OMNI-DIRECTIONAL WEIGHT-BEARING SUPPORT ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Title:

OMNI-DIRECTIONAL WEIGHT-BEARING SUPPORT ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Document Type and Number:

WIPO Patent Application WO1997021413

Kind Code:

A3

Abstract:

The present invention may provide a support assistive device for a user having a frame assembly (1), a vertical pelvis support element (2) connected to the frame assembly which may primarily support the ischial tuberosities (34), and a horizontal pelvis support element (3) which may primarily support the anterior superior iliac spines (35) of a pelvis (1a). It may provide such support with minimal or no hand or arm support. By supporting on the anterior superior iliac spine (35) on either side, a moment can be created to assist in turning even without the use of hands by simply turning the direction of the pelvis (1a). The created moment of the present invention is more natural to the user in turning the pelvis and as a result the device. The present invention may also provide a fluidic braking assembly (53) for any rotatable elements (48), which can be advantaged to assist a user in supplying an increase of force to actuate the braking action. The braking system may be actuated from a single station or multiple stations and may provide braking in any direction the wheels are turned, that is, omni-directionally. It may also include a elevation assembly (5) that can assist lowering of an upper frame assembly (6) to a corresponding elevation with a lower frame assembly (4) to assist in packaging and in transportation. It may also provide a rotatable swivel lock system (54) for the rotatable elements (48) that may be restrained in various orientations, and may be controlled through a single station.

Inventors:

WORKMAN JONATHAN P (US)
HOUSE KENNETH W (US)
EASON DONALD H (US)

Application Number:

PCT/US1996/020698

Publication Date:

July 31, 1997

Filing Date:

December 12, 1996

Export Citation:

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Assignee:

ULTIMATE SUPPORT SYSTEMS INC (US)
WORKMAN JONATHAN P (US)
HOUSE KENNETH W (US)
EASON DONALD H (US)

International Classes:

A61H3/00; A61H3/04; (IPC1-7): A61G/

Foreign References:

US5058912A	1991-10-22
US4890853A	1990-01-02
US5538268A	1996-07-23
US5520402A	1996-05-28
US5351700A	1994-10-04
US4189164A	1980-02-19
US5277438A	1994-01-11
US5380262A	1995-01-10
US2369040A	1945-02-06
US4165127A	1979-08-21
US5167597A	1992-12-01

Other References: