System for improving the balance of a person

Abstract

A system for improving the balance of a person while in a standing position, transitioning between a sitting and a standing position, or while performing various recreational or other activities which require precise balancing comprises a gyrostabilizer, and a support for holding the gyrostabilizer. The support is either in the form of a belt to be coupled to a user's torso, or in the form of a walking cane to be gripped by a hand of the user in order to steady the user while using the gyrostabilizer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for stabilizing the balance of a person, and more particularly relates to a system employing a gyrostabilizer for improving balance while in a standing or walking-position, while transitioning between a sitting position and a standing position, or while performing various recreational or other activities which require precise balancing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Devices have been developed for stabilizing various movements of the human body. For example, devices recently have begun to employ gyrostabilizers for stabilizing tremors in the human body. Gyrostabilizers have already been used for decades to stabilize sighting devices such as binoculars, cameras or other handheld equipment. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,811,042 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,197, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference.

The recent use of gyrostabilizers for stabilizing tremors is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,049 B2 (“the '049 patent”), the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference. The '049 patent is directed to a tunable and adjustable device for stabilizing tremors. The device includes a rigid splint for receiving a patient's hand, wrist and forearm, and at least one gyroscope removably and rigidly attachable to the splint and positionable for countereffecting the tremors.

However, the aforementioned devices do not address the need for providing overall stabilization to the human body while, for example, in a standing or walking position. Moreover, such prior devices do not address the need to improve stability to a person while the person is transitioning between a sitting or lying position and a standing or walking position.

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide a system for overcoming the above-mentioned drawbacks and disadvantages of prior stabilizing devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for improving the balance of a person while in a standing position or transitioning between a sitting and a standing position comprises at least one gyrostabilizer, and a support for holding the gyrostabilizer. The support is adapted to communicate with either a torso or a hand of a user so as to steady the user while using the gyrostabilizer.

The system is also useful while performing various recreational or other activities that require precise balancing such as, for example, running, bicycling, skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, in-line skating, roller skating and skateboarding. The system can also be incorporated into a prosthesis such as, for example, a leg to provide further stability.

In one embodiment, the support includes a belt for being attached to the waist of a user. The gyrostabilizer is coupled to the belt so as to be disposed preferably at the front of a user when wearing the belt. An elongated handle, to further steady the user, may be coupled to the gyrostabilizer such that the elongated handle laterally extends to each side of a user for gripping by both hands when the belt is worn by a user. The system can also comprise shoulder straps coupled to the belt such as, for example, in a crisscross configuration for preventing the belt from sagging under the weight of the gyrostabilizer coupled thereto. A battery power source, preferably rechargeable, can be provided to communicate with and energize the gyrostabilizer.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the support includes a walking cane defining a housing. The gyrostabilizer is disposed within the housing. A battery power source communicates with and energizes the gyrostabilizer. The battery power source can be disposed within the housing or be disposed externally of the housing.

The foregoing and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. is a schematic front perspective view of a system for stabilizing the balance of a person in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gyrostabilizer and components for maintaining power to the gyrostabilizer in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is front view of a gyrostabilizer incorporating an elongated handle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a system for stabilizing the balance of a person in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view of the system of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C is a partially broken away perspective view of the system of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a system for stabilizing the balance of a person in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is an exploded perspective view of the system of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a partially broken away perspective view of the system of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a system for stabilizing the balance of a person in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is an exploded perspective view of the system of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a partially broken away perspective view of the system of FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a system for improving the balance of a person is indicated generally by the reference number 10. Specifically, the system 10 is useful for improving the balance of a person while in a standing or walking position, as well as for improving balance when a person is transitioning between a lying down or sitting position and a standing position. The system 10 is also useful while performing various recreational or other activities that require precise balancing such as, for example, running, bicycling, skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, in-line skating, roller skating and skateboarding. The system 10 can also be incorporated into a prosthesis such as, for example, a leg to provide further stability.

