Modular harness assembly and mobility system

Abstract

A modular harness assembly worn by a person during physical exercise or rehabilitation. The modular harness assembly includes a non-stretchable waist belt that is secured around the waist of the patient or user, and can be associated with one or more auxiliary, non-stretchable harness component that can easily be added or removed from the waist belt. The auxiliary harness components can include a shoulder harness, a thigh harness having a movable connection to the waist belt proximate the hip joint, and a pelvic harness. The modular harness assembly can be used in combination with a hoisting system such as a block and tackle pulley system that is mounted onto a rolling carriage and an overhead rail.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] It has become an accepted and common practice to use harnesses to support a portion of a patient's body weight during rehabilitation. Harness supported activity allows for a more aggressive rehabilitation approach, protecting both the patient and the therapist from injury while allowing more advanced activities to occur. There are a number of commercially available body weight support systems, each using different types of harnesses. Unfortunately, none of the current harnesses adequately meet the needs of diverse patient populations for one or more reasons. Current harnesses can be difficult to apply and remove, especially with patients who are unable to stand for harness application. Current harnesses can also lack adjustability to accommodate patients of various sizes, body shapes and diagnoses, and can restrict normal leg movement during walking. Current harnesses can also lack comfort due to excessive contact pressures in certain body areas, and often can not ...

Images