The History of the Walker

Have you ever wondered when the first walker or rollator was invented?   We did some research and found out some very interesting facts! A walker (walking frame) or rollator is a tool for anyone suffering from Arthritis, lower and mid back pain, muscle weakness, decreased stamina, deteriorating stamina regardless of their age.   Walkers started appearing in the early 1950’s. The first US patent was awarded in 1953 to William Cribbes Robb, of Stretford, UK, for a device called “walking aid”, which had been filed with the British patent office in August 1949. Two variants with wheels were both awarded US patents in May 1957, and the first non-wheeled design that was called a “walker” was patented in 1965 by Elmer F. Ries of Cincinnati, Ohio. The first walker to resemble modern walkers was patented in 1970 by Alfred A. Smith of Van Nuys, California.