Lower Extremity Patents (Class 602/23)
  • Patent number: 7887499
    Abstract: A sleep-aiding device for restricting stretching of a wearer's legs to full extension to reduce leg muscle cramping during sleep includes an adjustable belt worn about a wearer's waist during sleep, with leg members extending between the belt at the wearer's waist and attachment at lower portions of the wearer's legs, generally below the wearer's knees, e.g. in a particular implementation by engagement of the wearer's feet through end loops positioned midway between the toes and ankle. The leg members have predetermined lengths between the belt and attachment at the lower portions of the wearer's legs that are adjustably selected to restrict stretching of the wearer's legs to full extension during sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Cogswell
  • Patent number: 7887500
    Abstract: A method for applying pressure to a person's body includes the steps of: (a) positioning a collar such that, (i) the appendage axially extends into and out of the collar on opposite axial ends of the collar, and (ii) a first collar portion surrounds at least a first side of a person's body and a second collar portion surrounds at least a second, opposite side of the person's body; and (b) drawing together the first collar portion and the second collar portion using a tensioning system such that a portion of the person's body is compressed between the first collar portion and the second collar portion. The tensioning system includes a rotary closure device operable to selectively draw together the first collar portion and the second collar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Nordt Development Company, LLC
    Inventors: William E. Nordt, III, Ian D. Kovacevich, Kevin J. Dahlquist, Tom J. Philpott
  • Patent number: 7887497
    Abstract: A unitary flexible body having an anchor portion wrapping about the wrist to secure the body there, the anchor portion freely offset from the thumb, palm and dorsum of the hand, the body having a support extension extending distally from the anchor portion in supporting relation with the Thenar Emminence of the palm, and extending part way about the thumb via the web space between the thumb and forefinger, and having terminal attachment to said anchor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Weber Orthopedic Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Weber, David Auerbach, Shane M. Woods
  • Patent number: 7878999
    Abstract: Various embodiments of an orthopedic appliance for bracing and supporting a joint are described herein. The orthopedic appliance includes a first support portion and a second support portion with surfaces partially facing one another, and a force application element. In use, the first and second support portions are located on opposing sides of an outer portion of the joint and, in conjunction with the force application element, apply partially opposing forces to the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Allison McLean
  • Patent number: 7871389
    Abstract: A structural element for a sports shoe provided with a casing able to be selectively configured between a first rigid condition and a second flexible condition. The structural element comprises a tongue, shaped and provided at least with a first segment, or lower segment, attached to the casing, and a second segment, or upper segment, pivoted to the first segment, so as to be selectively taken to a first operating position in which the second segment is rigidly aligned with the first segment, and a second operating position in which the second segment is free to incline with respect to the first segment and substantially follows the movement of the tibial zone of the user's leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Calzaturificio Dal Bello SRL
    Inventors: Glen Plake, Florio Gazzola
  • Publication number: 20110009791
    Abstract: A support shell arrangement (20) is provided for arranging on a lower leg, having a foot part (23) and a calf part (21). The calf part includes two calf struts (29, 30) disposed at the side of an entry opening (32) of the calf part, extending in the longitudinal axis of the calf part, and a heel strut connected to the calf struts in a strut connection and extending toward a heel part of the foot part. A support bow arrangement (24) has two bow struts (34, 35) extending in a U-shape about a sole area, the free strut ends thereof being pivotally connected in pairs in a common pivot joint (43, 44) on a joint axis corresponding to the ankle joint and connected to a calf strut, and connected to each other in a V-shape by a common support basis (36). The support basis is pivotally connected to the heel strut of the calf part at the heel side end thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Gero Hopmann
  • Publication number: 20110009790
    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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Randall Brown
  • Patent number: 7867183
    Abstract: Embodiments of the knee brace disclosed herein provide a combination of external ligament support and/or relief from pain caused by osteoarthritis with patellofemoral support. The brace includes a rigid frame and a flexible strap configured to extend across the wearer's patella to provide anterior loading thereto. The strap is operatively secured at either end to components of the rigid frame, thereby providing maximum leverage for applying force to the wearer's patella. In some embodiments, the strap includes a removable and adjustable buttress for directly contacting the wearer's patella. The patellar strap provides dynamic loading to the patella through the wearer's range of motion for relief of patellofemoral dysfunction, such as patellar shift, subluxation and dislocation, and malalignments such as patella alta, patella baja, tilt and glide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: DJ Orthopedics, LLC
