Abstract: An exercise assistive device to help a developmentally developed person, such as a child, develop vestibular balance and muscle control, so that the child can learn to perform mobility activities, such as crawling, sitting upright, standing or walking. The device includes a support frame having an upstanding base legs with a connecting frame extending therebetween. A body suit glidable support dolly is mounted upon the frame, and travels longitudinally, traversely and rotationally thereupon. The body suit is suspended from the suit glidable support dolly. Flexible connector straps are provided between the body suit and body suit glidable support dolly and made of a material such as reinforced fabric or canvas. These connector straps are positioned in spaced-apart relation to one another about the body suit glidable support dolly. The body suit is suspended from the seat-support leg by the connector straps that extend between the body suit and fasteners.

Abstract: There is disclosed a belt for supporting an individual walking on a treadmill. The belt has an elastic section adjacent each of the opposite ends thereof. The belt is positioned behind the back of an individual walking on the treadmill and the opposite ends of the belt are attached to the treadmill. The belt when attached to the treadmill enables an individual walking on the treadmill to walk "hands-free", thereby enabling the individual to walk comfortably with arms swinging in a natural manner. There is also disclosed a motor device for changing the resistance applied by the belt to the user.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame, a carriage movably mounted to the frame for motion along a substantially linear path and a plurality of springs on the frame for spring biasing the carriage in one direction along the path A latch mechanism is mounted to the frame and is operatively connected to the springs for selectively coupling the springs between the frame and the carriage, thereby providing a variable amount of resistance to motion of the carriage. The latch mechanism includes a manually actuatable handle extending laterally from the carriage, thereby facilitating an adjustment in the resistance to carriage motion, and further includes a spindle and a hook. The spindle is rigid at one end with the handle and, at a point spaced from the handle, with the hook. The spindle, together with the handle and the hook, is swivelable about, and reciprocatable along, an axis. A spring member is disposed on the frame for biasing the hook into a spring-coupling position.

Abstract: A system for supporting and assisting physically challenged users for going on foot, the system comprising a supporting assembly, a fixture suspended from the supporting assembly, a body-supporting assembly carried by the fixture for embracing and accommodating the user in seated and standing positions a brake mounted with one of the fixture and the body-supporting assembly for movement in reciprocal directions between a first position spaced from a support surface and a second position for abutting the support surface to stabilize the body-supporting assembly.

Abstract: A doorway exerciser is provided for exercising a child positioned therein. The doorway exerciser includes a mounting assembly, a lower hanger, a shock cord, and a seat unit. The mounting assembly is adapted for removable attachment with a doorway framework and is formed to include a passageway therein. The lower hanger is formed to include a passageway therein. The shock cord has opposite ends and an extensible center portion extending between the opposite ends. One end of the cord extends in the passageway of the mounting assembly. An opposite second end of each cord extends in the passageway of the lower hanger so that the lower hanger is suspended from the mounting assembly. The seat unit is suspended from the lower hanger. The mounting assembly has a first clamp member including a catch and a core and an opposing second clamp member which includes a catch and a core. The cores of the first and second clamp members are coupled together for pivotable movement therebetween.

Abstract: There is disclosed a belt for supporting an individual walking on a treadmill. The belt has an elastic section adjacent each of the opposite ends thereof. The belt is positioned behind the back of an individual walking on the treadmill and the opposite ends of the belt are attached to the treadmill. The belt when attached to the treadmill enables an individual walking on the treadmill to walk "hands-free", thereby enabling the individual to walk comfortably with arms swinging in a natural manner. There is also disclosed a motor device for changing the resistance applied by the belt to the user.

Abstract: A cushioned braking system for cushioning the impact of a moving vehicle for amusement for children. The braking system comprises a double ended air cylinder having a first cylinder end and a second cylinder end. A first head member and a second head member close the first and second cylinder ends, respectively. A first piston rod extends axially outward from the cylinder through the first head member. A first piston is on the first piston rod within the cylinder. A second piston rod extends axially outward from the cylinder through the second head member. A second piston is on the second piston rod within the cylinder. A spring assembly resiliently connects the first piston to the second piston within the cylinder. The spring assembly serves to bias the first and second pistons toward a reference position. The cylinder also has a vent for controlling air flow within the cylinder.

