Abduction Patents (Class 602/24)
  • Patent number: 11819138
    Abstract: The invention provides a customizable seating support for a seat base that is particularly useful for supporting a physically disabled person in a chair, such as a wheelchair. The seating support includes a posterior portion and a pair of thigh supports that are connected to the posterior portion, via a multi-directional connection, so that the position of at least one thigh support is independently adjustable to tilt upwardly or downwardly or to pivot outwardly relative to the posterior portion to an abducted position. In some embodiments, at least one of the thigh supports may be configured to pivot inwardly relative to the posterior portion to an adducted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Roger Thomas Mascull and Elizabeth Jocelyn Mascull as Trustees of the RT and EJ Mascull Family Trust
    Inventor: Bruce Gordon Mascull
  • Patent number: 11026828
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating clubfoot are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Nicole M. Grosland, Jose Morcuende, Thomas M. Cook
  • Patent number: 10980656
    Abstract: A removable and replaceable hip orthotic that includes a back panel formed from a rigid material that supports a patient's lumbar area; a front panel formed from the rigid material that supports the patient's abdomen area and is hinged to the back panel to allow application and removal of the orthotic to the patient; a leg support that extends from the back support that includes a space that allows a patient's leg to pass through into the leg support; and straps to secure the back panel to the front panel and the leg into the leg support. The back panel includes a pair of windows with a trochanter pad movably disposed within the windows. An adjustment mechanism selectively moves the trochanter pads relative to the greater trochanter regions of the hips of the patient to apply pressure to the hip joint to prevent dislocation of the femoral head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ray Palmer
  • Patent number: 10561516
    Abstract: A removable and replaceable hip orthotic that includes a back panel formed from a rigid material that supports a patient's lumbar area; a front panel formed from the rigid material that supports the patient's abdomen area and is hinged to the back panel to allow application and removal of the orthotic to the patient; a leg support that extends from the back support that includes a space that allows a patient's leg to pass through into the leg support; and straps to secure the back panel to the front panel and the leg into the leg support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: Jeffrey Ray Palmer
  • Patent number: 10314730
    Abstract: A foot abduction brace is disclosed herein. The foot abduction brace can include a crossbar having a planar bottom end. The foot abduction brace can also include a first end disposed on one side of the crossbar. The foot abduction brace can further include a first locking hub removably coupled to the first end in a first position of a plurality of positions, where the first locking hub is disposed in the first keyhole and includes a first coupling feature disposed at a top end of the first locking hub. The foot abduction brace can also include a first footplate having a first complementary coupling feature that removably couples to the first coupling feature of the first locking hub. The foot abduction brace can further include a first foot restraint mechanically coupled to the first footplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University, C/O Ms. Katharine Ku, Director Office Of Technology Licensing
    Inventors: Ian Connolly, Jeffrey Yang, Francesca Colloredo-Mansfeld, Brian C. Donnelly, Robert G. Kopp, William J. Phillips, Michael R. Vogler, Richard Byrne, Mark Vasquez, Michael Andrew Ahdoot, Kathryn Ann Jaxheimer
  • Patent number: 9931536
    Abstract: This application discloses a hip joint apparatus, or hip harness, configured to align with the femoral head of a user's hip joint for application of pressure, while maintaining proper anatomic position of the femoral head—i.e., aligned behind the actalum—which in turn helps reduce the incident of labral tears and irritation caused when the user squats or lunges too deeply. Thus, the hip harness helps hold the femur head posteriorly from shifting forward during a squat or deep lunge, which in turn, may help to prevent labral tears and irritation. The hip harness apparatus comprises a primary waist belt configured for adjustable attachment around a waist of a user; a secondary thigh belt configured for adjustable attachment around the upper portion of a user's thigh; and a pressure pad, wherein the pressure pad is configured for adjustable attachment with the secondary thigh belt and wherein the pressure pad is configured in shape and size to abut a femoral head of an anterior portion of the user's hip joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventors: Emily Azevedo, Curtis Tomasevicz
  • Patent number: 9539134
    Abstract: An orthotic method for newborn babies includes the step of providing a newborn orthopedic device constructed and dimensioned to fit a newborn baby within hours of birth for a skeletal modification. The method also includes the step of conducting a thorough physical examination of a newborn baby for skeletal abnormalities by an orthopedic or medical professional. A newborn baby is fitted with an appropriate device to correct the prevailing skeletal abnormality and the device is adjusted to overcome the physical abnormality by an increment of one millimeter and allowed to remain in that position for 24 hours. Thereafter the method increases the bias by adjusting the orthopedic device by a movement of about one millimeter and applying the increased bias for about 24 hours before further adjustments in one millimeter increments each for about a 24 hour period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Abdulreidha Abdulrasoul AlSaffar
