Occupant Suspended From Above (e.g., By A Body Harness, Etc.) For Foot Travel Patents (Class 482/69)
  • Patent number: 11951369
    Abstract: The suspension system disclosed may be used to provide anti-gravity or pro-gravity affects to aid in exercise and rehabilitation. The system includes a frame assembly which supports an elastic cord. The elastic cord supports a portion of the weight of the user and exerts upward or downward pressure on the user to reduce or enhance the user's weight. The elastic is configured to equalize the forces on the system and permit free movement of the user while reducing or enhancing the user's weight. The system may be used by itself or with a number of different exercises and equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Lever, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Charles Ognibene, Bradley Thomas Miles, James Warren Hurt
  • Patent number: 11938936
    Abstract: In a stand-up vehicle having a vehicle upper part having a riding surface configured for a user to stand on, one or more electronic control units execute emergency situation detection processing for detecting an emergency of the user when receiving notification from the user or based on information from one or more sensors, safety posture determination processing for determining whether or not the user takes a safety posture based on information from one or more sensors after detecting the emergency, and upper limit speed management processing executed when detecting the emergency and determining that the user takes the safety posture. The upper limit speed management process increases the upper limit speed to be higher than the basic upper limit speed selected when the safety posture determination process determines that the user is not in the safety posture, or cancels the upper limit speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuta Maniwa, Tetsuya Kanata, Yozo Iwami, Daisaku Honda, Yuhei Katsumata, Hideki Fukudome, Takuya Watabe, Naoko Ichikawa, Saki Narita, Yuki Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 11850529
    Abstract: An indoor zip coaster has a zip coaster rail suspended above ground and forming a closed loop. At least one trolley located is on the rail, with a rider tethered to the trolley by a harness. The rail has plural sections, with each section of the rail including an incline portion and a decline portion. The trolley traverses the respective incline portion of one of the sections before traversing the respective decline portion of the one section. Each of the stations contains a respective incline portion of rail, a ramp for the rider to climb. The decline portion of rail of the next section extends from one station to the next station. By including stations with inclined portions of rail along the zip coaster path, a longer ride can be obtained. In addition, sensors and gates can be provided at the stations to allow a single rider on each rail section, with multiple riders on the overall zip coaster spread among the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: UATP IP, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Browning, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11800909
    Abstract: A gait correction treadmill and footwear system includes a treadmill having a base, a rotating belt, and a harness device that extends upwardly from the front end of the treadmill overtop the rotating belt. Each shoe includes a wearable upper portion with pressure sensors and a control circuit between the insole, as well as electromagnets between the lower end of the insole and the shoe tread. The pressure sensors are configured to map the pressure layout of the wearer's step. The electromagnets interact with a magnetic plate disposed beneath the rotating belt. The heel ends of the shoes include a cable that connects to an adjustable harness device affixed to the treadmill. The system is configured to adjust the harness device to relieve pressure when the wearer steps and to adjust the strength of the electromagnets, thereby increasing or decreasing the force of the user's step to correct their gait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Inventor: Olivia Pesce
  • Patent number: 11617705
    Abstract: A robotic assistant includes a wheeled base, a body positioned on the base, a foldable seat rotatably connected to the body, an actuator to rotate the foldable seat with respect to the body, and a control system that receives command instructions. The actuator is electrically coupled to the control system. In response to the command instructions, the control system is to control the actuator to rotate the foldable seat to a folded position or an unfolded position. The control system is further to detect whether an external force from a user has applied to the foldable seat, and release the actuator to allow the foldable seat to be manually rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignees: UBTECH NORTH AMERICA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER CORP, UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD
    Inventors: Houzhu Ding, Armen Gardabad Ohanian, Brandon Jon LaPlante, Chengkun Zhang, Zhen Xiu, Huan Tan
  • Patent number: 11554071
