Abstract: The invention relates to an orthopedic hinge system, including an outer and an inner lateral base, each substantially complemental in peripheral dimension to each other, the bases each having a major vertical axis, the inner base having a recess. Also included is an elongate distal member having a semi-circular pivot end including, upon a portion of the end, ratchet teeth pointing in a counter-clockwise direction, the pivot end rotationally secured to both of the bases. Further included is an elongate proximal member having a transverse end element proportioned for complemental securement within the recess of the inner base, transverse end element including an axis of rotation co-linear with an axis of rotation of the distal member and defining an axis of rotation of the pivot end of the distal member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a walking assistance device comprising a pelvis support member (10) adapted to be worn on a hip of a wearer; a thigh support member (20) adapted to be worn on a thigh of the wearer; a leg support member (40) adapted to be worn on a leg of the wearer; a knee joint hinge (60) disposed at a position corresponding to a side part of a knee of the wearer and connecting the leg support member (40) to the thigh support member (20) in a manner that enables back-and forth rotation of the leg support member (40) with respect to the thigh support member (20); and a power generator assembly (100) mounted to the pelvis support member (10) at a position corresponding to a side part of a hip joint of the wearer; wherein the power generator assembly (100) comprises a hip joint power generator (110) and a knee joint power generator (120) each having an output member (116, 126, respectively), with the output member (116) of the hip joint power generator (110) being connected to the thigh support m

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing movement of an ankle comprises in one embodiment a flexible body member for receiving a foot and a stiffening unit secured to selected portions of the body member such that the stiffening unit minimizes movement of upper portions of the body member with respect to lower portions of the body member, without obstructing forward and rearward movement of the upper portions of the body member with respect to the lower portions of the body member.

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.

Abstract: An orthopedic walker for mounting on the lower leg of a patient includes a walker base having a central area for receiving the foot of a patient and a spaced lower surface including an outer sole, and a pair of struts connected to the walker base. Each of the struts has a frame member of high strength material secured to the first end of the walker base and a supporting component integrally secured and adjacent to the frame member. The supporting component defines laterally extending side wings generally corresponding to the second end of the frame member, and is constructed from a material less rigid than the high strength material of the frame member. The supporting component has a main body and a border portion that are integrally secured and contiguous with one another. The border portion is formed from a material having a lower hardness than the material forming the main body.

Abstract: A cast for supporting a limb includes a rigid outer shell, such as provided as first and second assembleable halves interconnected by a plurality of latches. An inner conforming foam insole is supported within the shell and is interconnected by pluralities of linearly extending passageways in combination with radially extending rings and which communicate with additional breathing holes extending through a cross sectional thickness of the insole for introducing an airflow for relieving patient discomfort. A toe attachable fan unit creates the airflow within the insole in communication with a plurality of vents positioned at upper terminating ends of each of the linear extending passageways. A plurality of airbags encircle the insole and are iteratively inflated and deflated to achieve a pulsing massage effect.

Abstract: A quick-release mechanism for disconnecting the footwear and footplate of an orthoses from a rotation bar, 90-degree bar, or other component of an orthosis is disclosed. The mechanism allows the footwear to be fitted to a patient with the bar or other component disengaged, while also allowing the angle between the bar or other component and the footplate to be locked when the orthosis is in place in order to treat conditions such as clubfoot.

Abstract: Provided is a device capable of assisting a periodical motion of a creature, such as a human, by applying a force to the creature so as to match a motion rhythm and a motion scale of the periodical motion to a desired motion rhythm and a desired motion scale, respectively, while reducing computation processing load. According to a motion assist device (10) of the present invention, a value of a member or a coefficient contained in a simultaneous differential equation of a state variable (ui) for defining a second model which generates a second oscillator (?2) is adjusted by means of an adjusting device (14). The second oscillator (?2) is generated by the adjusted second model and a torque (T) applied to a human (P) is controlled to vary periodically according to the second oscillator (?2).

Abstract: A femur traction device includes a brace adapted to be secured to a patient's leg, with one end secured above a break in the leg and a hitch end extending below the foot and providing a hitch for a tensioning harness. The tensioning harness is secured between the hitch and the patient's ankle, and straps of the harness may be lengthened or shortened to increase or decrease tension on the leg. The tensioning harness advantageously does not rely on hook-and-loop type fastening means, is color coded to facilitate proper use, and stores in a pouch that forms part of and is secured to the remainder of the tensioning harness.

Abstract: A post amputation limb protection to be applied to newly or recently amputated transtibial, transradial or transfemoral residual limbs comprises an inner soft liner for placement on and around the limb above the end of the stump, an end pad for placement over the stump, a shell for placement over the end pad and inner soft liner, medial and lateral struts for placement along the length of the limb over the inner soft liner, attachment structures on the various components and strap closures for securing the components to the limb, and a waist belt and suspensor, for attachment to the assembly to keep the assembly in place.

Abstract: An orthotic device for a joint of the human body, at which a body part pivots, includes first, second and third members. A first connection joins the first member and the second member and defines a first axis about which the first member and the second member pivot through an adjustable range of angular motion. A second connection joins the second member and the third member, defines a second axis substantially parallel to the first axis about which the second member and the third member pivot through a second range of angular motion, and includes a limit to plantar flexion about the second axis.

Abstract: A shirt includes two expandable and recoverable frameworks, wherein each framework is attached to a respective sleeve of the shirt and defines a plurality of openings extending completely there through to expose portions of the respective sleeve underneath the framework that otherwise would be covered by the framework. Pants also includes two expandable and recoverable frameworks, wherein each framework is attached to a respective sleeve of the pants and defines a plurality of openings extending completely there through to expose portions of the respective sleeve underneath the framework that otherwise would be covered by the framework.

Abstract: Provided is a femoral support member (3) for a walking assistance device that includes a power actuator (actuator 4) having a drive shaft and secured to a hip region of a wearer, the femoral support member securing a free end of an assist force transmitting arm (5) extending from the drive shaft of the power actuator to a femoral region (T) of the wearer. The femoral support member engages the femoral part of the wearer via an air pad (27) filled with air. Thus, owing to the air cushioning action of the aid pad, the air pad can readily deform itself by a large displacement even when the wearer squats and the femoral region expands. By appropriately adjusting the air in the air pad, the femoral support member can be worn by a wearer in a highly favorable manner.

Abstract: A control system for a walking assist device includes a ground detecting means having a plurality of force sensors equipped to each foot attachment portion. Each ground sensor selectively outputs a ground state output and non-ground state output in accordance with whether the foot attachment portion is grounded at a position immediately below the ground sensor. The control system is equipped with a means that continuously generate preference data for each of the ground detecting means, where the reference data increases and decreases in value in accordance with the change of a total number of the ground sensors generating ground state output in the ground detecting means. Also, a means that determines a mutual desired proportion of the supporting force to be applied to the both leg links from the floor side is provided.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient's joint having opposing joint surfaces includes providing an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and an expandable member near the distal end. The expandable member is positioned in the joint between the joint surfaces and expanded so as to separate the joint surfaces away from one another into a distracted position. The joint is manipulated while in the distracted position so that the joint is distracted and in flexion. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is then performed on the joint while maintaining the joint in the flexed and distracted position.

Abstract: When securing a frame (7) made of a rigid member for carrying a heavy object such as a drive unit (3) for a walking assistance device on the hip of a wearer, a hip protective belt (4) made of fabric is wrapped around the hip of the wearer, and the frame (7) is secured thereon via a flexible plate (5) and a pressure plate (6) located on an outer side of the flexible plate (5) and having a higher rigidity than the flexible plate (5). The intermediate members allow the wearer to feel the rigidity of the frame in a mitigated manner, and the wearer would not experience any discomfort from the pressure of the frame even when the posture of the wearer is changed. The hip protective belt can readily conform to the body contour of the wearer, but the frame would not deform. Because the intermediate members absorb the difference in the builds of different wearers, the frame may come in a small number of different sizes to fit almost any wearer. Thereby, the hip support member can be mass produced at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention is a rehabilitation walking boot, which includes a foot support and two leg supports. The foot support includes a top surface, a bottom surface and two lateral edges. The two lateral edges are configured with slots for insertion and fixation by the inserts of the two leg supports. The leg support insert is configured with a flexible positioning locker protruded on one side, and one side of the slots of the foot support lateral edges is configured with a locking part. The side walls of the slots are configured with perforated fixing holes. The rehabilitation walking boot can be dismantled more conveniently, and the leg support can use either combined type or fixed type linkages to the foot support.

