Club-foot Brace Patents (Class 602/29)
  • Patent number: 11752419
    Abstract: A binding apparatus for a snowboard is provided including a base plate having a pivot portion, an elongate arm member, and a cuff member for receiving a portion of a rider's boot or leg. The base plate may be affixed to the snowboard such that a boot may be coupled to a footbed thereof at an angle relative to the lateral axis of the snowboard. The elongate arm member is pivotably coupled to the pivot portion of the base plate at a first end portion thereof, and the cuff member is coupled to the elongate arm member. The elongate arm member is configured to pivotably rotate about an axis of rotation of the pivot portion such that the elongate arm member and cuff member coupled thereto are capable of moving fore and aft of a lateral axis of a snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventor: Harry Jason Talanian
  • Patent number: 11304827
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an autonomous exoskeleton device that includes one or more actuators, one or more controllers, one or more sensors with one or more unidirectional transmissions. The present invention provides a mechanical joint in parallel with a biological joint. The exoskeleton device preferably includes and electric motor and winch, chain, belt, cam transmission or other mechanism for providing unidirectional force to assist rotation about the biologic joint. Moreover, a controller, a motor angle sensor, joint angle sensor and/or force sensor may be used for additional control and monitoring of the device. The motor may be any type of motor, but is preferably brushless in configuration where its diameter is larger than its length to provide a compact and lightweight exoskeleton device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Dephy, Inc.
    Inventors: Luke Mooney, Jean-Francois Duval
  • Patent number: 11285377
    Abstract: A binding apparatus for a snowboard is provided including a base plate having a pivot portion, an elongate arm member, and a cuff member for receiving a portion of a rider's boot or leg. The base plate may be affixed to the snowboard such that a boot may be coupled to a footbed thereof at an angle relative to the lateral axis of the snowboard. The elongate arm member is pivotably coupled to the pivot portion of the base plate at a first end portion thereof, and the cuff member is coupled to the elongate arm member. The elongate arm member is configured to pivotably rotate about an axis of rotation of the pivot portion such that the elongate arm member and cuff member coupled thereto are capable of moving fore and aft of a lateral axis of a snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: Harry Jason Talanian
  • Patent number: 10765549
    Abstract: A flexible foot abduction apparatus allowing movement in a horizontal and vertical plane with an elongated member made of a shape memory material. The elongated bar is shaped such that it has both vertical and horizontal aspects to allow a user to more easily manipulate the apparatus in one or both planes. The elongated member has an original shape which can be selectively forced into a second shape by a user and then return to the original shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: John R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10675170
    Abstract: A system for connecting parts of a device used to treat club foot. An elongated member is attachable one or more mounting plates. The angle between the elongated member and the mounting plates can be varied by changing a channel of the mounting plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: John R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10045874
    Abstract: Kits, devices, and methods for treating clubfoot are provided. The devices have two platforms that are attached to a bar. The platforms define slots to allow therapeutically preferred orientations of the platforms when attached to the bar. The kits and devices are simple to use and adjust, with a limited amount of possible settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF IOWA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Nicole M. Grosland, Jose Morcuende, Thomas M. Cook
  • Publication number: 20150141893
    Abstract: Devices and methods for treating clubfoot are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Nicole M. Grosland, Jose Morcuende, Thomas M. Cook
  • Publication number: 20140276321
    Abstract: A support sock having a support structure integrally knit therewith. The sock has a toe area, an ankle area, and an intermediate area for covering a wearer's instep, ball and sole. The integrally knit support structure has an arch wrap defining at least a portion of the intermediate area. The integrally knit support also includes an upper and/or lower support band for assisting in the arch wrap. The upper support band bridges between the proximal end of the arch wrap and the ankle area. The lower support band extends from the distal end of the arch wrap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: RICHTER INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventor: Peter SELLITTO
  • Patent number: 8777884
    Abstract: Devices and processes used to treat ankle equinus for users with specific conditions such as young age, diabetes, or clubfoot. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a brace and the corresponding method of use to treat equinus by stretching the Gastrocnemius muscle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Patrick DeHeer, John H. Moorin, Ricky Heath
  • Patent number: 8657767
    Abstract: An orthopedic boot has two leg supports connected adjustably to a foot support via two joint assemblies. Each joint assembly has a securing panel, a connecting panel, a guide panel, two limiting members and two holding members. The securing panel is mounted securely on the foot support and has two engaging grooves each having engaging cavities. The connecting panel is mounted securely to one leg support and is pivotally connected to the securing panel. The limiting members has a resilient segment, an engaging pin and a locking tab. The engaging pin is mounted slidably in one of the engaging grooves, engages one of the engaging cavities and selectively abuts the connecting panel. The locking tab is spaced from a periphery of the guide panel to define a locking gap. The holding members are held respectively in the locking gaps and abut respectively against the locking tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Shu-Chen Chan
  • Patent number: 8641651
    Abstract: An improved foot abduction apparatus allowing movement in a horizontal and vertical plane. The embodiments allow a user to more easily manipulate the apparatus in one or both planes through the use of strategically placed pivot points. The device utilizes at least one rigid member attached to coupling devices which contain at least one pivot point. The specialized coupling devices may be selectively attached to shoe receiving member or plates which are well known in the art. Additionally the shoe receiving members are able to receive an improved shoe containing a sole member contained with a silicone boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: John R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8529484
    Abstract: An orthotic foot brace for a person wearing a footwear includes: a lower leg holder; a lower leg strut extending downwardly towards the footwear; a foot strut having a rear section secured to the vertical strut, at least one of a median section and a lateral section located on a respective side of the footwear and extending outwardly thereof, and a front section securable to an instep section of the footwear; and a brace retaining member secured to the foot strut juxtaposed to the footwear, and extending from the median side of the footwear to the lateral side of the footwear, outwardly thereof, and restraining a rearwardly pivotal movement of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Ortheses Turbomed Inc./Turbomed Orthotics Inc.
    Inventors: Stéphane Savard, François Côté
  • Publication number: 20130197414
    Abstract: A brace for correcting a clubfoot condition includes a pair of foot restraints and a base member. Each of the pair of foot restraints includes a foot plate having a mounting feature on a bottom side of the foot plate and a number of apertures that traverse the mounting feature and the foot plate. Each of the pair of foot restraints also includes a first securing member with a first portion mechanically coupled to the foot plate, and an insert removably coupled to a top side of the foot plate. The base member includes a coupling feature positioned at each end of the base member, where each coupling feature includes a set of receiving apertures. The coupling features of the base member can be mechanically coupled to the pair of foot restraints using fastening devices that traverse the apertures in the foot plate, mounting feature, and the receiving apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Northen, William Wheeler, Emi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8425442
    Abstract: An ankle brace is configured to provide lateral and/or medial support of an ankle joint between the leg and foot and broadly includes an upper brace anchor secured to the leg above malleoli of the ankle joint and a lower brace anchor secured below the foot. The anchors are interconnected by a stabilizing strap that is tensioned between the anchors and serves to restrict inversion and/or eversion of the foot. The anchors and strap are also dimensioned and configured to permit dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Leslie C. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 8361004
    Abstract: An improved foot abduction apparatus allowing movement in a horizontal and vertical plane. The embodiments allow a user to more easily manipulate the apparatus in one or both planes through the use of strategically placed pivot points. The device utilizes at least one rigid member attached to coupling devices which contain at least one pivot point. The specialized coupling devices may be selectively attached to shoe receiving member or plates which are well known in the art. Additionally the shoe receiving members are able to receive an improved shoe containing a sole member contained with a silicone boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20120310131
    Abstract: A podiatric device useful for treating, preventing and alleviating the symptoms and discomfort caused by hallux valgus. The podiatric device includes a foothold with a first hinge forming element and an anterior part with a second hinge forming element. The first and second hinge forming elements forming a hinge allowing angular translation of the anterior part relatively the foothold, preferably a controllable pivoting movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Uriel Rosen
  • Publication number: 20120283613
    Abstract: Devices and processes used to treat ankle equinus for users with specific conditions such as young age, diabetes, or clubfoot. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a brace and the corresponding method of use to treat equinus by stretching the Gastrocnemius muscle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: IQ Med LLC
    Inventors: Patrick DeHeer, John Moorin, Ricky Heath
  • Patent number: 8277404
    Abstract: An orthopedic or prosthetic support device is arranged to conform and secure to a limb of a wearer. The device includes a resilient support member adapted to extend about a limb, and a tensioning element associated with the support member. An adjustment system is connected to the support member and engages the tensioning element. The adjustment system is arranged to incrementally adjust and retain the tensioning element relative to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventor: Palmi Einarsson
  • Patent number: 8251938
    Abstract: A device may include a first plate and a second plate, and a linkage system that attaches the first plate and the second plate to one another such that the plates are capable of translating relative to each other, and the plates are incapable of rotating relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jose Morcuende, Nicole M. Grosland, Kelly Jensen, Nicole Jensen, Robert Kruse
  • Patent number: 8083703
    Abstract: Disclosed is an orthotic for treating at least one component of talipes equinovarus. The orthotic includes an orthotic shell having a plantar support surface configured to support a portion of a foot disposed in the orthotic. The plantar support surface includes a cutout extending laterally through at least a portion of a midfoot portion, and a posterior cuboid supporting surface having a medial boundary, at least a portion of the medial boundary being defined by at least a portion of the cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Izak Daizade
  • Patent number: 8075508
    Abstract: A shoe releasing assembly for use with an orthotic bar or splint is disclosed. The shoe releasing assembly comprises a bar attachment member securable to a bar or splint, a shoe attachment member securable to the sole of a shoe, and latching means to secure the bar and shoe members. The bar attachment member comprises a base, a wall section at least partially surrounding the base. The shoe attachment member comprises a shoe attachment base, a shoe attachment wall section at least partially surrounding the shoe attachment base. When one of the attachment members comprises a wall section defining a recess, the corresponding member comprises a wall section having a shape conforming to the recess for vertically inclined insertion. Latching means are provided for receiving, securing, and disengaging the shoe attachment member to the bar attachment member. Methods of treating foot disorders using the assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Dotted Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore J. Mosler, Todd M. Korogi, Andrew J. DiMeo, Scott P. Jarnagin
  • Patent number: 8065105
    Abstract: A system including a platform having a receptacle adapted to a bottom of a shoe or foot; securing mechanism, associated therewith; a sole for contacting a ground surface; a mechanism associated with the sole and a platform bottom, including: motor and a thrusting element, activated by the motor, the thrusting element adapted to move between the sole and the platform to apply an upward force against the platform bottom, thereby changing a platform height with respect to the sole; a sensor device adapted to associate with a lower limb, and to produce a locomotion data signal, and a microprocessor, operatively connected to the sensor device and motor, adapted to: receive locomotion information based on the signal; process the locomotion information to determine a locomotion phase, and control a timing of the mechanism, based on the determination, to change the height during a locomotion swing phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Step of Mind Ltd.
    Inventors: Simona Bar-Haim, Mark Belokopytov
  • Patent number: 7988654
    Abstract: A brace hosiery apparatus including a hollow, cylindrical brace covering disposed about at least a portion of an orthotic brace and a first connector that when removably connected to a second connector secures the brace covering to the orthotic brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Nona Leatherwood-Maxwell
  • Patent number: 7935068
    Abstract: An orthopedic or prosthetic support device is arranged to conform and secure to a limb of a wearer. The device includes a resilient support member adapted to extend about a limb, and a tensioning element associated with the support member. An adjustment system is connected to the support member and engages the tensioning element. The adjustment system is arranged to incrementally adjust and retain the tensioning element relative to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventor: Palmi Einarsson
  • Publication number: 20110028876
    Abstract: An improved foot abduction apparatus allowing movement in a horizontal and vertical plane. The embodiments allow a user to more easily manipulate the apparatus in one or both planes through the use of strategically placed pivot points. The device utilizes at least one rigid member attached to coupling devices which contain at least one pivot point. The specialized coupling devices may be selectively attached to shoe receiving member or plates which are well known in the art. Additionally the shoe receiving members are able to receive an improved shoe containing a sole member contained with a silicone boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: John Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7867184
    Abstract: A system and method for comfortably restraining a child's feet undergoing the Ponseti method for treatment of clubfeet, using a foot and ankle abduction orthosis, where the improvement includes a shoe with a single piece sole and quick release slot with an adjustable hinged heel support member, as well as having a soft pliable area around the feet and ankle support with lateral support bands to limit foot plantar flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: John R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7785283
    Abstract: A functional ankle brace is custom tailored to optimize the magnitude and direction of the stiffness and fit of the ankle brace, so as to slow down the inverting motion of the ankle joint enough to allow the muscles enough time to act on their own.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Bledsoe
  • Patent number: 7753866
    Abstract: A joint hinge and a leg brace having the joint hinge that includes a spring loaded spherical joint for coupling a proximal portion and a distal portion of the joint hinge. The spherical joint includes a dome on one portion coupled to a mating cup on the other portion. A wide-headed pin, typically a shoulder screw, captivates the cup against the sphere. A spring washer may be included to provide a preloading force to mate the cup to the dome. The spherical portion may be pressed or stamped into one portion of the hinge or fabricated separately and attached. In one embodiment, the dome is fabricated of sintered bearing material and may be impregnated with lubricant. The spherical joint functions in conjunction with an adjustable flexion range limiting system that include rods that are threaded and easy to screw in and out as the patient's range of motion changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy Jackovitch
  • Patent number: 7740603
    Abstract: A removable flexible orthosis for the middle foot comprising a) a first metatarsophalangeal collar that encircles and is fixed on the forefoot, and extends transversely from the heads of the first to the fifth metatarsi, and longitudinally from the toe's root towards the mid-diaphysis of the metatarsi, and b) a traction strap comprising at least one end fixed or fixable on the first metatarsophalangeal collar and on the portion of the orthosis designed to be applied on the rear of the foot is provided. The two ends of the stirrup-shaped traction strap can be fixed on the postero-external and postero-internal edges of the first metatarsophalangeal collar on the sides of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Kamel Shoukry
  • Publication number: 20100069808
    Abstract: An improved foot abduction brace device in which the shoe are connected by an abduction bar which is a single bar that can be bent by the treating heal care professional to hold the shoes in the desired angles of abduction and dorsiflexion. The abduction bar is bent near the heel portion of the shoe and is made of a material that allows the bar to retain the selected position once bent. However, the bar is sufficiently strong so that the child cannot bend the bar and therefore change the selected angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: JOHN R. MITCHELL
  • Patent number: 7666158
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided to reduce a foot drop condition. In an embodiment, an adjustable apparatus includes a lower leg member that can be secured to a lower leg portion of a user. The lower leg member can be adjustably and releasably coupled to a user's footwear to assist in orienting the user's foot at a desired orientation. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a molded brace member that can be secured to a user's lower leg below the calf. The molded brace member can be sized and dimensioned to correspond to the associated measurements of the lower leg of a user afflicted with a foot drop condition. A lacing member can be coupled to the user's footwear and coupled to the molded brace member to orient the user's foot at a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: Cynthia Jacobsen, Jay Ellis
  • Patent number: 7611477
    Abstract: The Toe Lift Strap is a foot support system primarily for stroke victims that do not have muscular control of their foot. This loss of muscular control allows the foot to turn under and they cannot raise their toe. It comprises of a strap that is attached to the user just below the knee. This strap has a small loop to which a 6? wide therapeutic rubber band is attached. The other end of the 6? wide therapeutic rubber band is attached to the lower lace area or lower strap of a shoe worn by the user. It provides for support of the toe and rotation of the foot so that the user can walk with the foot in a normal position for walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventors: William Alfred Dayhoff, Thecia Venita Dayhoff
  • Patent number: 7569023
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthotic device wherein the patient's feet are maintained at a desired angle while allowing the patient to move in an otherwise normal manner and preventing blister formation. The orthotic device generally comprises an orthotic splint assembly, two ankle foot orthosis and two custom molded inserts secured to the ankle foot orthosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Washington University
    Inventor: Matthew Dobbs
  • Publication number: 20090076429
    Abstract: Disclosed is an orthotic for treating at least one component of talipes equinovarus. The orthotic includes an orthotic shell having a plantar support surface configured to support a portion of a foot disposed in the orthotic. The plantar support surface includes a cutout extending laterally through at least a portion of a midfoot portion, and a posterior cuboid supporting surface having a medial boundary, at least a portion of the medial boundary being defined by at least a portion of the cutout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Izak Daizade
  • Patent number: 7458950
    Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis for remediation of foot drop symptoms includes a flexible cuff formed of a panel having an inner foam substrate to which is bonded an outer layer of stretchable fabric having looped fibers. A pair of dorsiflexor support straps include lace segments which are threaded through lower shoelace eyelets. The lace segments are tied together at the shoe. A hook element fastener strip is attached to the opposite end of each lace segment. The support straps cross one another over the shoe vamp and the fastener strips are secured to the sides and wrapped about the rear of the cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Ivany
  • Publication number: 20080214975
    Abstract: A shoe releasing assembly for use with an orthotic bar or splint is disclosed. The shoe releasing assembly comprises a bar attachment member securable to a bar or splint, a shoe attachment member securable to the sole of a shoe, and latching means to secure the bar and shoe members. The bar attachment member comprises a base, wall section at least partially surrounding the base. The shoe attachment member comprises a shoe attachment base, a shoe attachment wall section at least partially surrounding the shoe attachment base. The attachment members comprise a wall section defining a recess and the corresponding members comprise a wall section having a shape conforming to the recess for vertically inclined insertion into the recess. Latching means are provided for receiving, releasably securing the shoe attachment member to the bar attachment member, and disengaging of the shoe attachment member from the bar attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: GILERO, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore J. Mosler, Todd M. Korogi, Andrew J. Dimeo, Scott P. Jarnagin
  • Patent number: 7354413
    Abstract: A foot support system includes a base to receive a sole of a foot, a cuff adapted to attach to a first portion of a leg near a knee of the leg, and a strap extending between the base and the cuff. The strap includes an elastic portion, a proximal segment attachable to the cuff, and a distal segment coupled to the base in proximity to a toe edge of the base. A strap holder may be included in certain embodiments of the invention to provide a relatively conforming fit to a wearer of the system, thereby allowing for a wider range of footwear options. An alternate embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of branches extending from the distal segment of the strap and adapted to fit between adjacent toes of a wearer in order to couple the strap to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Robert C. Fisher
  • Patent number: 7267657
    Abstract: A system and method for comfortably restraining a child's feet undergoing the Ponseti method for treatment of club feet, using a foot and ankle abduction orthosis, where the improvement includes a shoe with an integral sole and attachment mechanism, as well as having a soft pliable area around the feet and ankle support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: John R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7128725
    Abstract: A rear entry ankle brace for providing support and stability to an ankle includes a rigid internal support member covered on both sides by a soft durable material. The ankle brace is secured about a leg with an adjustable strap. A flexible heel is provided for facilitating walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: David Rabe
  • Patent number: 7112182
    Abstract: An ankle support apparatus which is designed to protect the lateral maleolus ankle bone and the medial maleolus ankle bone. A cuff band is wrapped around the leg and a pair of elongated strap members are supported on the cuff band and on the shoe worn on the leg so that one elongated strap member is in front of the ankle bone and the other elongated strap member is behind the ankle bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Hormoz Zahiri