    Inventors: Andy Kazmierczak, John Martin, Richard E. Gildersleeve, John Fulkerson, Kurt Jacobson, Scott Seligman
  • Patent number: 7862528
    Abstract: A unitary knee patella stabilizer for a user's leg, the stabilizer including a patella stabilizer sleeve having an open-upper end and an open-lower end adapted to slidably receive the leg portion of the user and an upper fastener assembly having a first strap, connected at its proximal end to an upper end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the first strap having a fastener at a distal end of the first strap. The apparatus further includes a lower fastener assembly having a second strap, connected at its proximal end to a lower end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the second strap having a fastener at a distal end of the second strap and a buttress comprising a plurality of straps adapted to be adjustably positioned on an inside surface of the patella stabilizer sleeve around a location on a circumferential edge of a patella opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: New Options Sports
    Inventor: John Scott
  • Patent number: 7862527
    Abstract: An orthopedic support includes a sheet of flexible material having a proximal edge and a distal edge configured to extend at least partially around a portion of the wearer's anatomy and a pair of opposing lateral edges configured to at least partially enclose the portion of the wearer's anatomy. The orthopedic support includes at least one strap attached to the sheet of material and configured to extend over one of the lateral edges, wherein the strap comprises an associated fastening element configured to attach to the sheet of material so as to secure the sheet about the portion of the wearer's anatomy. The orthopedic support further includes an edge binding molded to an edge of the sheet of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Beth Gramza, Scott D. McCormick, Edward L. Weaver, II
  • Publication number: 20100331749
    Abstract: This invention provides an orthotic sock comprising a tubular main body having two ends, one of which may be sized to snugly fit over the wearer's ankle while the second end may be sized to snugly fit over at least a portion of the wearer's foot, an orthotic heel lift and an internal pocket, located within the main body, that substantially encloses a heel lift whereby the lift is held in place against the wearer's heel by the sock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Powaser
  • Publication number: 20100331750
    Abstract: An orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame element defining opposed first and second sides, and is adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb. The device includes straps formed from a variety of segments having stretchable and substantially inelastic segments. The straps adjustably secure to the frame element, and stretch relative thereto. The device also includes a central strap pad arranged to connect two straps together such that a first strap of the two straps is movable relative to a second strap, and the first and second straps are maintained diagonal relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Arni Thor Ingimundarson
  • Publication number: 20100331748
    Abstract: A method of donning a potentiating support for a hinge joint of a body includes positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning an expandable and recoverable framework in abutment with the area of the body such that the framework spans a hinge joint of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings extending therethrough regardless of whether the support is donned; applying tension at points of the framework such that the framework is expanded and the framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body, said step of applying tension being performed by pulling on one or more fastening components that are attached at one or more points to said framework; and affixing each of the fastening components to the garment while applying tension to the framework to secure the expanded framework in its forced abutment with the area of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: William E. Nordt, III, Ian D. Kovacevich, Kevin J. Dahlquist, Thomas J. Philpott, Jason Huneycutt
  • Patent number: 7857776
    Abstract: An adjustable orthosis for, among other functions, flexing or extending a users joint, positioning a limb or digit during or after a surgical procedure, correcting foot drop due to soft tissue contraction, and augmenting soft tissue during weight bearing therapies. In a preferred form, the orthosis includes a padded shell adapted to be worn on a user's limb and a distal support to be worn on one or more digits of the hand or foot or on the forefoot or body of the hand. The padded shell is connected to the distal support solely via an elastic member such as surgical tubing, which also applies a tension force between the two supports. One end of the elastic member carries teeth that mate with a ratcheting device that permits the wearer (1) to gradually increase the tension between the supports and (2) to quickly release the tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Robert M. Frisbie
  • Publication number: 20100324461