The system 10 comprises a belt 12 for being worn around the waist of a user, at least one gyrostabilizer 14, and a battery power source 16. The belt 12 may be secured by a suitable fastener such as, for example, a buckle, a snap-fit connector, or hook and loop fasteners. The gyrostabilizer 14 is either permanently or detachably coupled to the belt 12 such that the gyrostabilizer is preferably located at a front of the user when wearing the belt. The battery power source 16 is either permanently or detachably coupled to the belt 12 such that the battery power source is preferably located behind the user when wearing the belt. However, the battery power source 16 can be located at other positions such as the front or side of the user without departing from the scope of the present invention. Shoulder straps 18 may be permanently or detachably coupled to the belt 12 for preventing the belt from sagging when supporting the gyrostabilizer 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the shoulder straps 18 form a crisscross pattern, but may take other practical forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The gyrostabilizer 14 is preferably a Kenyon Gyro Stabilizer manufactured by Kenyon Laboratories of Essex, Conn. A detailed discussion of the function of gyrostabilizers can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 2,811,042 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,006,197, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. Such gyrostabilizers employ gyros typically to resist side-to-side movement (yaw) and up-and-down movement (pitch).

An advantage of employing gyrostabilizers, such as the Kenyon gyrostabilizers or the like, as a stabilizing component is that such gyrostabilizers internally operate two gyroscopic flywheels which are configured in parallel, yet in opposing axes to each other. When the flywheels moving at their normal operating speed, e.g., 22,000 rpm, the dual flywheel configuration resists both pitch and yaw when the gyrostabilizer 14 is coupled to the belt 12. Furthermore, such gyrostabilizers have springs within each unit that permit precession, as well as conduct electricity to the gyroscopic flywheels.

Any size gyrostabilizer may be employed as long as the user can sustain the weight of the gyrostabilizer. The heavier the gyrostabilizer and/or increasing the rpms of the flywheel(s), the more countereffect the gyrostabilizer will provide. The size of the gyrostabilizer should be selected depending on the degree of the user's need for balance correction, and the total amount of weight the user may be required to support or is capable of supporting. For instance, if the user's tremors or difficulty in balancing is not substantial, it is better to employ the lightest and most compact sized gyrostabilizer. If the user's tremors or imbalance is significant, it is more appropriate to employ a heavier gyrostabilizer or one that has an increased rpm rate for its flywheel(s), which is more resistant to stronger forces.

A number of various sized gyrostabilizers manufactured by Kenyon Laboratories can be employed such as, for example, the “Explorer KS-2”, “Universal KS-4”, “Commander KS-6”, and “Admiral KS-8”, each of which are briefly described below.

The “Explorer KS-2” is the lightest and most compact gyrostabilizer available from Kenyon Laboratories. This unit is ideal for users that have weak tremors or slight balance problems. The KS-2 is 2.8″ in diameter, is 4.5″ long, and weighs 1.5 lbs (24 oz.). It is preferably powered by the battery power source 16 such as, for example, a KP-6 battery powerpack (also available from Kenyon Laboratories) which provides electricity at 115 volts, 400 Hz AC. The KS-2 requires 28 watts for starting and 20 watts for running after 12 minutes from start-up, and can run on a fully charged KP-6 powerpack for 6 hours.

The “Universal KS-4” provides ultra heavy metal gyro rims which enable maximum stabilization in a minimum casing size. This unit is 2.8″ in diameter and is 4.5″ long. The KS4 weighs 2.13 lbs (34 oz.) and is preferably powered by the battery power source 16 such as, for example, a KP-4 battery powerpack which is also available from Kenyon Laboratories. The KP-4 provides electricity at 115 volts and 400 Hz AC. The KS4 requires 14 watts for starting, 8 watts for running after 10 minutes from start-up, and can run on a fully charged KP-4 power pack for 5 hours.

The “Commander KS-6” is a more robust gyrostabilizer which is employed when the user's tremors or balance problems are more violent and frequent. The KS-6 provides almost twice the stabilization of the KS-4. However, the tradeoff is that the unit's size and weight tends to be more burdensome. It is 3.4″ in diameter, is 5.8″ long and weighs 3.25 lbs. (52 oz.). The KS-6 is preferably powered by the battery power source 16 such as, for example, a KP-6 power pack which is also manufactured by Kenyon Laboratories. The KP-6 battery powerpack provides electricity at 115 volts and 400 Hz AC. The KS-6 requires 28 watts when starting, runs on 20 watts after 10 minutes, and can run for 2.5 hours on a fully charged KP-6 powerpack.