  • Patent number: 9504594
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for positioning an infant's hips, and for maintaining the hip joint in a physiological position, during early months of life. The hip-positioning device includes a flexible base having a pair of opposed, outwardly extending side portions. The side portions are dimensioned for supporting thighs of an infant at an acute angle greater than zero relative to a dorsal plane of the infant, with knees of the infant in a flexed position. The base further has a downwardly extending, generally central portion that is adapted for positioning between the infant thighs and dimensioned for retaining the infant thighs in an abducted position. The device additionally includes an element for retaining the base on the infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Halo Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Schmid, Charles Turner Price, Dawn Griffin
  • Patent number: 9439800
    Abstract: An orthopedic device includes an elongate and rigid or semirigid strut assembly, an arcuate cuff pivotally secured to the strut assembly, and a strap securing to the cuff and forming an adjustable circumferential configuration therewith. A tensioning device may be mounted on the cuff and coupled to the strap in order to incrementally adjust the tensioning device among a plurality of preselected levels such that a first end of the strap secures to the tensioning device and a second end of the strap couples to the cuff. A soft-good assembly connects to the strut assembly and has a flexible stay embedded within with a plurality of layers. The soft-good assembly is adapted to form an adjustable circumferential loop with the stay only located within a segment short of the circumference of the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Thorvaldur Ingvarsson, Nina Bakken, Chad Leeder
  • Patent number: 9278631
    Abstract: An infant restraint is coupled to a juvenile seat to restrain an infant seated in the seat. The seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan R Ferraro, Brian C Sundberg, Ward A Fritz
  • Publication number: 20140276311
    Abstract: A hip brace is provided having a waist belt, waist cuff, longitudinal support assembly and hip joint extension limiting strap. The waist belt is secured around the waist of a wearer and the waist cuff and longitudinal support assembly are positioned on the side of the body adjacent to the affected hip joint. The waist cuff is attached to the waist belt above the hip joint and the longitudinal support assembly extends from the waist cuff past the hip joint along the length of the thigh and is hinged in correspondence with the hip joint. The extension limiting strap extends posteriorly from a lateral anchor position on the waist cuff to a posterior anchor position on the waist belt and prevents undesirable migration of the waist cuff during hip joint extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Matthew T. Hollister, John Christoforetti
  • Patent number: 8814760
    Abstract: A lower extremity alignment device for maintaining proper form while engaging in squat or other weight lifting exercises is disclosed. More specifically, a user's knee joints will resist rotating inward or outward during repetitions due to support provided by the device while core muscled benefits are still realized. In a first preferred embodiment, the device is optimally shaped with a tapered end to provide comfort to the user's groin area. Additionally, the device comprises a softer inner core and a more rigid outer core also aiding in comfort to a user. The invention further provides grip material to lateral side portions so the device will not slip when in use, as well as other novel features as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Flora Hyacinth
  • Patent number: 8771214
    Abstract: A hip abduction orthosis for stabilizing the hip joints of a user, provided with a trunk engaging part, first and second thigh engaging parts and first and second coupling parts, wherein the first coupling part connects the first thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part and the second coupling part connects the second thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part. A distance between the first and/or the second thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is settable. An abduction angle of that thigh engaging part is settable. The distance and the abduction angle are coupled such that a first set distance between that thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is coupled with a first set abduction angle and a second set distance different from the first set distance is coupled with a second set abduction angle different from the first set abduction angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ossur Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Harry Plechelmus Christenhusz, Lambertus Joseph Martinus Kruijsen
  • Patent number: 8728019
    Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ossur Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Lambertus Joseph Martinus Kruijsen, Gert Nijenbanning
  • Patent number: 8545424