    Abstract: A splinting device includes a first part for contacting a lower leg and a second part for contacting a foot hingedly connected to the first part. An adjustable attachment includes an elastic part and interconnects the first part and the second part. A method of treating plantar fasciitis includes securing the first part of the splint device to the lower leg, and securing the second part to a foot. The first part is rotated relative to the second part to establish a predetermined angle between the first part and the second part. The elastic part of the adjustable attachment, which is attached to one of the first and second parts, is stretched and attached to the other of the first part of the second part at a position based on the predetermined angle to limit movement of the first part relative to the second part beyond the predetermined angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: DARCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: H. Darrel DARBY, II, Wu ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7854715
    Abstract: A walk supporting device includes a seating member on which a user is seated in a straddling manner and a pair of left and right leg links that support the seating member from below. Each of the leg links is coupled to the seating member to freely swing in a horizontal direction. The seating member is prevented from rolling around a support shaft serving as a swing fulcrum in the horizontal direction of the leg link to improve stability in the horizontal direction of the seating member. A stopper member coupled to the seating member is inserted between joint sections at upper ends of left and right leg links supported by the support shaft. A regulating mechanism that regulates the seating member in a posture orthogonal to an equiangular bisector of an angle in the horizontal direction formed by the left and right leg links may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Ashihara
  • Publication number: 20100318009
    Abstract: A therapeutic device for biasing a body portion of a patient into a predetermined position. The therapeutic device includes a rigid support that is substantially flat and contoured to brace the body portion into the predetermined position. A securing mechanism is provided to brace the rigid support against the body portion and a therapeutic stimulation mechanism is provided. The therapeutic stimulation mechanism can include an electrical stimulation mechanism or a heating mechanism to provide heating and electrical stimulation to the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Solomon Tony Stanley
  • Patent number: 7850632
    Abstract: A knee brace including an adaptable anterior thigh pad for securing an upper portion of the brace to a user's thigh wherein the anterior thigh pad automatically adjusts to underlying soft tissue motion during knee and leg movement. The anterior thigh pad includes a flexible upper horizontal connection and a pair of substantially rigid x-crossing connections. The anterior thigh pad tightens and loosens during normal leg flexing and straightening so as to maintain a tight skeletal grip on the users leg while adapting to thigh muscle movement. The individual straps of the anterior thigh pad connecting the thigh pad to the rigid arms of the knee brace are independently adjustable to accommodate any leg size or shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: VQ OrthoCare
    Inventor: Robert Gilmour
  • Patent number: 7846115
    Abstract: A motion controlling hinge for an orthopedic brace is provided. The hinge includes an actuator secured to one arm, and at least one spring member. As the arm with the actuator pivots in a first direction, at a predetermined flexion angle the actuator applies a force to the spring member, causing the spring member to flex. The spring member exerts a force on the actuator tending to bias the actuator away from the spring member, and tending to bias the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction. A movable fulcrum enables adjustment of a force exerted by the spring member on the actuator. A variety of differently sized adapters are securable to the actuator. The size of the adapter determines the flexion angle at which the spring member first exerts force on the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Seligman, Michael Strobel
  • Publication number: 20100305487
    Abstract: An orthotic device that minimizes weight bearing on certain areas of a shoe being worn by a diabetic suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer, the device allows patients to live active lifestyles while being treated for diabetic foot ulcerations. The orthotic device purposely establishes three points of contact between the device and a shoe. The present device is used in conjunction with a shoe having a sole that defines a cutaway wherein an ulcerous foot wound would lie. The orthotic device comprises a shoe cartridge, the shoe cartridge has a first, second and third section, each section has a left and a right side, at least five L-shaped docks attached to the shoe cartridge, a support attached to the shoe cartridge, and at least five securing means, each securing means is attached to each L-shaped dock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Salvatore Cimino
  • Publication number: 20100305488
    Abstract: A surgical instrument which can be attached to a patient is described. The instrument includes an alignment guide having a distal end and a proximal end. A brace is attached toward the proximal end of the alignment guide for attaching the instrument to a limb of a patient. The brace comprises a pair of opposed members, each member being shaped to hold a respective bony part of the patient on either side of the patient. At least a part of the brace is made of a resilient material allowing the brace to grip the patient in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: DEPUY INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventors: Maja Kecman, Lisa Stroux, Alberto Verteramo, Alan Ashby