    Abstract: A robotic assistant includes a base; an elevation mechanism positioned on the base; a display rotatably mounted on the elevation mechanism; a camera positioned on the display; and a control system that receives command instructions. In response to the command instructions, the control system is to detect movement of a face of the user in a vertical direction based on the images captured by the camera. In response to detection of the movement of the face of the user in the vertical direction, the control system is to rotate the display and actuate the elevation mechanism to the move the display up and down to allow the camera to face the face of the user during the movement of the face of the user in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD
    Inventors: Houzhu Ding, Chengkun Zhang, Zhen Xiu, Huan Tan
  • Patent number: 11383062
    Abstract: A Multisensory Simulation System comprises systems including: an Omni-Directional Treadmill (ODT), a Gravity Modification System (GMS), a Motion and gesture Tracking System (MTS), a Data Analytics System (DAS), a Visual Stimulation System (VSS), an Auditory Stimulation System (AUSS), an Operator Interface System (OIS), a User Harness System (UHS), a Tactile Stimulation System (TSS), an Atmospheric Simulation System (ATSS), a Neurological Stimulation System (NSS), an Olfactory Stimulation System (OSS), a Gustatory System Stimulation System (GSS), a User Monitoring System (UMS), a Controller, a Game Engine System (GES), database, a Communication Unit (CU), a User Safety System (USS), and a communication bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: NEWTON VR LTD.
    Inventor: Yuval Brodsky
  • Patent number: 11344462
    Abstract: A person lifting apparatus includes a first lifting strap feeding device including a first drum and a first lifting strap wound on the first drum. A second lifting strap feeding device includes a second drum and a second lifting strap wound on the second drum. A controller is communicatively coupled to the first lifting strap feeding device and to the second lifting strap feeding device. The controller includes logic that controls operation of the first lifting strap feeding device and the second lifting strap feeding device based on a comparison of current draws of the first lifting strap feeding device and the second lifting strap feeding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventors: Joseph Tari, Derek Strassle
  • Patent number: 11285070
    Abstract: A system for physical rehabilitation is disclosed. The system may comprise a plurality of motors configured to be coupled to a ceiling; a plurality of cable portions, wherein each cable portion is connected at a first end to a motor and connected at a second end to a connector element; and a controller in operative communication with the plurality of motors to move the connector element in relation to a staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: REHABILITATION INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
    Inventors: Joanne C. Smith, Mark Witteveen
  • Patent number: 11135112
    Abstract: A multi-room in-home harness system is disclosed. Specific implementations may include a first plurality of tracks including a first track system in a first room, a trolley that may be configured to moveably couple to a track of the first plurality of tracks and move along a horizontal plane of the track, and a cart coupled to the trolley, where the trolley may be configured to move the cart along each track of the first plurality of tracks and may also be configured to transfer the cart from the first plurality of tracks to a second plurality of tracks in a second room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignees: Arizona Board of Regents acting for and on behalf of Northern Arizona University, University of Delaware
    Inventors: Kyle N. Winfree, James Cole Galloway
  • Patent number: 11116682
    Abstract: A medical apparatus for standing aid includes a backrest (4) that has at least one side thereof provided with a crank rocker mechanism that includes a crank mechanism (1), a triangle linkage mechanism (2), and a rocker mechanism (3), the crank mechanism (1) is rotatably connected to the triangle linkage mechanism (2) such that an included angle between a second driven link (BE) of the triangle linkage mechanism (2) and the crank mechanism (1) is always smaller than 90°, and the crank mechanism (1) driving the triangle linkage mechanism (2), the rocker mechanism (3) and the backrest (4) connected to the triangle linkage mechanism to perform interactive movement repeatedly along a predetermined curve trajectory in response to a driving force from a drive effect of a driving unit (100), so that the backrest (4) connected to the second driven link (BE) assists a trainee in standing up repeatedly by obliquely supporting the trainee's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Hefei University of Technology
    Inventors: Ning An, Liuqi Jin
  • Patent number: 11102385
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a playground apparatus that is configured to support a camera, typically a smartphone or similar photo/video device. The apparatus is configured to both (a) position the camera to take a photograph or video of the user during the play activity and (b) to maintain the camera in place during the play activity. Embodiments of the play apparatus include swings, whirls, and spinners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: PLAYCORE WISCONSIN, INC.
