Patents Examined by Michael A. Brown
  • Orthopaedic walker
    Patent number: 9387113
    Abstract: The invention relates to walkers, and in particular, to orthopaedic walker devices for assisting in the stabilization and healing of injuries to the lower leg and/or foot, including fractures to the bones of the foot, such as metatarsal fractures, ‘Jones Fracture or broken phalanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: SONOA PRODUCTS LTD
    Inventor: Christopher Whipp
  • Variable tension glove
    Patent number: 9387110
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a variable tension rehabilitation glove including a glove body configured to receive a hand of a user, a wrist band surround the wrist portion, and a plurality of tension bands connecting distal portions of finger portions to a movable tension device for varying the tension of the tension bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: The Kelly Clientele Group, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Kelly
  • Compressible braided mesh finger splint and therapeutic uses thereof
    Patent number: 9387115
    Abstract: A finger splint and method of providing support for a finger is disclosed. The finger splint can include a braided mesh folded over itself to form a hollow tube having a double wall and having a longitudinal axis. The folded over braided mesh can have a first open end that is flared. The braided mesh, before being folded over, is compressible and after being compressed and released, springs back to its original shape. In accordance with the method of providing support to a finger, a finger is inserted into an open end of a compressible tabular braided mesh splint that has been folded over to form a cylindrical two-walled splint and the splint is pulled onto the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Joyce D. Murphy
  • Cranial position orientation detection method and apparatus for pediatric patients
    Patent number: 9381106
    Abstract: A force distribution apparatus and method are presented. Various embodiments of the disclosed apparatus include a plurality of layers configured and oriented to be deployed on a subject in a manner that disperses forces and lowers peak pressures experienced by the subject when resting on a surface, which tends to minimize risks of deformation and local ischemia. An innovative combination of novel construction methods, material selections, and sensors produce an apparatus that possesses an inherent three-dimensional shape despite being built from essentially flat components, while also retaining an ability to effectively distribute forces and reduce pressures. Further embodiments of the disclosed apparatus are adapted to detect and monitor motion and position of the subject, providing retrospective or real-time data for caregivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Invictus Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Loring Gilmer, Thomas Craig Roberts, III, Samuel Alexander, George Martin Hutchinson, Daniel V. Mendez
  • Lace-tongue attachment for ankle stabilizing device
    Patent number: 9375339
    Abstract: An ankle stabilizing device having a lace-tongue attachment includes a body member, a plurality of eyelets extending along the front edges of the body member, and a centering lace. The centering lace is secured to the ankle stabilizing device between the pair of eyelets at the toe-end of the device such that the central portion of the centering lace is precluded from passing through either of the toe-end pair of eyelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Medical Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Lee Gaylord
  • Adjustable-slider, equinus brace with toe wedge
    Patent number: 9375342
    Abstract: Devices and processes used to treat ankle equinus. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a brace and the corresponding method of use to treat equinus by stretching the Gastrocnemius muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: IQMED LLC
    Inventors: Patrick DeHeer, John H. Moorin, Ricky Heath
  • Orthopedic device having detachable components for treatment stages and method for using the same
    Patent number: 9375341
    Abstract: An orthopedic device has detachable components for treatment stages of an injury or surgical procedure. The orthopedic device is arranged as a protective functional support for regeneration of knee cartilage after surgical repair procedures, and includes a flexion control kit and a wrap-around liner sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR hf
    Inventors: Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Bjorn Omarsson, Thorleifur Stefansson, Thorvaldur Ingvarsson
  • Brace having an inflation control
    Patent number: 9375340
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a brace having an inflation control. The control directs fluid flow from an inflation component to one or more inflatable cells of the brace. The inflatable cells are independently inflated and deflated by the inflation component through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inflation component and one of the inflatable cells by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired inflatable cells. Each inflatable cell is independently inflated and deflated in various orientations of the control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Batterson, Manikandan Sasidharan, Robert Ketelhohn, Carl T. Whitaker
  • Pelvic structure for physical therapy device and head fastener for cervical traction
    Patent number: 9375286
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a pelvic fastener for lumbar traction of physical therapy device and head fastener for cervical traction, which supports a pelvis in a comfortable and firm manner, maintains a predetermined level of traction intensity without being detached or slid down, maximizes a treatment effect by concentrating a traction force on the lumbar and preventing power dispersion, is intended for patient treatment or correction by means of cervical traction, and does not pressurize a patient's head or function in an unstable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Won-ha Jung
  • Spinal orthosis
    Patent number: 9370440
    Abstract: A spinal orthosis has an elongate spinal frame defining upper, middle and lower portions, and a lumbar assembly including a lumbar belt connected to the lower portion of the spinal frame. A middle bracket assembly is pivotally connected to the middle portion of the spinal frame, and a strap has a first end secured to the upper portion of the spinal frame. The strap extends from the upper portion of the frame to the middle bracket assembly with the strap redirecting from the middle bracket assembly and the second end of the strap securing to the lumbar belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ossur hf
    Inventors: Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Nina Bakken, Bjorn Omarsson, Harry Duane Romo, Adam Dunn
  • Ankle control system and method
    Patent number: 9364363
