Abstract:
A walking aid has been configured with static padding and air bags to protect the user in case of a fall. The air bags are generally not deployed. However, the walking aid has a tilt sensor which, when a fall is detected, triggers air bag ignitors. In one embodiment, the tilt sensor may comprise one or an array of sensors, and may further be coupled through microprocessor control to a dynamic active suspension that controls both the height of the walker and the height of individual legs such that the walker will land softly, while adjusting individual leg heights where necessary or appropriate to stabilize the user to reduce the chance of a fall. In addition to providing more extensive protection for the user, the walking aid has several additional options which increase the comfort and convenience it offers. Such options can include locking hinges, allowing the walking aid to fold up; rubber on the end of the legs where they contact the ground; wheels on the legs; brakes for the wheels; height adjustable legs; a water bottle holder; a basket; a removable or folding seat; a dashboard including various communications devices such as cellular telephones, emergency call buttons, locators, and the like; and audio-video devices.
Abstract:
A therapeutic device, such as an exercise device, includes the principles of osteogenic repair by incorporating a loading mechanism into the exercise device. By doing so, the therapeutic device provides an increased osteogenic effect, thereby enhancing the benefits of the therapy. As an example, a exercise device includes a support surface for supporting all or part of the bodily tissue of an individual using the device. A linear or rotary loading mechanism associated with the frame or a rotational element of the exercise device drives the support surface at a selected load and frequency, thereby inducing mechanical loading of bodily tissue adjacent to the support surface sufficiently to facilitate the growth, development, strengthening, and/or healing of bone tissue. The loading mechanism may be incorporated into any exercise device, including standard exercise devices such as rowing machines, stair climbing machines, elliptical trainers, bicycles, cross-country ski trainers, treadmills, or weight trainers.
Abstract:
A convertible wheelchair and walker having a frame constructed of two front legs connected to each other by upper and lower front cross members, each cross members having a u-shape that is affixed to the front legs by a bracket attached to the arms of the cross member and front legs, and two rear legs pivotally connected to the front legs and connected to each other by at least one upper rear cross member also having a u-shape and affixed to the rear legs by a bracket attached to the arms of each cross member and rear leg. Two front wheels are attached to the front legs which are curved forward to elongate the frame and provide increased stability. Two rear wheels attached to the rear legs, and footrests are attached to the front legs.
Abstract:
A pelvis interface may include a subject attachment module including a waist attachment and a back attachment. The interface may further include an arm assembly coupled to the subject attachment module, the arm assembly including a plurality of arms so coupled to one another and/or to the subject attachment module as to permit the subject attachment module at least one pelvis translation degree of freedom and at least one pelvis rotation degree of freedom. The interface may further include motors so coupled to the arm assembly as to actuate at least one pelvis translation degree of freedom and at least one pelvis rotation degree of freedom.
Abstract:
A multi-use mobile support assembly structured to be selectively used as a walker or a wheelchair including a frame having at least one adjustable frame segment structured to be disposed in either a first orientation or a second orientation. The frame may be foldable and includes at least a first front leg and at least a first rear leg, having wheel assemblies connected thereto for travel of the frame, whether used as a walker or wheelchair, over a different ground or support surfaces. In one embodiment, the first rear leg includes an upper member having a first end a second end and a lower member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper member may be pivotally connected to the first end of the lower member, and the lower member is removable with a corresponding wheel assembly or pivotal between an extended use position and a folded storage position.
Abstract:
The present application is directed to an adjustable seat having a hard, firm surface designed to treat hemorrhoids. The hard, firm surface of the seat is designed to place positive pressure on the area surrounding a hemorrhoid so as to develop a negative pressure within the body which causes the body to draw the hemorrhoids back up into the body. Many seats on the market today for hemorrhoids are designed simply to alleviate the symptoms that are associated with hemorrhoids and not treat the condition. In contrast to the seat of the present invention, these seats are usually soft cushioned seats designed to support hemorrhoids that protrudes from the anus or the surrounding area so as to reduce discomfort.
Abstract:
A walking support apparatus for a person wearing a body brace has a rigid wheeled frame. An upright support engages a torso-encircling brace member. A chest-engaging member is mounted on the support. A person is connected to the apparatus while on a seat removable attached to the frame. The person is then lifted to a standing position by cranking up the support. A mechanism mounted behind the support anchors first ends of two cords that connect at second ends to the knees. It prevents both knees from moving forward simultaneously. One knee moves forward while taking up slack in the other cord. Shoe cords enable moving one foot forward at a time, and prevent both feet moving backward together. Elastic elements in shoe cords provide assistance at beginning of stride.
Abstract:
A rollator with a tubular frame assembly includes a pair of U-shaped side frames connected by a front brace. Each side frame has a cross bar that extends between front legs and back legs of the frame. The side frames are pivotably attached to the front brace so that the side frames can fold inwardly. The rollator has a molded rigid seat that is mounted on pivot brackets to allow it to pivot upwardly out of the way of the user. The pivot brackets have an offset axis of rotation so that the seat is arranged in a curved area of the front brace when pivoted upwardly.
Abstract:
A rollator with a tubular frame assembly includes a pair of U-shaped side frames connected by a front brace. Each side frame has a cross bar that extends between front legs and back legs of the frame. The side frames are pivotably attached to the front brace so that the side frames can fold inwardly. The rollator has a molded rigid seat that is mounted on pivot brackets to allow it to pivot upwardly out of the way of the user. The pivot brackets have an offset axis of rotation so that the seat is arranged in a curved area of the front brace when pivoted upwardly.
Abstract:
A passive child therapy tricycle with a specially adjustable chassis, seat and pedals provides a highly adjustable yet efficient motorized tricycle for exercising a child's legs in a rehabilitative setting. The tricycle includes an expandable frame chassis in the shape of a child's tricycle. At the front of the tricycle a direct drive electric motor operates the pedal shaft for turning pedals. The pedals may be adjusted inwardly or outwardly to adjust the pedals' width to that of the child's hips. Adjustable handlebars allow the caregiver to increase the height of the handlebars. A two-piece seat is adjustable in the vertical direction. A curved vertical portion of the back seat provides support of the back. A seat belt through this curved vertical portion helps keep the child in an upright position. A specially contoured lower horizontal seat has a central crown with a back and sides that are tapered downwardly and outwardly. The front of the seat is tapered downwardly. The special shape of this foam lower seat keeps the child's leg apart yet supported and further ensures that the child will not slip down in the adjustable seat. Vertical adjustments for the lower seat portion allow further personalizing of the tricycle. The tricycle may be disassembled into three separate units for easy transportation or storage.