    Inventors: Lindsay Hill, Sam Smith, Steven Dupree, Charles Walcott, Benjamin Thornberry
  • Patent number: 11020306
    Abstract: An unweighting device of the present specification. The unweighting device generally includes a standalone cage system having a rail, or a plurality of rails, allowing a user to connect thereto. The user of the unweighting system wears a harness. The harness connect to a plurality of flexible bands which connect directly to a roller subassembly. The roller subassembly, which connects to the rail or rails of the cage, allow the user to move in a lateral direction. The bands connected to the user allow the user to move in an up and down direction thereby, when combined with the rolling movement, provide for dynamic movement of the user when using the unweighting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Dynamic Movement Frameworks, LLC
    Inventor: Leonard Van Gelder
  • Patent number: 11013657
    Abstract: A garment attachable to an exercise or therapeutic apparatus that is capable of elevating the user slightly above the ground, reducing potential for injury and strain by shifting the user's weight to the frame of the apparatus. The garment is incorporated into the apparatus by comprising panels under the buttocks and around the thighs, providing balance and lifting the user comfortably in conjunction with the frame. A low-friction plate is positioned under the user's feet so that the user can ambulate freely while held in place by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventors: John Crombie, Jessica Liberatore
  • Patent number: 10926147
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for swim training are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a cable is secure to a starting block or other fixed object at or near the edge of a pool, and the cable is then extended into the pool. The cable includes, along its length, fixed securement points to which multiple swimmers may be secured, via belts worn by the swimmers, to the cable. Because the swimmers are secured to fixed positions along the cable, multiple swimmers may swim in the same lane without interfering with each other. In another embodiment, the cable may be secured at both ends of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: Jonathan Garrett Greenland
  • Patent number: 10881572
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a natural gait therapy device having an adjustable gait timing linkage assembly configured to operate an adjustable knee support assembly and an adjustable height foot assembly to simulate a normal walking pattern for a user based on characteristics of the user. In an illustrative example, the adjustable gait timing linkage assembly includes a chain sprocket configured to adjust a degree of heel lift and a length to the point of the heel lift during a normal walking simulation. In some embodiments, a gait stride adjustment assembly may adjust a stride length to accommodate different sized users. The gait stride adjustment assembly may advantageously contribute to the natural walking pattern simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: ALT Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Alan Tholkes, DuWayne Dandurand
  • Patent number: 10881569
    Abstract: A medical apparatus for standing aid includes a backrest (4) that has at least one side thereof provided with a crank rocker mechanism that includes a crank mechanism (1), a triangle linkage mechanism (2), and a rocker mechanism (3), the crank mechanism (1) is rotatably connected to the triangle linkage mechanism (2) such that an included angle between a second driven link (BE) of the triangle linkage mechanism (2) and the crank mechanism (1) is always smaller than 90°, and the crank mechanism (1) driving the triangle linkage mechanism (2), the rocker mechanism (3) and the backrest (4) connected to the triangle linkage mechanism to perform interactive movement repeatedly along a predetermined curve trajectory in response to a driving force from a drive effect of a driving unit (100), so that the backrest (4) connected to the second driven link (BE) assists a trainee in standing up repeatedly by obliquely supporting the trainee's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: HEFEI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Ning An, Xia Que, Jiaoyun Yang, Ping Zhao
  • Patent number: 10874568
    Abstract: A medical apparatus for standing aid includes a backrest (4) that has at least one side thereof provided with a crank rocker mechanism that includes a crank mechanism (1), a triangle linkage mechanism (2), and a rocker mechanism (3), the crank mechanism (1) is rotatably connected to the triangle linkage mechanism (2) such that an included angle between a second driven link (BE) of the triangle linkage mechanism (2) and the crank mechanism (1) is always smaller than 90°, and the crank mechanism (1) driving the triangle linkage mechanism (2), the rocker mechanism (3) and the backrest (4) connected to the triangle linkage mechanism to perform interactive movement repeatedly along a predetermined curve trajectory in response to a driving force from a drive effect of a driving unit (100), so that the backrest (4) connected to the second driven link (BE) assists a trainee in standing up repeatedly by obliquely supporting the trainee's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: HEFEI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jiaoyun Yang, Ping Zhao, Aiguo Wang, Ning An
