top front pivot attachment  112 , and the right top rear pivot attachment  110 . Shown are the top horseshoe  102 , a plurality of large pivot adjustment sleeves  402 , and a small pivot adjustment rod  404 . Also shown are the top inner horseshoe rail  174  and the top outer horseshoe rail  176 . The top horseshoe  102  is shown in cross-section, i.e., the two rails  174 ,  176  comprising the horseshoe are shown in cross section and have the same horizontal centerline and a gap between them. The small pivot adjustment rod  404  is located horizontally between the top horseshoe rails  174 ,  176  but stops short of the inner edges of the horseshoe rails  174 ,  176 . The centerline of the small pivot adjustment rod  404  is perpendicular to the centerlines of the top horseshoe rails  174 ,  176 . Each end of the small pivot adjustment rod  404  fits inside the large pivot adjustment sleeve, which in turn is coupled to the adjacent top horseshoe rail  174 ,  176 . Each large pivot adjustment sleeve  402  consists of an approximately diameter circular plate coupled to the end of a short piece of approximately ½″ diameter tube. Each sleeve is coupled to the inside face of a top horseshoe rail  174 ,  176  with the tube portion perpendicular to the centerlines of the top horseshoe rails  174 ,  176  and open to the inside. Each end of the small pivot attachment rod  404  is coupled to a large pivot adjustment sleeve  402  so that the small pivot attachment rod is supported by the large pivot attachment sleeves  402  while still being able to rotate freely about its axis. One end of the outer rod  148 ,  160  or inner rod  150 ,  162  is coupled to the small pivot attachment rod  404 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 5 , a detail of the bottom pivot attachment is shown. This detail applies to the left bottom front pivot attachment  128 , the left bottom rear pivot attachment  126 , the right bottom front pivot attachment  130 , the right bottom rear pivot attachment  132 . Shown are the bottom horseshoe  122 , the plurality of large pivot adjustment sleeves  402 , and the small pivot adjustment rod  404 . Also shown is either the left bottom inner rod  154 , the left bottom outer rod  152 , the right bottom inner rod  168  or the right bottom outer rod  164 . The structure and operation of the bottom pivot attachments  126 ,  128 ,  130 ,  132  is similar to that of the top pivot attachments  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 6 , an elevation of the right side of the adult walker  100  is shown. shown are the top horseshoe  102 , the bottom horseshoe  122 , the top right outer rod  160 , the top right inner rod  162 , the bottom right outer rod  164 , the bottom right inner rod  168 , the right top rear pivot attachment  110 , the right top front pivot attachment  112 , the right bottom rear pivot attachment  130 , the right bottom front pivot attachment  132 , the plurality of non-locking wheels  147 , the locking wheel  146 , the plurality of right outer tubes  170 , the right inner tube  172 , a plurality of vertical adjustment holes  602  and a plurality of lock pins  604 . As described above, rods  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  168  form a double-X which raises and lowers the top horseshoe  102  as the rods  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  168  rotate about the pivot attachments  110 ,  112 ,  130 ,  132 . The right inner and outer tubes  170 ,  172  form a right telescoping adjustment tube  606  (as previously shown in  FIG. 1 ), located horizontally between the Xs. The plurality of vertical adjustment holes  602  are located at each right outer tube  170  end nearest the right inner tube  172  and each right inner tube  172  end nearest the right outer tube  170 . The vertical adjustment holes  602  extend through both the top and bottom of the tubes  170 ,  172 . At each end of the right inner tube  170  is the lock pin  604 . At each side of the right inner tube  170 , one vertical adjustment hole  602  in the right inner tube  170  is aligned with one vertical adjustment hole  602  in the adjacent right outer tube  172 . The lock pin  604  is inserted through the holes  602  in both right tubes  170 ,  172 , locking the length of the right telescoping adjustment tube  606  in place. As the adjustment holes  602  are used to lengthen the telescoping adjustment tube  606 , the rods  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  168  rotate and the double-X is reduced in height, lowering the top horseshoe  102 . As the adjustment holes  602  are used to shorten the telescoping adjustment tube  156 ,  158 , the rods  160 ,  162 ,  164 ,  168  rotate in the opposite direction and the double-X increases in height, raising the top horseshoe  102 . The vertical adjustment may be used to adjust the height of the walker  100  for the user, or to fold the walker frame for transportation or storage. The left telescoping tube  182  on the left side of the walker operates similarly. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 7 , a top horseshoe cover  700  is shown. The top horseshoe cover  700  includes a top cover top  702 , a top cover top return  704 , a top cover side  706 , a top cover bottom  708 , a top cover bottom return  710 , a plurality of top cover bolt holes  712  and a plurality of grip indentations  714 . The top cover top  702  is shaped to cover the top horseshoe  102  and provide a horizontal flat surface. The top cover top  702  overhangs the top horseshoe  102  in a sufficient dimension to be able to remove and replace the top horseshoe cover  700 , while providing a secure fit to the top horseshoe  102 . The width of the top cover top  702  is approximately 2.5 inches. The top cover side  706  is coupled to and extends down vertically from the outside edge of the top cover top  702 . The width of the top cover side  706  is approximately 6 inches. The top cover top return  704  is coupled to and extends down vertically from the inside edge of the top cover top  702 . The width of the top cover top return  704  is approximately 3 inches. The top cover bottom  708  is coupled to and extends horizontally from the top cover side  706  bottom edge, towards the inside of the top horseshoe  102 . The width of the top cover bottom  708  is approximately 2.5 inches. The top cover bottom return  710  is coupled to the inside edge of the top cover bottom  708  and extends vertically upward approximately 3″. The top horseshoe cover  700  essentially forms a continuous reverse channel shape that covers the top horseshoe  102 , providing a smooth, continuous cover to the top horseshoe  102  on three sides. A section through the top horseshoe cover  700  is shown in  FIG. 7A . The plurality of top cover bolt holes  712  are provided in locations to align with the top cover bolt shafts  202  when the top horseshoe cover  700  is in place. In one embodiment, the top cover bolt shafts  202  are threaded and a nut is used to secure the top horseshoe cover  700  to the top horseshoe  102 . Along the sides of the top horseshoe cover  700 , about halfway between the front and rear of the top horseshoe cover  700 , a portion of the top horseshoe cover  700  is removed. For a length of approximately 12″ on each horseshoe  102  side, the top cover top return  704  and approximately the inside half of the top cover top  702  are removed. This exposes the top horseshoe inner rail  174  for approximately a 12 inch length, allowing for the top horseshoe inner rail  174  to be gripped by the user for stability. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the top horseshoe inner rail  174  exposures are located approximately halfway down the side of the top horseshoe  102  and are symmetrical about the top horseshoe  102  line of symmetry. In the preferred embodiment, the top horseshoe cover  700  is made of polyurethane. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 8 , a bottom front horseshoe cover  802 , a bottom right horseshoe cover  804  and a bottom left horseshoe cover  806  are shown according to one embodiment of the invention. The outline of the bottom horseshoe  122  is shown. The bottom front horseshoe cover  802  includes a bottom front cover top  810  and a bottom front cover side  812 . The bottom right horseshoe cover  804  includes a bottom right cover top  814  and a bottom right cover side  816 . The bottom left horseshoe cover  806  includes a bottom left cover top  818  and a bottom left cover side  820 . Also shown are a plurality of bottom cover bolt holes  822 . The bottom front cover top  810  is of shape and size to horizontally cover the bottom front plate  124  of the bottom horseshoe  122 . The bottom front cover side  812  is coupled to and extends vertically downward from the front edge of the bottom front cover top  810 . The vertical height of the bottom front cover side  812  is approximately 2.5 inches. The bottom right cover top  814  is of shape and size to horizontally cover the horseshoe right end as formed by the bottom horseshoe rails  178 ,  180  and the right bottom rear plate  140 . The bottom right cover side  816  is coupled to and extends vertically downward from the edges of the bottom right cover top  814 . The vertical height of the bottom right cover side  816  is approximately 2.5 inches. The bottom right cover side  816  starts near the outer front edge of the right bottom rear plate  140  and wraps around the outside of the bottom horseshoe  122 , around the end of the horseshoe, and up the inside of the bottom horseshoe  122 , stopping near the inner front edge of the right bottom rear plate  140 . The bottom right cover side  816  thus forms a U-shape in plan. The bottom left horseshoe cover  806  is formed similarly to the bottom right horseshoe cover  804 . The vertical sides of the bottom horseshoe covers  802 ,  804 ,  806  provide additional tipping prevention as the bottom horseshoe cover sides  812 ,  816 ,  820  will contact the floor when the adult walker  100  is rotated at a small angle relative to the floor, preventing the adult walker  100  from reaching an unstable angle. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 9 , an adult walker seat  206  in one embodiment is shown. Shown is a seat cushion  900 , a plurality of loop or hook fastener tape strips  902 , a plurality of seat support straps  904  and plurality of seat attachment rings  906 . The seat cushion  900  is approximately rectangular in shape. On each side of the seat cushion  900 , the seat support strap  904  is coupled to the seat cushion  900  and extends past the front and back of the seat cushion  900 . The seat attachment ring  906  is coupled to each end of each strap, for a total of four rings. The seat  206  is attached to the adult walker  100  by using a plurality of carabiners to couple each seat attachment ring  906  to one of the eye hooks  204  on the top horseshoe  102 . At the front of the seat cushion  900 , the loop or hook fastener tape strip  902  is coupled to the top of the seat cushion  900 . At the back of the seat cushion  900 , the loop or hook fastener tape strip  902  is coupled to the top of the seat cushion  900 . The seat cushion  900  is cushioned and in the preferred embodiment has a disposable nylon cover. The seat support straps  904  are made of leather, nylon or other suitable material. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 10 , the adult walker  100  support belt  208  is shown. Shown are the belt  208 , a plurality of belt rings  1002 , a belt attachment  1004  and a plurality of belt carabiner attachments  1006 . A middle belt portion  1008  of the support belt  208  is approximately 6 inches wide. A plurality of adjustable ends  1010  of the belt  208  are approximately 1-2 inches wide. Two belt rings  1002  are shown coupled to the middle portion  1008  of the outside of the support belt  208 . A belt cushion  1012  is coupled to the inside of the middle belt portion  1008 . The belt cushion  1012  in the preferred embodiment is approximately 8 inches wide, extends the full length of the middle belt portion  1008  with equal overhang above and below the middle belt portion  1008 , and includes ½ inch foam covered with vinyl. The belt attachment  1004  is a strip approximately 10 inches long with the carabiner attachment  1006  on each end. One end of the belt attachment  1004  is coupled to one of the eye hooks  204  on the top horseshoe  102  and the other end is coupled to one of the belt rings  1002 . When the support belt  208  is worn by the user, the attachment of the support belt  208  to the top horseshoe  102  will support the user in case of a fall, while the 6 inch belt width will help prevent back injury. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 11 , an incontinence garment  1102  is shown. Shown is a fabric apron  1104 , an excrement bag  1106 , an elastic waist band  1108 , a plurality of elastic crotch bands  1110  and a plurality of hook or loop tape fastener strips  1112 . The elastic waist band  1108  is circular and fits around the user&#39;s waist. The fabric apron  1104  is shaped like a truncated cone, with the narrow end of the cone continuously coupled to the elastic waist band  1108 . On the right side, one end of the elastic crotch band  1110  is coupled to and extends from the front right side of the elastic waist band  1108 , down in a U-shape with the bottom of the U at the user&#39;s crotch level, and back up to the rear right side of the elastic waist band  1108 , where it is coupled to the elastic waist band  1108 . The elastic crotch band  1110  on the left side is similar. Between the elastic crotch bands  1110  is the excrement bag  1106 , which is continuously coupled on each side to the elastic crotch bands  1110 , at the front to the front of the elastic waist band  1108 , and at the rear to the rear of the elastic waist band  1108 . The excrement bag  1106  may be made of plastic or other suitable material. The hook or loop tape fastener strip  1112  is coupled to the bottom edge of the fabric apron  1104  on each side. The incontinence garment  1102  prevents soiling of the user, seat  206  or walker  100  due to incontinence, while providing for the modesty of the user. The hook or loop tape fastener strip  1112  on each side of the incontinence garment  1102  may be attached to the corresponding loop or hook tape  902  on the seat  206 , securing the incontinence garment  1102  in place. 
     While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means of specific embodiments, examples and applications thereof, numerous modifications and variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.