  • Patent number: 7837642
    Abstract: A knee immobilizer (10) including an elongate frame (12) having opposed convex and concave major surfaces for being positioned along a longitudinal axis of a dorsal aspect of a leg from above to below the knee, and a plurality of outwardly-extending retainers (12A-12D, 12E-12G) cooperating with the frame (12) for retaining the frame (12) on the leg. A lining (16) is provided for being positioned between the frame (12) and the leg when in use to cushion and protect the leg against direct contact with the frame (12). A spine (18) is provided for being positioned on the frame (12) substantially along an elongate axis of the frame (12) from above to below the knee and formed in an angle for maintaining the frame (12) in a predetermined rigid medical treatment extension position on the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: BSN medical GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Herzberg
  • Publication number: 20100292622
    Abstract: Hip brace for motion control and support of the hip joint, and/or to the surrounding sacro-iliac joint and/or lumbo-sacral joints concomitantly, built of configured elasticized neoprene with tensile strength, and with closures built of velcro whose combined forces impart dynamic action and protection from hip dislocation and subluxation; range of motion control, joint protection and support, pain management, proprioceptive cueing, alignment support, resistive and assistive exercise options for people with disorders of the hip joint and as well for those with concomitant sacro-iliac and lumbo-sacral instability. Medical conditions addressed include but not limited to hip dislocation/subluxation, arthritis, sprains, strains, bursitis, tendonitis, joint hypermobility, ligamentous tears and sacro-iliac and/or lumbo-sacral pain and instability, as well as for athletes in need of hip joint and/or the sacro-iliac, lumbo-sacral joint protection and support on and off the field and for everyday ADL and exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Andrea Carol Weissleder, William Ross Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7833181
    Abstract: A knee brace has push button actuatable stops, wherein the stops are biased outward into angular locking positions and inwardly directed pressure on the push buttons releases the stops and permits angular adjustment of the stops. A pair of catch plates with locking recesses facing inward, are provided, and outwardly biased locking pins engage the recesses in both catch plates. Each of the stop assemblies has an outwardly directed plate extending over the outer cover plate, and this plate is coupled to the physical stop member around the outer edge of the outer cover plate. The cover plate has angular indicia thereon, which may be viewed through windows in the outwardly extending plate portions of the stop assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ossur Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cormier, Tracy Grim, Joseph M. Iglesias, Hugo A. Cobar, Janelle R. Batman, Irving Hu, Wendee Lee, Jacqueline Jones
  • Patent number: 7828758
    Abstract: A foot support having straps which receive the calcaneous and wrap around the midfoot in a tensioned state for stabilizing the rearfoot and the midfoot to avoid excessive inversion and eversion of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Karen M. Clements, Autry O. V. DeBusk, Michael D. Modglin, John H. Krusenklaus
  • Publication number: 20100274166
    Abstract: A device which restricts movement of the knee during lunge and squatting exercises prevents weight imbalance which may result in undue strain and knee injury. The device has a foot engagement member which is either stepped upon by the user and held in place by the user's weight, or the foot engagement member conforms to the side of the user's foot and is held in place by a strap or other means. Attached to the foot engagement is a vertical member which extends upwardly from the foot engagement member. A shin engagement member attached to the vertical member. The shin engagement member is generally positioned in a position along the lower leg of the user, below the knee and laterally adjacent to the user's tibia. As the user does a lunge, squat, or similar exercise, the shin engagement member prevents the user's knees from forward movement which extends forward of the user's feet. The device also has structure which prevents inward collapse of the knees during the exercise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy Terrio
  • Patent number: 7819830
    Abstract: An orthopedic knee orthosis having a closure unit with a pull system that provides a mechanical advantage for applying user-desired forces to the knee joint structures and yet permits the knee joint to move within a range of motion during activity by the user. A method of using the orthopedic knee orthosis by placing the orthosis over a user's knee, wrapping the orthosis around the user's knee, and tightening the orthosis to apply user-defined forces to the knee joint structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Top Shelf Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad M. Sindel, Craig J. Koloske, John M. Petlansky
  • Patent number: 7819832
