Patent Description:
A variety of human assistance devices provide aid for human motion. Some work tasks and activities demand frequent and heavy lifting or long-term strenuous movement, beyond normal unassisted physical exertion, and can lead to exhaustion and potential injury. In particular, excessive strain on muscles and joints can cause injury to the back, legs, and knees with associated reduction in productivity. The human assistance device as worn by the user is designed to overcome or compensate for the added load or strain and make many work tasks easier to perform.

In one embodiment, the human assistance device uses an exoskeleton with rigid components e.g., linkages and joints, attached to the user's body. The exoskeleton joints are ideally positioned to have an axis of rotation collinear with a natural axis of rotation for adjacent joints. The rigid exoskeleton relies on a framework of linkages connected to the body at select locations via pads and straps to provide the ability to augment human movements that need assistance or otherwise enhance the user's performance, stability, balance, and safety. As the user flexes or extends their limbs, these rigid links move in parallel with the limb, adding considerable inertia to movement. Unfortunately, the rigid exoskeleton also causes considerable restriction to the user's motion that impedes natural and fluid movement.

In another example, <CIT> discloses a soft exosuit that generates forces about one or more joints based on anchor elements and connection elements disposed between the anchor elements. The exosuit uses sensors to determine forces on the anchor or connection elements. Actuators are configured to change tension in the soft exosuit in response to the sensors. The exosuit tends to be complex with an overreliance on active components, such as sensors and actuators, to control its operation. The intricate interconnection of anchor elements, connection elements, sensors, and actuators tends to be expensive to manufacture, difficult to configure, slow in response, and overall low reliability. <CIT> discloses a back support system designed to reduce the stress exerted on the back of a wearer when he bends over to lift a load. The back support system comprises a harness and a yoke for distributing the load on the shoulder of the wearer. The back support comprises a tension system equipped with elastic cables. The back support comprises leggings including straps designed to wrap around the sole of the wearer and to maintain the force acting on the leg as close as possible to the bone structure of the leg of the wearer. <CIT> discloses a device for supporting the lower back region of a person combined with an upper torso garment. A pair of elongated straps are integrally attached to a support pad and extend from the sides of a back panel to form a pair of loops. Each strap may also include knee pads which are adjustably positioned along the length of each of the straps using a suitable support means. A user can secure the straps to lower anchor straps thereby forming loops which engage the knees of the wearer. With a wearer seated on a flat ground surface and with his knees up in the air, the upper support position is more effective in providing increased support and comfort to the user. <CIT> discloses a body exercise device that includes, among others, a right knee engaging apparatus for selectively maintaining the right member against the right knee of the exerciser. A right side member knee maintaining apparatus elastic sleeve anterior portion of a right side member knee maintaining apparatus elastic sleeve of the right side member knee maintaining apparatus of the right side member has a right side member knee maintaining apparatus elastic sleeve anterior portion flap disposed over most of the right side member knee maintaining apparatus elastic sleeve anterior portion and provides additional cushioning similar to that of a knee pad. <CIT> discloses a device for training sportsmen or physical workout of long-time bed patient. The device comprises a shoulder pad, breast pad, pelvis pad designed as shorts, knee pads performed as bandages and foot pads, all connected together by means of a loading elements with a possibility of being disconnected. <CIT> discloses an exercise device for martial arts conditioning including a belt having rings, a torso harness a hand stirrup for each hand, a knee band for each knee, and an ankle band for each ankle. The knee band includes base pad which is worn against the knee. The knee band aligns the cords in proper placement around the knee to provide guidance and resistance in both the recoil and forward motions to the leg muscles used in kicking.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved human assistance device attachable to a user and comprising a leg strap arrangement, as well as a corresponding method of making a human assistance device.

The present invention is described in one or more embodiments in the following description with reference to the figures, in which like numerals represent the same or similar elements.

