Abstract: The present invention facilitates adjustment of the strength of an elastic orthotic that assists the movement of an orthotics user by whom the elastic orthotic is worn. This calculation device for calculating the optimum elastic strength of an elastic includes a storage unit in which elastic strength or kinematic properties established through experiments in which a plurality of people wear elastic orthotics are stored in advance, and a mathematical optimization processing unit that calculates the optimal elastic strength on the basis of a prescribed evaluation index on the basis of the kinematic limitations of an orthotics user and the elastic strength or kinetic properties.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relate to a multi-modal rehabilitation device having a reconfigurably lockable, adjustable knee stabilizer and a removable foot plate provided with removable resistance elements. In an illustrative example, the resistance elements may be repositionable. The foot plate may be provided with rollers. The rollers may be configured for use in gliding exercises. The rollers may be configured for self-massage therapy. The rollers may be removable. The rollers may be disposed in a removable leg band which may be disposed around a leg of a user. In an illustrative example, the device further includes a graduated self-deflating thermal-compression device. Various embodiments may provide multiple therapy modalities in an efficient, economical, and user-friendly device.

Abstract: A walking assistance apparatus includes a frame configured to be mounted on a lower leg of a user, a sole support connected to the frame and configured to support a lower side of a foot of the user, an actuator mounted on the frame, and a pusher configured to receive a power from the actuator and push the ground.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is arranged as a lightweight ankle-foot orthosis providing dynamic support for drop foot or related disorders requiring dorsiflexion. The orthopedic device includes a main support adapted to secure about a lower leg, a strap assembly having a first portion coupling to the main support, and a second portion arranged to be drawn therefrom, and an anchor for receiving and attaching to the second portion of the strap assembly. The location of the anchor along a foot component enables increased medial-lateral control, and the arrangement of the strap assembly permits dorsiflexion during swing phase of a user's gait.

Abstract: An ankle brace, having a rear-entry ankle cuff adapted to be worn adjacently above lateral and medial malleoli of an ankle, and an open-heel, open-malleoli and open-toe midfoot member extending forwardly and downwardly from the ankle cuff.

Abstract: A passive ankle assist apparatus with a torsional coil spring for assisting an ankle joint of a user in a state of being mounted on a shoe worn by the user includes a shank frame mountable on a shank of the user, the shank frame including a guide hole, a torsional coil spring including a coil part provided in a state of being wound around a central portion a plurality of times, the torsional coil spring slidable along the guide hole, a support part configured to support the coil part, and a coupling frame configured to support the support part, the coupling frame couplable to the shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus that controls the rotation of an operative limb during shoulder surgery is composed of three parts: 1) a mechanism that is part of the durable apparatus, and which allows the limb to be suspended from the system and traction weights applied, but is configured in such a manner that the cable or other connecting member does not rotate about its axis; 2) a sterile connector that acts as the interface between the non-sterile durable apparatus and a sterile patient-contacting disposable drape; and 3) the disposable drape which is secured to the patient's operative arm. One of the sterile connector and the disposable drape contains a feature that allows the physician to rotate and hold the limb in any desired position, without requiring that it be manually held in place.

Abstract: A foot assistive device for improving drop foot gait comprises an assistive device body and an elastic module. The assistive device body comprises a foot support base and a brace. The foot support base is movably connected to the brace. The elastic module connects the foot support base to the brace. The elastic module has a spring, a preset support included angle is formed between the foot support base and the brace under an elastic force of the spring. The support included angle is not larger than 90°. Thereby, when the foot is raised up, the foot support base is unlikely to drop excessively due to the foot weight, the drop foot gait is improved effectively.