    Abstract: When securing a frame (7) made of a rigid member for carrying a heavy object such as a drive unit (3) for a walking assistance device on the hip of a wearer, a hip protective belt (4) made of fabric is wrapped around the hip of the wearer, and the frame (7) is secured thereon via a flexible plate (5) and a pressure plate (6) located on an outer side of the flexible plate (5) and having a higher rigidity than the flexible plate (5). The intermediate members allow the wearer to feel the rigidity of the frame in a mitigated manner, and the wearer would not experience any discomfort from the pressure of the frame even when the posture of the wearer is changed. The hip protective belt can readily conform to the body contour of the wearer, but the frame would not deform. Because the intermediate members absorb the difference in the builds of different wearers, the frame may come in a small number of different sizes to fit almost any wearer allowing the hip support member can be mass produced at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hirata, Kei Shimada, Takako Fujii
  • Publication number: 20130023810
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for positioning an infant's hips, and for maintaining the hip joint in a physiological position, during early months of life. The hip-positioning device includes a flexible base having a pair of opposed, outwardly extending side portions. The side portions are dimensioned for supporting thighs of an infant at an acute angle greater than zero relative to a dorsal plane of the infant, with knees of the infant in a flexed position. The base further has a downwardly extending, generally central portion that is adapted for positioning between the infant thighs and dimensioned for retaining the infant thighs in an abducted position. The device additionally includes an element for retaining the base on the infant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: HALO INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William R. Schmid, Charles Turner Price, Dawn Griffin
  • Publication number: 20120259259
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the step-by-step correction of the position of the longitudinal axes of segments of the lower extremities in the horizontal and/or frontal and/or sagittal planes, that comprises the simultaneous dosed correction of the imbalance of forces in the muscles supporting the corresponding joints, the reduction of the pathological configurations of the segments, and the fixation of corrected segments using at least one module of a modular exoskeleton capable of individual adjustment for bringing, during each step, the position of the longitudinal axis of each segment closer to the physiologically correct position, and for permitting movements about the corrected rotation axes of the joints within a predetermined range defined by the modular exoskeleton. The proposed device for correcting pathological configurations of segments of the lower extremities comprises a modular exoskeleton, the modules of which can be used independently or in various combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Zakrytoe Aktsionernoe Obschestvo Nauchno- Proizvodstvenny Tsentr "Ogonek"
    Inventor: Vitaly Viktorovich Chugunov
  • Patent number: 8172780
    Abstract: A support apparatus comprising a waist band, a thigh band, a lateral vertical strap attached to said waist band and two extensions attached to said thigh band, and a medial vertical strap attached to said waist band then wrapping medially down around the thigh and attaching to the thigh band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Randall Brown
  • Publication number: 20120109032
    Abstract: A hip abduction orthosis for stabilizing the hip joints of a user, provided with a trunk engaging part, first and second thigh engaging parts and first and second coupling parts, wherein the first coupling part connects the first thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part and the second coupling part connects the second thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part. A distance between the first and/or the second thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is settable. An abduction angle of that thigh engaging part is settable. The distance and the abduction angle are coupled such that a first set distance between that thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is coupled with a first set abduction angle and a second set distance different from the first set distance is coupled with a second set abduction angle different from the first set abduction angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Harry Plechelmus CHRISTENHUSZ, Lambertus Joseph Martinus KRUIJSEN
  • Patent number: 8162864
    Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ossur Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Lambertus Joseph M. Kruijsen, Gert Nijenbanning
  • Patent number: 8118764
    Abstract: A hip abduction orthosis for stabilizing the hip joints of a user, provided with a trunk engaging part, first and second thigh engaging parts and first and second coupling parts, wherein the first coupling part connects the first thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part and the second coupling part connects the second thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part. A distance between the first and/or the second thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is settable. An abduction angle of that thigh engaging part is settable. The distance and the abduction angle are coupled such that a first set distance between that thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is coupled with a first set abduction angle and a second set distance different from the first set distance is coupled with a second set abduction angle different from the first set abduction angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ossur Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Harry Plechelmus Christenhusz, Lambertus Joseph Martinus Kruijsen