<FIG> shows user <NUM> wearing potential to kinetic suit (P2K) <NUM> suitable for human assistance in crouching, squatting, and lifting under load. P2K <NUM> is a passive personal augmentation suit or strapping system, i.e., no active components, applicable to many types of human activity and physical work, such as moving heavy articles, up and down motion under load, and other repetitive, long-term physical exertion. P2K <NUM> is capable of storing potential energy in the strapping arrangement, e.g., potential energy is stored in elastic strapping when transitioning from a standing position to a crouched or squatting position. The potential energy in P2K <NUM> is released when user <NUM> moves from the crouched or squatting position to return upright in stance, thereby assisting the user in the motion, particularly while under load. P2K <NUM> increases endurance, reduces fatigue, and decreases potential for injury associated with such activity, particularly for the user's back, legs, and knees. P2K <NUM> includes an interconnected arrangement of straps, belts, and braces to provide passively loaded support and reaction for user <NUM> while assisting with human motion under load. <FIG> shows a front view of P2K <NUM>; <FIG> shows a back view of P2K <NUM>.

Upper torso harness <NUM> includes shoulder straps <NUM> around the shoulders of user <NUM>, back interconnect strap <NUM> between shoulder straps <NUM>, front strap <NUM> with adjustable buckle <NUM>. Back interconnect strap <NUM> and front strap <NUM> are affixed to shoulder straps <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Shoulder straps <NUM> extend down the back of user <NUM> to waist and back belt <NUM>. Waist and back belt <NUM> wraps around the waist, hips, and lower back area and secures with Velcro or buckles. In one embodiment, belt <NUM> has a width W1 of <NUM>-<NUM> centimeters (cm). Shoulder straps <NUM> can slide within upper torso harness <NUM> and are affixed to belt <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Waist and back belt <NUM> provides a brace to support the lower back and tightens to squeeze the hips when squatting.

Thigh straps <NUM> extend from waist and back belt <NUM> over the gluteal area and around the thigh area of user <NUM>. Thigh straps <NUM> connect to belt <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. In particular, thigh straps <NUM> include Y-configured strap 132a over the gluteal area and hamstrings, side straps 132b, and front straps 132c over the quadriceps. Knee support <NUM> connects to Y-configured strap 132a and side straps 132b with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Knee support <NUM> includes a pocket or cavity for the knee of user <NUM>, with support material covering the knee and straps around the knee. Knee support <NUM> and side straps 132b can include pads to provide hard support points for P2K <NUM>. Calf straps <NUM> connect to knee support <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. In particular, calf straps <NUM> include Y-configured strap 138a over the calf of user <NUM>. Foot anchor <NUM> connects to calf strap <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Foot anchor <NUM> is configured to connect to a shoe, boot, or directly to the foot, e.g., under and over the foot with an adhesive or sock-like slip-on.

P2K <NUM> is modular in construction, configuration, and use. P2K <NUM> can be configured with various combinations of components described in <FIG>. For example, P2K <NUM> can be used as waist and back belt <NUM> with thigh straps <NUM>, knee support <NUM>, calf straps <NUM>, and foot anchor <NUM>, without shoulder straps <NUM>. Configurations with shoulder straps <NUM> have the advantage of encouraging good posture. The various straps and belts in <FIG> can be implemented using fabric or leather material, elastic bands, cables, or other suitable flexible connecting members. Springs, pulleys, guides, and other compliant members can be used in place of or to augment the straps and belts within P2K <NUM>. P2K <NUM> is adjustable for size and pre-tensioning the elastic components.

Consider user <NUM> wearing P2K <NUM> in the seated position on seat <NUM> and holding load <NUM> in <FIG>. P2K <NUM> stores potential energy in the strapping arrangement, e.g., the elastic strapping stretches and stores potential energy when transitioning from a standing position to a crouched, squatting, or seated position. The potential energy in P2K <NUM> remains available while user <NUM> is seated to help with the opposing motion, i.e., standing up under load. Waist and back belt <NUM> provides a brace to support the lower back and tightens to squeeze the hips when sitting. User <NUM> stands up from the seated position with load <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The potential energy in P2K <NUM> is released when user <NUM> moves from the crouched, squatting, or seated position to return upright in stance, thereby assisting the user in the motion, particularly while under load. P2K <NUM> reduces the effort, strain, fatigue, and potential for injury associated such movement in physical labor work environments. A similar concept applies to user <NUM> standing from the kneeling or crouching position. In one embodiment, knee support <NUM> includes a torsional spring to aid with transition from a seated, kneeling, or squatting position to a standing position, without the use of active components. Alternatively, knee support <NUM> uses elastic bands, or a combination of non-elastic and elastic bands, to assist user <NUM> in the sit to stand transition.