Abstract: A joint regulating apparatus configured to regulate a movable range of a joint connecting a first bone part of a wearer with a second bone part of the wearer, includes a first member attached to a part of a body located on a side of the first bone, a second member attached to a part of the body located on a side of the second bone, and a joint mechanism configured to support the first and second members so that the first and second members can swing with respect to each other along a movable direction of the joint in a predetermined regulated swing range, in which the joint mechanism includes an elastic mechanism configured to, when the first and second members tend to swing with respect to each other beyond the swing range, exert an elastic force against the swing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a shoe assembly for a walking assist device. The shoe assembly includes a shoe pad, and a shoe cover on the shoe pad. The shoe cover includes a recessed portion to accommodate a first portion of a side plate connected between the shoe cover and a shank stand of the walking assist device, and includes a support plate on the shoe pad to fulcrum a second portion of the side plate. The second portion covers the recessed portion while the first portion is held in the recessed portion.

Abstract: A method for controlling a powered device to augment a joint function of a human during a gait cycle using a powered actuator that supplies an augmentation torque, an impedance, or both to a joint is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method modulates the augmentation torque, the impedance, and a joint equilibrium according to a phase of the gait cycle to provide at least a biomimetic response. Accordingly, the actuator is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is arranged as a lightweight ankle-foot orthosis providing dynamic support for drop foot or related disorders requiring dorsiflexion. The orthopedic device includes a main support adapted to secure about a lower leg, a strap assembly having a first portion coupling to the main support, and a second portion arranged to be drawn therefrom, and an anchor for receiving and attaching to the second portion of the strap assembly. The location of the anchor along a foot component enables increased medial-lateral control, and the arrangement of the strap assembly permits dorsiflexion during swing phase of a user's gait.

Abstract: The present invention includes two embodiments of a tethered ankle-foot prosthesis, one with a single toe to provide plantarflexion and with two independently-actuated toes that are coordinated to provide plantarflexion and inversion-eversion torques. An end-effector was designed which is worn by a subject, and which was integrated with existing off-board motor and control hardware, to facilitate high bandwidth torque control. The platform is suitable for haptic rendering of virtual devices in experiments with humans, which may reveal strategies for improving balance or allow controlled comparisons of conventional prosthesis features. A similar morphology is also effective for autonomous devices.

Abstract: The system and method of the present invention utilizes one or more sensors to generate data attached to a person interfaced with a data monitoring computing device and a data management computing device monitoring the terrain the individual is traversing and gait at which the individual is traversing the terrain, in addition to predicting the terrain the individual is about to traverse.

Abstract: A customizable ankle-foot orthotic. The orthotic including an ankle brace for installation around a wearer's ankle, the ankle brace including a first wing, a second wing, and a third wing anchored at a point between the first wing and the second wing, the second and third wings independently configurable to couple to a portion of the first wing to enable the wearer to customize the fit; a tension adjustment assembly including one or more strap loops; and an elastic strap operably linking the ankle brace to a wearer's shoe for applying an upward resistive force to the wearer's shoe to prevent inadvertent downward movement of a wearer's foot, the elastic strap threadable through the one or more strap loops such that the elastic strap wraps around the exterior face of the ankle brace and extends at a downward angle to engage the wearer's shoe.

Abstract: A heel float therapeutic footwear for people that spend a large amount of time in bed. The heel float therapeutic footwear includes a lower leg support portion, a foot support portion, and a wing support structure. The foot support portion extends from the lower leg support portion and includes a foot support platform. The wing support structure is permanently or removably attached to the foot support platform. The wing support structure is adjustably fastenable to a side of the lower leg support portion to adjustably support a position and an angle of the foot support platform with respect to the lower leg support portion. A method of making a heel float therapeutic footwear is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lower extremity receiving device is disclosed, which facilitates enhanced gluteal muscle engagement, body stability, and range of motion. The device includes a self-standing sling that can stand upright and ready to receive a user's lower extremity and enable them to commence any combination of hip extension or hip abduction with proper form upon inserting their foot, the sling including a heel socket that surrounds and facilitates rotational movement of the user's heel during the applicable hip extension exercise, and a resistance harness connected to the sling and capable of engaging a resistance-transmitting line for exercise, the harness having a clearance space for providing clearance for a user's foot as they alternately insert or remove their foot. This functional framework of elements enables a user to perform full range of combination of hip extension and hip abduction under resistance, via hands-free insertion of either foot into the sling.