Abstract: A suspended trimming device in which two lengths of cable are suspended from a yoke and have loops at their ends, in which the yoke is suspended to pivot at least about a horizontal axis. According to the invention, the yoke is suspended on an elastic cable secured to the yoke at its longitudinal center so that the yoke is vertically movable and can also rotate about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A stationary baby jumper apparatus is provided. The jumper apparatus includes a support frame having a U-shaped base leg with upstanding ends. A cantilevered seat-support leg is mounted upon the upstanding ends of the U-shaped base leg. A chair seat is suspended from the seat-support leg. Connectors are provided and are positioned in spaced-apart relation to one another about the cantilevered seat-support leg. The chair seat is suspended from the seat-support leg by shock cords that extend between the chair seat and the connectors. Each shock cord includes a first end coupled to a respective connector, a second end coupled to the frame of the chair seat, and an extensible center portion extending between the first and second ends.

Abstract: This invention describes lifting devices that enable a partially ambulatory person to rise from a sitting position without the assistance of another person. The lifting device preferably comprises a base support in a substantially U-shaped frame having a user receptive front and a spaced apart rear formed by two front legs separated by front support braces and each front leg being connected to a rear leg at a cross support, thereby forming sides of the device. Hand rails are slidably mounted with each pair of front and rear legs.An linear actuator mechanism is connected through the frame to the underside of each hand rail and provides synchronous telescoping action to the hand rails. The linear actuator mechanism is comprised of a gear motor, and gear reducer mounted on an actuator support, a ball nut fixedly mounted within the cross support, and a ball screw fixed at one end to the gear reducer, engaging the ball nut and ultimately attached to the hand rail.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-purpose lat sling (61), which can be used to exercise and develop the latissimus dorsi, triceps, and abdominal muscles of the human body. It is comprised of a lat sling (42), having a connective band (25) separating a uniform pair of loops (26), a pair of U-shaped forearm belts (34), and a pair of assemblies, each comprised of an inner shell (50) and an outer skin (57). Sling (61) is attached via releasable surface means to a standard lat-bar, or typical pull-bar, and suspended therefrom. To exercise the latissimus dorsi, a user places each forearm through its respective loop (26). With forearm flexed, a portion of user's arm-elbow-forearm resides within shell (50) and skin (57) assembly. With both appendages thus encased, and resistance against the back of each upper arm, the user can then begin exercise by extending or adducting the arm.

Abstract: A diagnostic and therapeutic apparatus for re-educating the posture of the backbone includes in combination mechanism for controlling the orthostatic posture of the patient, mechanism for carrying out a differential traction on the same patient at different levels in order to cancel out all or a part of his weight, mechanism for correcting the postural defects in the three planes of the space and for blocking the patient within postural limits in order to prevent him from assuming postures other than that therapeutic even during the deambulation.

Abstract: A trampoline system including a trampoline having a frame and an adjustable support for supporting a user of the trampoline. The support includes a tower adjustable to the dimensions of the frame and a harness attached to the tower for carrying the user. The height of the tower adjusts to accommodate the size of the user.

Abstract: An exercising method for stretching the spinal column and strengthening the spinal muscles. The user suspends his body on crutch-like supports and performs a series of exercises by positioning his body and/or the crutches in various angular positions relative to the floor. The crutches may be conventional crutches, or crutches which extend to a level higher than the user's shoulders, straps being provided for holding the body in suspension by the armpits.

Abstract: An apparatus for upper body exercise includes a belt which has a pair of shoulder straps and leg straps to maintain the belt in position relative to the user's body. At least one elastic band has an end attached to an upper portion of the belt. The free end of the elastic band has a loop that can be pulled by a user for upper body exercise.

