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.

1 . A modular harness assembly worn by a person during physical exercise or rehabilitation, comprising: 
 a) a non-stretchable waist belt having a length,    b) at least one auxiliary, non-stretchable harness component releasably affixed to the waist belt, selected from the group consisting of: 
 1) a non-stretchable shoulder harness comprising a shoulder strap across the top of each shoulder in use, each shoulder strap comprising a shoulder connector proximate the top of the shoulder;  
 2) a non-stretchable thigh harness having a distal end affixed to the waist belt at a location proximate to the hip joint;  
 3) a non-stretchable pelvic harness comprising a pair of straps configured proximate the groin of the user; and  
 4) a combination thereof.  
   
   
   
       2 . The modular harness system of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of connectors for attachment of optional exercise equipment to the harness assembly.  
   
   
       3 . The modular harness system of  claim 1  wherein the waist belt and the additional harness component do not use a mechanical hook-and-loop fastener for securement thereof to the body of the person.  
   
   
       4 . The modular harness system of  claim 1  wherein the additional, non-stretchable harness component comprises the shoulder harness.  
   
   
       5 . The modular harness system of  claim 4  wherein the shoulder strap, in use, is snuggly positioned proximate the top of the shoulder.  
   
   
       6 . The modular harness system of  claim 4  wherein the shoulder harness is affixed to the waist belt using at least three seat-belt type connectors.  
   
   
       7 . The modular harness system of  claim 1  wherein the additional, non-stretchable harness component comprises the thigh harness.  
   
   
       8 . The modular harness system of  claim 7  wherein the distal end of the thigh harness is moveable laterally along the circumference of the waist belt.  
   
   
       9 . The modular harness system of  claim 7  wherein the harness further comprises a thigh cuff that is configured to surround the thigh of the person, and wherein the affixed distal end has a distal connector configured for attachment to waist belt and for lateral movement along the circumference of the waist belt.  
   
   
       10 . The modular harness system of  claim 9  wherein the waist belt has a belt connector comprising a guide strap having first and second ends affixed to the waist belt, and wherein the distal connector comprises a loop that encircles the guide strap.  
   
   
       11 . The modular harness system of  claim 1  wherein the additional, non-stretchable harness component comprises the pelvic harness.  
   
   
       12 . The modular harness system of  claim 11  wherein the straps of the pelvic harness are secured to the waist belt.  
   
   
       13 . A mobility system for use in providing exercise and rehabilitation for a person, comprising: 
 a) a modular harness system worn by the person, comprising a non-stretchable waist belt, and at least one additional, non-stretchable harness component removably affixed thereto;    b) an overhead rail, and    c) a non-motorized hoist assembly that is moveable along the overhead rail, having at least one hoist connector for exerting an upward force upon the harness system, the hoist assembly comprising a block and tackle pulley, the hoist assembly being configured to have a mechanical advantage of 2:1 or more.    
   
   
       14 . The mobility system of  claim 13  wherein the hoist assembly has a mechanical advantage of 4:1.  
   
   
       15 . The mobility system of  claim 13  wherein the pulley device has a locked configuration wherein a cord of the block and tackle pulley can not pass through the pulley.  
   
   
       16 . The mobility system of  claim 13  further comprises a brake means to physically prevent a cord of the block and tackle pulley from passing through the pulley.  
   
   
       17 . The mobility system of  claim 13  wherein the additional harness component comprises a shoulder harness having a pair of shoulder straps, each having a shoulder connector disposed proximate the top of the shoulder.  
   
   
       18 . The mobility system of  claim 17  wherein the hoist assembly comprises two hoist connectors, each connected to a shoulder connector of the shoulder harness.  
   
   
       19 . A method of providing exercise and rehabilitation for a person, comprising the steps of: 
 a) attaching to a person a modular harness system comprising a non-stretchable waist belt, and at least one additional, non-stretchable harness component removably affixed thereto, having at least one connector,    b) securing a hoist connector of a non-motorized pulley assembly to the one harness connector, the non-motorized pulley assembly having a hoisting mechanical advantage of at least 2:1, and    c) hoisting the person with the non-motorized hoist assembly into a position for performing a physical activity.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the additional harness component comprises a shoulder harness comprising a shoulder strap across the top of each shoulder in use, each shoulder strap having a shoulder connector proximate the top of the shoulder, and wherein the step of hoisting comprises hoisting the harness connectors at the shoulders.