  • Publication number: 20110028876
    Abstract: An improved foot abduction apparatus allowing movement in a horizontal and vertical plane. The embodiments allow a user to more easily manipulate the apparatus in one or both planes through the use of strategically placed pivot points. The device utilizes at least one rigid member attached to coupling devices which contain at least one pivot point. The specialized coupling devices may be selectively attached to shoe receiving member or plates which are well known in the art. Additionally the shoe receiving members are able to receive an improved shoe containing a sole member contained with a silicone boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: John Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7850631
    Abstract: An improved foot abduction brace device in which the shoe are connected by an abduction bar which is a single bar that can be bent by the treating heal care professional to hold the shoes in the desired angles of abduction and dorsiflexion. The abduction bar is bent near the heel portion of the shoe and is made of a material that allows the bar to retain the selected position once bent. However, the bar is sufficiently strong so that the child cannot bend the bar and therefore change the selected angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7775999
    Abstract: A support apparatus comprising a waist band, a thigh band, a lateral vertical strap attached to said waist band and two extensions attached to said thigh band, and a medial vertical strap attached to said waist band then wrapping medially down around the thigh and attaching to the thigh band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Randall Brown
  • Patent number: 7597672
    Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Ă–ssur Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Lambertus Joseph Martinus Kruijsen, Gert Nijenbanning
  • Patent number: 7594897
    Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is a knee support device for providing focused and comfortable pressure (i.e. conforms to the size and shape of the knee and patella) to reduce knee pain. The knee support device comprises a stretchable band for encircling a portion of the user's leg. A moldable inner support is secured to the inner surface of the band and is filled with beads allowing the moldable inner support to conform to the specific anatomy of the user's knee for maximum support and relief. The moldable inner support is only affixed to the band at its ends so that it may move freely with respect to the band and also provides focused pressure to reduce knee pain and helps stabilize the patella to improve alignment and tracking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventors: Aurelia Koby, Ian MacMorran
  • Publication number: 20090216165
    Abstract: A hip abduction orthosis for stabilizing the hip joints of a user, provided with a trunk engaging part, a first and a second thigh engaging part and a first and a second coupling part, wherein the first coupling part connects the first thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part and the second coupling part connects the second thigh engaging part with the trunk engaging part. A distance between the first and/or the second thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is settable. An abduction angle of that thigh engaging part is settable. The distance and the abduction angle are coupled such that a first set distance between that thigh engaging part and the trunk engaging part is coupled with a first set abduction angle and a second set distance different from the first set distance is coupled with a second set abduction angle different from the first set abduction angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: SOMAS GROEP B.V.
    Inventors: Harry Plechelmus Christenhusz, Lambertus Joseph Martinus Kruijsen
  • Publication number: 20080319366
    Abstract: The present invention overcomes the lack of appropriate clothing for children being treated for hip dysplasia with a spica cast, Pavlic harness, or the like. A romper is disclosed that is sized to fit a child and sized to fit over a corrective device used to treat hip dysplasia. The romper of the present invention provides the convenience and neat appearance of infant clothing that is currently not available for children wearing a spica cast, Pavlic harness, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Nicole Kujawa, Barbara Merriam
  • Publication number: 20070197945
    Abstract: A hip and pelvic splint system is designed to immobilize both the pelvic region and lower extremities of a patient suffering from a hip or pelvic fracture. This allows ready transport of the patient with little or no pain or additional injury caused by shifting of the hip or pelvis. The device consists of a foam leg insert that is first placed between the legs of a patient to help stabilize the patient's lower extremities. A flexible splint component is then slid beneath the patient's lets and hips. The splint component is then closed over the patient and tightened with straps. The lower edge of splint component is secured snuggly about the legs in the vicinity of the patient's knees so that the foam leg insert can immobilize the legs. The upper edge of the splint is secured snuggly about the upper abdomen, thereby immobilizing the pelvis. Hand holds on the device allow paramedics to lift the patient without distorting the fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Steven T. Islava
  • Patent number: 7166083