Abstract: A counterbalancing assembly reduces the weight of an exercising person by pulling the exercising person upwardly. The counterbalancing assembly includes a monolithic support structure which is secured to a base. A cantilever support extends out from the top of the monolithic support structure. A cable extends from the top of the monolithic support structure, down through a linear actuator, and back up through the monolithic support structure to the cantilever support. The cable extends down from the end of the cantilever support to a position suitable for an exercising person to comfortably exercise on a piece of exercising equipment. A spring at the fixed end of the cable provides an unloading force accommodating to the exercising patient movement and dampens sudden movements created by the exercising person. A linear actuator is used to adjust the length of the cable extending down from the cantilever support and to tension the spring.

Abstract: A rebound-type exercise device is provided which allows an individual to perform a sit and bounce exercises. The exercise device includes a support frame which supports a seat assembly by means of four springs. The support frame includes a pair of laterally spaced apart side support frames which are interconnected by a head tube. Each side support frame includes a generally horizontal ground-engaging base tube, a rearwardly disposed, generally vertical strong tube extending upwardly from the base tube, and a generally L-shaped arm which interconnects a front portion of the base tube with the upper end of the strong tube.

Abstract: An arrangement for practizing walking comprises a treadmill (10) serving as a walking substrate, a harness (14) which may be mounted on a patient (11), a suspension cable (16) connectable to the harness, and a device (19) by which a lifting force of an adjustable magnitude may be applied on the patient (11) through the cable (16) and the harness (14). Said device (19) comprises a pulley (20) around which the cable (16) extends in a bight (41). This pulley (20) is arranged for limited movement in a direction transverse to its rotary axis (22) in order to permit a limited variation of the length of said bight (41). By means of an elastically yieldable force generating means (30), an adjustable force, which is substantially independent of the instantaneous position of said pulley (20), may be applied on the pulley (20) in a direction to cause said bight (41) of the cable (16) to assume its maximum length.

Abstract: An improved baby bungee jumper is characterized by the use of bungee cords to elastically suspend an infant seat above a base resting on a floor and by an adjustment mechanism for vertically adjusting the seat relative to the floor to accommodate infants of different size. The base includes a plurality of vertically extending legs and the bungee cords are connected between the seat and the upper ends of the legs. The adjustment mechanism is provided on the legs where the bungee cords are connected.

Abstract: An ambulatory traction system which is designed to provide decompressional forces to the lumbosacral spine, lower body and related connective tissues at varying speeds from static to ambulation speeds up to 12 MPH. The ambulatory traction system has an overhead support assembly for horizontal linear displacement and a novel harness assembly suspended from the overhead support assembly to support and suspend the patient's body. A variable ambulation speed system is provided beneath the harness assembly which allows the patient, while being suspended by the harness assembly, to stand, walk or run thereon.

Abstract: A therapeutic bilateral weight unloading apparatus is disclosed, which suspends a user to support a selected portion of his weight while dampening both vertical and lateral forces exerted on the user during ambulation. The weight unloading apparatus includes a frame and two pivoting boom arms that are independently supported by two gas compression springs. The user is suspended between the boom arms by a body harness. The boom arms are pivotally connected to a vertically adjustable gantry frame extensibly mounted to a base frame, which allows the boom arms to be raised and lowered. Each boom arm is supported by one of the gas springs. One end of the prop is connected to a slide collar shiftably mounted to the boom arm. The slide collars can be selectively positioned along the length of the boom arms to adjust the suspension force for each boom arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing multiple therapeutic and physical conditioning exercises includes a shaped base defining two pairs of C-shaped rails interconnected by metal crossbeams thereunder. This structure is closed both in the front and rear by finishing plates including tubular segments at each end. A pair of inverted U-shaped skates provided with tubular segments on their outer walls move independently over the rails. A pair of tilted poles extend upwardly from the skate tubular segments. A pair of parallel bars may extend parallel to the base at various regulated heights thereabove and are supported by and connected to poles or pairs of U-shaped bars fixed in the base tubular segments. The U-shaped bars may support a pair of upper rails over which a weight-supporting skate is moved. The support skate is provided on its top with a transverse rod for the attachment of a suspension vest worn by the exercising person or person performing therapeutic exercises.

