Abstract: A body interface comprises a panel, and a lumbar support and may be configured to attach to an exoskeleton such as a leg/hip assist mechanism. The body interface has an adjustable tension provided by either a tensioning device or by the properties of materials in the panel and the lumbar support. Tension in the body interface allows the lumbar support to comfortably and dynamically contact a user's body while the panel cooperates with the leg/hip assist mechanism. First and second arms may extend from lateral portions of the panel to define with first and second belt members a circumference around the user.

Abstract: An interface system in an exoskeleton includes a base support, a strap assembly, and posterior strut. The posterior strut has a vertical member defining a lower end connecting to the base support, and an upper end connecting to first and second transverse members extending in opposed directions from the vertical member. The first and second transverse members connect to the strap assembly. The interface system is adapted to receive and support an assistive device adapted to augment a user's performance and mitigate repetitive strain injuries.

Abstract: A body interface comprises a panel, and a lumbar support and may be configured to attach to an exoskeleton such as a leg/hip assist mechanism. The body interface has an adjustable tension provided by either a tensioning device or by the properties of materials in the panel and the lumbar support. Tension in the body interface allows the lumbar support to comfortably and dynamically contact a user's body while the panel cooperates with the leg/hip assist mechanism. First and second arms may extend from lateral portions of the panel to define with first and second belt members a circumference around the user.

Abstract: An orthopedic system includes a base shell forming an opening over a dorsal aspect thereof and a dorsal shell contoured to generally correspond to the opening of the base shell. The base shell has a proximal member and a distal member connected to the proximal member, each has a semi-rigid shell configuration to protect and support a lower leg, an ankle, or a foot of a user when received in the orthopedic system. A flexible toe portion is attached to a distal terminal end area of the distal member and formed of a different material than the distal member. The flexible toe portion is arranged to terminate above an upper surface of the user's toes and to flex relative to the distal member and the toes so as to reduce the likelihood of pressure points on the toes from the distal member.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis has an elongate and substantially rigid spinal frame having upper, middle and lower portions, and a lumbar assembly connected to the lower portion of the spinal frame. A strap assembly secures to an upper portion of the spinal frame and is adjustably secured to the lumbar assembly. An elastic strap has a first end secured to the spinal frame and a second end adjustably securing to the lumbar assembly.

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: Ear-fitting headphone attachment apparatus, systems that utilize the aforementioned attachment apparatus, and methods of its manufacture and use. In one aspect, an attachment apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the attachment apparatus includes a coiled wire having an interference dimension. The coiled wire includes an attachment point for the attachment of a decorative item. In another embodiment, the attachment apparatus includes an extruded or injection molded tube of material. A pair of wires wraps around the tube of material in opposite direction, the pair of wires residing around an outside perimeter of the tube of material and entering into the tube of material where it exits at a bottom portion of the tube of material. In yet another embodiment, the attachment apparatus includes a woven textile having a crosshatch pattern associated therewith. In yet another embodiment, the attachment apparatus includes thin metal strips that collectively have a crosshatch pattern associated therewith.

Abstract: An insole for an orthopedic device includes a top portion including at least one top layer. The top layer defines a top surface arranged to be substantially adjacent a plantar surface of a user's foot. A bottom portion is connected to and arranged opposite the top portion. The bottom portion includes at least one bottom layer. At least one removable element is arranged for removal from at least the bottom portion for defining at least one opening below the top surface. The top surface continuously spans over the at least one opening arranged for off-loading one or more affected areas of the plantar surface of the foot.

Abstract: An interface system in an exoskeleton includes a base support, a strap assembly, and posterior strut. The posterior strut has a vertical member defining a lower end connecting to the base support, and an upper end connecting to first and second transverse members extending in opposed directions from the vertical member. The first and second transverse members connect to the strap assembly. The interface system is adapted to receive and support an assistive device adapted to augment a user's performance and mitigate repetitive strain injuries.

