Abstract: An articulated Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) with an upper boot member and a lower boot member hinged to one another is made more flexible and effective by having a dorsi-flexion control member attached thereto. The dorsi-flexion control member has a main body with upper portion which is attachable to a predetermined position on the upper boot member, and a lower portion which is attachable to a lower boot member. The main body is fabricated from a material having a predetermined set of elasticity characteristics, which will limit dorsi-flexion movement in a predetermined manner, depending on the material used and the specific configuration. In this manner, the elasticity characteristics of the control member can provide both dynamic and static dorsi-flexion control.

Abstract: A stirrup footplate made up of a plastic main body having a predetermined thickness and a generally elongated configuration extending along a main axis. The main body has a toe end with a generally extending below a forefoot of the user when bonded to an AFO, and a heel end with a cross-like configuration, wherein the cross-like configuration has a pair of lateral extensions extending substantially perpendicularly from the main axis. The lateral extensions sized so that an end portion of each lateral extension will be formable in a manner to extend up an opposite side of the thermoplastic AFO when bonded thereto. The cross-like configuration further having a heel extension which extends along the main axis and can extend at least partially up a heel side of the AFO when bonded thereto. The plastic main body is form of a material having a predetermined stiffness which is stiffer than the thermoplastic AFO which will provide support to the user's heel and foot bed.

Abstract: In order to provide efficient support for a user's back, the belt of the present application includes structures to help align and maintain the position of three portions of the users body—an upper abdominal region, a lower abdominal region and the lower back. To provide this support, a belt has an abdominal panel configured to be positioned over the user's abdomen, and a belt member wrapping around the waist region. The abdominal panel has a specific configuration and size to cause an upper portion of the abdomen is held in position and a lower portion of the abdomen to be held in position, with forces being applied so that these portions remain in a preferred alignment. The belt member includes a strap that is configured so that it can be positioned within the user's waist groove, and will provide additional supporting forces. In this way, the belt provides support to three critical locations on the user's body, thus insuring optimum alignment and support of the user's central body region.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis having an articulated outer boot adapted to provide support and limit plantar-flexion, and a cooperating inner boot adapted to facilitate transition from mid-stance phase to terminal contact phase of the gait cycle. The ankle-foot orthosis of the present invention can provide lower-limb alignment while delivering power assistance to achieve normal swing phase.

Abstract: An articulated Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) with an upper boot member and a lower boot member hinged to one another is made more flexible and effective by having a dorsi-flexion control member attached thereto. The dorsi-flexion control member has a main body with upper portion which is attachable to a predetermined position on the upper boot member, and a lower portion which is attachable to a lower boot member. The main body is fabricated from a material having a predetermined set of elasticity characteristics, which will limit dorsi-flexion movement in a predetermined manner, depending on the material used and the specific configuration.

Abstract: In order to provide efficient support for a user's back, the belt of the present application includes structures to help align and maintain the position of three portions of the users body—an upper abdominal region, a lower abdominal region and the lower back. To provide this support, a belt has an abdominal panel configured to be positioned over the user's abdomen, and a belt member wrapping around the waist region. The abdominal panel has a specific configuration and size to cause an upper portion of the abdomen is held in position and a lower portion of the abdomen to be held in position, with forces being applied so that these portions remain in a preferred alignment. The belt member includes a strap that is configured so that it can be positioned within the user's waist groove, and will provide additional supporting forces. In this way, the belt provides support to three critical locations on the user's body, thus insuring optimum alignment and support of the user's central body region.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis having an articulated outer boot adapted to provide support and limit plantar-flexion, and a cooperating inner boot adapted to facilitate transition from mid-stance phase to terminal contact phase of the gait cycle. The ankle-foot orthosis of the present invention can provide lower-limb alignment while delivering power assistance to achieve normal swing phase.

Abstract: An improved AFO joint is described herein with improved stability and anti-rotational features. In particular, the AFO joint comprises a body portion with a medial beam for support and improved patient gait. Additionally, the AFO described herein comprises a tensioning member with high strength and a low profile for improved biomechanical effect.

Abstract: A lumbo-sacral orthosis having a main body member sized to wrap substantially around a body of a wearer at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An outer holds the main body member at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An inner belt is cinched to compresses the wearer's body at the waist groove. A lumbar panel with an independently movable flexible element may be supported by the main body member. Side panels may also be supported by the main body member along with an abdominal panel which may include an independently movable lower element.

Abstract: A back brace for support of a patient's back having a pair of belts that together distract the spine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, to an improved orthosis and posterior plantar flexion stop for the orthosis, as well as to methods of making and using the orthosis and posterior stop, plus components used to make the orthosis and stop. The ankle-foot orthosis and plantar flexion stop of the present invention improve on the function and performance of the orthosis, while also making the orthosis attractive and easier to use than prior devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, to an improved orthosis and posterior plantar flexion stop for the orthosis, as well as to methods of making and using the orthosis and posterior stop, plus components used to make the orthosis and stop. The ankle-foot orthosis and plantar flexion stop of the present invention improve on the function and performance of the orthosis, while also making the orthosis attractive and easier to use than prior devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, to an improved orthosis and posterior plantar flexion stop for the orthosis, as well as to methods of making and using the orthosis and posterior stop, plus components used to make the orthosis and stop. The ankle-foot orthosis and plantar flexion stop of the present invention improve on the function and performance of the orthosis, while also making the orthosis attractive and easier to use than prior devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, to an improved orthosis and posterior plantar flexion stop for the orthosis, as well as to methods of making and using the orthosis and posterior stop, plus components used to make the orthosis and stop. The ankle-foot orthosis and plantar flexion stop of the present invention improve on the function and performance of the orthosis, while also making the orthosis attractive and easier to use than prior devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, to an improved orthosis and posterior plantar flexion stop for the orthosis, as well as to methods of making and using the orthosis and posterior stop, plus components used to make the orthosis and stop. The ankle-foot orthosis and plantar flexion stop of the present invention improve on the function and performance of the orthosis, while also making the orthosis attractive and easier to use than prior devices.