Abstract: An ambulatory traction system which is designed to provide decompressional forces to the lumbosacral spine, lower body and related connective tissues at varying speeds from static to ambulation speeds up to 12 MPH. The ambulatory traction system has an overhead support assembly for horizontal linear displacement and a novel harness assembly suspended from the overhead support assembly to support and suspend the patient's body. A variable ambulation speed system is provided beneath the harness assembly which allows the patient, while being suspended by the harness assembly, to stand, walk or run thereon.

Abstract: A treadmill or walker apparatus includes a mounting base, a pair of front rollers mounted fixedly on rotatable left and right front shafts which coaxially extend from a left front side to a right front side of the mounting base, a pair of rear rollers mounted rotatably on at least one rear shaft which extends from a left rear side to a right rear side of the mounting base, endless left and right foot belts engaging respectively one of the front rollers and one of the rear rollers, and a support unit disposed between the front and rear rollers to provide a supporting surface for the foot belts. The foot belts move independently and are to be treaded individually by the feet of the user, thereby preventing the action of the user's left foot from influencing the action of his right foot and vice-versa when the apparatus is in use. The apparatus may be used with a functional supporting frame that is in the form of a baby chair, a baby stroller, an exercise walker or any other suitable form.

Abstract: A physical rehabilitation system is provided for improving the capability of a user to support the weight of the user's body on the user's limbs. The system comprises a walker frame capable of gliding movement across a surface, upper limb holding members on the walker frame adapted for engagement by the hands or arms of the user, and counterbalance weights on the walker frame releasably attachable to the user's body for assistance in lifting the user's body to an upright position. The counterbalance weights may be adjustable according to the need of the user. The width of the walker frame, of the upper limb holding members, and the height of the upper limb holding members are all adjustable to accommodate the size of the user. While the user is provided with a range of freedom with respect to the counterbalance weights, a safety limit is provided for restraining and supporting the user in the event of a fall.

Abstract: A back and body support for maintaining a person in an antigravity position, primarily forward bending, with minimal muscle activity, force, and fatigue and, therefore, compressive loading on the spine. It also allows for changing position without such muscle activity or compressive loading, and without requiring the use of the hands, and without obstructing the performance of desired functions. It accomplishes this with a motor, spool, support line, pulleys, vest, belaying track, and remote control switch. The motor can produce rotation of the spool in either direction, and sufficient braking. The vest fastens at the front for easy and posturally sound donning and doffing. The spine sling support is particularly useful for people who must maintain forward-bent postures for prolonged periods, and especially for people with a history of back pain and dysfunction. It allows continued function with decreased pain.

Abstract: A small, transportable, and rollable device for lifting and supporting patients undergoing partial weight bearing gait training (over treadmill or over ground) is provided. The carriage underlying this device is "U"-shaped with a pair of low horizontal rails making up the arms of the "U" and the lifting equipment being mounted at the closed end of the "U". Low profile for movement through doors and in low-ceiling rooms is achieved by a vertically telescoping height adjustment to the top of which is connected a horizontal "Y"-shaped connection to provide two connection points at the ends of the "Y" (and above and between the rails) for a patient harness. The harness construction provides sufficient adjustability for a therapist to achieve equal division of support among groin, abdominal, and chest areas, while permitting full leg extension of the patient. The low rails enable unobstructed access to the patient's legs during gait training.

Abstract: A walker apparatus includes a base, a pair of front roller mounted rotatably on a first shaft which extends from a front left side to a front right side of the base, a pair of rear rollers mounted rotatably on a second shaft which extends from a left side to a rear right side of the base, endless left and right foot belts engaging respectively one of the front rollers and one of the rear rollers, and a support unit disposed between the front and rear rollers to provide a supporting surface for the foot belts. The foot belts move independently and are to be treaded respectively by the left and right feet of the user, thereby preventing the action of the user's left foot from influencing the action of his right foot and vice-versa when the walker apparatus is in use. The walker apparatus may be used with a functional supporting frame that is in the form of a baby chair, a baby stroller, an exercise walker or any other suitable form.

