Abstract: A wearable assistance device that includes a lower-body interface, an upper-body interface, and an elastic member coupling the upper-body interface to the lower-body interface. The elastic member has first and second elements associated with the lower-body and upper-body interfaces, respectively. The first and second elements are configured to provide an assistive force to the back of the wearer. A clutch mechanism is associated with the elastic member. The clutch mechanism is configured for selectively adjusting the assistive force provided by the first and second elements of the elastic member. A transmission member is positioned between the first and second elements and extends from the clutch mechanism such that the clutch mechanism is spaced away from the second element of the elastic member. The transmission member is configured to redirect forces between the first and second elements.

Abstract: A harness for a wearable assistance device that has an inner support configured to be attached to a first side of a body interface and a movable outer support slidably coupled to the inner support and configured to connect to a wearable assistance device. A strap attachment is connected to the movable outer support and is configured to be attached to a second side of the body interface that is opposite the first side of the body interface. The movable outer support moves axially relative to the inner support from an unloaded position to a loaded position upon application of a load from the wearable assistance device.