In general, P2K <NUM> utilizes a flexible, modular, passive strapping system that, in one embodiment, extends from upper torso harness <NUM> to waist and back belt <NUM> and further travels down gluteal area and hamstrings with thigh straps <NUM> to knee support <NUM>. P2K <NUM> can further extend from knee support <NUM> over the calf area with calf straps <NUM> to foot anchor <NUM>. P2K <NUM> gains support from upper torso harness <NUM> and belt <NUM>, as well as the strapping arrangement from the back of the thigh, front of the knee, and back of the tibia to anchor at the foot. Because the straps cross at the waist and over the length of the leg, the strapping arrangement stores energy in the elastic bands or springs during the squatting or crouching motion to be released during transition to the standing position thus assisting with human motion under load. The crossed straps also hold P2K <NUM> in place during various movements, such as squatting.

Elastic bands have been found to be particularly effective in areas <NUM> and <NUM> (belt <NUM>), area <NUM> (thigh straps <NUM>), and area <NUM> (calf straps <NUM>) for assisting with human motion under load, as shown in <FIG>. Elastic bands in areas <NUM>-<NUM> can vary in elasticity and stiffness with any preloading adjustable for the user <NUM> during the fitting process.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of user <NUM> wearing P2K <NUM> suitable for human assistance in crouching, squatting, and lifting under load. <FIG> shows a front view of P2K <NUM>; <FIG> shows a back view of P2K <NUM>. P2K <NUM> is a passive personal augmentation suit or strapping system, i.e., no active components, applicable to many types of human activity and physical work, such as moving heavy articles, up and down motion under load, and other repetitive, long-term physical exertion. P2K <NUM> is capable of storing potential energy in the strapping arrangement, e.g., potential energy is stored in elastic strapping when transitioning from a standing position to a crouched or squatting position. The potential energy in P2K <NUM> is released when user <NUM> moves from the crouched or squatting position to return upright in stance, thereby assisting the user in the motion, particularly while under load. P2K <NUM> increases endurance, reduces fatigue, and decreases potential for injury associated with such activity, particularly for the user's back, legs, and knees. P2K <NUM> includes an interconnected arrangement of straps, belts, and braces to provide passively loaded support and reaction for user <NUM> while assisting with human motion under load.

Upper torso harness <NUM> includes shoulder straps <NUM> around the shoulders of user <NUM>, back interconnect strap <NUM> between shoulder straps <NUM>, front strap <NUM> with adjustable buckle <NUM>. Back interconnect strap <NUM> and front strap <NUM> are affixed to shoulder straps <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Shoulder straps <NUM> extend down the back to waist and back belt <NUM>. Waist and back belt <NUM> wraps around the waist, hips, and lower back area and secures with Velcro or buckles. In one embodiment, belt <NUM> has a width W2 of <NUM>-<NUM>. Shoulder straps <NUM> can slide within upper torso harness <NUM> and are affixed to belt <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Waist and back belt <NUM> provides a brace to support the lower back and tightens to squeeze the hips when squatting.

Leg strap arrangement <NUM> extends down the legs of user <NUM>. Leg straps <NUM> include Y-configured thigh portion 174a over the gluteal area and hamstrings of user <NUM>, cross-configured knee portion 174b over the front of the knee area, and Y-configured calf portion 174c over the calf area. Thigh portion 174a connect to waist and back belt <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Leg straps <NUM> utilize the bending motion of the ankle and knee for maximum stretching of the elastic bands. Foot anchor <NUM> connects to calf portion 174c behind the heel with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Foot anchor <NUM> connects to a shoe, boot, or directly to the foot, e.g., under and over the foot with an adhesive or sock-like slip-on.

P2K <NUM> is modular in construction, configuration, and use. For example, P2K <NUM> can be used as waist and back belt <NUM> with leg straps <NUM>, without shoulder straps <NUM>. The various straps and belts in <FIG> can be implemented using fabric or leather material, elastic bands, cables, or other suitable flexible connecting members. P2K <NUM> stores potential energy in the strapping arrangement, e.g., potential energy is stored in elastic strapping when transitioning from a standing position to a crouched, squatting, or seated position. The potential energy in P2K <NUM> is released when user <NUM> moves from the crouched, squatting, or seated position to return upright in stance, thereby assisting the user in the motion, particularly while under load. P2K <NUM> is adjustable for size and pre-tensioning the elastic components.