    Abstract: An ankle-foot orthotic is provide for assisting persons having lower extremity weakness including weak dorsiflexor and plantar flexor muscle groups. A combination of flexible and stiff polypropylene and polyethylene materials are used to assist in the transfer of energy along the components of the ankle-foot orthotic to mimic normal gait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Balzer
  • Patent number: 7815586
    Abstract: Adjustable restraint includes a plantar plate surrounded by a peripheral element about which a plurality of supports can be positioned; a support system attachable to that plate or element for providing vertical and horizontal support; and a lower leg securing housing. The housing is attachable to the support system through adjustable fastener(s) such it can be adjusted vertically and secured in position with respect to the plantar plate. A sole portion of the plantar plate may be removable. The support system can include first support(s) and second support(s) attachable to the plate or element, and, through first adjustable fastener(s) and second adjustable fastener(s), respectively, the first adjustable fastener(s) and second adjustable fastener(s) be attachable to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: EZ Concepts Surgical Device Corporation
    Inventors: William Peter Grant, Laurence Glenn Rubin, Steve Cook, Guy Pupp, David Czenkus, Louis A. Serafin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7815587
    Abstract: A below-knee orthosis with fastening devices for fastening the orthosis to the foot and to the lower leg includes an L-shaped support spring made of a resilient material. The L-shaped support spring has an upright branch that defines a contact plane, and is intended to bear on the dorsal aspect of the lower leg. The lower end of the upright branch is adjoined by a horizontal branch designed to engage under the foot. The below-knee orthosis allows for an improved heel-to-toe behavior in the material of the support spring which takes into account the natural outward position of the foot by the upright branch being twisted in the lower area in such a way that the horizontal branch continuing the lower end is turned outward by an angle ? from the plane lying perpendicular to the contact plane of the upright branch above the twisted lower area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Otto Bock HealthCare IP GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Doris Korner, Alexander Von Ascheberg
  • Patent number: 7811242
    Abstract: A motion controlling hinge for an orthopedic brace is provided. The hinge includes an actuator secured to one arm, and at least one spring member. As the arm with the actuator pivots in a first direction, at a predetermined flexion angle the actuator applies a force to the spring member, causing the spring member to flex. The spring member exerts a force on the actuator tending to bias the actuator away from the spring member, and tending to bias the arm in a second direction opposite the first direction. In one embodiment, the spring member comprises a plurality of flat bar leaf springs. A movable fulcrum enables adjustment of a force exerted by the spring member on the actuator. A variety of differently sized adapters are securable to the actuator. The size of the adapter determines the flexion angle at which the spring member first exerts force on the actuator. In some embodiments, the hinge includes an “ON”/“OFF” switch that enables a user to disengage biasing force provided by the spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Seligman
  • Patent number: 7798984
    Abstract: A cushioning boot for bed-ridden patients. The boot includes a thickly-padded leg engaging portion and foot engaging portion with a front opening for easy insertion of a patient foot and leg. A series of stretchable, adjustable closure panels are removably secured to the boot for positioning and inserted leg in the proper orientation and retaining it in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Ponsi, Barbara T. Skiba, Steven Brown
  • Patent number: 7798983
    Abstract: In order to provide a walking assistance device that can avoid hampering the motion of the muscles of the user and will not move out of place inadvertently when worn by the user, principal engagement points of a support member for securely mounting an assisting force generator, which is disposed on a side of at least one joint of a lower limb to provide an assisting force to a movement of the lower limb, are provided at portions where a relatively small amount of movement of skin occurs when a trunk or joint is moved. In this way, the support member can be fastened firmly to the portions where an amount of movement of the skin is small and therefore it is possible to reduce the uncomfortable pressure caused during motion while preventing the support member from inadvertently moving out of place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Katoh, Takashi Hirata, Taiji Koyama, Takako Fujii, Yoshirou Koyama
  • Patent number: 7794416
    Abstract: An orthopedic device has a structure with two substantially rigid parts, for instance, rods, which rods are coupled to each other by a hinge apparatus and each rod attaches to a fastener for optional temporary fastening to a limb part, wherein a pivot axis of the hinge apparatus extends in the region and in the direction of the pivot axis zone of the relevant joint. The device has an upper hinge and a lower hinge with pivot axes. The respective pivot axes of which extend in directions which make an angle with each other of 90°±40°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Kunst & Van Leerdam IP B.V.
