DALLAS—Medtrade attendees at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas cast votes earlier this year for their favorite products in the New Product Pavilion Providers’ Choice Awards, sponsored by HomeCare Media. A close vote on the final day earned the gold for a new product called the Jover Walker Cover from Pennsylvania-based Jover.
The idea for the stylish walker covers first came to Mary A. Schuleri (co-founder) about 18 years ago when her mother experienced complications from a surgery. Normally upbeat, Schuleri’s mom became depressed by the walker’s presence.
“I really could not believe it,” Schuleri recalled. “We’re giving these dreary metal walkers and people like my mom want to feel better.”
Schuleri believes that Jover walker covers give people an opportunity to continue to express their identity as they age or face unexpected mobility challenges.
“I eventually patented the product and built the right team around me,” Schuleri said. “I have enjoyed every part of this journey—from learning the patent process to manufacturing and choosing fabrics.”
Jover Walker Covers are easy and safe for consumers—washable and functional with four pockets.
“I tested a variety of different fabrics and now we’ve got a polyester that does very well,” Schuleri said. “Packaging is important, so we want the packaging to share our brand, our journey, and to show off the product.”
After tweaking several prototypes, Jover covers are now able to support 99% of walkers.
“The reaction to our product was overwhelmingly positive at Medtrade by attendees and other exhibitors,” Schuleri said. “Somebody either wanted to sell it or they wanted it for their parent, grandparent, or friend. It was absolutely amazing. It showed me that all the time, resources, and money I’ve spent over the last 18 years was worth it.”