Abstract: The portable baby swing of the invention is arranged for the ease of transport and storage, to include a support shaft having first and second sets of telescoping leg sections extensible at opposed ends therefrom, with third and fourth telescoping leg sections pivotally mounted about the support shaft adjacent respective first and second leg sections, with strap structure arranged to secure the sections together when the telescoping legs of each telescoping leg section are extended. The support swing structure provides for a flexible bag member having support straps extending therefrom about the support shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is a physical therapy apparatus for someone who either is a paraplegic and cannot walk or has had hip surgery and therefore cannot put full weight on one or both his or her legs. The novelty is that by having an adjustable sling assembly, the amount of weight the person can put on one or both of his or her legs can be varied so that as the physical therapy apparatus is used which can be used in a manual stage of walking or in a motorized stage with varying speeds, the person can put varying amounts of weight on either leg and can adjust the amount of weight relative to either leg based upon the alternating jackscrew movements driven by a DC motor to raise or lower the sling assembly from various heights to the ground.

Abstract: An assisting lifting, standing and walking device employs base side members whose rear track width is adjustable to facilitate use of the device to lift severly disabled, elderly or other physically challenged persons from a wheelchair, and then allow the overall device width to be reduced for passage through narrow doorways or other passageways. The device also employs a lifting mechanism which can be adjusted by means of a hydraulic jack over a wide range of positions to facilitate lifting of individuals from a prone position on the floor to a standing position. The lifting mechanism includes a pair of individually adjustable generally L-shaped lifting yoke arms that can be adjusted both vertically and angularly to accommodate individuals with posture conditions and provide selective weight bearing alleviation. A special full body harness is employed with the device which has long thigh wraps and a wide lumbar belt for widely distributing lifting pressure and reducing the risk of injury.

Abstract: An infant walking trainer includes a handle and a body harness suspended from the handle. The harness supports an infant in an upright walking stance when the handle is held overhead the infant.

Abstract: A suspendable child walker system includes a slide bar coupled to an upper support surface and formed as a hollow generally rectangular box. The slide bar has a roof and a floor with vertical sidewalls. The roof and floor have parallel long sides and parallel short sides with circular apertures throughout. The floor also has a centrally located aperture extending the majority of the length of the slide bar. A roller assembly consists of cylindrically shaped axles each having a wheel attached to their opposite ends, and a generally tubular main body piece. The main body piece is positioned at right angles to the axles with the axles extending therethrough. The main body piece also includes a centrally located vertical aperture. A spring has a lower extent formed as a curved hook, and an upper extent with the spring between its upper extent and lower extent.

Abstract: A doorway exerciser comprising a scissor-type spring-biased clamp having opposed arms for securing the exerciser above the upper doorframe and a strap adjustable in length removably secured to the clamp and extending downwardly. The strap passes downwardly into a tube having a compression spring therein, through a slotted plate at the bottom of the spring, and returns upwardly and is secured to itself. The tube is preferably of plastic and has three equally spaced ears extending therefrom witch two parallel slots in each ear. A separate strap for each ear passes upwardly through a first slot and downwardly through the other slot in each of the ears. One end of the strap is configured so as to prevent movement through the first slot. The other end of the strap is secured to an infant seat.

Abstract: A flying ballet barre assembly is mounted across the width of a room and supported by a lifting system capable of moving the entire ballet barre vertically between a position of use near the floor and a storage position near the ceiling. Opposite ends of the ballet barre are equipped with a slide which cooperates with a slide groove in an upright support at each side which guides and supports the ballet barre while it is raised and lowered. The lifting system is powered by an electric motor which is controlled by a switch. The flying ballet barre assembly can be quickly lowered for use and then raised to the storage position so that the room in which it is mounted can be used for other purposes. A particular advantage is the lateral flexibility with the long ballet barre supported from cables which provides a dancer with an instantaneous reaction to an improper position which provides the feedback necessary to learning.