    Inventors: Mark Stefan Besselink, Nicolaas Gerardus Adrianus Van Leerdam, Jurrie Van Der Woude
  • Patent number: 7794418
    Abstract: A knee brace that is divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane. The knee brace includes a ventilated, flexible proximal shell generally extending between the first and second sides on the anterior side of the brace, and a flexible distal shell connected to the proximal shell and generally extending across the first and second sides on the anterior side of the brace. The distal shell has an extension segment extending from one of the first and second sides to the posterior side of the brace. The proximal and distal shells include suitable openings and slots for attaching brackets and mechanical devices. The proximal and distal shells each include a body portion and a compliant edge. The compliant edges are formed from flexible resilient material that is configured to extend beyond the outer perimeter of the body portion of each the proximal and distal shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Palmi Einarsson
  • Patent number: 7794417
    Abstract: Footwear has strap for medially directing the big toe. The footwear may be in a form of a sandal; the strap may be adjustable; and a bunion deformity may be addressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Erik O. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20100227741
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method for isolating an ankle during aerobic exercise on a bicycle configured to be worn on the leg of a person having an ankle injury so that the person may operate the bicycle with the leg having the ankle injury without pressure on the ankle, wherein weight and force are distributed from the pedal to the calf and thigh without implicating the ankle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: LEON ROSENBERG, STEPHEN COHEN
  • Patent number: 7785283
    Abstract: A functional ankle brace is custom tailored to optimize the magnitude and direction of the stiffness and fit of the ankle brace, so as to slow down the inverting motion of the ankle joint enough to allow the muscles enough time to act on their own.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Bledsoe
  • Patent number: 7780613
    Abstract: An apparatus for transcutaneously transferring an amount of energy to an implantable orthopaedic device includes a primary coil. The primary coil has a resonant frequency matched to a resonant frequency of a secondary coil, which may form part of the implantable orthopaedic device. The primary coil may have an aperture configured to receive a portion of a patient's body or may include a substantially “C”-shaped core. A power circuit may be coupled with the primary coil to provide power to the coil. The apparatus may also include a wireless receiver, a measuring device, and/or a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: DePuy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Sherman
  • Patent number: 7780616
    Abstract: In order to provide a walking assistance device capable of favorably providing an assisting force for maintaining the upright posture while reducing the sense of pressure when worn by the user, a hip support member (1) of the walking assisting device, which comprises an assisting force generator (hip joint actuator 10) disposed at least on a side of a hip joint to provide an assisting force to a movement of a lower limb, is provided with: a back support (4) equipped with pads (18, 19, 20) for respectively abutting an intermediate portion between right and left erector spinae muscles, lateral outer sides of the spinae muscles and right and left iliac crests; and a belt (5) connected to the back support for tightening a lower part of the rectus abdominis muscle. In this way, a supporting force can be provided to the lumbar vertebrae to steadily keep the upright posture while reducing a resistance to a bending movement of the waist caused by the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Katoh, Takashi Hirata, Akio Koike, Taiji Koyama, Takako Fujii, Yoshirou Koyama
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100204631
    Abstract: A custom-made ankle/foot orthosis for the treatment of patients having plantar ulcers and foot deformities is disclosed, which comprises a rigid L-shaped support member and a rigid anterior support shell hingedly articulated to the L-shaped support member. The plantar portion of the L-shaped member further comprises at least one ulcer-protecting hollow spatially located for fitted placement in inferior adjacency to a user's plantar ulcer, thus allowing the user to transfer the user's weight away from the plantar ulcer and facilitating plantar ulcer treatment. The anterior support shell is designed for lateral hinged attachment to the L-shaped member to take advantage of medial tibial flare structure for enhancing the weight-bearing properties of the disclosed orthosis. Leg securement structure attaches the anterior support shell to the L-shaped member in fixed, weight-bearing relation about the proximal, anterior portion of the user's lower leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: John E. Rooney
  • Patent number: 7762971
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tilt-stable rotating joint suitable for technical orthopedic components, including a forked external joint part with two limbs whose parallel inner walls pointing towards each other form a slit of a given width and are provided with flush continuous holes. A flat inner joint part protrudes into the slit and a continuous hole, and a shaft arrangement protruding through the continuous holes forms a rotating bearing surface with a cover surface. The tilt-stability is increased because the shaft arrangement is formed by sections protruding from the inner joint part, having an external diameter corresponding to the internal diameter of the continuous holes of the limbs. Stability is also increased by the fact that the shaft arrangement is rotationally fixed to the inner joint part and sliding bearings are formed between the walls of the continuous holes of the limbs and the sections of the shaft arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Otto Bock HealthCare GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Wagner
