Abstract: Provided are orthopedic, dual density pressure pads designed to transfer pressure onto a focused anatomical structure; typically through the assistance of a device that applies a perpendicular or downward force. The pad includes an outer layer including a relatively soft material and an interior support including a rigid material, with the interior support typically having a substantially greater hardness than the outer layer.

Abstract: An adjustable seal system, seal component for use in the system, and method are provided for forming a sealing interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket. The seal component is selectively placed over the outer surface of a suspension liner including a plurality of seal bands, which the seal component may removably and securely engage.

Abstract: Swim training devices and methods for portable swim training that assists swimmers in proper swimming alignment. Devices and methods include a leg stroke training system. Devices and methods also include an upper body training system. Such training methods, devices and systems can be used separately or in combination.

Abstract: A footwear device including a resilient member having first and second ends. The first end can be configured for being connected to a user's foot, and the second end can be configured for being connected to the user's leg above the ankle joint. The resilient member can be configured and positioned for resiliently and rotatably biasing the user's foot about the ankle joint.

Abstract: A flex lock system for locking an orthotic brace having a push button for adjusting the range of flexion angles and a push button for adjusting the range of extension angles for the orthotic brace. The flex lock system has a tab having a receiving hole configured to fit around a push button and to prevent the push button from being depressed and adjusting the ranges of flexion or extension improperly. The flex lock system is made of a flexible material that has particular elasticity and compressibility to function as a flex lock as described.

Abstract: A supporter according to the present invention includes a first supporting section provided so as to extend along a lateral side of a knee joint, a second supporting section extending diagonally upwardly from a first long side along an upper edge of a kneecap so as to reach a second long side, and a third supporting section extending diagonally downwardly from the first long side along a lower edge of the kneecap so as to reach the second long side.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a control method of a wearable robot, including: generating reference gait data based on the results of sensing by a sensor unit included in a structure; estimating, when a wearer walks, the wearer's gait phase based on the results of sensing by the sensor unit; detecting a gait phase having a minimum difference from the estimated gait phase from the reference gait data; and driving a driver of the structure, according to a control signal generated based on the estimated gait phase and the detected gait phase.

Abstract: A brace for application to a body joint, the brace including a substantially rigid brace substrate and a tensioning system for imparting tension to the substrate for adjusting the contour or angulation of the substrate.

Abstract: A knee brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the knee. The knee brace includes a base and a spider member. The base is comprised of elastic material and configured to closely fit around portions of the knee and adjacent leg portions. A spider member having upper and lower pairs of tensioning straps is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through upper and lower apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base.

Abstract: A passive artificial knee comprises first and second links rotatably coupled at a knee joint, a passive compressive force generator rotatably coupled to the second link, and a release mechanism coupled to the first link. When a relative angle of the first and second links is less than a toggle angle, the release mechanism locks in a first operational mode, and the force generator compresses, resisting the flexing of the second link relative to the first link. When the relative angle is larger than the toggle angle, the force generator decompresses and encourages the flexion of said second link relative to said first link. When the force generator is substantially extended and said compressive force is substantially small, the release mechanism moves into a second operational mode, wherein the force generator neither resists nor encourages the extension and flexion of said second link from said first link.

Abstract: A hinge joint for orthopedic knee braces that enable a wearer or medical professional to quickly and efficiently adjust the lateral corrective force placed on the knee joint so as to apply the force at heel strike (full extension) when it is most needed, but will relax the loading during flexion. The hinge joint, for use in a three point pressure system of a knee brace, has a first part that is connectable to a femoral arm of a knee brace and a second part that is mounted to be able to telescope out of the first part as the leg is extended and to telescope back into the first part as the leg flexes.

Abstract: A knee brace assembly with a proximal compression system adapted to be secured to the thigh and a distal compression system adapted to be secured to the calf. The brace includes lateral and distal hinge assemblies connecting the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to permit rotational movement of the proximal compression system with respect to the distal compression system. At least one inelastic strap extends around the proximal compression system and the distal compression system. The strap is leveraged to tighten the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to compress soft tissue in the thigh and calf when the leg is extended, but to release the proximal compression system and the distal compression system when the leg is in flexion.

Abstract: There is provided a system including a wearable feedback device having a first feedback element and a second feedback element, a non-transitory memory storing a game and an executable code, and a hardware processor executing the executable code to receive an input signal from the game, transmit a first activation signal to activate the first feedback element to provide a first feedback including a haptic effect, in response to receiving the input signal, and transmit a second activation signal to activate the second feedback element to provide a second feedback, in response to receiving the input signal.