    Abstract: A positioning system used to limit movement of the leg, such as when required after hip surgery. In at least one embodiment, a boot, which extends around the foot and lower leg, is secured around each foot. As such, the boots can be used to cushion the feet while applying traction to the leg during surgery. After surgery, the boots are secured together in a side-by-side relationship. In addition, a leg strap is preferably used in conjunction with the boots to help hold the legs together. The leg strap preferably has a cushion that is positioned between the knees with a strap that is secured around each leg. Consequently, the positioning kit restricts certain motion of the affected hip while not restricting movement of the hips and knee and ankle joints unnecessarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Bledsoe
  • Patent number: 7048707
    Abstract: A hip orthosis includes a hip engaging unit that can be secured to the contours of a human hip. An appendant orthotic member is formed to extend diagonally about and to be fixed to a human appendage. A connector assembly, with a support plate with a curved configuration at an anchor location to permit adjustment, interconnects the hip engaging member and the appendant member and includes an articulated joint member to control flexion, extension, abduction and adduction. The joint members can include an adjustable linkage system extending across and connected to both sides of the articulated joint. A first link member can be adjusted in length to control the movement of the articulated joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Orthomerica Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Shannon R. Schwenn, Alan T. Sandifer, Kenneth P. Davis
  • Patent number: 6926687
    Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis for relief of a patient from orthopedic dysfunctions comprising, in combination, a shoe and a brace assembly. The brace assembly comprises a leg member and a pair of opposed upright members. The leg member is constructed and arranged such that portions of the inner surface of the leg member complementarily conform to portions of the rear and sides of a patient's lower leg. Each upright member of the pair of upright members is connected to the leg member and extends downwardly from the leg member to a distal end. The support brace further comprises means for resiliently connecting a portion of the support brace to the upper portion of the shoe. In use, at least a portion of the distal ends of the upright members is inserted into a portion of the heel portion of the shoe between sides of the shoe and the patient's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel J. Shields
  • Patent number: 6810879
    Abstract: A positioning device for a patient undergoing a lateral epidural procedure. The positioning device includes a shoulder harness subassembly and a leg saddle subassembly. The shoulder harness subassembly is adapted to fit over the shoulders of the patient, and includes a chest strap extending downwardly from the front thereof. The leg saddle subassembly is adapted to fit behind the upper right and left legs of the patient, the saddle subassembly having a saddle strap extending upwardly therefrom. An adjustable strap attachment means is attached to one of the lower end of the chest strap or the upper end of the saddle strap. The adjustable strap attachment means is adapted to adjustably receive the other strap and hold the other strap at a location that restrains the patient in the desired fetal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald E. Tinsley
  • Patent number: 6740057
    Abstract: Device for restricting movement of a bone joint comprises a rigid material sandwiched between two foam layers, the pad having a surface adapted to be fastened to a user by adhesive material, the pad having a generally rectangular shape defined by two generally parallel sides, a top and a bottom, and having two pad portions desired by a crease line extending between the two sides, the two pad portions forming a determined angle less than 180 degrees with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald P. Grelsamer
  • Patent number: 6730006
    Abstract: An integrated back pain and back health program incorporating proper posture to achieve joint realignment and muscle relaxation, proper breathing to achieve stress management and muscle relaxation, and an exercise program focused on the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders, abdomen and hips to achieve muscle and joint flexibility and strengthening. By providing instruction on maintaining proper posture, the protocol offers back pain sufferers relief from the stress caused by muscles involuntarily attempting to realign and/or stabilize misaligned joints. The breathing techniques used in the protocol aid in muscle relaxation and, together with proper posture, maximize the benefits of the exercises performed in the procedure. The exercises in the protocol stretch and strengthen the muscles that are commonly implicated in the occurrence of back pain, release spasm in those muscles, and reset those muscles to normal tonus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Inventor: Paul Patterson
  • Patent number: 6616645
    Abstract: Absorbent diaper pants having a front part (2), a back part (3) with an elastic member (20) in the waist hole (12) region, and a crotch part (4) with elastic hems (19) in the diaper pants (1) leg holes (13), wherein the front part (2) and the back part (3) are provided with fastening means (21), and on the diaper pants (1) inner surface side a changeable absorbent pad (14) is arranged, and the diaper pants (1) are further provided with a therapeutic orthopaedic pad (29); characterized in that the orthopaedic pad (29) is located in a rectangular housing (27) arranged on the diaper pants (1) facing side, while this housing (27) is by its front and back transverse ends, in a takeable apart manner, secured to the end edges (9, 10) of the front part (2) and of the back part (3), and the absorbent pad (14) is inserted inside retaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Zden{haeck over (e)}k Morávek
