Modular harness assembly and mobility system

• US 20050192159A1
• Filed: 02/14/2005
• Published: 09/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/13/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Kurt J. Jackson, Stephen Heinrichs
• Original Assignee: Kurt J. Jackson, Stephen Heinrichs
• Inventors: Jackson, Kurt J., Heinrichs, Stephen
• Application Number:
  US11/057,598
• Publication Number:
  US 20050192159A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/23
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2003/008 Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of one strap passing around the waist and additional straps around a leg or an arm
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2003/045 and one additional strap around the waist
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2003/144 Pack-carrying waist or torso belts
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/14 Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0107 modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/0192 Specific means for adjusting dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1616 Holding means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1621 Holding means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/163 holding means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1642 Holding means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1652 Harness
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 3/008 using suspension devices for supporting the body in an upright walking or standing position, e.g. harnesses

Abstract

A modular harness assembly worn by a person during physical exercise or rehabilitation. The modular harness assembly includes a non-stretchable waist belt that is secured around the waist of the patient or user, and can be associated with one or more auxiliary, non-stretchable harness component that can easily be added or removed from the waist belt. The auxiliary harness components can include a shoulder harness, a thigh harness having a movable connection to the waist belt proximate the hip joint, and a pelvic harness. The modular harness assembly can be used in combination with a hoisting system such as a block and tackle pulley system that is mounted onto a rolling carriage and an overhead rail.

Claims

1. A modular harness assembly worn by a person during physical exercise or rehabilitation, comprising:

a) a non-stretchable waist belt having a length,

b) at least one auxiliary, non-stretchable harness component releasably affixed to the waist belt, selected from the group consisting of;

1) a non-stretchable shoulder harness comprising a shoulder strap across the top of each shoulder in use, each shoulder strap comprising a shoulder connector proximate the top of the shoulder;

2) a non-stretchable thigh harness having a distal end affixed to the waist belt at a location proximate to the hip joint;

3) a non-stretchable pelvic harness comprising a pair of straps configured proximate the groin of the user; and

4) a combination thereof.

2. The modular harness system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of connectors for attachment of optional exercise equipment to the harness assembly.

3. The modular harness system of claim 1 wherein the waist belt and the additional harness component do not use a mechanical hook-and-loop fastener for securement thereof to the body of the person.

4. The modular harness system of claim 1 wherein the additional, non-stretchable harness component comprises the shoulder harness.

5. The modular harness system of claim 4 wherein the shoulder strap, in use, is snuggly positioned proximate the top of the shoulder.

6. The modular harness system of claim 4 wherein the shoulder harness is affixed to the waist belt using at least three seat-belt type connectors.

7. The modular harness system of claim 1 wherein the additional, non-stretchable harness component comprises the thigh harness.

8. The modular harness system of claim 7 wherein the distal end of the thigh harness is moveable laterally along the circumference of the waist belt.

9. The modular harness system of claim 7 wherein the harness further comprises a thigh cuff that is configured to surround the thigh of the person, and wherein the affixed distal end has a distal connector configured for attachment to waist belt and for lateral movement along the circumference of the waist belt.

10. The modular harness system of claim 9 wherein the waist belt has a belt connector comprising a guide strap having first and second ends affixed to the waist belt, and wherein the distal connector comprises a loop that encircles the guide strap.

11. The modular harness system of claim 1 wherein the additional, non-stretchable harness component comprises the pelvic harness.

12. The modular harness system of claim 11 wherein the straps of the pelvic harness are secured to the waist belt.

13. A mobility system for use in providing exercise and rehabilitation for a person, comprising:

a) a modular harness system worn by the person, comprising a non-stretchable waist belt, and at least one additional, non-stretchable harness component removably affixed thereto;

b) an overhead rail, and

c) a non-motorized hoist assembly that is moveable along the overhead rail, having at least one hoist connector for exerting an upward force upon the harness system, the hoist assembly comprising a block and tackle pulley, the hoist assembly being configured to have a mechanical advantage of 2;

1 or more.

14. The mobility system of claim 13 wherein the hoist assembly has a mechanical advantage of 4:

1.

15. The mobility system of claim 13 wherein the pulley device has a locked configuration wherein a cord of the block and tackle pulley can not pass through the pulley.

16. The mobility system of claim 13 further comprises a brake means to physically prevent a cord of the block and tackle pulley from passing through the pulley.

17. The mobility system of claim 13 wherein the additional harness component comprises a shoulder harness having a pair of shoulder straps, each having a shoulder connector disposed proximate the top of the shoulder.

18. The mobility system of claim 17 wherein the hoist assembly comprises two hoist connectors, each connected to a shoulder connector of the shoulder harness.

19. A method of providing exercise and rehabilitation for a person, comprising the steps of:

a) attaching to a person a modular harness system comprising a non-stretchable waist belt, and at least one additional, non-stretchable harness component removably affixed thereto, having at least one connector,

b) securing a hoist connector of a non-motorized pulley assembly to the one harness connector, the non-motorized pulley assembly having a hoisting mechanical advantage of at least 2;

1, and

c) hoisting the person with the non-motorized hoist assembly into a position for performing a physical activity.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the additional harness component comprises a shoulder harness comprising a shoulder strap across the top of each shoulder in use, each shoulder strap having a shoulder connector proximate the top of the shoulder, and wherein the step of hoisting comprises hoisting the harness connectors at the shoulders.