Abstract: An orthopedic bracing device worn around the posterior pelvic area of a person suffering from severe lower extremity weakness such as found with certain spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia. Children born with Spina Bifida who are paraplegics are also potential users of this type of brace. This device is a mechanism whereby the user is forced to extend one hip joint backwards when the other hip joint is flexed forward, thus generating the normal walking pattern of reciprocation. The mechanism consists of two pivot bars with their pivot point located equidistant from the center of the pelvic band. Two lever arms extend from each pivot point. The longer lever arm curves around towards the mechanical hip joint of the brace and attaches through a semi-rigid linkage system. The shorter lever arm extends downwards and attaches to an adjustable connecter bar. The connecter bar joins the two identical pivot bars.

Abstract: A hip reciprocating apparatus of a reciprocating gait brace provides for transfer of forces from movement of one leg to a reverse movement of the other leg of a user. A C-shaped pivot member pivots about a horizontal axis and is mounted at the back of the pelvic band of a gait brace. The pivot member ends are adjacent hip joints which couple the pelvic band to a leg or lower hip joint member. A length-adjustable tie rod couples the pivot member ends to posteriorly extending protrusions of the associated leg member. The pivot point of the pivot member may be equally or unequally spaced relative to the pivot member ends. The leg member protrusions may be of different lengths. A spring may be used to store energy during pivoting of the pivot member in one direction and release of the energy during pivoting in the other direction. An external power source may apply energy to movement of the pivot member in both directions.