Abstract: In a femoral support member 3 for a walking assistance device, the walking assistance device includes a power actuator (actuator 4) having a drive shaft and secured to a hip region of a wearer, and the femoral support member secures a free end of an assist force transmitting arm 5 extending from the drive shaft of the power actuator to a femoral region of the wearer. The present invention is characterized in that the femoral support member engages the femoral region of the wearer via a pad 23 provided with friction reducing means. The fact that the femoral region of the wearer is allowed to make a sliding contact with the femoral support member accommodates the relative movement between the support member and body owing to the disagreement between the axis of body movement (center of an articulate joint) and the point at which the power actuator/power transmitting arm engages the wearer's body. Therefore, the present invention is highly effective in minimizing the discomfort to the wearer.

Abstract: A biomechanical custom made foot orthosis (10) and a method for making the same. The orthosis (10) has a thermoformed flexible top layer (12) made of a first moldable synthetic rubber material, and a thermoformed flexible reinforcement core layer (14) made of a. moldable core material that is molded onto the top layer, (12). The core layer (14) has a posterior end (16) aligned with a mid anterior plantar prominence (K) of a calcaneus bone (C), and an anterior end (18) aligned near metatarsal-phalangeal joints (J) of the foot. The orthosis (10) also has a thermoformed flexible bottom layer (20) made of a second moldable synthetic rubber material that is molded onto the top layer (12) and the core layer (14). The core layer (14) is more rigid than the top and bottom layers (12, 20). The orthosis (10) corrects anatomic biomechanical deficiencies of the foot and ensuing body deficiencies.

Abstract: A patellofemoral brace consisting of a sleeve adapted to be worn by a user in the knee area and having a patella interior opening is provided with a glide which is adjustably carried by the sleeve and which includes a patella engaging brace pad which may be silicon filled and which is generally U-shaped having one longer leg and one shorter leg. The brace is used to influence proper positioning of the patella by the generation of a force applied to the superolateral aspect of the patella to correct misalignment of the patella.

Abstract: A foot and ankle protective apparatus provides support and protection with simultaneous pliability. The apparatus is especially helpful to those who have recently had a cast removed and still require protection of the applicable area while allowing for walking. The apparatus comprises a thick, durable sole. Pliable leg, ankle and foot support is provided. The foot cover shell covers a stadium plate shaped cushion with a convex outer for fit to the identical shape of the shell. The concave inner of the cushion provides for comfortable fit to the top of the foot. The ankle opening between the foot surrounds and the leg surround overlaps allows for limited dorsi flexion and plantar flexion of the ankle, while still providing ankle support both laterally and against extreme flexion. The apparatus is especially useful in lieu of total immobilization.

Abstract: Provided is a walking assist device including a seat member, a leg link having a joint portion, and a driving source for the joint portion. The walking assist device allows a user to rest by sitting on the seat member. Accordingly, the walking assist device further includes a lock mechanism disposed in the joint portion and an operation unit for the lock mechanism. When the operation unit is switched on, the driving source is controlled to increase an up-pushing force on the seat member. A variation rate on the up-pushing force is increased with time to a given value where the lock mechanism is initiated.

Abstract: A medical device removably secured to a limb of a user. The medical device includes at least one liner, at least one pocket, at least one protective panel, and/or blotter means for indication discharge of fluid.

Abstract: A leg support adapted to be secured to a leg includes an elongate strut having first and second 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 element is removably secured to a first surface of the strut, and extends across the middle strut segment. The middle strut segment and the resilient device are arranged to correspond to a knee of a leg and bend therewith such that the resilient device urges the strut into a generally upright configuration.