Abstract: An infant entertainment and development device (10) is disclosed which in its preferred embodiment includes a sliding inclined bed (11) which has a stationary perpendicularly disposed kick board (25) positioned at the lower foot end of the bed (11). The infant (1) is secured to the inclined carriage bed (11) using traps (19) attached to a cushion (18) which is in turn attached to the upper surface (12a) of the bed (11). The carriage bed (11) is slidably secured to a main frame (22) which includes an inclined base board (23). The carriage bed (11) is attached to the base board (23) using ball bearings (24). The inclined base board (23) is supported by a main frame incline support (29) which can be of adjustable height to adjust the angle of incline of the sliding carriage bed (11). A positive reinforcement sensory signal generator (30) is attached between the carriage bed (11) and the base board ( 23).

Abstract: A freestanding exercise and gymnastics training machine allows improved control and balance when doing ring exercises. The exercise and gymnastics training machine comprises a first block and tackle pulley system and a second block and tack system which together suspend a body harness from a freestanding support frame. Accordingly, a user of average strength wearing the body harness can utilize a mechanical advantage afforded by the block and tackle systems to lift and/or support his/her body weight to remain at least partially suspended from the freestanding support frame. While suspended or partially suspended, the user can perform various exercises to improve conditioning, to increase strength and/or to do gymnastics training. In some embodiments, the exercise machine further comprises a footrest attachment, a bench attachment, a pull-up bar attachment, and/or a parallel bar attachment.

Abstract: An infant walking aide device which helps an adult to assist a small child or toddler in learning to walk. A fully adjustable harness is supported by a crossbar which is held by the adult. The harness has straps which fit over the child's shoulders, under the child's crotch, around the child's waist, and across the child's upper back. The crossbar and suspending straps clip to the harness for easy attachment and release. The suspending straps are adjustable in length to accommodate various carrying configurations. The crossbar is width adjustable and may be grasped by either one or two adults. In addition, the crossbar is curved so that it can be placed over an adult's head and supported by the adult's neck and shoulders. Finally, a safety strap or tether attaches between the harness and the adult for use as either a leash or a safety tether providing added security.

Abstract: A doorway exerciser comprising a scissor-type spring-biased clamp for securing the exerciser above the upper doorframe and a strap adjustable in length removably secured to the clamp and extending downwardly. The strap passes downwardly into a tube having a compression spring therein, through a slotted plate at the bottom of the spring, and returns upwardly and is secured to itself. The tube is preferably of plastic and has opposed ears extending therefrom with a slotted orifice in each ear. A loop at one end of each of two flexible straps passes through each orifice. The other ends of the straps are removably secured to the ends of slats which support a fabric seat.

Abstract: A walker including a wheeled frame with laterally spaced upright side supports which extend laterally inwardly at their upper ends for detachable and articular connection to opposite sides of a body jacket mounted on and generally in enclosing relation to the thoracic cavity of a user. The jacket is of molded plastic material having a substantial degree of vertical rigidity and an entrance slot enabling the jacket ends to be spread apart to enable it to be placed around the chest or thoracic cavity with straps securing the jacket in place. Opposite side portions of the jacket are provided with headed studs which are received in upwardly facing slots and retained therein by retaining members on the inner ends of the laterally inwardly extending side members of the wheeled frame to provide a pivotal connection between the jacket and the wheeled frame with the entire weight of the user being supported by the jacket and wheeled frame thereby leaving the hands, arms, legs and feet free to move.

Abstract: A therapeutic unloading apparatus and method for exercising specific amounts of body weight in an upright position without overloading healing tissue. A support frame is provided to which is attached an automatic winch. The winch is attached to a spring, the spring is attached to a harness cable and thence to a harness. A user is tightly secured within the harness and a load cell is utilized to determine how much weight to unload from the patient/user. After the predetermined amount of weight has been unloaded it is set. Because the load cell is connected to the winch, a constant unloaded value is maintained throughout the range of normal to aggressive exercising for the injured patient. The normal exercising motions of a quick to fast walk, to run, to jog results in multiple vertical oscillations. By means of the spring dampener and the automatic outlay and intake of cable by means of the winch, a constant load is maintained on the user and hence the injury.

