Motion assist crane device

Abstract

A motion assist crane device can include a base, a support tower extending upwardly from the base, a counterbalance beam attached to the support tower at a position between the ends of the counterbalance beam by a hinge, a tether attached to a first end of the counterbalance beam, the tether configured to attach to an arm of a user, and one or more weights positioned on a second end of the counterbalance beam. A method for assisting motion of a user's arm can include providing the device, attaching the tether to the user's arm, and moving the user's arm, wherein the movement is at least partially supported by the weights.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A motion assist crane device, comprising:
 a base;   a support tower extending upwardly from the base;   a counterbalance beam attached to the support tower at a position between the ends of the counterbalance beam by a hinge;   a tether attached to a first end of the counterbalance beam, the tether configured to attach to an arm of a user; and   one or more weights positioned on a second end of the counterbalance beam.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge is configured to allow the counterbalance beam to pivot relative to the support tower. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the hinge is configured to allow the counterbalance beam to rotate relative to the support tower. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein a length of the support tower is adjustable. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein support tower comprises a telescoping rod. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more weights are removable such that an amount of weight can be adjusted. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a fastener on an end of the tether, the fastener configured to attach to the arm of the user. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the fastener comprises a cuff. 
     
     
         9 . A method for assisting motion of a user's arm, the method comprising:
 providing the device of  claim 1 ;   attaching the tether to the user's arm; and   moving the user's arm, wherein the movement is at least partially supported by the weights.