  • Patent number: 6589195
    Abstract: A hip orthosis includes a hip engaging unit that can be secured to the contours of a human hip. An appendant orthotic member is formed to extend diagonally about and to be fixed to a human appendage. A connector assembly, with a support plate with a curved configuration at an anchor location to permit adjustment, interconnects the hip engaging member and the appendant member and includes an articulated joint member to control flexion, extension, abduction and adduction. The joint members can include an adjustable linkage system extending across and connected to both sides of the articulated joint. A first link member can be adjusted in length to control the movement of the articulated joint. An adjustable hinge member having a rotational axis which is offset by approximately 90° from a rotational axis of the articulate joint can be set to limit a range of flexion, while movement of the articulated joint provides either a controlled abduction or adduction movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Orthomerica Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Shannon R. Schwenn, Alan T. Sandifer, Kenneth P. Davis
  • Publication number: 20030013999
    Abstract: Device for restricting movement of a bone joint comprises a rigid material sandwiched between two foam layers, the pad having a surface adapted to be fastened to a user by adhesive material, the pad having a generally rectangular shape defined by two generally parallel sides, a top and a bottom, and having two pad portions desired by a crease line extending between the two sides, the two pad portions forming a determined angle less than 180 degrees with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald P. Grelsamer
  • Patent number: 6438779
    Abstract: A knee pillow for separating the knees of person while lying on their side. The knee pillow includes a pillow. The pillow comprises a cushion portion. The cushion portion has a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall. The front wall has a length at least twice a length of the back wall. The first and second side walls taper from the front wall to the back wall. The cushion portion has a concave shaped depression therein extending about the cushion portion such that the depression is positioned in the front, back, top and bottom walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Eric J. Brown
  • Patent number: 6319216
    Abstract: A pelvic bracing system having a first hip plate connected with respect to a second hip plate. The first hip plate and the second hip plate are laterally and/or rotationally adjustable with respect to a posterior panel to properly fit a posterior pelvic region of a patient. The first hip plate and the second hip plate are laterally and/or rotationally adjustable with respect to an anterior panel to properly fit an anterior pelvic region of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Hipbolt Orthopedic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Coligado
  • Patent number: 6254561
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for positioning a patient for radiation therapy includes a stabilization bar placed between the legs and secured to the legs of a patient to hold the legs in the frogleg position. The frogleg position is attained by positioning the patient in the supine position, then drawing the feet of the patient up as much as possible. The patient then abducts their thighs. The feet of the patient are then strapped together and the stabilization bar positioned between the patient's legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Diversified Marketing Association, Inc.
    Inventor: Carla K. Borden
  • Patent number: 6254559
    Abstract: An orthopedic hip joint assembly for connection between a pelvis attachment and a thigh attachment is especially useful in stabilizing a patient's hip postoperatively. It provides for free movement in a flexion extension plane between adjustable stops. The flexion extension plane is fixed at an angle to the vertical, preferably at about twenty degrees, so that the leg is neither abducted nor adducted when fully extended for best ambulation. When the leg is flexed for sitting, this angle causes the leg to abduct, or move away from the midline, thus preventing the unstable hip from dislocation or subluxation. A pair of wedge discs are provided, so that the angle between the pelvis attachment and the thigh attachment can be adjusted to fit hips of various widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony C. Tyrrell
  • Patent number: 6179756
    Abstract: An exercise device and method are provided for relieving hip and back pain. The device is a firm solid block with side surfaces contoured to fit between a patient's inner thighs. The device is placed between a seated patient's inner thighs just above the knees. By compressing the knees inwardly against the device, the adductor muscles are activated in isometric contractions. By pulling the knees outwardly, the piriformis muscles are activated in isometric contractions. Both actions relieve specific joint and soft tissue dysfunctions in the pelvic girdle and lumbar region thereby relieving hip and back pain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Woodside Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Bertolucci, Joan M. Bertolucci
