Lift assist device and method
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. 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 lower leg and that passes underfoot;
a second leg anchor adapted to attach to a second lower leg and that passes underfoot;
at least one member, comprising an elastic member, that connects the shoulder anchor and the first and second leg anchors; and
a spacer adapted to attach to the subject's waist and extends rearwardly therefrom, the spacer spacing said member away from the subject's back, the spacer not connected to said member;
wherein the subject's back is supported and assisted during bending and straightening.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the elastic member is selected from the group consisting of a spring, elastic band, and a combination thereof.
3. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one anchor and/or the spacer is fixed to clothing.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein tension of the elastic member is adjustable.
5. 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 lower leg, the first leg anchor passing underfoot;
attaching a second leg anchor to the subject's second lower leg, the second leg anchor passing underfoot;
connecting at least one member, comprising an elastic member, to the shoulder anchor and the first and second leg anchors; 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, the spacer not connected to said member;
wherein the subject's back is supported and assisted during bending and straightening.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein attaching the anchors and/or the spacer comprises fixing one or more than one anchor and/or the spacer to clothing.
7. The method of claim 5 , wherein the elastic member is selected from the group consisting of a spring, elastic band, and a combination thereof.
8. The method of claim 5 , further comprising adjusting tension of the elastic member.