Patent ID: 7549969
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: A61F,A61H,A63B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for use in assisting movement of a leg in a human body, said apparatus comprising a framework which includes a plurality of frame members that are connected with each other at a plurality of frame joints, said plurality of frame members including a first frame member which is connected with a second frame member at a first frame joint of said plurality of frame joints, said first frame member being connectable with a pelvic portion of the human body, said second frame member being disposed along a femoral portion of the leg of the human body, said first frame joint being disposed adjacent to a hip joint associated with the pelvic portion of the human body and the femoral portion of the leg of the human body, a third frame member of said plurality of frame members being disposed along a tibial portion of the leg of the human body, said third frame member being connected with said second frame member at a second frame joint of said plurality of frame joints, said second frame joint being disposed adjacent to a knee joint in the leg of the human body, a fourth frame member of said plurality of frame members being connectable with a foot portion of the leg of the human body, said fourth frame member being connected with said third frame member at a third frame joint of said plurality of frame joints, said third frame joint being disposed adjacent to an ankle joint in the leg of the human body, and an elastic force transmission system connected with said framework to store energy during a first portion of movement of the leg of the human body and for releasing energy during a second portion of movement of the leg of the human body, said elastic force transmission system spans the hip, knee and ankle joints in the human body, said elastic force transmission system has a first anchor portion connected with said first frame member and a second anchor portion connected with said fourth frame member.