The “Admiral KS-8” is a heavier and more powerful gyrostabilizer manufactured by Kenyon Laboratories. This unit can be employed in situations where the user has the most violent and severe tremors or balance problems, but yet still has the strength to be able to support the heavier weight of the KS-8, which is 5.13 lbs (82 oz.). Through the use of heavy metal tungsten flywheels, the effect of two KS-6 units can be achieved in a standard KS-6 housing, with no increase in running power required. The KS-8 is preferably powered by the battery power source 16 such as, for example, a KP-6 battery powerpack which provides electricity at 115 volts and 400 Hz AC. The KS-8 requires 28 watts when starting, runs on 20 watts after 12 minutes, and can run for 2.5 hours on a fully charged KP-6 powerpack.

With reference to FIG. 3, the gyrostabilizer 14, as mentioned above, can be powered to be run off of a battery power source 16 (e.g., 12 volt powerpack manufactured by Kenyon Laboratories) and which is provided with a shoulder strap 20 for ease of portability. The battery power source 16 may be charged with a battery charger 22. Examples of chargers are 12 hour 115 V/230 V, and 3 hour 115 V/230 V chargers supplied by Kenyon Laboratories. The gyrostabilizer 14 may be alternatively energized by an external 12 volt power source provided, for example, in a plane, train, car, or boat.

Some gyrostabilizers, such as the Kenyon Gyro Stabilizers, may use AC electricity (e.g., 115 V, 400 Hz). In this case, a small inverter 24 may be included as part of the battery power source 16 to access the DC power from the source. Examples of inverters that may be used are single output, two output, and four output inverters powered by 12 VDC or 24 VDC and supplied by Kenyon Laboratories.

In operation, the belt 12 is fastened to a user with the gyrostabilizer 14 preferably coupled to the belt at the front of the user. The battery power source 16 is connected to the gyrostabilizer 14 and is preferably coupled to the belt 12 behind the user. A few minutes prior to putting on the belt 12, the user may turn on the gyrostabilizer 14 and allow the gyro wheels therein to come up to full rotational speed.

With reference to FIG. 4, the gyrostabilizer 14 can be adapted to include an elongated handle 26 preferably fixedly coupled thereto along an upper surface thereof. The handle 26, to further steady the user, laterally extends to each side of the user for gripping by both hands when the belt 12, and gyrostabilizer 14 coupled thereto, is worn by the user or otherwise is in an operative position.

The system 10 is beneficial for persons suffering from cerebral palsy, shaking or other tremor type ailments. The purpose of system 10 is to help a person improve balance while standing, walking, getting up from a bed or chair, as well as to lessen the reliance on a cane.

It has been discovered that a gyrostabilizer attached to the body helps in the ability to balance. The body muscles resist the gyrostabilizer to aid in balancing so as to be useful not just for tremors or disability injuries, but also for any balance issues such as learning to ride a bicycle, sea sickness, inner ear problems, or resistance training in physical rehabilitation.

The gyrostabilizer is in effect trying to stay in one attitude in space. When an irregular movement is imparted to the gyrostabilizer it resists that movement and this resistance is felt by the muscles, via the nerves, imposing such a movement. In this manner the muscles have a resistant reaction so as to stay neutral to the resistance which is what enables the body as a whole to stay aware of the attitude it is in. In other words, the gyrostabilizer is giving the muscles a signal to compensate for the resistance that the gyrostabilizer has. The mind and the muscles act upon the resistance that the gyrostabilizer provides to make the nerves and the muscles resist the gyrostabilizer's precession. In summary, the gyrostabilizer is training muscles, nerves and brain. Muscle memory is improved to enable patient to better move about without the need for other aids.

With reference to FIGS. 5A through 5C, a system for stabilizing the balance of a person in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally by the reference number 100. The system comprises a walking cane 102, a gyrostabilizer 104 and a battery power source 106. The walking cane 102 defines at least one chamber for accommodating the gyrostabilizer 104 and the battery power source 106. As shown in FIG. 5B, the cane 102 includes an upper portion 108 having a handle 109, a middle portion 110 and a lower portion 112. The upper portion 108 and the middle portion 110 are removably coupled to one another and cooperate to define a first chamber 114 for accommodating the gyrostabilizer 104. Similarly, the middle portion 110 and the lower portion 112 are removably coupled to one another and cooperate to define a second chamber 116 for accommodating the battery power source 106.