Abstract: An orthopaedic appliance includes a body, a protrusion extending inwardly from the body, positioned on the body to apply pressure on a proximal portion of the soleus muscle, and means for applying pressure to the protrusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of high-rigidity light-weight rehabilitation walking. The boots include a foot support, two leg supports and two strengthening pieces. The foot support is made of plastics, having a bottom surface and two lateral edges. The two lateral edges are configured with slots, and there is a contact surface on top of the slots. The leg supports are made of plastics, having a stretch support, an insert and a restriction edge between the stretch support and the insert. The restriction edge can push against the contact surface on top of the slot. The strengthening pieces are buried inside the leg supports with its upper part within the range of the stretch support and its lower part within the range of the insert to strengthen the leg support structure and increase capacity of the rehabilitation walking boots to withstand side force.

Abstract: A corrective device to be worn on a human foot having a misalignment and positioned inside of footwear. The device having an inner shell having a first material composition and flexibility, and shaped to accommodate receiving therein and supportingly couple with the foot, and an outer shell having a second material composition and flexibility, the second material composition and flexibility being substantially the same as the first flexibility, the outer shell shaped to accommodate receiving therein the inner shell, supportingly couple with the inner shell and allow positioning into the footwear. At least a sufficient portion of a pressure is distributed by the outer shell and the inner shell over a desired area of the foot to provide an amount of correction to the misalignment while allowing the human to wear the inner shell inside of the outer shell inside of the footwear.

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, said framework defining a plurality of permanent openings in said surface; and two strut members each attached to said framework such that each said strut member spans the hinge joint when said framework is disposed in abutment with the area of the body, said strut members providing a measure of rigidity to said framework in the direction of their respective lengths, each respective said 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 said extended state during flexing of the hinge joint, said respective strut member stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to said initial state.

Abstract: A support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body, wherein said framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in said surface regardless of whether said surface is in abutment with the area of the body; a garment configured for wearing proximate the area of the body; and a fastening mechanism adapted to removably fasten to said garment for securing said surface of said framework in abutment with the area of the body, wherein said fastening mechanism is connected to and applies tension proximate opposite sides of said framework when fastened to said garment such that said framework is expanded and said surface of said framework is tensioned in its abutment with the area of the body.

Abstract: An ankle brace provides a variety of features that contribute to comfort, stability, and support. One embodiment provides thin, elongated gripping surfaces on the bottom of the brace, to reduce the opportunity for the brace to slip relative to the wearer's shoe. One embodiment provides substantially horizontal strap-receiving slots in the forefoot area, which; pull the foot down, toward the bottom of the brace, not relying on the shoe to hold the foot down against the brace.

Abstract: A method of donning a support includes: positioning a garment proximate an area of a body; positioning a framework in abutment with the area of the body, the framework defining a plurality of permanent openings therein 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.

Abstract: Clothing designed to fit a body and span a hinge joint of the body includes an expandable and recoverable framework attached directly to a portion of the clothing designed to span the hinge joint for abutment with and support of an area of the body including the hinge joint when the clothing is worn on the body. The framework includes a surface for abutment with the area of the body including the hinge joint, and the framework defines a plurality of openings in the surface extending completely through the framework, the openings being bounded by the framework and the framework, along its entire boundary with at least some of the openings, being elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states, the framework when expanded to a said extended state storing potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to the initial state.

Abstract: A potentiating support for a hinge joint includes a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body's hinge joint. Furthermore, the framework defines a plurality of permanent openings in said surface regardless of whether said surface is in abutment with the area of the body, said openings extending completely through said framework and being bounded by said framework; said framework, along its entire boundary with an openings, is elastically stretchable between a first initial state and extended states and, when expanded to a said extended state, said framework stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to said initial state; and a particular said opening of said framework comprises an alignment opening that is dimensioned to receive therein a joint protuberance of the hinge joint, said alignment opening serving to maintain the support in a proper orientation when the support is worn.