  • Patent number: 10786697
    Abstract: A trampoline frame includes a number of frame components arranged to form a circle or other shape around a flexible fabric trampoline bed. The frame components are fastened together by inserting them into tee joints. The tee joints have guard poles extending above the level of the trampoline bed to support a safety net or rail. Leg components extend beneath the tee joints to support the trampoline frame structure. Each tee joint is concentrically fitted together with adjacent frame components. The guard poles extend through the tee joint to be concentrically fitted together with the leg components. Bolts extend through the assembled tee joints and other components to further strengthen the trampoline structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Qingdao Jinhuaxing Sports Products Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yunwei Liu
  • Patent number: 10537486
    Abstract: A body weight support system includes a trolley, a powered conductor operative coupled to a power supply, and a patient attachment mechanism. The trolley can include a drive system, a control system, and a patient support system. The drive system is movably coupled to a support rail. At least a portion of the control system is physically and electrically coupled to the powered conductor. The patient support mechanism is at least temporarily coupled to the patient attachment mechanism. The control system can control at least a portion of the patient support mechanism based at least in part on a force applied to the patient attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Bioness Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Behnke, Todd Cushman, Erol Erturk, Arkady Glukhovsky, Kelvin J. Hasseler, Keith McBride, Moshe Olim, Perry Payne, Kenneth Andrew Regas, William H. Schwiebert, Daniel Scott Weinstein
  • Patent number: 10478371
    Abstract: A body-weight support system is disclosed, including an improved body weight support apparatus and method. The system enables not only the support of patients undergoing rehabilitation therapies, but exercise modes that are both customizable and dynamic in nature, including alternative functionality at differing locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Gorbel, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. Stockmaster, Brian G. Peets, Benjamin A. Strohman, Alexander Z. Chernyak, Blake Reese, Dean C. Wright, Yi Luo, Li-Te Liu, Betty Dolce, Thomas R. Fischer, Chris Bierl, Judy Powers, Don Sacilowski
  • Patent number: 10470965
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for unloading a user's body weight during a physical activity of said user, particularly for gait training of said user, comprising: a plurality of ropes, wherein each rope extends from an associated drive unit, is deflected by a passively displaceable deflection device, e.g. a device that is displaceable by means of the forces in the deflected ropes, and then runs to a first free end of the respective rope, and a node being coupled to said first free ends and being designed to be coupled to said user, wherein the drive units are designed to retract and release the respective rope so as to adjust a current rope force along the respective rope, which current rope forces add up to a current resulting force exerted on said user via said node in order to unload the user upon said physical activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignees: LUTZ MEDICAL ENGINEERING, ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Heike Vallery, Peter Lutz
  • Patent number: 10406060
    Abstract: A lifting device is hung in a manner relatively displaceable in the front-and-rear direction within a predetermined range with respect to the travel base that can be self-propelled in the front-and-rear direction, and a control device is provided with respect to the travel base. The control device causes the travel base to be self-propelled forward when the gait trainee moves forward and thus the lifting device is relatively displaced forward with respect to the travel base within the predetermined range, and causes self-propelling of the travel base to stop when the travel base is self-propelled forward faster than the gait trainee moves and then the lifting device is relatively displaced rearward with respect to the travel base within the predetermined range, thereby causing the travel base to be self-propelled forward in accordance with a pace of the gait trainee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: MORITOH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Uto, Tetsuya Fujita, Katsumi Morishima
  • Patent number: 10315307