Abstract: A flexible joint wrap includes a heat exchange bladder, which provides fluid circulation and compression to a joint. The joint wrap includes upper and lower sections for attachment above and below a joint. The bladder has an opening at a center section which provides flexibility of the bladder. The heat exchange bladder may be enclosed in a removable cover designed to conform to the shape of the bladder. The cover and bladder are formed with an opening in alignment with the joint to provide flexibility to the wrap. The cover may be formed of a fluid repellant inner lining to prevent fluid from the joint from soiling the bladder. The cover may further comprise a nylon loop outer surface to allow the upper and lower sections to be easily attached and adjusted.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee brace is provided having a sleeve, a longitudinal support assembly and a strapping system. The sleeve is positionable over a knee with the longitudinal support assembly engaging the sleeve. The longitudinal support assembly includes an upper support member, a lower support member and a hinge positionable in engagement with the knee. The strapping system includes a strap extending in a helical path across a lower point on the upper support member proximal to the hinge to an upper point on the upper support member or in a helical path across an upper point on the lower support member proximal to the hinge to a lower point on the lower support member.

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

Abstract: A technology for a prosthetic above-knee device is provided. A socket may be used to attach the device to a residual limb, and may have a rigid body coupled to the socket. The device may include a first link with a first link end coupled through the rigid body to the socket and a second link end coupled to the rigid body. The second link of the device may have a third link end attached to the rigid body, and a fourth link end coupled to a housing. The device may include a hydraulic cylinder with a piston and a hydraulic cylinder link coupled between the rigid body and the piston of the hydraulic cylinder. The stability adjustment nut may adjust a travel distance of the hydraulic cylinder link with respect to the hydraulic cylinder to provide an adjustment of an instant center for stability modification.

Abstract: Provided is a knee support capable of correcting/alleviating an inner rotation or outer rotation of a knee joint. A knee support comprising a support main body for covering a knee joint, and a strap to be wound around and attached on an outer surface of the support main body helically while being pulled in the direction opposite to an inner rotation direction of the joint, wherein a projection to be contacted with an inner side of a shinbone below the knee when wearing is provided on the inner surface of the support main body or the inner surface of the strap.

Abstract: A knee joint supporter which can improve the stability of the knee joint, reduce the wearer's fatigue and reduce the load on the patellar tendon includes a first anchor section formed by wrapping one end of a tubular knitted fabric around the wearer's thigh to tighten it with the fabric, a second anchor section formed by wrapping the other end of the fabric around the wearer's lower thigh to tighten it with the fabric, and a substantially U-shaped knitted supporting section joined to the first anchor section, covering the wearer's patella region and thus supporting the wearer's patella. In the circumferential direction of the fabric, the stretch resistance of the two anchor parts are larger than the stretch resistance of a base fabric section. In the length width direction of the fabric, the stretch resistance of the supporting section is larger than the stretch resistance of the base fabric section.

Abstract: A topical proprioceptive tube and method of use for at least activating muscle, reducing muscle fatigue, enhancing performance, or reducing a risk of knee injury. The tube includes a flexible sleeve having at least: a hamstring buttress, a knee buttress, or both, wherein the hamstring buttress and the knee buttress are configured to be coupled to the interior of the flexible sleeve such that the hamstring buttress applies pressure to at least a portion of one of the subject's hamstring muscles and the knee buttress applies pressure to at least a portion of the subject's Vastus Medialis Obliquus (VMO) when worn by the subject to provide a desired effect.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic brace which is composed of a flexible sleeve and a rigid framed brace. An elastic tubular shaped fabric sleeve is first placed over the elbow or knee joint and has upper front and lower rear raised lips that are used to prevent the rigid and compact framed brace from slipping downwards during usage. The tight fit of the rigid brace inside the raised lip gaps of the sleeve prevents the framed brace from slipping down from the elbow or knee joint during usage. This brace is designed to also be compact in size to allow for everyday wear in both contact and non-contact sports for both elbow and knee protection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bandage for knee joints that includes an elastic textile stocking, an annular or clasp-like elastic profiled insert arranged in or at the textile stocking to encase at least the lateral (fibula-side) section of the patella of the knee joint and at least one flexible, inelastic tensile strap essentially extending in the longitudinal direction of the bandage over the knee joint.

