Lift Assist Device and Method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for assisting a subject to perform a motion such as a lift. The invention comprises a first anchor attachable to a first side of a joint of the subject's body, a second anchor attachable to a second side of the joint; and an elastic member connecting the first anchor and the second anchor, such that articulation of the joint in a first direction causes deformation of the elastic member and storing of energy, and articulation of the joint in a second direction causes relaxation of the elastic member wherein the energy is released and assists the subject to perform a motion in said second direction. The invention may be used at a subject's waist, ankle, wrist, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, and/or at least one joint of the back and/or neck.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
   
   
       21 . A device for supporting and assisting a subject's back during bending and straightening, comprising:
 a shoulder anchor adapted to attach to the shoulders;   a first leg anchor adapted to attach to a first leg;   a second leg anchor adapted to attach to a second leg;   at least one member, including an elastic member, that connects the shoulder anchor and the first and second leg anchors, such that the elastic member is compressed during bending of the subject's back; and   a spacer adapted to attach to the subject's waist and extend rearwardly therefrom, the spacer spacing said member away from the subject's back;   wherein the subject's back is supported and assisted during bending and straightening.   
   
   
       22 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein at least one anchor and/or the spacer is disposed on a belt. 
   
   
       23 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein at least one anchor and/or the spacer is disposed on a harness. 
   
   
       24 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein at least one anchor and/or the spacer is disposed on clothing. 
   
   
       25 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the elastic member includes a spring, a liquid-filled or gas-filled actuator, a magnetic actuator, or an elastic material. 
   
   
       26 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the elastic member includes a spring. 
   
   
       27 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the spring includes a coil spring. 
   
   
       28 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the elastic member is adjustable. 
   
   
       29 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the first leg anchor is adapted to attach to the first leg below the knee and second leg anchor is adapted to attach to the second leg below the knee. 
   
   
       30 . The device of  claim 21 , wherein the first and second leg anchors are adapted to pass under respective feet of the subject. 
   
   
       31 . A method for supporting and assisting a subject's back during bending and straightening, comprising:
 attaching a shoulder anchor to the subject's shoulders;   attaching a first leg anchor to the subject's first leg;   attaching a second leg anchor to the subject's second leg;   connecting at least one member, including an elastic member, to the shoulder anchor and the first and second leg anchors, such that the elastic member is compressed during bending of the subject's back; and   attaching a spacer to the subject's waist, the spacer extending rearwardly from the subject's back and spacing said member away from the subject's back;   wherein the subject's back is supported and assisted during bending and straightening.   
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31 , including disposing at least one anchor and/or the spacer on a belt. 
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 31 , including disposing at least one anchor and/or the spacer on a harness. 
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 31 , including disposing at least one anchor and/or the spacer on clothing. 
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the elastic member includes a spring, a liquid-filled or gas-filled actuator, a magnetic actuator, or an elastic material. 
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the elastic member includes a spring. 
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the spring includes a coil spring. 
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 31 , including adjusting, if necessary, compression of the elastic member. 
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 31 , including attaching the first leg anchor to the first leg below the knee and attaching the second leg anchor to the second leg below the knee. 
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 31 , including passing the first and second leg anchors under respective feet of the subject.