    Abstract: A wearable chair robot system is provided and includes a first link having a first end hinge-connected to a heel of a user and a second end rotating up and down about the first end distal to a foot of the user, and supported on the ground at a lower limit. The system further includes a second link having a first end hinge-connected to the user above the first end of the first link and a second end that extends distal to the user. A third link has a first end hinge-connected to the second end of the link and a second end hinge-connected to the second end of the first link. Further, a driving unit has a first end hinge-connected to the user above the first end of the second link and a second end extending downward and hinge-connected to the second end of the first link or the third link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seok Won Lee, Dong Han Koo
  • Patent number: 10272284
    Abstract: A gait training apparatus for determining, in real time, how much weight is being supported on each side of the patient, even when the patient's shoulders are rotating as they do when walking. The apparatus employs two force sensors in an upper assembly that is connected to a supporting frame. The patient's harness is attached to a lower assembly which is rotatably suspended from the upper assembly. When a harnessed patient walks, the weight of each side of the patient is mechanically transferred from the rotating lower assembly to the force sensors on the non-rotating upper assembly. Each force sensor emits an electronic signal proportional to the load on the sensor, and enables the apparatus to measure in real time the weight supported on each side. A processing unit calculates the weight supported on each side of the patient and the total amount of the weight supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Mobility Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Bellman, Amir Seif, Dave Dilli, Mohammed Ehsan
  • Patent number: 10245200
    Abstract: Example traction devices, systems and methods for use thereof are provided. An example traction device may include (a) a frame comprising a top support having first and second ends, where the first end of the top support is coupled to a first vertical support and the second end of the top support is coupled to a second vertical support and (b) a balance bar moveably coupled to the top support via a wire, where opposing ends of the balance bar are each coupled to an attachment ring or define a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Stella's Practice Management LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Winternheimer
  • Patent number: 10232209
    Abstract: Exercise apparatuses that may be particularly useful or treating and strengthening connective tissue. For example, apparatuses that may have or be reconfigured to have multiple (e.g., three or more) configurations that are suspended from above by a ceiling or stand. The equipment facilitates the stabilization of the body according to the principle of tensegrity, so that the tension in all movements is omni-directionally coherent, thus creating omni-tensional integrity, which may be helpful in treatment and strengthening of muscular connective tissue (fasciae) in musculoskeletal dynamics, to restore, rebuild, strengthen and regain elasticity within the human fascial network. These apparatuses can support the user at an oblique body angle while the user performs various movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Inventor: Gregory Kelvin Pouchet
  • Patent number: 10219960
    Abstract: A body weight support system includes a trolley, a powered conductor operatively coupled to a power supply, and a patient attachment mechanism. The trolley can include a drive system, a control system, and a patient support system. The drive system is movably coupled to a support rail. At least a portion of the control system is physically and electrically coupled to the powered conductor. The patient support mechanism is at least temporarily coupled to the patient attachment mechanism. The control system can control at least a portion of the patient support mechanism based at least in part on a force applied to the patient attachment mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Bioness Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Behnke, Todd Cushman, Erol Erturk, Arkady Glukhovsky, Kelvin J. Hasseler, Keith McBride, Moshe Olim, Perry Payne, Kenneth A. Regas, William H. Schwiebert, Daniel Scott Weinstein
  • Patent number: 9987511
    Abstract: An apparatus for gait training, comprising: a movable base (11) comprising a drive unit (13) for moving the movable base (11), an arm arrangement (15, 16, 18) extending from the movable base (11) to enable a person (113) to be at least partially suspended from above, a movement detector (14, 115; 20; 21) to detect a movement of the person (113), and a control unit (119) configured to control said drive unit (13) in response to movement of the person detected by the movement detector (14, 115; 20; 21) such that the movable base (11) follows the person (113) in a predetermined distance range and in a predetermined angular range with respect to a movement direction of the person (113). The apparatus may comprise a projector (112) configured to project a path to be taken by the person (113) and a securing mechanism (21) to secure the suspension of the person (113) in response to a fall or stumbling being detected by a fall detector (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Hocoma AG
    Inventors: Rainer Bucher, Gery Colombo, Lijin Aryananda, Andreas Koll
  • Patent number: 9895282