Abstract: A support for an area of a body including a hinge joint includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body including a hinge joint, said framework defining a permanent opening in said surface regardless of whether said surface is in abutment with the area of the body, said permanent opening extending completely through said framework; and a member removable from said framework that is positionable proximate to said permanent opening of said framework for disposition between said permanent opening of said framework and the area of the body to be supported, said removable member being contoured to receive therein a joint protuberance of the hinge joint.

Abstract: A polycentric hinge is positioned on one side of the patient's knee and a unicentric hinge is positioned on a second side of the knee. A lower portion of the polycentric and unicentric hinge is attached to a knee cuff about a lower leg of the patient. An upper arm of the polycentric and unicentric hinge is attached to a thigh cuff, the upper arm of the unicentric hinge being longer than the upper arm of the polycentric hinge. The upper arm of the unicentric hinge has a 15° to 20° set back angle when the patient's leg is straight. The polycentric hinge has a slotted central plate with star gears engaging a back portion and multiple movable blocks mounted in screw holes on a front edge of the slotted plate supporting an elastic band having a fulcrum point on the polycentric hinge at a lower and upper end.

Abstract: Provided is a force transmitting member having a high rigidity without increasing the weight thereof. The force transmitting member (torque transmitting arm 6) for transmitting a force of a power actuator (rotary actuator 4) mounted on an outer side of a lower limb joint to a lower limb part (femoral region T) of a user provides an assist or resistive force to the lower limb. In particular, the force transmitting member comprises a pair of bifurcated portions (bifurcated portions 6c) that are bifurcated from a portion opposing a side of the lower limb obliquely in the forward and rearward directions, respectively, and the bifurcated portions are integrally formed with parts opposing an outer side face, front face and rear face of the lower limb part, respectively. The free end portion of each part opposing the corresponding part of the lower limb part is provided with a joint for a plate (plate 7) that engages the corresponding lower limb part.

Abstract: An osteoarthritis knee brace for treating a patient's knee joint, a surrounding area thereof, and the upper and lower leg portions. The knee brace has at least one vertical strut with upper and lower portions, at least one pivoting hinge intermediately disposed there between, a shin cuff attached to the vertical strut lower portion and positioned below the hinge and a thigh cuff attached to the vertical strut upper portion and positioned above the hinge. The brace further includes a means for applying a corrective and therapeutic force to the osteoarthritis damaged knee joint and all of the surrounding areas including the upper and lower leg portions, which are removeably positionable about the osteoarthritis knee brace. Still further, the brace include a means for equally distributing the corrective and therapeutic force at each point at which the means for applying a corrective and therapeutic force is applied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chafe useable on an orthopedic walker and including members which define a slot through which a strap, such as the strap of a walker, may pass. The chafe also includes a stud on the member, and a connection element connecting the stud and members defining the slot.

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.

Abstract: A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane. The knee brace having a frame, and at least one cross strap that is connected to the frame and extends across over at least a portion of the first and second brace sides. The at least one cross strap is arranged obliquely relative to the median plane. The brace also includes a tightening mechanism that is connected to the frame and is configured to incrementally tension the at least one cross strap at predefined settings and to release tension on the at least one cross strap. A first end of the at least one cross strap engages the tightening mechanism. A dosage meter is connected to the frame, and includes an indication feature representing tension settings of the at least one cross strap.

Abstract: An orthopedic walker for mounting on the lower leg of a patient includes a walker base having a central area for receiving the foot of a patient and a spaced lower surface including an outer sole, and a pair of struts connected to the walker base. Each of the struts has a frame member of high strength material secured to the first end of the walker base and a supporting component integrally secured and adjacent to the frame member. The supporting component defines laterally extending side wings generally corresponding to the second end of the frame member, and is constructed from a material less rigid than the high strength material of the frame member. The supporting component has a main body and a border portion that are integrally secured and contiguous with one another. The border portion is formed from a material having a lower hardness than the material forming the main body.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is a knee support device for providing focused and comfortable pressure (i.e. conforms to the size and shape of the knee and patella) to reduce knee pain. The knee support device comprises a stretchable band for encircling a portion of the user's leg. A moldable inner support is secured to the inner surface of the band and is filled with beads allowing the moldable inner support to conform to the specific anatomy of the user's knee for maximum support and relief. The moldable inner support is only affixed to the band at its ends so that it may move freely with respect to the band and also provides focused pressure to reduce knee pain and helps stabilize the patella to improve alignment and tracking.

