Lower Extremity Patents (Class 602/23)
  • Patent number: 7749181
    Abstract: A patellofemoral brace including a buttress for supporting a wearer's patella is provided. The patellofemoral brace includes an elastic sleeve that is easy to apply to the wearer's leg and easy to remove from the wearer's leg. The sleeve includes distinct bands of material so that end bands are substantially rotationally independent of a central band. The end bands resist translation along and rotation about the wearer's leg. The brace further includes a tensioning strap that lies across the buttress to further support the buttress and the wearer's patella. A portion of the tensioning strap is constructed of a thermoplastic elastomer, so that the strap provides firmer support to the buttress than a fabric strap, but is more comfortable and more evenly supports the buttress than a hard, inelastic strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Royle Simmons, John P. Fulkerson, John Patrick Martin, Andy Kazmierczak
  • Patent number: 7749183
    Abstract: A patella protector assembly for use with an orthopedic device, wherein the patella protector assembly has a central shell, an upper shell slidably connected to the central shell, and a lower shell slidably connected to the central shell. The central shell includes a main shell and a flexible perimeter edge portion surrounding at least a section of the perimeter of the main shell. The perimeter edge portion has greater flexibility than the main shell. The upper and lower shells are arranged pivotally and telescopically relative to the central shell such that the central, upper and lower shells together form a continuous shell without gaps therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Palmi Einarsson
  • Patent number: 7744513
    Abstract: A leg lift device is provided for attachment to a shoe. The leg lift device includes a sole, an optional lift insert and a shoe receiver attached to the sole. The shoe receiver includes a first section to engage a toe of a shoe and a second section to engage a heel of a shoe. The device also includes an attachment strap. A selected method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Bradley Castellano
  • Patent number: 7740602
    Abstract: An ankle foot orthotic foot brace device includes a primary elongated resistance member attached to and extending from a base disposable under a user's foot. The primary resistance member includes means for attachment to the user's leg, and is deflectable through a deflection range and resilient or elastic to provide an initial resistant force to pivoting of the user's foot with respect to user's leg. A secondary elongated resistance member is engagable by the primary resistance member within a subsequent or distal portion of the deflection range of the primary resistance member. Also included is means for intercoupling the secondary resistance member to the primary resistance member during the subsequent portion of the deflection range of the primary resistance member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Freedom Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Roland J. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20100152638
    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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Sage Products
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Ponsi, Barbara T. Skiba, Steven Brown
  • Publication number: 20100152637
    Abstract: An orthopedic shoe includes a shoe body provided with shoe straps for fastening to a user's foot, a track vertically affixed to the shoe body, a calf guard vertically slidably coupled to the track, and a locking lever pivoted to the calf guard and biasable between a locking position to lock the calf guard to the track and an unlocking position to unlock the calf guard from the track for allowing adjustment of the elevation of the calf guard relative to the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: KAO CHEN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Chuan Wang
  • Patent number: 7731673
    Abstract: A compact and easy-to-use walking assisting device capable of reducing constrained feeling given to a user and allowing a free swing of the arms of the user in walking. The walking assisting device comprises one or more leg links to which ground contact members are connected at their lower ends respectively and a load transfer portion connected to the upper ends of the leg links, in which at least a part of the weight of the user is supported by the leg links via the load transfer portion, wherein the load transfer portion includes a seat member for the user to sit astride, wherein connecting portions with the upper ends of the leg links connected thereto are attached to the undersurface of the seat member, and wherein the connecting portions have a degree of freedom allowing the forward/backward and lateral swings of the leg links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Hiki
  • Patent number: 7727174
    Abstract: An orthopedic device as in a dorsal splint for treating plantar fasciitis includes a substantially rigid splint member having an overmolded flexible edge and living hinges, or substantially rigid component pieces received in a flexible member, to provide improved and more comfortable fitting to a user and reduced storage requirements. The substantially rigid splint member is shaped and configured to the dorsal aspects of a user's lower leg, ankle, and foot. Straps are provided to maintain the dorsal splint in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Julia Chang, William Arnold
  • Patent number: 7727173
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: John E. Rooney
  • Publication number: 20100130901
    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) adjustably mounted 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: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Hans G. Franke, David Salinger, Jeff Dodd
  • Publication number: 20100130898
    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: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Hans G. Franke, David Salinger, Jeff Dodd
  • Publication number: 20100130902
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for limb off-weighting, including a sleeve operable to wrap at least partially around a leg, a support strut coupled to the sleeve to receive weight applied to the sleeve, and a foot assembly configured to support and protect the bottom of a foot, wherein the foot assembly is coupled to the support strut and operable to receive weight applied to the sleeve and transfer the weight to underlying surfaces, thus off-weighting and reducing pressure and shearing forces on the foot and ankle. According to some embodiments, foot assembly pivots around the support strut providing an assembled mode and a storage mode. According to other embodiments, sleeve is an open-ended conical shape. According to various other embodiments, the support strut may be tilted to accommodate legs and/or calves of varying sizes, and the foot assembly may adjust to feet of varying sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: MEDEFFICIENCY, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Jensen, William O. Reid, JR.