Abstract: A splint for immobilizing a joint including at least one flat body that has two contact surfaces for limbs adjoining the joint to be immobilized and a supporting member in an outer contour having an angular structure for adjusting and bracing an angle between the contact surfaces for the limbs, wherein at least two surfaces are non-displaceably joined together to create a double-walled structure, and wherein a joint axis of the joint to be immobilized forms an angle of less than 60° with a normal of the non-displaceably joined surfaces.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has detachable components for treatment stages of an injury or surgical procedure. The orthopedic device is arranged as a protective functional support for regeneration of knee cartilage after surgical repair procedures, and includes a flexion control kit and a wrap-around liner sleeve.

Abstract: A progressive strap assembly includes an elongate, inelastic body having first and second ends, and an elastic body having first and second ends, the first end of the elastic body anchored to the second end of the inelastic body. The elastic body is arranged to stretch a plurality of lengths and has a maximum stretchable length. A tension limiter is connected to the first and second ends of the elastic body and is arranged to inhibit a predetermined stretchable length of the elastic body short of the maximum stretchable length.

Abstract: A joint motion simulator to simulate biomechanical motion includes a mount to which a prosthetic device is mounted, actuators coupled to the mount to drive the mount, and a programmable controller to drive the actuators to translate the mount and to rotate the mount with a center of rotation controllable independent of translation. The simulator can include a linear actuator to translate the mount in a linear direction substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. The linear actuator can include a piston within a sleeve, the piston being coupled to the mount and being hydraulically driven to translate the mount, and the actuators can be coupled to the sleeve. The controller may be programmed to vary the center of rotation with linear translation and rotation of the mount. Sensors may be included that measure displacement of the actuators. The controller may drive the actuators based on the measured displacement.

Abstract: A knee pad assembly for work tasks requiring kneeling, including a knee pad, a method of attaching the knee pad to a user's leg, and a tool or accessory receiver attached or integrated to the knee pad. The tool or accessory receiver provides easy and convenient access to tools or accessories at the knee of the worker.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace may include a main panel made of a flexible, breathable elastic fabric, such as perforated neoprene or AIRPRENE.® The main body panel includes a a fastening implement, such as hook-and-loop fasteners to secure the main body panel in an encircling position on or near a subject area of the human body. The brace may a shank embedded in the main panel to add rigidity in one or more areas. At least two adjustable strap loops may cooperate with the shank to provide targeted and precise compressive forces to the treatment area when the brace is installed. The strap loops may be anchored at one end to the main panel, extend through sliding rings and may be provided with fasteners at another end to adjustably engage corresponding fastening pads on the main body panel. The adjustable strap loops, rings and shank cooperate to provide for the targeted and precise application and distribution of pressure force to the treatment area.

Abstract: The exoskeletal dynamic load bearing shock absorbing knee brace makes use of the energy absorbing characteristics of specifically designed industrial shock absorbers which are held precisely in place by an articulated dynamic exoskeletal structure that is to be secured to the lower limbs of the individual with the injured knee. The exoskeletal structure is designed using the principles of the overcenter linkage to translate and transfer to the shock absorbers a representative fraction of the normal and extra normal ambulatory movements of the lower limbs of the user which makes possible for these shock absorbers to absorb a corresponding amount of energy and provide an alternate load bearing structure parallel to the knees thus introducing a desirable degree of protection for the injured knee.

Abstract: A wearable device includes a unitary first frame assembly which is integrally formed from first and second polymeric materials. The first frame assembly has a first frame portion formed by the first polymeric material and extends around part of a second frame portion formed by the second polymeric material. The first frame member includes a flexible first shell and a first connecting portion which depends from the first shell. The second frame portion forms part of the first shell and continuously extends to the first connecting portion without interruption. The second polymeric material has greater rigidity than the first polymeric material. The device also includes a second frame assembly having a second connecting portion which links to the first connecting portion.

Abstract: A knee brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the knee. The knee brace includes a base and a spider member. The base is comprised of elastic material and configured to closely fit around portions of the knee and adjacent leg portions. A spider member having upper and lower pairs of tensioning straps is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through upper and lower apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a human knee, such as a knee decompression apparatus or device, is described. In some examples, the apparatus includes a bolster, one or more support bars configured to place the bolster proximate to the popliteal fossa of the knee, and one or more straps or other attachment devices configured to removably attach the apparatus to the knee (or, area of the leg that includes the knee) of a patient.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for an orthopedic device having a pivoting assembly and a spring biased lock for locking the pivoting assembly in place. The hinge assembly also includes flexion and extension stop assemblies arranged for selectively locking onto notches formed along an arcuate channel located on an inner plate of the hinge assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent intestinal sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a circular surgical stapler having an anvil assembly with an anvil shaft and an anvil, the circular surgical stapler further having a tubular body portion with an annular knife and a body portion shaft selectively attachable to the anvil shaft; and a seal structure for deposition between the intestinal sections of tissue including a hub configured to engage attachment structure on at least one of the anvil shaft and the body portion shaft. The attachment structure is positioned so that the seal structure is located between the intestinal sections of tissue when the circular surgical stapler is disposed within the intestinal sections of tissue.

Abstract: A support device (5) arranged to be removably secured to a user and having vertical (16) and horizontal (18) members. In one arrangement, a lower support assembly is arranged for attachment to the user's leg so that the support device assists the user in lifting the leg while taking a step. In an alternative arrangement, the lower support assembly is attached to the lower trunk of the user so that the support device assists in straightening the user's spine. The spring assembly (10) can be arranged to apply forward torque to the lower support assembly (8) relative to the upper support assembly (6), for leg lift assist, or backward torque to the lower support assembly for spine straightening assist.

Abstract: A knee joint supporter which can improve the stability of the knee joint, reduce the wearer's fatigue and reduce the load on the patellar tendon includes a first anchor section formed by wrapping one end of a tubular knitted fabric around the wearer's thigh to tighten it with the fabric, a second anchor section formed by wrapping the other end of the fabric around the wearer's lower thigh to tighten it with the fabric, and a substantially U-shaped knitted supporting section joined to the first anchor section, covering the wearer's patella region and thus supporting the wearer's patella. In the circumferential direction of the fabric, the stretch resistance of the two anchor parts are larger than the stretch resistance of a base fabric section. In the length width direction of the fabric, the stretch resistance of the supporting section is larger than the stretch resistance of the base fabric section.

Abstract: A patellofemoral brace or support has a main substrate, a hinge located on at least one of the lateral and medial sides, and a support system coupled to the main substrate and the hinge. The support system has a compression element removably securable over the main substrate and a cable having a first end anchored to a pivoting element connected to the hinge and a second end anchored to the compression element. The cable engages the hinge such that articulation of the hinge from an extension position to a flexion position pulls the compression element toward the hinge to exert a generally medial force over the main substrate.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of the body of a wearer comprising an orthopedic brace combined with at least one electrically active zone to stimulate the body of the wearer of the brace.

Abstract: A knee brace assembly with a proximal compression system adapted to be secured to the thigh and a distal compression system adapted to be secured to the calf. The brace includes lateral and distal hinge assemblies connecting the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to permit rotational movement of the proximal compression system with respect to the distal compression system. At least one inelastic strap extends around the proximal compression system and the distal compression system. The strap is leveraged to tighten the proximal compression system and the distal compression system to compress soft tissue in the thigh and calf when the leg is extended, but to release the proximal compression system and the distal compression system when the leg is in flexion.

Abstract: An orthosis comprising a dynamic, flexible, elastic stiffener that is configured to extend across a joint. The stiffener is configured to extend across a joint in a first configuration, wherein the stiffener is preferably substantially planar, and a second configuration when a patient's muscle is under contraction such that the stiffener allows some joint movement but resists flexion of the joint to impede joint movement. The stiffener rebounds to its first configuration after the muscle contraction has terminated. The orthosis may be used to impede the movement of any joint, including a wrist joint and finger joints, an elbow joint, a knee joint, and an ankle joint and toe joints. Preferably, the flexible stiffener is made from a heat treated and tempered spring steel so that is has desirable dynamic and elastic properties.

Abstract: A laterally applied orthosis has a dynamic flexible stiffener that is configured to extend across a joint and to impede joint movement caused by muscle contractions by resisting flexing but allowing some movement in the joint. The stiffener is elastic so that it rebounds to its original form under its inherent bias after flexing due to movement of the joint. The stiffener is housed within a brace having a plurality of adjustable straps extending from the brace. The straps can be fastened to one another or the brace itself to form a substantially tubular structure for securing the brace to a limb. At least one of the plurality of straps is semi-rigid and malleable.

Abstract: An orthopedic component for use in orthopedic device includes a rigid frame and a flexible subshell connected to and extending flexibly outwardly from the rigid frame. The subshell may have a shell body and a perimeter edge portion defining a lip extending outwardly from a surface of a shell body and defining a clearance between the shell body and the lip. The subshell may include a plurality of slots and ventilated padding is used in combination with the slots. A tightenable fastener may be adjustably secured to the rigid frame and extend through an opening on the subshell, wherein the first side portion of the subshell is adjustable in location relative to the rigid frame.

Abstract: A knee orthosis and a method for controlling a knee orthosis including a thigh structure having a fastening structure to be fixed to a thigh, a lower leg structure which is pivotally coupled to the thigh rail using a joint mechanism and has a fastening structure to be fixed to a lower leg as well as a foot piece for supporting a foot, and an actuator device between the thigh structure and the lower leg structure. The fastening points of the actuator on the thigh structure and lower leg structure and the center of rotation of the joint mechanism form a triangle. The fastening points are arranged on the structures such that the connecting line between a fastening point and the center of rotation in an angular position of the knee in which the lower leg is bent at an angle ranging from 0° to 90° relative to the thigh.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has a main body panel including a longitudinal length with a curved cross-section, and opposed lateral and medial sides. A posterior panel is secured to the lateral and medial sides of the main body panel, and is sized longitudinally shorter than the main body panel in a non-stretched condition. The posterior panel is secured to the main body panel in a pretensioned condition and spans the longitudinal length of the main body panel along the lateral and medial sides thereof.

Abstract: A support article for maintaining a knee brace in alignment with a wearer's knee, comprising a first leg panel and a second leg panel, at least one of the leg panels including upper and lower outside pockets, and upper and lower inside pockets, the pockets being positioned generally on the side area of a panel. Each pocket has an opening and is adapted to hold a portion of a knee brace support arm. A strap is associated with each pocket, each strap being adjustable. A zipper may extend from a bottom opening of a leg panel toward a thigh area. The support article maintains the knee brace in position proximate to the knee area, so that the knee brace does not appreciably slide down the wearer's leg.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture are disclosed for supporting joints including a contoured brace having a Support Stiffness Insert (SSI) configured to be inserted into a cavity within the joint brace. In various embodiments, the contours of the brace fit the curves of the body to increase support, mobility and comfort. The SSI has a asymmetrical shape with a curved surface facing the body joint and a flat surface facing the opposite direction. The SSI is made of flexible materials such as rubber, gel, neoprene, and the like, while in other various embodiments, the SSI comprises a fluid sack with adjustable volume, pressure, stiffness, and shape of the joint brace. The joint brace may include a Decorative Pattern Insert (DPI) inserted into a transparent window to change the decorative appearance of the joint brace or to reduce its visibility by using a DPI with natural skin tones.

Abstract: An adjustable immobilizing joint brace has a pair of opposed, spaced apart first supports for supporting and immobilizing a joint. Each first support has a pair of first joint holes proximate a first end. One of the holes of the pair of first joint holes is spaced further from the first end of the first support than the other hole. A pair of opposed, spaced apart second supports has two opposed sides. Each second support has a pair of second joint holes proximate a joint end. The pair of second joint holes can be aligned with and attached to the pair of first joint holes on either side of the first support to form different angles of attachment between the first supports and the second supports depending on the orientation of the first supports relative to the orientation of the second supports.

Abstract: A device and method for using the device arranged to maintain anatomical alignment between a joint by creating a dynamic load around the joint to restore and maintain the anatomical alignment. The orthotic device uses a hinge to create a directed force on a tibia by maintaining misalignment of an instant center of rotation (ICoR) of the hinge at a position relative to an anatomical knee joint.

Abstract: The orthosis includes an articulated framework made to be fixed on either side of the knee onto the thigh and lower leg, restraint straps attached to the framework and surrounding the thigh and lower leg leaving the patellar area free. The straps cross and are superimposed on each other on the posterior side next to the skin of the popliteal fossa at the same level as the center of rotation of the knee in order to prevent the anterior part of the tibia sliding forward. Each strap is held in a rigid guide on the lower leg and the thigh, while, where they cross at the popliteal fossa, they are held together by a non stretching sleeve. The first shortest strap is on the outside, as far posteriorly as possible and the last longest strap is on the inside, as far anteriorly as possible next to the skin of the popliteal fossa.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to providing relief to persons who suffer from arthritis of the knee and/or other knee ailments, and in particular to a soft, flexible sheath for protecting the knee and providing comfort to the user while sleeping. Various embodiments are described, which are constructed so that the wearer can bend and straighten his/her knees.