Abstract: Travel pillow apparatus, storage apparatus for the travel pillow apparatus, and methods of manufacture and use. In one embodiment, the travel pillow apparatus, includes an external covering, the external covering including upper and lower support structures; an air bladder apparatus that includes an expandable open-cell foam within an interior of the air bladder apparatus. The air bladder apparatus is further shorter in length than the external covering, such that the air bladder apparatus is not intended to be positioned towards the back of a neck of a user that is utilizing the travel pillow apparatus. A storage apparatus with a one-way expulsion valve for storage of, for example, the aforementioned travel pillow apparatus. Methods of manufacturing and using the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a hinge assembly, a frame having first and second frame components spaced apart from and connected to one another by the hinge assembly, a strap system extending between medial and lateral sides of the first frame component, and at least one tensioning element. The at least one tensioning element has a first end secured to the strap system and a second end coupled to the hinge assembly. Articulation of the hinge assembly pulls the strap system toward the frontal plane by the at least one tensioning element.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis has an elongate and substantially rigid spinal frame having upper, middle and lower portions, and a lumbar assembly connected to the lower portion of the spinal frame. A strap assembly secures to an upper portion of the spinal frame and is adjustably secured to the lumbar assembly. An elastic strap has a first end secured to the spinal frame and a second end adjustably securing to the lumbar assembly.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has first and second elongate struts each having a strap coupling member, and a flexible strap securing to the first and second struts by the strap coupling members. The orthopedic device includes various embodiments of hinge assemblies including flexion and extension stops and locks for maintaining the hinge assembly in a fixed configuration. The orthopedic device has various embodiments of strap assemblies for securing components to cuff assemblies.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a textile panel having interior and exterior surfaces, and a first stabilizer assembly including a first tubular welt sewn or knitted within and extending from an exterior surface of the textile panel. A first cable is slidably extending through the tubular welt and a strap is connected to a first end of the cable extending from a first opening of the welt, and the strap is adjustably securable over the textile panel. The orthopedic device may include various portions of stretchability and features for receiving components for the orthopedic device.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has first and second struts connected to one another by a hinge system, and includes a dynamic control system and a counterforce system. The dynamic control system includes first and second dynamic components arranged on a first side of the orthopedic device to exert first and second dynamic forces according to a flexion angle of the hinge system. A counterforce system is located on a second side of the orthopedic device to counteract the first and second dynamic forces with at least one counterforce.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for treatment of anterior cruciate ligament complications, including a knee support with a strap system for providing variable assistance during gait, particularly as a user flexes a knee. A method for using the orthopedic device involves providing increased loading at certain flexion angles and diminished loading at other flexion angles and extension.

Abstract: An adjustment system is arranged to be mounted on a frame of a body interface, and includes a tensioning device in cooperation with a tensioning element, at least one elastic component, and at least one connector. The adjustment system can adjust at least one of the connectors, which in turn may carry additional components such as assistive devices in an exoskeleton device, assistive device, orthopedic device, or prosthetic device.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a textile panel having interior and exterior surfaces, and a first stabilizer assembly including a first tubular welt sewn or knitted within and extending from an exterior surface of the textile panel. A first cable is slidably extending through the tubular welt and a strap is connected to a first end of the cable extending from a first opening of the welt, and the strap is adjustably securable over the textile panel. The orthopedic device may include various portions of stretchability and features for receiving components for the orthopedic device.

Abstract: An orthosis includes a footplate having a heel portion, a midfoot portion, and a longitudinal axis extending between the heel and midfoot portions. A first deflection zone is defined along a length of the footplate anterior of the heel portion and through which the footplate is arranged to flex during gait to accommodate dorsiflexion of a foot of a user positioned on the footplate. At least one strut is connected to the heel portion of the footplate and extends upwardly therefrom and a connecting portion connects the at least one strut to the heel portion.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has first and second struts connected to one another by a hinge system, and includes a dynamic control system and a counterforce system. The dynamic control system includes first and second dynamic components arranged on a first side of the orthopedic device to exert first and second dynamic forces according to a flexion angle of the hinge system. A counterforce system is located on a second side of the orthopedic device to counteract the first and second dynamic forces with at least one counterforce.