With reference to FIGS. 6A through 6C, a system for stabilizing the balance of a person in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally by the reference number 200. The system comprises a walking cane 202, a gyrostabilizer 204 and a battery power source 206. The walking cane 202 defines a chamber 208 for accommodating the gyrostabilizer 204. As shown in FIG. 6B, the cane 202 includes an upper portion 210 having a handle 211, and a lower portion 212. The upper portion 210 and the lower portion 212 are removably coupled to one another and cooperate to define the chamber 208 for accommodating the gyrostabilizer 204. The battery power source 206 is disposed externally of the walking cane 202 and is coupled to the gyrostabilizer 204 via a power cord 214. Preferably, the battery power source 206 is coupled to a belt 216 such that the battery power source is carried behind a user when wearing the belt.

With reference to FIGS. 7A through 7C, a system for stabilizing the balance of a person in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally by the reference number 300. The system comprises a walking cane 302, a first gyrostabilizer 304, a second gyrostabilizer 306 and a battery power source 308. The walking cane 302 defines at least one chamber for holding the gyrostabilizers 304, 306. As shown in FIG. 7B, the cane 302 includes an upper portion 310 having a handle 311, a middle portion 312 and a lower portion 314. The upper portion 310 and the middle portion 312 are removably coupled to one another and cooperate to define a first chamber 316 for accommodating the first gyrostabilizer 304. Similarly, the middle portion 312 and the lower portion 314 are removably coupled to one another and cooperate to define a second chamber 318 for accommodating the second gyrostabilizer 306. The battery power source 308 is disposed externally of the walking cane 302 and is coupled to the first and second gyrostabilizers 304, 306 via a power cord 320. Preferably, the battery power source 308 is coupled to a belt 322 such that the battery power source is carried behind a user when wearing the belt.

The systems shown in FIGS. 5-7 employ gyrostabilizers to stabilize a cane or prosthesis to be used in aiding a person in walking who needs a cane or canes. A conventional cane shakes or wiggles when used by a person who has ailments such as cerebral palsy and other tremor type ailments. A four prong cane is never on all four prongs when walking. The cane is also dragged as it leans over. A suction cup type cane does basically the same thing. It is always on the rim of the cup. It is never completely vertical unless with undue effort.

A cane employing a gyrostabilizer in accordance with the present invention tends to remain upright (vertical). The cane resists movement in the pitch (x-coordinate) and yaw (y-coordinate) directions, and does not resist movement in the up and down direction (z-coordinate).

The canes described above preferably employ Kenyon Gyro Stabilizers, each of which typically includes two gyro wheels placed back to back so as to be spinning in opposite directions relative to each other. The gyro wheels are suspended in a gimbal arrangement, which precess when force is applied to the case. Both wheels work together to stabilize both pitch and yaw. Two or more gyros can be used. The number of gyros used is limited by the weight of the cane.

The gyros used in the gyrostabilizers are preferably heavy metal type. Stabilization is preferably mass type. The use of a gyrostabilizer with a cane has the same benefits to people with tremor type ailments or balancing problems as does the use of a gyrostabilizer with a belt. Moreover, it has been discovered that the improved balance remains for up to ten days after stopping the use of the gyrostabilizers.

As will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, numerous modifications and substitutions may be made to the above-described embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, gyrostabilizers can also be used to stabilize a prosthesis such as a leg. Accordingly, the preceding portion of this specification is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A system for improving the balance of a person, the system comprising:

at least one gyrostabilizer; and

a support for holding the at least one gyrostabilizer, the support being adapted to communicate with one of a torso and a hand of a user so as to steady the user while using the at least one gyrostabilizer.

2. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the support includes a belt for being attached to the waist of a user.

3. A system as defined in claim 2, wherein the at least one gyrostabilizer is coupled to the belt so as to be disposed at the front of a user when wearing the belt.