  • Patent number: 7758528
    Abstract: A flexible support device adapted to provide overall structural biomechanics support and contouring of a lower limb of a patient by a practitioner where the flexible support device having various indentations to provide proper fitting of a bold for production of an orthosis device in one form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cascade DAFO, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Buethorn
  • Patent number: 7758527
    Abstract: An orthotic device is provided having a support member (22, 25) adapted to be secured to a body portion of a user and a resilient liner (46) connected to a side of the support member adjacent the body portion of the user. The support member can be malleable to conform to the user's body. The liner has a plurality of discrete liner segments (49), at least one adapted to conform to body of the user. The liner segments can be removably attached to the support member, and can be adjustable in shape and/or size. The liner segment can be a pair of individually adjustable segment portions to provide adjustable shape, and either of the portions can be inflatable to provide adjustable size. The liner segment can include an electrode portion (58) to impart therapeutic stimulation to an associated body portion and can include a micro-porous waterproof cover material contacting the body portion of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: VQ Orthocare
    Inventors: Robert Gilmour, Michael Skahan, Kevin Lunau
  • Patent number: 7753863
    Abstract: A limb stabilizing device includes a base, a first clamping member adjustably mounted to the base, and a second clamping member mounted in an opposed relationship with the first clamping member. The first clamping member includes a first adjustment mechanism that operates to allow the first clamping member to slide laterally along the base and to maintain the first and second clamping members in lateral alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Patricia Richard
  • Patent number: 7753865
    Abstract: In ankle brace apparatus, the combination comprising a foot and ankle holder having a lower foot portion, and having an upper ankle portion with opposite first and second sides, said upper ankle portion including: a guide loop having opposite sections, a first orthopedic strap anchored to one section for passing about a user's ankle or lower leg, and then passage through the loop to extend in a first tightening direction, a second orthopedic strap anchored to another said section to extend in a second and opposite tightening direction, relative to said ankle or lower leg, whereby the two straps extending in said first and second directions can be manually pulled in said directions to tighten the first strap about said ankle or lower leg, and the two tensioned straps then connected by push together connection to tightened extents of the first strap to hold tension transmission via said loop sections and straps; and support strap structure operatively connected to said holder to extend under said foot portion a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Weber Orthopedic Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Hely
  • Patent number: 7753864
    Abstract: A device for treatment of plantar fasciitis and/or Achilles tendonitis comprises (a) a calf strap removably engagable to the calf of a leg, (b) a foot assembly removably engagable to the foot of the leg such that when the device is worn the assembly can be positioned proximate to the ball of the foot intermediate to the midfoot and forefoot areas of the foot to secure it to the foot, and (c) a substantially inelastic tension member connectable between the calf strap and the foot assembly in a tensioned manner such that when the device is worn the plantarflexion of the ankle is limited such that the plantar surface of the foot is held in a neutral to slight dorsiflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tanya L. Beckwith, Maria T. Mann, Jeffrey L. Wieringa, Wayne K. Dunshee
  • Patent number: 7753866
    Abstract: A joint hinge and a leg brace having the joint hinge that includes a spring loaded spherical joint for coupling a proximal portion and a distal portion of the joint hinge. The spherical joint includes a dome on one portion coupled to a mating cup on the other portion. A wide-headed pin, typically a shoulder screw, captivates the cup against the sphere. A spring washer may be included to provide a preloading force to mate the cup to the dome. The spherical portion may be pressed or stamped into one portion of the hinge or fabricated separately and attached. In one embodiment, the dome is fabricated of sintered bearing material and may be impregnated with lubricant. The spherical joint functions in conjunction with an adjustable flexion range limiting system that include rods that are threaded and easy to screw in and out as the patient's range of motion changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy Jackovitch
  • Publication number: 20100174219
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to a device and/or system (e.g., redistributing weight away from a subject's foot), which may comprise (a) a platform, (b) at least one vertical support fixed to the platform and extending upwardly from the platform, and (c) at least one cuff (i) configured to surround and releasably grip at least a portion of a subject's leg other than the foot and (ii) mounted (e.g., adjustably) to the at least one vertical support at a vertical position along the at least one vertical support sufficient to suspend a subject's foot in a non-weight-bearing position above the platform during ambulation, wherein the platform, the at least one vertical support, and the at least one cuff together are configured to bear at least the subject's full weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Hans G. Franke, David Salinger, Jeff Dodd