Abstract: An infant walker adapted for use in a substantially stationary location has a frame or base and an infant seat attached thereto such that it can be manually or automatically revolved in an orbital manner. The seat can also rotate about its own axis of rotation, whereby an infant who is in the seat can walk along a circular path and/or turn in place. The seat can also reciprocate in an up and down fashion to permit an infant seated therein to jump up and down.

Abstract: A baby bouncer apparatus includes a spring which is adapted in use to be suspended from an overhead suspension arrangement, and a harness for holding the baby which is suspended below the spring. The spring comprises an elongate cantilever spring arrangement disposed transverse relative to the overhead suspension and relative to the direction in which load is to be applied. The harness is suspended from respective end regions of the cantilever spring arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for practice of ambulation comprises a person suspending unit, a suspension force generating unit, and a restoring force generating unit. When a person walks out of a predetermined path, this is detected by the restoring force generating unit. Then, the suspension force generating unit is inclined dependent on the detected value of the restoring force generating unit, so that inclined suspension force is generated. As a result, a horizontal component of the suspension force becomes a restoring force.

Abstract: A compliant walker for humans having limited use of their legs and lower back includes an upright wheeled frame which at least partially surrounds an upright user wearing a partial body harness which is attached to the frame by means of cable compliant apparatus consisting of sets of cable segments and angle bracket members connected between opposite side members of the frame and adjacent side portions of the harness. The type of partial body harness utilized takes two forms, the first being a torso harness which encircles the waist or rib cage of the user, while the second type of harness is a hip harness which fits around the hips and buttocks. The frame itself lends itself to several embodiments, one of which completely surrounds the user, while the other consists of a frame open at the front end including a pair of upright side members which attach to the cable support apparatus and which is vertically adjustable to accommodate the user's height.

Abstract: A swing which allows neuromuscular handicapped persons to assume a normal sitting position and to receive good vestibular therapy. The swing has a chair formed by a rigid shell equipped with cushions. The chair is suspended on four ropes which attach to the top edge of the chair back and to the front edges of its sides. The ropes attach at their top ends to a swivel hook mounted on the ceiling or another overhead support. Adjustable head support pads on the back of the chair keep the neck of the occupant from bending unduly and hold the head in place. An adjustable leg support pad on the seat is straddled by the legs of the occupant.

Abstract: A walking aid comprising a movable framework mounted on wheels is provided for handicapped persons that may lose their balance when walking, so that they need not have to rely upon a companion for support when practicing walking after an injury, etc. This aid can be used while the walker is manipulating crutches or canes. The walker may easily enter the walking aid into a resident position without the necessity to climb over framework structure. It is freely moved by body contact without the use of hands on its wheel mounts. The resident walker loosely wears a harness that is removably affixed to the framework in a manner that will prevent a fall by bearing the walker's weight in an upright position, but which permits walking with little encumberment. The walking aid is moved on its wheels over the floor by means of the harness with little effort, and needs no hands for grasping or support during walking.

Abstract: An infant walking aid (20) is provided for supporting an infant contained therein during a training exercise. The infant walking aid (20) is adapted to be grasped in one hand of an operator and allows the operator to maintain control. A harness mechanism (22) encloses and supports an infant. The harness mechanism (22) defines an interior envelope within which the infant is at least partially located. A first bar member (12) adapted to be grasped by an operator is secured to an upper section of the harness mechanism (22). A second bar member (13) is flexibly secured to the harness mechanism (22) and is adapted to be grasped by the infant during a training exercise for providing support. Second bar member (13) is located external to the interior envelope of the harness mechanism (22) and is displaceable with respect thereto by the infant during the training exercise.