4. A system as defined in claim 2, further comprising an elongated handle coupled to the gyrostabilizer such that the elongated handle laterally extends to each side of a user for gripping by both hands to further steady the user.

5. A system as defined in claim 2, further comprising shoulder straps coupled to the belt.

6. A system as defined in claim 5, wherein the shoulder straps form a crisscross configuration.

7. A system as defined in claim 2, further comprising a power source to communicate with and energize the at least one gyrostabilizer.

8. A system as defined in claim 7, wherein the power source is a battery power source.

9. A system as defined in claim 8, wherein the battery power source is rechargeable.

10. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the support includes a walking cane.

11. A system as defined in claim 10, wherein the walking cane defines at least one chamber, and wherein the at least one gyrostabilizer is to be accommodated within the at least one chamber.

12. A system as defined in claim 11, further comprising a power source to communicate with and energize the at least one gyrostabilizer, the power source to be accommodated within the at least one chamber.

13. A system as defined in claim 12, wherein the power source is a battery power source.

14. A system as defined in claim 13, wherein the battery power source is rechargeable.

15. A system for improving the balance of a person, the system comprising:

a belt; and

at least one gyrostabilizer to be coupled to the belt so as to steady a user while wearing the at least one gyrostabilizer.

16. A system as defined in claim 15, further comprising shoulder straps coupled to the belt.

17. A system as defined in claim 16, wherein the shoulder straps form a crisscross configuration.

18. A system as defined in claim 15, wherein the at least one gyrostabilizer is coupled to the belt so as to be disposed at the front of a user when wearing the belt.

19. A system as defined in claim 15, further comprising an elongated handle coupled to the gyrostabilizer such that the elongated handle laterally extends to each side of a user for gripping by both hands to further steady the user.

20. A system as defined in claim 15, further comprising a power source to communicate with and energize the at least one gyrostabilizer.

21. A system as defined in claim 20, wherein the power source is coupled to the belt so as to be disposed behind a user when wearing the belt.

22. A system as defined in claim 20, wherein the power source is a battery power source.

23. A system as defined in claim 22, wherein the battery power source is rechargeable.

24. A system for improving the balance of a person, the system comprising:

a walking cane defining at least one chamber; and

at least one gyrostabilizer to be accommodated within the at least one chamber.

25. A system as defined in claim 24, wherein the at least one gyrostabilizer includes two gyrostabilizers to be accommodated within the at least one chamber.

26. A system as defined in claim 24, further comprising a power source to communicate with and energize the at least one gyrostabilizer, the power source to be accommodated within the at least one chamber.

27. A system as defined in claim 26, wherein the power source is a battery power source.

28. A system as defined in claim 27, wherein the battery power source is rechargeable.

29. A system as defined in claim 24, wherein the walking cane includes an upper portion, a middle portion and a lower portion, the at least one chamber includes first and second chambers, the upper portion and the middle portion cooperating to define the first chamber, and the middle portion and the lower portion cooperating to define the second chamber.

30. A system as defined in claim 29, wherein the at least one gyrostabilizer is to be accommodated in one of the chambers, and further including a power source to communicate with and energize the at least one gyrostabilizer, the power source to be accommodated in the other of the chambers.

31. A system as defined in claim 29, wherein the at least one gyrostabilizer includes first and second gyrostabilizer, the first gyrostabilizer to be accommodated in the first chamber, and the second gyrostabilizer to be accommodated in the second chamber.

32. A system as defined in claim 31, further comprising a power source to communicate with and energize the at least one gyrostabilizer, the power source to be disposed externally of the walking cane.

33. A system as defined in claim 32, wherein the power source is a battery power source.

34. A system as defined in claim 33, wherein the battery power source is rechargeable.

35. A system as defined in claim 32, further comprising a belt to be coupled to the power source.

36. A system as defined in claim 24, wherein the walking cane includes an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion and the lower portion cooperating to define the at least one chamber.

37. A system as defined in claim 36, further comprising a power source to communicate with and energize the at least one gyrostabilizer, the power source to be disposed externally of the walking cane.

38. A system as defined in claim 37, wherein the power source is a battery power source.

39. A system as defined in claim 38, wherein the battery power source is rechargeable.

40. A system as defined in claim 37, further comprising a belt to be coupled to the power source.