  • Patent number: 7722555
    Abstract: A lockable hinge for use in orthopedic braces is provided. When used in a knee brace, the present hinge provides a knee-immobilizing brace that assists persons with standing and/or walking. The hinge is easily converted from a locked mode to a free range of motion mode and vice versa. When the hinge is in the locked mode, patients are better able to stand and walk. With the push of a button, the patient can bend his or her knee to sit or lie down more comfortably. When the hinge is in the free range of motion mode, patients are better able to participate in physical therapy activities without the hinge locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: Alexis E. Doty, Richard E. Gildersleeve, Jennifer E. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7722556
    Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis that provides a patient with forward flexing, energy loading, and balance control. The orthosis may also be adjustable for size and fit. The orthosis couples opposing stabilization forces that help to provide optimal balance control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Mitchell S. Warner
  • Patent number: 7713224
    Abstract: An ankle brace is made to be very comfortable and easy to use while still providing sufficient support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Ultra Athlete LLC
    Inventors: Rick Peters, Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 7713223
    Abstract: Hand and/or wrist support apparatus, comprising in combination, a first brace configured for application to the hand and/or wrist of the user, and a second brace configured for application over at least a portion of the first brace, each brace configured for in-place retention, providing support to a substantial portion of the hand and/or wrist of the user, including the thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Weber Orthopedic Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Weber, David Auberbach, Shane M. Woods
  • Publication number: 20100113998
    Abstract: A pelvis supporter is wearable for exercise, and includes a base garment to be worn on a lower body of a wearer and a resin pattern formed tightly adhered on a surface of the base garment and extending annually around wearer's hip when worn. The resin pattern may have a high density area of high pattern density and a low density area of low pattern density, and it may have a wide area of wide pattern width and a narrow area of narrow pattern width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: MIZUNO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirohisa Mizumoto
  • Patent number: 7708708
    Abstract: A method of donning a potentiating support for a body's hinge joint 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 there through 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: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nordt Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: William E. Nordt, III, Ian D. Kovacevich, Kevin J. Dahlquist, Tom J. Philpott
  • Publication number: 20100106065
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a calf of a user may include a first calf support member to support the calf of the user, a second calf support member to support the calf of the user, shoe member to support the first and second calf support member. The first calf support member and the second calf support member may cooperate to form a substantially continuous inner surface to support the calf of the user. The first calf support member may include a slot to accept the leg of the user, and the second calf support member may include a slot to accept the leg of the user. The first calf support member and the second calf support member may be detachably connected with a strap, and he first calf support member and the second calf support member may be detachably connected with a latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J. Ward
  • Publication number: 20100101118
    Abstract: The invention discloses a resilient support having a slit in the heel part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Gottinger Handelshaus GBR
    Inventor: Norbert Guenther
  • Patent number: 7704218
    Abstract: A knee brace adapted for placement over at least a posterior side of a leg and comprising a first posterior frame member, a second posterior frame member connected to first frame member, and a posterior resilient hinge device located at or near a first end portion of the first frame member. The hinge device is arranged to urge the first and second frame members into a predetermined alignment. The hinge device can be arranged for selectively locking the second frame member at an angle relative to the first frame member, and permitting rotation of the second frame member relative to first frame member within a range of predetermined angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ossur, HF
    Inventors: Palmi Einarsson, Arni Thor Ingimundarson
  • Publication number: 20100100021
    Abstract: A leg support is adapted to be secured to a leg. The leg support includes an elongate and continuous strut having first and second rigid or semi-rigid segments, and a flexible middle segment located therebetween. The strut is arranged for securing to a posterior side of a leg and is centrally located along a medial-lateral plane of a leg. A resilient device is secured to the strut against a first surface thereof and extends across a length of the middle strut segment whereby the resilient device is configured to assist and resist certain movements of a leg. A coupling arrangement is arranged to be secured to footwear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Palmi EINARSSON, Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Joshua J. Kompa
  • Publication number: 20100100020