Abstract: A flexible exosuit includes rigid and flexible elements configured to couple forces to a body of a wearer. Further, the flexible exosuit includes flexible linear actuators and clutched compliance elements to apply and/or modulate forces and/or compliances between segments of the body of the wearer. The flexible exosuit further includes electronic controllers, power sources and sensors. The flexible exosuit can be configured to apply forces to the body of the wearer to enable a variety of applications. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to augment the physical strength or endurance of the wearer. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to train the wearer to perform certain physical tasks. In some examples, the flexible exosuit can be configured to record physical activities of the wearer.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods relating to a modular orthosis system for an orthosis of the lower extremity, which modular orthosis system simplifies an individual fit to the respective patient and his loss of function, and, during the course of the therapy, can be fitted with direct consultation of the patient to changed circumstances in an interdisciplinary manner. A particular exemplary advantage of the orthosis system is that the therapist, together with the patient, can test the position of the support spring (dorsal vs ventral, medial vs lateral) and also different spring strengths. Thus, the orthosis can be fitted to the patient in a simple manner.

Abstract: At least one elastic link may be simultaneously coupled to two different portions of a limb of a user in order to provide resistance to the limb when the limb attempts to change the distance between the two different portions of the limb.

Abstract: A device for assisting with plantar flexion includes a calf component that secures to the lower leg, two attachment points located on the calf component, a heel and or forefoot attachment point, and a strap extending from an attachment point on the calf component to the heel and or forefoot attachment point. The strap of the device produces tension between the calf and the heel of the foot to assist with plantar flexion by either pulling the heel upwards or limiting forward tibial progression in stance to provide stance stability for that leg.

Abstract: An exoskeleton for a leg of a user comprises a leg structure, a foot plate moveably mounted thereto, and a biasing member extending between the leg structure and the foot plate, the foot plate is moveably mounted to the leg structure between a first position in which the rearward portion extends downwardly and the forward portion extends upwardly and a second position in which the rearward portion extends upwardly and the forward portion extends downwardly and the foot plate is biased to the first position.

Abstract: A device (7) for the rehabilitation of the movements of the foot (1) includes a supporting base (8) and a mobile platform (9) with a supporting surface (10) for resting the sole of the foot (1), wherein the mobile platform (9) is secured to the supporting base (8) by a pure rotation movement mechanism (12) with three degrees of freedom of rotary movement independent the one from the other and placed in parallel which allow rotations of the mobile platform around three axes (13, 14, 15) which intersect one another in a single rotation center (P). The supporting surface (10) is turned towards the rotation center (P) and is distant from the rotation center (P) in such a way that the rotation center (P) is positioned in correspondence to the ankle (2) of the foot (1).

Abstract: An Active Ankle Foot Orthosis (AAFO) is provided where the impedance of an orthotic joint is modulated throughout the walking cycle to treat ankle foot gait pathology, such as drop foot gait. During controlled plantar flexion, a biomimetic torsional spring control is applied where orthotic joint stiffness is actively adjusted to minimize forefoot collisions with the ground. Throughout late stance, joint impedance is minimized so as not to impede powered plantar flexion movements, and during the swing phase, a torsional spring-damper (PD) control lifts the foot to provide toe clearance. To assess the clinical effects of variable-impedance control, kinetic and kinematic gait data were collected on two drop foot participants wearing the AAFO. It has been found that actively adjusting joint impedance reduces the occurrence of slap foot, allows greater powered plantar flexion, and provides for less kinematic difference during swing when compared to normals.

Abstract: A heel float therapeutic footwear for people that spend a large amount of time in bed. The heel float therapeutic footwear includes a lower leg support portion, a foot support portion, and a wing support structure. The foot support portion extends from the lower leg support portion and includes a foot support platform. The wing support structure is permanently attached to the foot support platform. The wing support structure is adjustably fastenable to a side of the lower leg support portion to adjustably support a position and an angle of the foot support platform with respect to the lower leg support portion. A method of making a heel float therapeutic footwear is also disclosed.

Abstract: An Ankle-Foot Orthosis, or AFO, has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion joined together. The horizontal portion is fixed to a shoe, which is selected by a user, by separating at least part of the sole such that the horizontal portion can be adhered near or between a midsole of the sole of a shoe. The horizontal portion provides the necessary structure needed to connect a shoe to the vertical portion of the AFO such that a user suffering with a weakness or deformity can walk with a more normal gait. In an alternate embodiment, the AFO is removable from a shoe such that it can be replaced onto the same or a different shoe.

Abstract: An orthotic device is disclosed having a frame system, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The frame system may include a lightweight supportive material, and may be configured to receive a user's foot. The first actuator may be coupled to the frame system, and may be configured to activate and develop push of the forefoot of the user's foot during a walking step. The second actuator may be coupled to the frame system, and may be configured to activate and raise a user's toes.

Abstract: An orthosis configured to stretch tissue around a foot and a toe of a wearer is provided. The orthosis includes a first member affixable to the foot and including a first extension member and a second member operatively connected to the first extension member and affixable to the toe, the second member including a second extension member having an arcuate shape.

Abstract: Device embodiments and methods for using same are disclosed for treatment of static ankle plantar flexion. The device includes a sock configured to contain a patient's foot, the sock having a loop at an upper portion and a mechanical link coupled to the loop. The device further includes an adjustable plate, and an adjustable strap that is configured to selectively attach to the mechanical link. A cavity is formed by the sock and the adjustable strap that is configured to hold the adjustable plate when the strap is engaged to the mechanical link.

Abstract: A device for mitigating plantar fasciitis that includes a truss structure, an upper anchor, and an actuator. The upper anchor is proximally located from the truss structure and the actuator couples a posterior portion of the truss structure to a posterior portion of the upper anchor. The actuator is designed to provide assistive force to urge heel lift during ambulation such that the tension in the plantar fascia is reduced.

Abstract: A dorsal foot splint includes a dorsal member having a proximal portion for engaging the dorsal surface of the lower leg and a distal portion for engaging the dorsal surface of the foot. A tension strap is configured to adjust a position between the distal and proximal portions of the dorsal member to vary the tension applied to the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon of a user.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthotic is provided that treats steppage gate by preventing foot drop during movement. The orthotic having an ankle brace linked to a user's shoe by an elastic strap. The elastic strap having sufficient elasticity to provide the appropriate amount of tensile force to the shoe to prevent foot drop, while having sufficient flexibility to allow the user to naturally flex their foot and ankle during movement. The elastic strap comprises hook fasteners attachable to and removable from the shoe, such that the orthotic can be easily put on or taken off by the user.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a variety of apparatuses for carrying and concealing a weapon holster on a lower leg. A device is provided that offloads weight associated with a leg-carried weapon and eliminates torque forces caused by walking with said weapon. Supplies or alternative weapons can also be carried. The device includes an anterior exoskeleton bracket and, in some embodiments, a foot orthosis. The holster is mounted near the top of the device. The exoskeleton, attaching to the foot orthosis or a shoe/boot, provides ankle support and offloads the weight of the weapon. The exoskeleton has a two-hinge system for flexibility and adjustability. Additionally, the exoskeleton attaches to the shoe/boot by one of several embodiments, including a simple L-bracket, a U-bracket wrapping around the heel, and a clip-on bracket wrapping under the sole. The orthosis is customized to a carrier's foot, providing comfort and offsetting the weight of the weapon.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a brace assembly and a force-application assembly. The brace assembly includes a muscle-origin portion configured to connect proximate to a muscle origin of a muscle. The brace assembly also includes a muscle-insertion portion configured to connect proximate to a muscle insertion of the muscle. The force-application assembly is configured to connect to the muscle-origin portion and the muscle-insertion portion. The force-application assembly is also configured to extend between the muscle-origin portion and the muscle-insertion portion once coupled to do just so.

Abstract: A foot abduction brace is disclosed herein. The foot abduction brace can include a crossbar having a planar bottom end. The foot abduction brace can also include a first end disposed on one side of the crossbar. The foot abduction brace can further include a first locking hub removably coupled to the first end in a first position of a plurality of positions, where the first locking hub is disposed in the first keyhole and includes a first coupling feature disposed at a top end of the first locking hub. The foot abduction brace can also include a first footplate having a first complementary coupling feature that removably couples to the first coupling feature of the first locking hub. The foot abduction brace can further include a first foot restraint mechanically coupled to the first footplate.

Abstract: A method for treating plantar fasciitis and foot pain utilizes a pre-cut sole support strap and an arch support strap formed of flexible woven material having an adhesive layer on an underside surface that are adhered to a foot individually or in combination. The sole strap is adhered to the skin surface along the sole from the ball of the foot to the heel and the back and lateral sides of the heel, and provides stability and support to the foot and, when subjected to forces induced during walking, absorbs tensile loads and stresses to prevent damage to the plantar fascia by reducing tensile stress carried by the plantar fascia. The arch support strap is adhered transversely over the sole support strap and arch of the foot to maintain the sole support strap in engagement with the sole of the foot and provide additional support and stability.

Abstract: Described are apparatuses and methods for positioning a user's foot. The apparatuses and methods comprise a rigid or semi-rigid platform having a first-toe side, a fifth-toe side laterally opposite the first-toe region, and a first support structure arranged in a midfoot region of the rigid or semi-rigid platform and laterally extending from the fifth-toe side to a portion of the midfoot region of the rigid or semi-rigid platform. The apparatuses and methods also comprise a lateral abutment arranged in the forefoot region of the rigid or semi-rigid platform and extending vertically from the rigid or semi-rigid platform near the first-toe side, the lateral abutment configured to laterally support the user's foot at the first toe.

Abstract: A stabilizing sock has a foot section having a shape corresponding to a human foot and comprising a rearfoot portion corresponding to human calcaneous and talus bones and to tibial and fibular malleoli, a forefoot portion corresponding to human metatarsal and phalanx bones, and a midfoot portion between the rearfoot portion and the forefoot portion and corresponding to human cuboid, navicular and cuneiform bones. The sock has a medial stabilizer region on a medial side of the sock and a lateral stabilizer region on a lateral side of the sock. The medial stabilizer region covers a forward medial region of the rearfoot portion and a rearward medial region of the midfoot portion, and the lateral stabilizer region covers a forward lateral region of the rearfoot portion. The sock may also include lace bite protector regions and boot bang protector regions. Kits for assembling stabilizing socks are also described.

Abstract: A heel float therapeutic footwear apparatus for people that spend a large amount of time in bed. The heel float therapeutic footwear apparatus includes a lower leg support portion, a heel float cradle, a foot support portion, a wing support structure, and a heel support structure. The foot support portion extends from the lower leg support portion. The heel support structure is permanently attached to the heel float cradle. A method of making a heel float therapeutic footwear is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for amending a foot of a person, comprising disposing one or more elevations under the foot, wherein an elevation is disposed under an at least one metatarsal bone of the foot and either alternatively or additionally an elevation is disposed lengthwise diagonally under the heel of the foot, and applying a downwards force on the foot, thereby warping the foot over the elevations and amending the foot arch, and an apparatus and kit for performing the same.

Abstract: An stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is provided. The stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively applied to the foot of a patient for providing relief from plantar fasciitis. A portion of the stretch resistant plantar fascia support system is adhesively attached to the bottom surface of the foot for reducing stress on the plantar fascia.

Abstract: An orthosis worn on the human foot to restrict foot flexion to correspondingly limit the ability of the orthosis wearer to walk on the toes.

Abstract: A foot ailment support and cushion apparatus configured for supporting an ankle and a plantar on a foot. The apparatus comprises an ankle strap and a plantar strap assembly. The ankle strap comprises a generally curvilinear band having an inner surface, an outer surface, two longitudinal ends, a minor edge, a major edge, a notch and an attaching means disposed on one of the two longitudinal ends, where the inner surface is opposingly disposed from the outer surface, the minor edge connects to the major edge at the two longitudinal ends of the band and the notch is disposed along a portion of the major edge. The plantar strap assembly includes two attachment ends and an elastic strap.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods for preventing and treating toe curl, a condition where the toes of a patient curl toward the bottom of the foot, are provided. The apparatus provides a pad operable for engaging the bottom of the foot, and a strap that surrounds the foot and pad for applying a flexion force against the foot. The pad engages and supports at least one toe and prevents the toe or toes from curling toward the bottom of the foot. The device can be worn by a patient at night or during the day to treat or prevent toe curl. Additionally, the strap can include an elastic material for providing a tension force required for flexion stretching, and the strap can be attachable at one end to a removable leg band that can be securely and releasably positioned about the leg.

Abstract: A foot pain treatment device operable to treat foot pain having a tubular member with an integrated orthotic so as to facilitate treatment without the requirement for a shoe. The foot pain treatment device includes a tubular member having a cavity with a first support member disposed within the cavity. The first support member has a first layer and a second layer wherein the second layer is operable to provide temperature therapy. A second support member is provided and is releasably secured to a user wherein the second support member is configured to maintain an angle of a foot so as to provide stretching thereof. At least two straps are provided that are surroundably mounted to a user in order to secure the second support member.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot, including a base to support a user's foot; a support assembly extending from the base to support the user's lower leg; an outer sole; and a shock absorber insert arranged with the base and the outer sole to provide shock absorption to the user's foot.

Abstract: An article of athletic equipment for a wearer with a foot and a leg including a knee joint includes an article of footwear operable to secure to the foot. The equipment also includes a knee coupling member that is operable to secure to the leg about the knee joint. The knee coupling member is operable to extend superiorly and inferiorly about the knee joint. Moreover, the equipment includes a biasing member that is coupled to the article of footwear and the knee coupling member. The biasing member biases the article of footwear relative to the knee coupling member to bias the foot toward plantarflexion relative to the leg to increase proprioception of the foot relative to the leg.

Abstract: A drop foot brace includes a support configured to be secured to a leg of a user, a foot-receiving member and a tensioning component. The tensioning component may include an elongated element a rotatable tightening member for adjusting a tension in the elongated element and two or more engagement elements associated with the elongated element. Each engagement element may include a long, curved hook guide that receives the elongated element and that is configured to minimize deformation and breakage of the elongate element. In addition, each engagement element may include a hook configured to engage a corresponding feature of a foot-receiving member. The foot-receiving member may comprise footwear, such as a shoe or boot, or it may be configured to enable us of the support member (and, thus, of the drop foot brace) without footwear that covers the top, or dorsal portion, of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for relieving soreness, pain and/or discomfort of the foot arising from a variety of painful conditions and/or injuries. The devices of the invention provide support for the foot, are affordable, minimally visible, do not interfere with the fit of normal footwear, and are easily and accurately applied. In some embodiments, the invention relate to kits comprising the devices and an application guide for directing placement of the devices.

Abstract: A drop foot brace includes a securing member configured to be secured to a leg of a user, a foot-receiving member and a tensioning component. The tensioning component may include an elongated element a rotatable tightening member for adjusting a tension in the elongated element and two or more support engagers associated with the elongated element. Each support engager may include a long, curved hook guide that receives the elongated element and that is configured to minimize deformation and breakage of the elongate element. In addition, each support engager may include a hook configured to engage a corresponding feature of a foot-receiving member. The foot-receiving member may comprise footwear, such as a shoe or boot, or it may be configured to enable us of the support member (and, thus, of the drop foot brace) without footwear that covers the top, or dorsal portion, of the foot.