Device for assisted movement of a disabled leg

Abstract

The present invention is a device for controlled assisted movement of a disabled and/or injured leg. The device includes a dynamic elastic force member that extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end of the dynamic elastic force member. The device further includes a handle operably coupled to the proximal end of the dynamic elastic force member and a suspension apparatus operably coupled to the proximal end of the dynamic elastic force member. Further, the device includes an attachment apparatus operably coupled to the distal end of the dynamic elastic force member. The device exerts a motive force that assists in movement of the leg when the user pulls the handle.

1 . A device for controlled assisted movement of a disabled leg of a user comprising: 
 a dynamic elastic force member extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end of the dynamic elastic force member;    a handle operably coupled to the proximal end of the dynamic elastic force member;    suspension means operably coupled to the proximal end of the dynamic elastic force member for suspending the proximal end of the dynamic elastic force member generally at the waist of the user; and    attachment means operably coupled to the distal end of the dynamic elastic force member for attaching the distal end of the dynamic elastic force member generally to the foot of the user;    whereby the device exerts a motive force that assists in movement of the leg when the handle is pulled by the user.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the suspension means is a strap.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the suspension means is a fastener.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means is a strap.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means is a fastener.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is integrally formed into the dynamic elastic force member.  
   
   
       7 . A device for controlled assisted movement of a disabled leg of a user comprising: 
 a dynamic elastic force member extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end of the dynamic elastic force member;    a handle operably coupled to the proximal end of the dynamic elastic force member;    a suspension apparatus operably coupled to the proximal end of the dynamic elastic force member; and    an attachment apparatus operably coupled to the distal end of the dynamic elastic force member,    whereby the device exerts a motive force that assists in movement of the leg when the handle is pulled by the user.