    Abstract: An orthopedic walker boot for wearing on a lower limb of a wearer has a rigid external shell, a pliant internal boot positioned in the external shell, and a heel plate selectively detachable or attachable to the external shell. Selective transition of the heel plate between the detached condition and attached condition selectively provides the orthopedic walker boot with an open-heel configuration or a closed-heel configuration. The external shell includes an outer sole having a walking surface which is configured with two curved axes to facilitate walking while wearing the orthopedic walker boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Breg, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Fout, Jeffrey R. Regan, Tiffany A. Bell, Paul H. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100100018
    Abstract: An orthopedic walker boot for wearing on a lower limb of a wearer has a rigid external shell and a pliant internal boot received within the external shell. The internal boot includes a leg panel having an inflatable bladder and a pump panel having a pump for inflating the bladder. The leg panel is configured to wrap around a leg of a wearer and the external shell is sized and configured to receive the internal boot with the leg of the wearer wrapped therein. The pump panel has a first end fixably attached to the leg panel and has a selective and releasable operational orientation, wherein the pump panel is in an overlapping outer position relative to the leg panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: BREG, INC.
    Inventor: James M. Fout
  • Patent number: 7699797
    Abstract: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body. The framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in the surface regardless of whether the surface is in abutment with the area of the body, the openings extending completely through and being bounded by the framework. Furthermore, the framework, along its entire boundary with at least one of the openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to an extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. The support also includes a fastening mechanism connected at multiple points proximate each of opposite sides of the framework for applying tension at each of the multiple points for tensioning the framework's surface in abutment with the area of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nordt Development Co., LLC
    Inventors: William E. Nordt, III, Ian D. Kovacevich, Kevin J. Dahlquist, Tom J. Philpott
  • Patent number: 7699798
    Abstract: An articulating joint for an orthopedic brace wherein a moveable plate is rotatably connected with respect to a fixed plate. The moveable plate includes a plurality of adjustment apertures positioned around a first axis of rotation wherein one or more coarse limit screws are positioned within the adjustment apertures to limit the range of motion between the moveable plate and the fixed plate within a predetermined arc of rotation. Fine adjustment means are preferably positioned with respect to the fixed plate and obstruct a range of motion of the coarse limit screws. In addition, a brake is positioned to fix motion of moveable plate relative to fixed plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hipbolt I.P., Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Coligado
  • Publication number: 20100094188
    Abstract: An exoskeleton bracing system includes: a trunk support for affixing to the trunk of a disabled person and leg braces for connecting to the legs of the person, each leg brace including limb segment braces. Motorized joints are adapted to provide relative angular movement between the limb segment braces of the leg braces and between the leg braces and the trunk support. One or more ground force sensors are designed to sense ground force exerted on each of the leg braces. The system also includes a controller for receiving sensed signals from said one or more ground force sensors, with an algorithm for identifying a stance from the sensed signals and, based on the identified stance, actuating the motorized joints to perform an action relating to a mode of locomotion selected from a set of predefined actions corresponding to the identified stance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Amit GOFFER, Chaya ZILBERSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20100087765
    Abstract: A heel supporting and protective boot for bed-ridden patients who may otherwise develop pressure sores on their heel. The body of the boot is comprised of a fiber and angled foam combination heretofore not used. The boot additionally has sewn tube holes on both sides allowing for use of medical tubing such as with a sequential compression pump. The inner portion material of the boot is a soft liner fabric which is antibacterial and absorbs moisture. The outer portion material of the boot is a fabric with fluid resistance. Further, the boot has a soft fiber-filled flap covering the shin portion of the leg to prevent pressure on the dorsal side of the lower leg. The boot additionally has a foot-position strap sewn and placed to the bottom of the boot running along both sides of the boot and attaching at the top of both sides of the upper boot to assist with the prevention of foot drop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Gainey
  • Patent number: 7691074
    Abstract: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body including a hinge joint, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings in the surface; and two strut members each attached to the framework such that each the strut member spans the hinge joint when the framework is disposed in abutment with the area of the body, the strut members providing a measure of rigidity to the framework in the direction of their respective lengths, each respective the strut member including an intermediate portion thereof spanning the hinge joint that is expandable and recoverable between a first initial state and extended states wherein, when expanded to a the extended state during flexing of the hinge joint, the respective strut member stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nordt Development Co., LLC
    Inventors: William E. Nordt, III, Ian D. Kovacevich, Kevin J. Dahlquist, Tom J. Philpott
  • Patent number: 7691076
    Abstract: A custom articulated ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) system is disclosed that is formed on a cast of the wearer's foot. It has an adjustably tightenable calf section hingedly connected to an adjustably tightenable foot section. It is made of thermally formable plastic sheet, is lined inside and outside, and is padded inside. The brace permits dorsal/plantar flexion while supporting the ankle against supination and pronation. The apparatus and methods of manufacture are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Ernesto G. Castro
  • Patent number: 7686776
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for protecting ligaments in a knee joint of a user. The device includes a knee brace positionable about a knee joint of a user and a boot wearable on a foot of a user. Additionally, the device includes a flexible tether member including a first coupling element coupled to the knee brace and a second coupling element coupled to the boot. The boot and knee brace are attachable and detachable via the first and second coupling elements. The flexible tether member is adjustable in length to dispose the flexible tether member in tension at least in a portion of a maximum foot range of rotation, where the maximum foot range of rotation of the user's foot relative to the knee joint causes hyperextension of a knee ligament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Asterisk.Asterisk, LLC
    Inventors: David Castillo, James Castillo
  • Publication number: 20100076360
    Abstract: The present invention provides a rehabilitation device using a walking assistance device (1) having an actuator which generates and provides torque to a lower limb joint of a wearer wearing the walking assistance device (1), comprising a floor reaction force pattern storing unit (330) configured to store a reference floor reaction force pattern; a control target floor reaction force setting unit (340) for determining a control target floor reaction force based on the floor reaction force pattern stored in the floor reaction force pattern storing unit (330); a target torque calculating unit (350) for calculating a target torque of the actuator to achieve the control target floor reaction force determined by the control target floor reaction force setting unit (340); and an actuator output controller (150) for controlling output of the actuator such that the actuator generates a torque matching the target torque calculated by the target torque calculating unit (350); wherein the floor reaction force that the we
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Shimada, Ken Yasuhara, Tetsuya Ido, Shuichi Wakita
  • Publication number: 20100076357
    Abstract: The invention is a sleeve for application to a human extremity. The sleeve has a tubular structure with distal and proximal openings, a pre-flexed section between the openings, and distal and proximal contact zones on opposing sides of the pre-flexed section. At least the distal contact zone extends from the pre-flexed section in a conically tapering manner. A distal end zone is disposed between the distal contact zone and the distal end. The distal end zone may also be conically tapered toward the distal end, and in one embodiment has a different degree of taper that the distal contact zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Otto Bock Healthcare IP Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventor: Scott Schneider
  • Patent number: 7682322
    Abstract: An orthosis having at least one adjustable joint for articulating two hinged parts of the orthosis, the joint comprises a tensor for carrying the load applied between the two hinged parts. Compression surfaces coupled to the hinged parts are constructed to apply compression forces to a compression element when the angle between the two parts widens. Preferably the compression element comprises a block of resilient material. The joint allows adjustability of the unloaded angle between the hinged parts by varying the dimensions of the block, while selecting blocks having different compressional characteristics such as modulus of elasticity allows varying the degree of resistance to widening the angle between the two hinged parts. The joint is particularly advantageous in constructing an articulating leg brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Ian K. Engelman
  • Patent number: 7682323
    Abstract: An orthotic device for a human body joint at which a body appendage pivots includes a first member extending along the appendage on a first side of the joint, a second member extending along the appendage on a second side of the joint opposite the first side, a connection joining the first member and the second member and having an axis about which the members articulate, a cuff spaced from the axis, and a mechanism displacing the cuff along one of the members in response to articulating the device at the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Anatomical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. DeToro, Brian S. Perala, William A. DeToro, Jack N. Huey
  • Patent number: 7682325
    Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable dorsal splint for resolving the shortcomings of a typical fixation splint. The invention includes a fixation splint, which contains a splint body, a first retaining portion, and a second retaining portion. A curvature adjustment portion is placed at a preset location of the splint body of the fixation splint, so as to adjust the splint body into predefined bending angle. As the fixation splint is provided with a curvature adjustment portion, it is possible to flexibly adjust the bending angle of the fixation splint to mate with the foot of the patient, thereby maintaining the position of the feet with better efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Chan
  • Publication number: 20100069804
