Portable system for assisting body movement
US9492258B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2014 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B2208/14
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a differential pressure body suit with external support against body suit migration. In its preferred embodiment, such body suit may comprise a close-fitting, multi-layered suit sealed against a mammal's skin to contain the differential pressure, or a looser-fitting suit that bends at the mammal's joints with minimal force. External support means include either fixed or movable mechanical supports attached to the body suit, extraordinary air pressure levels for making the body suit rigid, or exoskeletons attached to the body suit. A cyclic control system can turn the differential pressure condition within the body suit on and off on a selective basis to accommodate the movement of the legs of the mammal. The pressurization reduces the weight of the body to greater or lesser extents, and offloads the weight to the ground through the external support means.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.