Systems, methods and apparatus for differential air pressure devices

Abstract

Described herein are various embodiments of differential air pressure systems and components for differential air pressure systems. The air pressure systems comprise a chamber for receiving at least a portion of a user's body. Pressure in the chamber can be changed to adjust force on the user's body. Described herein are various methods and related structures for sealing a user into a pressurizable chamber. Also described herein are various methods and related structures for changing the shape and/or height of the chamber. Described herein are various types and configurations of chambers and support structures for chambers. Also described herein are various methods and related systems for treating various conditions using the differential air pressure systems, including but not limited to obesity, cardiac disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or Down Syndrome.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A structure for enclosing and sealing a portion of a body of a user into a differential air pressure system, the structure comprising:
 a chamber; and   a user seal coupled to the chamber, the user seal comprising an adjustable opening that is capable of receiving and sealing around a user's body so that at least a portion of the user's body is sealed into the chamber,   wherein a sufficiently airtight junction is formed between the user's body and the chamber so that a nonzero differential pressure can be sustained in the chamber, and the adjustable opening is capable of accommodating a range of user body sizes.