    Abstract: An exercise and gait-training apparatus has a framework adapted for location above a surface, a harness adapted to support a person relative to the framework, an orthosis adapted for attachment to a lower leg or foot of one leg of the person, a first pair of actuators that are angled with respect to one another and pivotally connected to the framework and connected on a common pivot axis to the harness, a second pair of actuators that are angled with respect to one another and pivotally connected to the framework and connected on a common pivot axis to the orthosis, and a controller that is adapted to control and to synchronize operation of the actuators such that the leg is moved in an arcing pathway simulating a natural movement of the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: MOROW LIMITED
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Butters, James William Bevington
  • Patent number: 9808667
    Abstract: A stationary exercise device having variable footpaths is disclosed. The exercise device includes a frame, a pair of supporting members that have a first end to rotate about an axis and a second end to move along a reciprocating path, a pair of pedals joined to the supporting members, and a guider assembly for adjusting an incline angle of the reciprocating path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Mao Liao, Joe Chen
  • Patent number: 9801775
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for unloading a user's body weight during a physical activity of said user (4), particularly for gait training of said user (4), comprising: a plurality of ropes (41, 42, 43, 44), wherein each rope (41, 42, 43, 44) extends from an associated drive unit (510, 520, 530, 540), is deflected by a passively displaceable deflection device, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignees: LUTZ MEDICAL ENGINEERING, ETH ZURICH
    Inventors: Heike Vallery, Peter Lutz
  • Patent number: 9555276
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gait rehabilitation apparatus including a first frame having a bottom surface which is movable at predetermined speed; a second frame extending upwards from a tip of the first frame; a load support unit which is mounted to an upper end of the second frame and is rotatable about a rotation axis thereof; a connection string, one end of which is connected to the load support unit, and the other end of which is connected to an upper body of a rehabilitant; a safety bar which is connected to the second frame and is rotatable so as to be tilted upwards; and a gait assistance link member which has a structure able to be tilted upwards, and is connected to each leg of the rehabilitant entering onto the first frame to assist rehabilitation training of the rehabilitant through mechanical movement of the gait assistance link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Seung-Jong Kim, Chang Hwan Kim, Jong Min Lee, Chan Yul Jung, Hyeong-jin Jeon, Jun Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 9044636
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of this invention, a training device is disclosed and comprises a conveyor belt, a frame set, and a hanging seat. The conveyor belt is used for a user walks on it in place for physical medicine or rehabilitation. The frame set is arranged around the conveyor belt for providing a support. The hanging seat is hanged on the frame set for supporting the user, comprising a trunk having a front end and a rear end, a seat connected with the rear end of the trunk, and at least one belt connected with the trunk and hanged on the frame set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: DYACO INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Kuo-Wu Hao
  • Patent number: 9017226
    Abstract: An attendant-assisting baby walker that allows an attendant to remain upright while comfortably helping a baby to practice walking is provided. The attendant-assisting baby walker includes an open-top body suit with attached right and left support straps. The body suit includes both a torso-encircling component and a crotch component. The crotch front and back attach at or near the lower front and lower back edges of the torso-encircling component, respectively. The torso-encircling component is configured with a zipper, allowing fast and easy placement and positioning of the baby. The support straps are preferably adjustable to accommodate attendants of varying heights. Optionally, the torso-encircling component is configured with a width-adjustment mechanism, such as one or more cinches to improve the fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey Nash
  • Patent number: 8968163
    Abstract: An unweighted therapy, exercise and training device includes a device frame including a device frame base having a treadmill space sized and configured to accommodate a treadmill platform of a treadmill, an upper frame portion carried by the device frame base and having a frame interior and a pelvic suspension saddle and brace assembly having a saddle carried by the device frame and disposed in the frame interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: David J. Vidmar
  • Patent number: 8944974
