Device and method for regaining balance
First Claim
1. A device for assisting a user in avoiding losing balance and tripping, the device comprising:
- a footwear device to be attached to a foot of the user standing or walking on a surface, the footwear device including;
at least one sensor for sensing changes in weight distribution of the foot on the surface indicative of an imminent tripping hazard of the user; and
a controller for receiving signals from said at least one sensor indicative of the imminent tripping hazard and for actuating at least one propulsion unit, said at least one propulsion unit including at least one rolling element located at and at least partially confined within a heel of the footwear device for moving the foot of the user in a desired direction and a determined distance across the surface, such that the center of the body weight of the user is brought over a support area under the user when the imminent tripping hazard is sensed,wherein said at least one rolling element is prevented from rolling at all times except when activated by the propulsion unit when the imminent tripping hazard is sensed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method for assisting a user in regaining his balance is disclosed. The device comprises: at least one sensor for sensing changes in weight distribution on any of the feet of the user, at least one propulsion unit to be coupled to any of the feet of the user for displacing a foot of the user when a change in the weight distribution on that foot reaches a predetermined condition; and a controller for receiving signals from the sensor indicative of the predetermined condition and activating the propulsion unit. When the predetermined condition is determined the propulsion unit displaces a foot of the user mechanically in a direction that results in the repositioning of the support area of the user beneath the center of mass of the user, thus allowing the user to regain balance.
63 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A device for assisting a user in avoiding losing balance and tripping, the device comprising:
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a footwear device to be attached to a foot of the user standing or walking on a surface, the footwear device including; at least one sensor for sensing changes in weight distribution of the foot on the surface indicative of an imminent tripping hazard of the user; and a controller for receiving signals from said at least one sensor indicative of the imminent tripping hazard and for actuating at least one propulsion unit, said at least one propulsion unit including at least one rolling element located at and at least partially confined within a heel of the footwear device for moving the foot of the user in a desired direction and a determined distance across the surface, such that the center of the body weight of the user is brought over a support area under the user when the imminent tripping hazard is sensed, wherein said at least one rolling element is prevented from rolling at all times except when activated by the propulsion unit when the imminent tripping hazard is sensed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for assisting a user standing or walking on a surface in avoiding losing balance and tripping, the method comprising:
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providing a footwear device to be attached to a foot of the user which includes at least one sensor for sensing changes in weight distribution of the foot on the surface indicative of an imminent tripping hazard of the user;
a controller for receiving signals from said at least one sensor indicative of the imminent tripping hazard and for actuating at least one propulsion unit, said at least one propulsion unit including at least one rolling element located at and at least partially confined within a heel of the footwear device for moving the foot of the user in a desired direction and a determined distance across the surface, such that the center of the body weight of the user is brought over a support area under the user when the imminent tripping hazard is sensed;sensing the imminent tripping hazard; moving said foot of the user in the desired direction and determined distance across the surface, such that the center of the body weight of the user is brought over the support area under the user; and preventing said at least one rolling element from rolling at all times except when activated by the propulsion unit when the imminent tripping hazard is sensed. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification