Knee Patents (Class 602/26)
  • Patent number: 10716694
    Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a textile panel having interior and exterior surfaces, and a first stabilizer assembly including a first tubular welt sewn or knitted within and extending from an exterior surface of the textile panel. A first cable is slidably extending through the tubular welt and a strap is connected to a first end of the cable extending from a first opening of the welt, and the strap is adjustably securable over the textile panel. The orthopedic device may include various portions of stretchability and features for receiving components for the orthopedic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Concetta Maria Huffa, Harry Duane Romo
  • Patent number: 10687971
    Abstract: A protective sleeve for treating injury to a wearer's elbow joint comprises a central pad; a protective opening one wearer's medial elbow region, a cap attached on the exterior side of the central pad; a relatively thin sheet; a cylindrical sleeve formed by the relatively thin sheet and the central pad; a first compression strip attached on the interior side within the upper portion of the central pad; a second compression strip attached on the interior side within the lower portion of the central pad; and a fastening means for securing the protective sleeve on the wearer's arm; and a treatment method thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: THE LONNIE BRACE LLC
    Inventor: Stephen John Martino
  • Patent number: 10624775
    Abstract: A strapping system for retaining a rigid support member of an orthopedic brace in a desired utilitarian position on a body of a wearer is provided which includes a strap having a first strap end, a second strap end and an intermediate strap point between the strap ends. The strap is operatively configured to follow a strap path having a first connection point, a second connection point and a third connection point sequentially positioned on the support member. The first strap end is attached to the first connection point and the strap extends from the first connection point around the body of the wearer to the second connection point where the intermediate strap point is attached thereto. The strap is redirected at the second connection point in an opposing direction and extends back around the body of the wearer to the third connection point where the second strap end is attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew T. Hollister, James M. Fout, Serena N. Oaks
  • Patent number: 10617550
    Abstract: A knee brace to stabilize the patella has a main body positionable over the knee, a hinged longitudinal support assembly, a buttress, a buttress retention flap overlaying the buttress, a cam positioned proximal to the support assembly and a tensioning line. The buttress is positioned against the side of the knee opposite the support assembly and applies a variable compression force to the knee. The tensioning line engages the cam and operatively connects it to the buttress via the buttress retention flap to automatically vary the compression force applied to the knee in response to rotation of the support assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Breg, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane C. Fedon, Andrew M. Blecher
  • Patent number: 10596022
    Abstract: An articulated coupling or joint (10) for orthopedic braces or orthoses comprises a pair of bars or uprights (14, 15), a proximal end of each of these being rotatingly mounted around an axis defined by its rotation pin (25), this proximal end of the bars or uprights being toothed and engaging with a common grooved cylindrical cursor (20) translatable along an additional axis, the other distal end of the respective bars (14, 15) being fixable to a portion of the body of the patient to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: F.G.P. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Alberto Turrini, Moreno Ferrigolo
  • Patent number: 10588770
    Abstract: A versatile orthopedic device is arranged to convert between ligament and osteoarthritis treatment, and to accommodate a variety of leg anatomies. The orthopedic device is preferably configured as a double-upright brace indicating struts, frame component sections and associated hinges preferably intended to be along both medial and lateral sides of a wearer's leg. A strap kit with an unloading strap system may be added to the orthopedic device for conversion into an orthopedic device for osteoarthritis relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Derek Brookover, Jared Olivo
  • Patent number: 10576620
    Abstract: Robotic mobility assistant exoskeleton with frame members, which are attached adjacent to biological joints, supplements relative movement between skeletal members. Mechanical joint defines a center of relative rotation of frame members about three mutually perpendicular axes with the center of relative rotation of frame members being displaced from the outer surfaces of skeletal members to correspond in position with the center of biological joint. Actuation devices including powered cable springs rotate frame members. Control system executes calibrated user specific posture sequences and activates power. Mechanical joint exhibits cylindrical guide surfaces defining a slidable or rotatable connection of frame members and has a radius intersecting the center of the biological joint. Node control network distributes computing load and reduces communications overhead. Map unit has object recognition system for monitoring environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventors: Wenpei Chou, Da Jiun Chou
  • Patent number: 10568796
    Abstract: A wearable apparatus comprises a passive artificial knee that comprises first and second links coupled at a knee joint, a passive compressive force generator coupled to the second link, and a release mechanism coupled to the first link. When an 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 flexing of the second link. When the angle is larger than the toggle angle, the force generator decompresses and encourages flexion of said second link. When the force generator is extended and said compressive force is small, the release mechanism moves into a second operational mode, wherein the force generator neither resists nor encourages extension and flexion of said second link from said first link. The wearable apparatus comprises an exoskeleton trunk configured to couple to an upper body of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shang-Li Wu, Homayoon Kazerooni
  • Patent number: 10537337
    Abstract: A computer-assisted surgical system can include a donor sub-system and a recipient sub-system. The donor sub-system includes a first reference unit having a first trackable element, a fragment reference unit having a second trackable element, and a first detector configured to provide at least one of a first signal corresponding to a detected location of one or more of the first trackable element and the second trackable element. The recipient sub-system includes a second reference unit having a third trackable element, and a second detector configured to provide at least one of a second signal corresponding to a detected location of at least the third trackable element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventors: Chad Gordon, Mehran Armand, Ryan Murphy, Gerald Grant, Peter Liacouras, Kevin Wolfe
  • Patent number: 10531973
    Abstract: A support device comprising at least one skeleton structure and at least two coupling articles, wherein each of the two coupling articles are connected to an end section of the skeleton structure, such that the support device includes at least four degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Roshanak Baghaei Roodsari
  • Patent number: 10420666
    Abstract: Apparatus, system, and method are disclosed herein for controlling movement of an artificial orthopedic joint prosthesis in a mammalian subject. The apparatus, system, or method includes an orthopedic brace configured to control movement of an orthopedic joint prosthesis. The apparatus, system, or method includes one or more sensors and one or more controllers in communication with the one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to detect a change in an orientation of a subject's position in an environment and configured to detect one or more alignment orientations of the orthopedic joint prosthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Baym, Roderick A. Hyde, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10327977
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dominic J. Julian, Jeremy J. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 10322016
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Linda Ros Birgisdottir, Martin Lund Størup, Johan Olof Westlund, Egill Sveinbjorn Egilsson
  • Patent number: 10258831
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Catherine Grander Vance
  • Patent number: 10251442
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Darrell L. Wong
  • Patent number: 10238521
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Corflex, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Glace, Steven Santaniello
  • Patent number: 10219932
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignees: OKAMOTO CORPORATION, THE RITSUMEIKAN TRUST
    Inventors: Nobuaki Onuma, Chika Sokawa, Masaaki Makikawa
  • Patent number: 10201437
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji Young Kim, Kyung-Won Moon, Young Bo Shim, Ju Suk Lee
  • Patent number: 10098774
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Modglin
  • Patent number: 10058446
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Mueller Sports Medicine, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Mueller, Zhaodong Max Li, Keith Kusmirek
  • Patent number: 10039685
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shang-Li Wu, Homayoon Kazerooni
  • Patent number: 10034789
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Townsend Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven S. Knecht
  • Patent number: 10016296
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: S/S Dynamics LLC
    Inventor: Robert Scott Swanson
  • Patent number: 9981182
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Goslin, Eric C. Haseltine
  • Patent number: 9980844
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: COOLSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Robert H. J. Miros, Charlotte Hutter-Brock
  • Patent number: 9931233
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Breg, Inc.
    Inventors: Serena N. Oaks, Stefanie L. Mah
  • Patent number: 9925082
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Janaki Ram-srinivasaRao Chetlapalli, Gudni Ingimarsson, Harry Duane Romo, Jonathan Walborn, Zachariah J. Klutts
  • Patent number: 9901467
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Motion Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin K. Iversen, Joseph Anthony Jacobs, Jeffrey Christenson
  • Patent number: 9655760
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: NIPPON SIGMAX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naotaka Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9526279
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: KOWA COMPANY, LTD
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Matsuo, Hidefumi Koga
  • Patent number: 9480592
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Topical Gear, LLC
    Inventor: William D. Bue, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9427349
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher Johnson
  • Patent number: 9393147
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Bauerfeind AG
    Inventors: Rainer Scheuermann, Hans B. Bauerfeind, Heinrich Hess
  • Patent number: 9387114
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: BSN MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventor: Olaf Kandt
  • Patent number: 9375341
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR hf
    Inventors: Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Bjorn Omarsson, Thorleifur Stefansson, Thorvaldur Ingvarsson
  • Patent number: 9364365
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Bjorn Omarsson, Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Valgeir Petursson, Hildur Inga Thorsteinsdottir
  • Patent number: 9351857
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Forest J. Carignan, Bruce F. White
  • Patent number: 9326555
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Inventor: Steven McKee
  • Patent number: 9308111
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew D. Mirabella
  • Patent number: 9265647
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Egas Jose-Joaquim Desousa
  • Patent number: 9265644
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventors: Palmi Einarsson, Arni Thor Ingimundarson
  • Patent number: 9254215
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Mueller Sports Medicine, Inc.
    Inventor: Brett Mueller
  • Patent number: 9241821
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GD Ortho LLC
    Inventors: Guarino Vito, Paul Duffy
  • Patent number: 9233018
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ossur hf
    Inventor: Janaki Ram-srinivasaRao Chetlapalli
  • Patent number: 9220504
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Frank J. Viola, Christopher J. Criscuolo, David Fowler, Michael J. Bettuchi, Danyel Tarinelli, Robert Capella, Kevin Sniffin, Ahmad R. Hadba
  • Patent number: 9216130
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Inventors: James M. Killian, Dell Klotz
  • Patent number: 9138020
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Kowa Company, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Matsuo, Hidefumi Koga
  • Patent number: 9114257
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: DJO, LLC
    Inventors: Sylvain Helfer, Klaus Schonenberger, Felix Buhlmann
  • Patent number: 9113998
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: OSSUR HF
    Inventor: Harry Duane Romo
  • Patent number: 9101452
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: S/S Dynamics LLC
    Inventor: Robert Scott Swanson