    Abstract: A motion resistance suit provides adjustable musculoskeletal compression and increasing resistance over a user's full range of motion. The suit provides increasing resistance over the range of user movements through the use of a porous elastic material that allows for the body to dissipate heat and perspiration. The suit utilizes pockets located in strategic areas for the addition of weights, thereby controlling the amount of resistance felt during use. The pockets are located to allow full range of motion. Cinches are used to control the amount of compression and to create a snug fit which minimizes unwanted movement of the suit and weights. The suit consists of a shirt portion, detachable sleeves, a pants portion, and detachable pant extensions. The user is able to quickly and easily change the amount of weight and the amount of compression based on the exercises being performed and the desired effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: James J. Foster
  • Publication number: 20140378279
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a walking training apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Kwang Hun Park, Dong Chan Lee, Ki Hong Lee, Kyung Hwan Lee
  • Patent number: 8915824
    Abstract: An exercise device for improving thumb strength in a user of a thumb-driven throttle machine is provided. The exercise device comprises a shaft component, a grip component, and the throttle component, and generally resembles a right side of a handle of a vehicle having a hand throttle mechanism. The exercise device allows a user to exercise a thumb by moving a throttle component from a relaxed position to a position under tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: Russell Roberts
  • Patent number: 8858408
    Abstract: A double loop exercise strap that includes both an outer strap anchored to a fixed object (e.g., a wall, rail or other fixed platform) and an inner strap that wraps firmly around a limb, extremity (e.g., hand or foot) or torso of the human body. The inner strap has two ends, a fixed end that may advantageously be sewn or attached to the outer strap and a free end that wraps around the human limb, extremity or torso and is threaded through an outer strap slot before being attached to the outside of the outer strap using VELCRO™, buckles or other types of fasteners to thereby create a closed double loop system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Meridian Research and Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald F. DeMeo
  • Patent number: 8740240
    Abstract: A user-operated mobility apparatus includes a base unit having a drive assembly and wheels mounted thereto for enabling selective movement of the base unit along a surface. A plurality of support members extend from the base unit, define an interior area therebetween that is configured to receive a user, and each includes a plurality of spaced-apart engagement features for releasably engaging at least one accessory at various different positions along the support member. A user support assembly is mounted adjacent the free ends of the support members and includes a support cord extending into the interior area. The support cord is configured for releasably engaging a user to support the user within interior area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Maynard I. Merel
  • Patent number: 8715145
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus useful for activating particular muscles, for example, the oblique and bicep muscles that are engaged when an individual is running while wearing the apparatus. Apparatus may include a belt with two ends, mountable on the individual's torso region; securement means on the belt's ends for adjustably securing apparatus about individual's torso region; a pair of shoulder straps with two ends on the strap's distal portions, configured to be hung on the individual's shoulders extending from apparatus' rear to its front, whereby these ends of the shoulder strap are connected to the belt; a hand grip element extending from either the back support member or the rear shoulder straps; and the back support member positioned on the individual's back when worn, whereby the individual may insert their hands into the hand grip element when running, such that the individual's hands are immovably positioned behind their neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: James Robert Winbush, Mahtab Zinati
  • Patent number: 8684890
    Abstract: A robotic rehabilitation apparatus and method provide subjects with lower limb gait impairment, gait therapy before subjects are able to walk independently, or are able to control their legs or stand unaided. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to take advantage of natural gravitational force and musculo-skeletal dynamics of therapy subjects, and to replicate gait in subjects without manual or mechanical intervention to lift subjects' legs and feet. The apparatus and method provide the appropriate dynamic and sensory inputs to muscle groups occurring during normal gait that are critical to gait rehabilitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Caitlyn Joyce Bosecker, Hermano Igo Krebs
  • Patent number: 8663136