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 preferred embodiment 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.

Abstract: A brace worn by a user has side shell portions disposed in or on the lateral and medial sides portions of the brace to support the medial and lateral sides of the user's ankle. The shell may include a connecting center portion that extends under the foot of the user and couples the medial and lateral side shell portions. In certain embodiments, the connecting portion includes a plurality of flexible fingers oriented substantially towards the user's toes for yielding to the movement of the user's foot while maintaining the stability and orientation of the lateral and medial supports with respect to the user's ankle.

Abstract: A novel ankle gapping device includes a lower leg engaging apparatus, a foot engaging apparatus, and a biasing member disposed between the lower leg engaging apparatus and the foot engaging apparatus. The leg engaging apparatus is adapted to securely engage a user's leg such that the leg engaging apparatus will remain stationary when the biasing member exerts an upward force thereon. The foot engaging apparatus is contoured to fit the user's foot. In a particular embodiment, the biasing member is a pneumatic biasing member, such as an inflatable tube that is actuated by a pump. As the pump provides compressed air (or some other fluid) to the biasing member, the pressure inside the biasing member increases, causing an increase in the volume of the biasing member. This pressure and volume increase exerts an upward force via the leg engaging apparatus to the lower leg, and a downward force via the foot engaging apparatus to the foot.

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.

Abstract: A multi-fit orthotic structure including an attachment system for coupling the orthotic structure to a wide variety of subjects without requiring a custom fit. In one embodiment, active mobility assistance is provided via an orthotic system capable of integrating a linear actuator and linkage system to deliver torque to the lower leg of a subject to facilitate flexion and/or extension motion of the subject's leg. The orthotic structure is attached to the subject using a textile suspension system which does not require the orthotic structure to interface directly in the knee region or at the lateral areas of the thigh and calf of the subject, thus providing an ideal fit for the widest possible range of subjects with the minimum number of required sizes.

Abstract: A foot splint for the prevention and rehabilitation of plantar fasciitis by maintaining a wearer's foot and, hence, his plantar fascia in a pre-selected amount of dorsiflexion. The foot splint includes a footplate for supporting the wearer's foot, a bracket integrally attached to the footplate near the heel region, where the bracket has at least one ankle angle preset, a strut (either medial, lateral, or both sides) extending along the lower leg of the wearer, a strut sleeve removably enveloping the strut. The sleeve has an upper end and a lower end, and the strut protrudes from the lower end of the sleeves. There is an adjustable leg strap attached to the strut sleeve at the upper end. The strap secures the upper end to the leg of a wearer during operation. A padded insole may be provided to cushion the wearer's foot from the footplate. The foot splint provides a comfortable “slipper-like” feel for the wearer.

Abstract: A hinge or joint assembly is provided that includes first and second members, a pivot rotatably connecting the first and second members and allowing movement between extension and flexion positions, and at least one elastomeric spring communicating with the first and second members to restrain pivotal movement of the members toward flexion, through compression of the elastomeric spring, and to assist pivotal movement toward extension through decompression of the elastomeric spring. The assembly can further include a disk and lock slide, the disk and lock slide each having complementary teeth providing, when engaged, an arrest of pivotal movement in a direction of flexion and one-way, ratcheting, step-advance pivotal movement in a direction toward extension. The elastomeric spring can be urethane, and can be adapted to mimic any bodily muscle. An embodiment employing a torsional spring is also provided, as is a cable release mechanism providing one-dimensional cable movement.

Abstract: A body orthosis having a pair of body protective members adjacent to each other in a vertical direction, in which one of the body protective member 1 is constituted so as to rotate freely with respect to the other body protective member 2, the body orthosis including rotational load setting means 8 for setting a rotational load in one rotational direction of the rotatably constructed body protective member 2 larger than a rotational load in the other rotational direction.