    Abstract: A walking cast having an upper cage assembleable over an upper leg and a lower cage assembleable over a lower leg and hingedly secured to the upper cage approximate a wearer's knee. A foot sole support is connected to the lower cage which includes lower angled supports for engaging side locations of the sole in a further hinged connection. Each of the upper and lower cages include a rear positioned fixed support with a second forward and hingedly connecting door. A plurality of cushioning supports secure to inner facing locations associated with each of the upper and lower cages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: LINARES MEDICAL DEVICES, LLC
    Inventor: Miguel A. Linares
  • Publication number: 20100069808
    Abstract: An improved foot abduction brace device in which the shoe are connected by an abduction bar which is a single bar that can be bent by the treating heal care professional to hold the shoes in the desired angles of abduction and dorsiflexion. The abduction bar is bent near the heel portion of the shoe and is made of a material that allows the bar to retain the selected position once bent. However, the bar is sufficiently strong so that the child cannot bend the bar and therefore change the selected angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: JOHN R. MITCHELL
  • Publication number: 20100069805
    Abstract: A hip orthosis, provided with a trunk engaging part and an upper leg engaging part which are intercoupled by coupling means, wherein the coupling comprise at least one resilient element for operatively preventing an adducting movement of an upper leg engaged by the upper leg engaging part by means of spring force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Lambertus Joseph Martinus KRUIJSEN, Gert Nijenbanning
  • Publication number: 20100069807
    Abstract: An orthotic foot device with a walking boot is provided. The orthotic foot device with a walking boot includes at least one boot wall having at least one guide disposed along an anteroposterior direction of the boot wall. At least one upright bar is disposed to attach to an individual's lower leg and is disposed to translatably engage the at least one guide. At least one fastener fixedly holds the at least one upright bar to the at least one guide when the at least one upright bar is desirably positioned the anatomical ankle axis and calf midline of a patient suffering from an injured Achilles tendon, hair line fractures of the foot and ankle, plantar fasciitis, diabetes, or other foot and ankle pathologies that require a cam boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: William J. Cox
  • Patent number: 7678067
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing dorsiflexion assistance in an orthotic device having ankle and foot sections joined by a hinge connection. The orthotic device may be, for example, an ankle foot orthotic or a night splint. The apparatus includes an elastic member, such as an elastomeric strap, having a first end that is attached to an upper portion of the ankle section of the orthotic device, and a cable that connects a second end of the elastic member to the foot section of the device at a position that is spaced anteriorly from the hinge connection, so that tension supplied by the elastic member creates dorsiflexion torque about the hinge connection. A tension adjuster is provided to allow the amount of torque to be adjusted to meet individual needs. An optional cable guard protects the cable from interference, and can also be used as a cable stop that effectively increases dorsiflexion force to compensate for loss of tension due to shortening of the elastic member upon dorsiflexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Cleveland C. Smith, Jared O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20100056969
    Abstract: Products performing combined or alternative functions of bandages and boots are detailed. Versions of the products may include a main body with split extensions, each of which may be wrapped independently of the other. The main body is designed to cover the lower leg (or other portion) of a horse (or other animal), with the extensions applied as required to achieve optimal fit. The products may be substantially shorter than conventional lengths of bandages yet nevertheless may cover the same amount of leg as do conventional bandages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: KAREN MARGARET THIELSCHER, ROBIN OWEN ELLIS
  • Patent number: 7670306
    Abstract: A potentiating support for an area of a body includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body. The framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in the surface regardless of whether the surface is in abutment with the area of the body, the openings extending completely through and being bounded by the framework. Furthermore, the framework, along its entire boundary with at least one of the openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to an extended state, the framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state. The support also includes a fastening mechanism connected at multiple points proximate each of opposite sides of the framework for applying tension at each of the multiple points for tensioning the framework's surface in abutment with the area of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Nordt Development Co., LLC
    Inventors: William E. Nordt, III, Ian D. Kovacevich, Kevin J. Dahlquist, Tom J. Philpott
  • Patent number: 7666155
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for limb off-weighting, including a sleeve operable to wrap at least partially around a leg, a support strut coupled to the sleeve to receive weight applied to the sleeve, and a foot assembly configured to support and protect the bottom of a foot, wherein the foot assembly is coupled to the support strut and operable to receive weight applied to the sleeve and transfer the weight to underlying surfaces, thus off-weighting and reducing pressure and shearing forces on the foot and ankle. According to some embodiments, foot assembly pivots around the support strut providing an assembled mode and a storage mode. According to other embodiments, sleeve is an open-ended conical shape. According to various other embodiments, the support strut may be tilted to accommodate legs and/or calves of varying sizes, and the foot assembly may adjust to feet of varying sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Medefficiency, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Jensen, William O. Reid, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7666157