    Abstract: The wheeled support assembly for the disabled is an assembly designed to assist a disabled person to walk steadily. The assembly includes a wheeled frame having a detachable body harness. The body harness is adapted to fit around the torso of the disabled person and to provide back support therefor. The body harness includes a pair of articulated columns for removable attachment to the disabled person's legs. The lower end of each column terminates in a foot member, wherein the disabled person may insert his/her feet. When attached to the wheeled frame, the harness stabilizes the disabled person's body within the frame such that movement of the legs will propel the entire assembly. The assembly also includes rubber handles, an alarm clock and an audible emergency alert device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Abdulreidha Abdulrasoul Alsaffar
  • Patent number: 8631811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tray for use with a walker. The tray includes a generally rigid tray base having an essentially rectangular shape with a front long side, a back long side, a first short side and a second short side, and wherein the tray has a length that extends to or past the essentially horizontal support member; a ridge extending along the sides of the tray, wherein the ridge has a height of at least about a ½ inch; a strap having a hook and loop fastener wherein the strap is positioned at or near the back long end; and a first hinge and a second hinge, the first and second hinges are positioned, when the tray is in use, at or near the front leg of the first and second support, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Salem State University Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Alice McCarthy
  • Patent number: 8613691
    Abstract: A robotic rehabilitation apparatus and method provide subjects with lower limb gait impairment, gait therapy before subjects are able to walk independently, or are able to control their legs or stand unaided. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to take advantage of natural gravitational force and musculo-skeletal dynamics of therapy subjects, and to replicate gait in subjects without manual or mechanical intervention to lift subjects' legs and feet. The apparatus and method provide the appropriate dynamic and sensory inputs to muscle groups occurring during normal gait that are critical to gait rehabilitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: Caitlyn Joyce Bosecker, Hermano Igo Krebs
  • Patent number: 8597221
    Abstract: A traction exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular shaped metal frame including a pair of metal vertical members, a metal horizontal member on a bottom side, and a pair of metal horizontal members on a top side. A first rotating metal shaft and a second rotating metal shaft are located across the pair of metal horizontal members. Further a pair of ankle braces is attached to a snap hook. A cable pulley on each side of the first rotating metal shaft supports a first metal cable attached to the snap hook. A first cable reel on each side of second rotating metal shaft supports the first metal cable. A second cable reel on each side of the second rotating metal shaft supports a second metal cable attached to a hand grab bar. Second rotating metal shaft rotates to transmit a tension to the first metal cable to perform different traction exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Lisowski
  • Patent number: 8523742
    Abstract: A baby walker is introduced herein. The baby walker includes a base and a pair of shoulder straps. The base is made by flexible materials such as plastics, or the similar materials. In one exemplary embodiment, the base of the baby walker may be packaged in a deflated form, and may be filled with air to form a shape as desired for an operation mode. The baby walker further includes a pair of shoulder straps which are firmly and fixedly attached in a peripheral upper side of the base. When the baby is placed in a central cavity of the base, the pair of the shoulder straps can be placed alongside the two shoulders of the baby. When the baby wears the baby walker and stands up, the whole baby walker is lifted up for a height above the ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Peter Ar-Fu Lam, Chun-Ting Lee, Ting-Ku Tao
  • Patent number: 8480602
    Abstract: Rehabilitation apparatus for use with unweighting apparatus including a vest having shoulder straps connected to the unweighting apparatus. Also included are a pair of thigh cuffs having resistance straps connected to the unweighting apparatus and a pair of foot straps having gait straps connected to the unweighting apparatus. An elongate roll is suspended from the vest and extends across the patient adjacent the pelvis area of the patient. The resistance straps and gait straps are threaded through loops provided on the front fact of the elongate roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Gerry Cook
  • Patent number: 8475342
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a portable child development station. More specifically, an infant crawling and walking aid. The invention is collapsible and can be stored in smaller confines. When the invention is set up, it is structurally sound and safe with detachable variations allowing assistance in crawling as well as walking by suspending the infant with variable height adjustments to accommodate infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel William Flowers, James William Flowers