Daniel L Ferguson

US Patent:

8568344, Oct 29, 2013

Filed:

Jan 16, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/742979

Inventors:

Daniel L. Ferguson - Appleton WI, US

Assignee:

Applied Neural Mechanics, LLC - Appleton WI

International Classification:

A61F 5/00

US Classification:

602 16, 602 19

Abstract:

A torso assist orthotic device configured to be worn by a user requiring assistance in holding his torso in a vertical position and returning the his torso to a vertical position from a forward bent over position. The torso assist orthotic device includes an upper body engaging portion that is open in the front in the abdominal and pelvic areas. A lower body engaging portion is custom formed to the wearer's lower extremities. A hinged connection at each side has a spring assist device in engagement. The spring assist device is selectively disengagable, such that when the spring assist device is engaged, the spring assist device provides resistance to forward movement of the user's torso and urges the user's torso back into alignment with the user's lower body. The spring assist device includes a self-latching spring engagement/disengagement device.

US Patent:

20110098617, Apr 28, 2011

Filed:

Oct 14, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/904801

Inventors:

Daniel L. Ferguson - Appleton WI, US

International Classification:

A61F 5/00

US Classification:

602 16

Abstract:

An orthopedic support device with an upper body engaging portion and a lower body engaging portion connected by a hinge or pivot and including a spring assist device. The orthopedic support device configured to provide assistance to a user in returning the user's torso from a forward leaned position to a vertical position. The device may be selectively engaged to permit the user to sit normally while wearing the device. The spring assist device may include a coil spring. The spring may be changeable to adapt to the level of assistance an individual user requires. The spring assist device may include a preload adjustment.