Abstract: An ankle support includes a sleeve and a heel strap that offers comfortable and secure heel fit. The ankle support has a versatile strap system that can be easily configured for different indications and forms of restriction. The strap system accounts for the anatomy of the ankle by offering stretch where needed to provide effective motion control while balancing comfort. The strap system has segments lacking elasticity or stretch to stably secure the strap system about a user's ankle while accommodating the anatomy of the ankle and minimizing migration and discomfort.

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.

Abstract: A tightening system includes a housing and a spool situated within the housing. The spool is rotatable about an axis within the housing. An elongate tensioning element is rotatably linked to the spool and a tension control mechanism is operatively connected to the spool. The tension control mechanism is arranged to automatically move relative to the spool when tension in the tensioning element reaches a predetermined level, which, in turn, releases at least part of the tension in the tensioning element.

Abstract: An orthopedic walker or walking boot has a body formed from at least one polymeric material. The body defines an upper receiving section, a lower receiving section, and a footbed. The upper receiving section includes first and second portions divided by a median plane of the orthopedic walker, and are arranged to individually articulate about or from the median plane to expand or retract a variable distance between the first and second portions of the upper receiving section along one of anterior or posterior sides of the body. The body may consist of the upper receiving section, the lower receiving section, and the footbed as a continuous structure formed unitarily from the expanded thermoplastic.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a lateral wedge positionable under a foot of a user. The lateral wedge has posterior and anterior ends, and upper and lower surfaces. First and second sides extend between the upper and lower surfaces. A thickness is defined between the upper and lower surfaces that tapers from the first side toward the second side such that the lateral wedge provides a lift under the foot to unload pressure from an affected compartment of the knee by supporting a one side of the foot in an elevated position relative to the other. At least one trim line extends in a direction between the posterior and anterior ends. The lateral wedge is trimmable along the at least one trim line to vary or control the amount of lift provided by varying the thickness of the lateral wedge along the first side relative to the second side.

Abstract: An orthopedic device comprises a main body defining an outer surface and a cuff extending from an end portion of the main body with frictional material disposed on an inner surface of the first cuff. A hinge is connected to the main body and terminates along the main body short of the cuff. The cuff is arranged to fold over the outer surface of the main body in a disengaged configuration, such that the outer surface of the first cuff is adjacently against the outer surface of the main body.

Abstract: A support for an article has a body arranged for length adjustment along a length adjustment axis. A tensioning device is connected to the support and adjustment of the tensioning device shortens or lengthens a length of the support along the length adjustment axis. The body defines at least one opening overlapping at least part of the length adjustment axis such that length adjustment is governed by modification of the size of the at least one opening according to adjustment by the tensioning device.

Abstract: A tightening system and method for operating the same in an article for a wearer includes first and second members arranged for being connected at first ends, and separated by a distance at second ends. A tension element connects the first and second members. A tensioning mechanism is mounted on the first member and coupled to the tension element. The tensioning mechanism includes a housing and a retractable and extendable line arranged to be extended from the housing and automatically retract to the housing upon release of the line to permit one-way incremental winding of the tension element to thereby draw the first and second members closer to one another by reducing the distance therebetween.

Abstract: A fastener member for mechanical affixation to a structure includes a base having first and second sides, a plurality of fastening elements integrally formed and extending from a first side of the base, and at least one affixation element extending from the second side of the base and arranged to mechanically affix to an attachment opening of a structure. A system includes a structure and a fastener member for mechanical affixation to the structure. A method includes affixing the fastener member to a structure.

Abstract: A hinge has a hinge body forming an articulating section extending between a first end and a second end of the hinge. The articulating section is adapted to bend from a neutral axis when the first and second ends are parallel to an angular range in which the first end is arranged among a plurality of angles within the angular range relative to the second end. The hinge body may define a receptacle along the articulating section, and an insert may be provided for insertion into the receptacle. The insert can modify the stiffness of the hinge in the angular range and is arranged parallel to the neutral axis.

Abstract: A support for an article has a body arranged for length adjustment along a length adjustment axis. A tensioning device is connected to the support and adjustment of the tensioning device shortens or lengthens a length of the support along the length adjustment axis. The body defines at least one opening overlapping at least part of the length adjustment axis such that length adjustment is governed by modification of the size of the at least one opening according to adjustment by the tensioning device.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis includes posterior panels arranged with a flat spinal curvature to create a reverse three-point pressure system to the spine. The reverse three-point pressure system relieves pressure on the posterior side of the vertebrae beneficial for certain indications. Various arrangements allow for securing the posterior panel to the spinal orthosis. The spinal orthosis includes a belt member length adjustment system including belt members having end portions reducible in length and a belt panel adapted to secure to the end portion of the belt member reduced in length to form at least in part a belt circumference of the spinal orthosis.

Abstract: A strap attachment system includes a frame member having an opening, a strap, and a tab having a body and an attachment element defined by the body. The tab connects to the strap. A fastener element connects to the tab and is detachably and slidably mountable to the frame member by the opening.

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.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis includes posterior panels arranged with a flat spinal curvature to create a reverse three-point pressure system to the spine. The reverse three-point pressure system relieves pressure on the posterior side of the vertebrae beneficial for certain indications. Various arrangements allow for securing the posterior panel to the spinal orthosis. The spinal orthosis includes a belt member length adjustment system including belt members having end portions reducible in length and a belt panel adapted to secure to the end portion of the belt member reduced in length to form at least in part a belt circumference of the spinal orthosis.

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.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is arranged as a lightweight ankle-foot orthosis providing dynamic support for drop foot or related disorders requiring dorsiflexion. The orthopedic device includes a main support adapted to secure about a lower leg, a strap assembly having a first portion coupling to the main support, and a second portion arranged to be drawn therefrom, and an anchor for receiving and attaching to the second portion of the strap assembly. The location of the anchor along a foot component enables increased medial-lateral control, and the arrangement of the strap assembly permits dorsiflexion during swing phase of a user's gait.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis includes posterior panels arranged with a flat spinal curvature to create a reverse three-point pressure system to the spine. The reverse three-point pressure system relieves pressure on the posterior side of the vertebrae beneficial for certain indications. Various arrangements allow for securing the posterior panel to the spinal orthosis. The spinal orthosis includes a belt member length adjustment system including belt members having end portions reducible in length and a belt panel adapted to secure to the end portion of the belt member reduced in length to form at least in part a belt circumference of the spinal orthosis.