Suspension and body attachment system and differential pressure suit for body weight support devices

Abstract

The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit, or a counter-force suspension cable adjustment system. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. The pressurization reduces the weight of the body to greater or lesser extents, and offloads the weight to the ground through the external support means.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 626,749, filed October 3, 2011, entitled "Suspension and Body Attachment System and Differential Pressure Suit for Body Support Devices," and is a continuation-in-part of U.S.S.N. 13 / 573,692, filed October 3, 2012, U.S.S.N. 13 / 573,692 is a continuation-in-part of U.S.S.N. 12 / 456,196 filed June 12, 2009, and U.S.S.N. 12 / 456,196 is a continuation-in-part of U.S.S.N. Benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 010,034, filed January 7, 2008, and 61 / 131,919, filed June 13, 2008, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates generally to the movement and physical fitness of the mammalian body, and more particularly to a portable system for assisting in the medical rehabilitation or training of humans or other animals by application to specific body parts with differential pressure. Backgrou...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When supported by the straps during BWS training, any mediolateral movement is limited by the medial-guided reaction force component, which will help stabilize the body in the frontal position, reducing or even eliminating the need for APA, thereby enabling pre-gait less effective with balance training

Additionally, the shoulder straps and linkages create localized pressure points and stresses on the body and limit the range of motion of the body and its extremities

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