    Abstract: A surgical protective tool positioning apparatus includes a base, and two symmetric connecting bases disposed on the base, each having a containing groove formed by enclosing a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall. The second sidewall has a latch hole for interconnecting a containing space above the containing groove and the base for inserting a support stand downwardly into the containing groove. Each support stand has a latch lump latched to and protruded from the latch hole, such that each support stand is protected completely by the first sidewall, second sidewall, third sidewall and fourth sidewall of each connecting base to provide a better structural strength for connecting the support stand and the connecting base, and achieve the advantages of better durability and safety to the protective tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jeff Win
  • Patent number: 7666156
    Abstract: A knee brace, method of use thereof, and modification to an existing knee brace facilitates inducing side loads to a knee joint to align upper and lower leg portions relative to one another, thereby allowing the knee joint to function properly over its full dynamic range of motion. The knee brace, whether as manufactured or modified, acts to apply a lateral shear force to the knee joint through application of opposing lateral forces, with one lateral force being above the knee joint in one direction and the other lateral force being below the knee joint in an opposite direction. The counteracting forces act to shift femoral condyles and tibial condyles of the knee joint back into proper lateral alignment without acting directly on the patella to counteract the effects of the patella femoral syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Alice M. Brown
  • Patent number: 7666158
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided to reduce a foot drop condition. In an embodiment, an adjustable apparatus includes a lower leg member that can be secured to a lower leg portion of a user. The lower leg member can be adjustably and releasably coupled to a user's footwear to assist in orienting the user's foot at a desired orientation. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a molded brace member that can be secured to a user's lower leg below the calf. The molded brace member can be sized and dimensioned to correspond to the associated measurements of the lower leg of a user afflicted with a foot drop condition. A lacing member can be coupled to the user's footwear and coupled to the molded brace member to orient the user's foot at a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: Cynthia Jacobsen, Jay Ellis
  • Patent number: 7662122
    Abstract: An orthotic knee brace for treating unicompartmental osteoarthritis in a knee joint is described. The brace includes a fabric sleeve mounting and a bracing member removably positioned in the sleeve to provide a therapeutic force on the joint. The force is applied by a force dosimeter assembly that draws an incrementally adjustable amount of force on cables connected to the bracing member. The amount of force applied by the force dosimeter is detected by a force sensor, and is indicated by a force indicator, each also removably attachable on the fabric sleeve mounting. The foregoing features, while exemplified in the context of a knee brace, are adaptable to any orthotic or prosthetic device where it is desired to apply an adjustable amount of force to a point on the device to provide a therapeutic benefit, and to provide a real-time indication to the user of the amount of force being applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Bellacure, Inc.
    Inventor: Shane Sterling
  • Patent number: 7662120
    Abstract: A curved guide mechanism includes a guide unit having an arcuate guide track, and a movable body movably engaged with the guide track via a plurality of engagement elements. The guide track is constituted by a guide groove formed in the guide unit. The movable body is provided with at least three engagement elements including inner engagement elements movably engaged with an inner peripheral rail portion formed on the inner peripheral side of the guide groove, and an outer engagement element movably engaged with an outer peripheral rail portion formed on the outer peripheral side of the guide groove. The engagement elements are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction of the guide groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Hiki
  • Patent number: 7662119
    Abstract: An orthotic device for a joint of a human body at which a body appendage pivots includes a first member able to extend along a posterior portion of the appendage on a first side of the joint and a second member able to extend along a posterior portion of the appendage on a second side of the joint opposite the first side. A connection joining the first member and the second member provides a series of defined positions spaced angularly about an axis at which positions the connection can be alternately locked and released, allows pivoting, selective ratcheting and positioning of the second member relative to the first member about the axis, and can restrict pivoting of the second member relative to the first member within a desired angular range of motion. Notably, this orthotic device uniquely combines multiple joint functions into one convenient device which allows it to be used at different stages of therapy without being replaced or requiring additional equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Anatomical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. DeToro, Brian S. Perala, William A. DeToro, Jack N. Huey