<FIG> illustrate a modified P2K <NUM>, similar to <FIG>, with front torso cross straps <NUM> for additional support.

<FIG> illustrate a modified P2K <NUM>, similar to <FIG>, with buckles <NUM> and <NUM> for adjustment and attachment points on the front of P2K <NUM>, and buckles <NUM> for adjustment and attachment points on the back of P2K <NUM>.

<FIG> shows further detail of leg straps <NUM> from waist and back belt <NUM> to foot anchor <NUM>. Leg straps <NUM> can be made with elastic bands crossing at knee portion 174b, i.e., in front of the knee. Leg straps <NUM> can include buckles <NUM> or Velcro for ease of donning and doffing P2K <NUM>. The user's foot slides over heel strap 176a and into arch wrap 176b to fix leg straps <NUM> in place. Foot anchor <NUM> can be attached over a shoe.

<FIG> shows leg straps <NUM> crossing in front of knee <NUM>. Leg straps can be positioned to cross above, directly on, or below the knee cap, as shown by the range of arrows <NUM>. <FIG> shows leg straps <NUM> crossing above and below the knee with pocket <NUM> around the knee cap for comfort and stability. A first single strap <NUM> extends above pocket <NUM> to thigh portion 174a. A second single strap <NUM> extends below pocket <NUM> to calf portion 174c. <FIG> shows leg straps <NUM> crossing in front of the knee with pocket <NUM> around the knee cap for comfort and stability. Thigh portion 174a connects to an upper point of pocket <NUM>, and calf portion 174c connects to a lower point of pocket <NUM>.

Upper torso harness <NUM> includes shoulder straps <NUM> around the shoulders of user <NUM>, upper back interconnect strap <NUM> between shoulder straps <NUM>, front strap <NUM> with adjustable buckle <NUM>. Back interconnect strap <NUM> and front strap <NUM> are affixed to shoulder straps <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Shoulder straps <NUM> extend down the back to back support <NUM> and affix with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Lower back interconnect strap <NUM> is connected above back support <NUM>.

Leg strap arrangement <NUM> extends down the legs of user <NUM>. Leg straps <NUM> include Y-configured thigh portion 224a over the gluteal area and hamstrings of user <NUM>, cross-configured knee portion 224b over the front of the knee area, and Y-configured calf portion 224c over the calf area. Thigh portion 224a connects to back support <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Leg straps <NUM> utilize the bending motion of the ankle and knee for maximum stretching of the elastic bands. Foot anchor <NUM> connects to calf portion 224c behind the heel with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Foot anchor <NUM> connect to a shoe, boot, or directly to the foot, e.g., under and over the foot with an adhesive or sock-like slip-on.

P2K <NUM> stores potential energy in the strapping arrangement, e.g., potential energy is stored in elastic strapping when transitioning from a standing position to a crouched, squatting, or seated position. The potential energy in P2K <NUM> is released when user <NUM> moves from the crouched, squatting, or seated position to return upright in stance, thereby assisting the user in the motion, particularly while under load.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of user <NUM> wearing P2K <NUM> suitable for human assistance in crouching, squatting, and lifting under load. <FIG> shows a front view of P2K <NUM>; <FIG> shows a side view of P2K <NUM>; <FIG> shows a back view of P2K <NUM>. P2K <NUM> is a passive personal augmentation suit or strapping system, i.e., no active components, applicable to many types of human activity and physical work, such as moving heavy articles, up and down motion under load, and other repetitive, long-term physical exertion. P2K <NUM> is capable of storing potential energy in the strapping arrangement, e.g., potential energy is stored in elastic strapping when transitioning from a standing position to a crouched or squatting position. The potential energy in P2K <NUM> is released when user <NUM> moves from the crouched or squatting position to return upright in stance, thereby assisting the user in the motion, particularly while under load. P2K <NUM> increases endurance, reduces fatigue, and decreases potential for injury associated with such activity, particularly for the user's back, legs, and knees. P2K <NUM> includes an interconnected arrangement of straps, belts, and braces to provide passively loaded support and reaction for user <NUM> while assisting with human motion under load. Portions of P2K <NUM> can be reflective material for safety.

