Lift assist device and method
First Claim
1. A device for supporting and assisting a subject'"'"'s back during bending and straightening, comprising:
- a shoulder anchor adapted to attach to the shoulders;
a first leg anchor adapted to attach to a first lower leg and that passes underfoot;
a second leg anchor adapted to attach to a second lower leg and that passes underfoot;
at least one member, comprising an elastic member, that connects the shoulder anchor and the first and second leg anchors; and
a spacer adapted to attach to the subject'"'"'s waist and extends rearwardly therefrom, the spacer spacing said member away from the subject'"'"'s back, the spacer not connected to said member;
wherein the subject'"'"'s back is supported and assisted during bending and straightening.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to a device and method for assisting a subject to perform a motion such as a lift. The invention comprises a first anchor attachable to a first side of a joint of the subject'"'"'s body, a second anchor attachable to a second side of the joint; and an elastic member connecting the first anchor and the second anchor, such that articulation of the joint in a first direction causes deformation of the elastic member and storing of energy, and articulation of the joint in a second direction causes relaxation of the elastic member wherein the energy is released and assists the subject to perform a motion in said second direction. The invention may be used at a subject'"'"'s waist, ankle, wrist, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, and/or at least one joint of the back and/or neck.
61 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A device for supporting and assisting a subject'"'"'s back during bending and straightening, comprising:
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a shoulder anchor adapted to attach to the shoulders; a first leg anchor adapted to attach to a first lower leg and that passes underfoot; a second leg anchor adapted to attach to a second lower leg and that passes underfoot; at least one member, comprising an elastic member, that connects the shoulder anchor and the first and second leg anchors; and a spacer adapted to attach to the subject'"'"'s waist and extends rearwardly therefrom, the spacer spacing said member away from the subject'"'"'s back, the spacer not connected to said member; wherein the subject'"'"'s back is supported and assisted during bending and straightening. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for supporting and assisting a subject'"'"'s back during bending and straightening, comprising:
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attaching a shoulder anchor to the subject'"'"'s shoulders; attaching a first leg anchor to the subject'"'"'s first lower leg, the first leg anchor passing underfoot; attaching a second leg anchor to the subject'"'"'s second lower leg, the second leg anchor passing underfoot; connecting at least one member, comprising an elastic member, to the shoulder anchor and the first and second leg anchors; and attaching a spacer to the subject'"'"'s waist, the spacer extending rearwardly from the subject'"'"'s back and spacing said member away from the subject'"'"'s back, the spacer not connected to said member; wherein the subject'"'"'s back is supported and assisted during bending and straightening. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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Specification