  • Patent number: 6126624
    Abstract: Orthotic device for abduction for person affected by spasticity for placing between the knees and/or feet of patients. Viewed from above, this orthotic device consists of an approximately H-shaped structure with a central element, the length of which can be adjusted, with cross-pieces which can be movably attached by means of articulations at both ends of the central element. The length of the cross-pieces can also be adjusted and serve to support the knees and/or feet. The cross-pieces have support elements movably mounted by means of articulations, which are provided with cushions in the form of foam, gel, or air pillows. The support elements can be constructed as unitary rectilinear pieces or as unitary angular pieces. Preferably these support elements consist of parts which are connected to one another and to the cross-piece in a pivoting or articulated fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventors: Karl-Andreas Frauenberger, Amir Said Behfar
  • Patent number: 6045521
    Abstract: An orthotic apparatus for a paraplegic patient includes a pair of leg support members inclined toward each other at a predetermined inclination angle and a joint device coupled to an upper portion of each leg support member. The joint device allows rocking motion of the leg support members within a prescribed range such that the center of movement of the rocking motion approximates a virtual thigh joint rotation center point of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaishi Tatematsu Seisakucho
    Inventors: Eiichi Saitoh, Toyoteru Manabe, Masayasu Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5895366
    Abstract: A hip and knee abductor having a pair of leg securing members and a center pocket integrally attached therebetween. The center pocket receives an air inflation means capable of receiving, retaining and expelling air. The introduction of air in the air inflation means permits abduction of contracted legs. The unique use of the air inflation means permits the use of the abductor with fully contracted legs. A pair of rigid plates are inserted within retaining pockets formed in the pair of leg securing members for communicating with the expandable air inflation means and thereby applying lateral pressure to an inner portion of contracted legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Orthosis Corrective Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Jan J. Bzoch
  • Patent number: 5871457
    Abstract: A modular knee positioning support comprising at least one leg-engaging portion removably attached to a center wedge portion. The leg-engaging portion has a flat bottom with a single angled edge, and a top concave portion for receiving the upper and lower portions of a leg. The support can be made of a carvable foam. The foam can be covered with a washable cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Smith & Nephrew, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn M. Swedberg, Karen A. Fula
  • Patent number: 5860943
    Abstract: The hip abductor hinge for a hip stabilizer includes a top, middle and bottom connector with hubs and circular apertures that engage a locking device. The bottom and middle hubs have splines on the interior portion of the hubs. The locking device has splines on the exterior portion and interlock with the splines of the bottom and middle connector. The locking device also has a threaded central bore which extends from the interior portion of the locking device through the circular aperture of the top connector. A screw extends through the circular apertures and the threaded central bore. The position of the middle connector can be adjusted by rotating the screw such that the locking device disengages with the bottom circular aperture, rotating the middle connector, and then rotating the screw such that the locking device reengages with the bottom circular aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Restorative Care of America Incorporated
    Inventors: Clarence R. Bloedau, Jack E. Ball
  • Patent number: 5830168
    Abstract: An orthopedic hip support with multi-position joints for greater flexibility and comfort is disclosed. The hip support comprises left and right hip plates formed to mate with the hip region of the pelvis, a tightening belt and connecting front panel for adjusting the fit of the unit while supporting the abdomen, and a rear panel which connects the left and right hip plates therein forming the apparatus. Each hip plate is connected to the rear panel using a pin which permits relative rotation at the joint, and a preferred embodiment includes an elongated slot from which the pin can be positioned to expand or contract the apparatus. At mating surfaces of the rear panel and hip plates have abrasive, gritted surfaces which increase the friction between the two mating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Orthomerica Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Finnell, Bryan J. Puch
  • Patent number: RE46064
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a distractor assembly adapted to couple to a leg and capable of providing a distraction load on the leg in both supine and lateral positions of the leg. The assembly is coupled to a surgical table by a ball joint or a universal joint. A method includes coupling a leg to a distractor assembly, positioning the leg in one of a distraction mode and a femoral acetabular impingement mode, and repositioning the leg in the other of the modes without the need for accessing a draped pelvis/thigh region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Alexander Torrie, Edward J. Daley, II, Paul J. Skavicus