Upper torso harness <NUM> includes backpack assembly <NUM> with shoulder straps <NUM>. Backpack assembly <NUM> can be made with an air mesh material with openings to allow for air-flow on the back and reduces the overall weight. Backpack assembly <NUM> can include a combination of elastic material and webbing material. Backpack assembly <NUM> covers a portion of back area of user <NUM> to improve ergonomics and comfort, relieve lower back pressure, and ease of donning and doffing. Shoulder straps <NUM> extend over the shoulder and affix to backpack assembly <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Shoulder straps <NUM> can slide relative to backpack assembly <NUM> for user comfort. Buckles <NUM> in shoulder straps <NUM> provide adjustment and attachment points. Buckles <NUM> can be used to adjust elastic pre-load (strength of the suit when squatting down) and enable P2K <NUM> to fit different body sizes. Back support <NUM> connects to backpack assembly <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Side straps <NUM> extend from shoulder straps <NUM> to back support <NUM>. Side straps <NUM> can include elastic material with buckles for adjustments and comfort, see <FIG>. Back support <NUM> slides or moves relative to backpack assembly <NUM> to minimize medial/lateral relative motion and provide pre-tensioning.

Leg strap arrangement <NUM> extends down the legs of user <NUM>. Leg straps <NUM> include thigh portion 258a over the gluteal area and hamstrings of user <NUM>, knee portion 258b over the front of the knee area, and calf portion 258c over the calf area. Thigh portion 258a connects to back support <NUM> with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Seat webbing <NUM> is connected to back support <NUM> and thigh portion 258a with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Seat webbing <NUM> is an elastic material for storing and releasing power and comfortable load distribution. Knee portion 258b includes a knee pad for knee protection while kneeling on the ground. Leg straps <NUM> utilize the bending motion of the ankle and knee for maximum stretching of the elastic bands. Foot anchor <NUM> connects to calf portion 258c behind the heel with sewing, rivets, buckles, buttons, adhesive, Velcro, or other secure attachment mechanism. Foot anchor <NUM> crosses over the talus and then wraps around the arch. Foot anchor <NUM> can be configured to connect to a shoe, boot, or directly to the foot.

The various straps and belts in <FIG> can be implemented using fabric or leather material, elastic bands, cables, or other suitable flexible connecting members. P2K <NUM> stores potential energy in the strapping arrangement, e.g., the elastic strapping stretches and stores potential energy when transitioning from a standing position to a crouched, squatting, or seated position. The potential energy in P2K <NUM> remains available while user <NUM> is seated to help with the opposing motion, i.e., standing up under load. When user <NUM> stands up from the seated position under load, similar to <FIG>, the potential energy in P2K <NUM> is released to assist the user in the motion. P2K <NUM> reduces the effort, strain, fatigue, and potential for injury associated such movement in physical labor work environments.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of user <NUM> wearing P2K <NUM> with buckles <NUM> in side straps <NUM>. Buckles <NUM> in combination with elastic material in side straps <NUM> provide further adjustments, support, and comfort for user <NUM> in donning, doffing, and wearing upper torso harness <NUM> and backpack assembly <NUM>. Side straps <NUM> with buckles <NUM> keep back support <NUM> and seat webbing <NUM> in place during motion, e.g. while walking. Knee portion 258b includes connection point <NUM> to connect and separate a left half of the knee pad and a right half of the knee pad, which aids with donning and doffing leg strap arrangement <NUM>. For example, user <NUM> brings the left half of the knee pad and the right half of the knee pad together and secures with connection point <NUM>. To remove leg strap arrangement <NUM>, user <NUM> detaches the left half of the knee pad from right half of the knee pad at connection point <NUM>. Connection point <NUM> can be Velcro, buckles, buttons, or other removable attachment mechanism.

Claim 1:
A human assistance device, comprising:
an upper torso harness (<NUM>) configured to attach to a user (<NUM>); and
a leg strap arrangement (<NUM>) extending down the legs of the user and including a thigh portion (258a) over a gluteal area and the hamstrings of the user, the leg strap arrangement further including a knee portion including a knee pad (258b) over the front of the knee area of the user, and the leg strap arrangement further including a calf portion (258c) over the calf area of the user, wherein the thigh portion is adapted to affix to the upper torso harness proximate to the gluteal area of the user and configured to extend down from the gluteal area over the hamstrings of the user to the knee pad (258b), and wherein the calf portion is configured to extend down from the knee pad over the calf area of the user to a foot anchor (<NUM>), wherein the upper torso harness and leg strap arrangement comprise elastic material.