    Abstract: An ankle control system, having a form-fitting sock or brace, a relatively-rigid support member, a lever motion stabilizing strap, and collar. The form-fitting sock or brace has opposing medial and lateral sides, a foot portion having an arch portion, and an ankle portion having an upper attachment element. The relatively-rigid support member is connected to the form-fitting sock or brace and contours about a wearer's leg. The lever motion stabilizing strap acts as a lasso to restrict inversion, eversion, and plantar flexion/inversion through the lever action of the foot with respect to the ankle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Dean E. Cropper
  • Progressive force strap assembly for use with an orthopedic device
    Patent number: 9364365
    Abstract: A progressive strap assembly includes an elongate, inelastic body having first and second ends, and an elastic body having first and second ends, the first end of the elastic body anchored to the second end of the inelastic body. The elastic body is arranged to stretch a plurality of lengths and has a maximum stretchable length. A tension limiter is connected to the first and second ends of the elastic body and is arranged to inhibit a predetermined stretchable length of the elastic body short of the maximum stretchable length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Bjorn Omarsson, Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Valgeir Petursson, Hildur Inga Thorsteinsdottir
  • Orthopedic device and method for securing the same
    Patent number: 9358146
    Abstract: An orthopedic device has various frame elements concealed by a sleeve defining pockets into which such frame elements are located. The orthopedic device includes a strap tightening assembly adapted to secure a plurality of straps simultaneously. The frame may include flexible edge features located along a periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR hf
    Inventors: Hildur Inga Thorsteinsdottir, Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Helga Run Palsdottir, Bjorn Omarsson
  • Spinal therapy device
    Patent number: 9358415
    Abstract: The invention provides a spinal therapy device that can be used by an individual to self-apply overpressure, spinal decompression, spinal joint mobilization or a combination thereof to the spine, as well as methods for using a spinal therapy device to self apply overpressure, spinal decompression, spinal joint mobilization or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Oakford Champion
  • Proprioceptive topical ankle gear and methods of use
    Patent number: 9357804
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to topical ankle gear for enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury. The topical ankle gear and kits preferably comprise a flexible sleeve and a lateral foot-ankle buttress, Achilles buttresses, and/or an extendable strap. The topical ankle gear of the present invention is designed to be worn during periods of physical activity to reduce injury and to train and strengthen the athletes muscles against injury, advantageously increasing proprioception by stimulating critical sensory and tactile receptors in the foot and ankle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Topical Gear, LLC
    Inventors: William D. Bue, Jr., Michael L. Martin, Elizabeth Danflous Russell
  • Percussion therapy system, apparatus and method
    Patent number: 9351892
    Abstract: A sonic percussion therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a control module. The sonic percussion structure is attached to the inflatable cell so that the sonic percussion structure moves in response to movement of the inflatable cell. The control module includes a sonic percussion control module and a position control module. The sonic percussion control module independently controls frequency and/or intensity of at least one of the plurality of sonic percussion structures. The position control module selectively raises and lowers at least one of the plurality of sonic percussion structures with respect to a patient surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: KAP Medical
    Inventors: Raj K. Gowda, Dan F. Rosenmayer, Richard Jeff Garcia
  • Powered lower extremity orthotic and method of operation
    Patent number: 9351855
    Abstract: A powered lower extremity orthotic, including a shank link coupled to an artificial foot, a knee mechanism connected to the shank link and a thigh link, is controlled by based on signals from various orthotic mounted sensors such that the artificial foot follows a predetermined trajectory defined by at least one Cartesian coordinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignees: Ekso Bionics, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Tim Swift, Adam Brian Zoss, Katherine Strausser, Matthew Rosa, Dylan Miller Fairbanks, Minerva Vasudevan Pillai, Miclas Schwartz, Bram Gilbert Antoon Lambrecht, Sebastian Kruse
  • Orthopedic device having a dynamic control system
    Patent number: 9351864
    Abstract: An orthopedic device is arranged to apply a dynamic load on a leg of a user. The orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame including lower and upper frames, and a hinge assembly connecting the lower and upper frames. A dynamic loading component is used to urge the load on the user's leg on the basis of flexion of the hinge assembly on the basis of tension in an elongate element connecting the dynamic loading component and at least one of the lower and upper frames. A peak load is generated at a flexion angle between extension and maximum flexion of the hinge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Harry Duane Romo, Jane Lee, Chris Webster, Jared Olivo, Henry Hsu, Robert Laprade
  • Configurable subshell components in orthopedic devices
    Patent number: 9345607
    Abstract: A coupling device for an orthopedic brace includes an anchoring member for securing to a frame and protruding therefrom, and a subshell arranged to connect to the frame by the anchoring member. The subshell has a locking element for selectively positioning the subshell on the frame at a plurality of locations. The subshell may include an end portion or contoured edge extending beyond a portion of the frame so as to flex relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Jane Lee, Yessenia Lopez, Joshua Kompa, Arni Thor Ingimundarson
  • Ankle foot orthosis
    Patent number: 9345608
    Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis includes a leg member, a foot member, and a drive member. The drive assembly includes a link member which may be hingedly secured to the foot member at a hinge location adjacent to the posterior end of the foot member. The drive assembly may be operable to selectively impart pivotal movement between the foot member and the link member about a first pivot axis, and pivotal movement between the foot member and the leg member about a second pivot axis at the hinge location. The leg member and the foot member strut may be selectively movable in a medial-lateral direction relative to a base of the foot member and the drive assembly. The inferior-superior location of the second pivot axis may be selectively adjustable for substantially aligning the second pivot axis with an axis of rotation of an ankle joint of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Bonutti Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen A. Phillips