  • Patent number: 7112180
    Abstract: A below-knee orthotic device in which dorsal flexion and plantar flexion are enabled by a support spring connecting a lower leg sleeve and a foot sleeve. The support spring is clamped in the foot sleeve, so that a gap is formed between the heel part and the foot sleeve, wherein bending of the support spring in stepping direction is limited through a stop on the foot sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: F. Gottinger Orthopaedie-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Guenther
  • Patent number: 7090629
    Abstract: Apparatus and method assist a person in the safe and proper performance of a squat exercise by precluding movement of the knees of the person in a forward direction beyond the person's toes during execution of the squat exercise. The apparatus includes two separate units for independent placement relative to one another to tailor the squat exercise to better exercise particular muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Abbou
  • Patent number: 7077818
    Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis having a structural frame formed from at least one layer of fabric impregnated with a hardened structural resin. The frame includes at least one anterior support member that extends downwardly from an upper leg engaging portion to define an anterior ankle portion which extends to a medial portion connected to a foot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: OSSUR hf
    Inventors: Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Orn Olafsson, Arinbjorn Viggo Clausen, Kim Peter Viviane De Roy
  • Patent number: 6945947
    Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis having a structural frame formed from at least one layer of fabric impregnated with a hardened structural resin. The frame includes at least one anterior support member that extends downwardly from an upper leg engaging portion to define an anterior ankle portion which extends to a medial portion connected to a foot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Ossur HF
    Inventors: Arni Thor Ingimundarson, Orn Olafsson, Arinbjorn Viggo Clausen, Kim Peter Viviane De Roy
  • Patent number: 6926687
    Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis for relief of a patient from orthopedic dysfunctions comprising, in combination, a shoe and a brace assembly. The brace assembly comprises a leg member and a pair of opposed upright members. The leg member is constructed and arranged such that portions of the inner surface of the leg member complementarily conform to portions of the rear and sides of a patient's lower leg. Each upright member of the pair of upright members is connected to the leg member and extends downwardly from the leg member to a distal end. The support brace further comprises means for resiliently connecting a portion of the support brace to the upper portion of the shoe. In use, at least a portion of the distal ends of the upright members is inserted into a portion of the heel portion of the shoe between sides of the shoe and the patient's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel J. Shields
  • Patent number: 6913586
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining a dorsiflexion angle of a surgical patient's foot relative to the corresponding leg during tendon surgery. The apparatus includes a leg member having a first support adapted for engaging at least one of a lateral malleolus and a medial malleolus of the patient, and a second support opposing the first support adapted for engaging another of the lateral malleolus and the medial malleolus of the patient. The apparatus further includes a foot member rotatably connected to the leg member for selectively rotating the foot member relative to the leg member about an axis defined by the first support and the second support of the leg member. The foot member has a metatarsal support adapted for engaging a predetermined point on at least one preselected metatarsal bone of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Barnes-Jewish Hospital
    Inventors: Jack Engsberg, Kelly Jean King-Ellison, Nathaniel E. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6652474
    Abstract: An ankle support (10 ) includes a first portion (11), which is a boot-like member, and an outer member (30). A pre-configured figure eight member comprising a strap (240 ) is positioned around the boot-like member (11). The outer member (30) is secured to the boot-like member (11) and forms a cover to hold the pre-configured figure eight member in place to prevent misalignment of the strap (240).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick J. Quinn, Gregory A. Hoistad, Frank W. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20020138026
    Abstract: A protective apparatus for protecting an end of an appendage from physical contact after a surgical procedure. The apparatus has a base that affixes to an appendage. An attachment assembly affixes the base to the appendage. A protective guard extends outward from the base and bends back toward the base to at least partially enclose an end of the appendage. The guard creates a buffer that encloses space between the guard and the end of the appendage to prevent the end of the appendage from contacting the guard when a force is applied to the guard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: James Frederick Cook
  • Patent number: 6379321
    Abstract: A plantar fascitis foot support apparatus, including a support strap for being positioned in a generally U-shaped configuration along the medial and lateral aspects of the ankle and extending under and supporting the plantar fascia region of the foot. An ankle-encircling retention strap is attached by its opposite ends to the support strap at a substantially right angle thereto for retaining the support strap in a supporting position against the plantar fascia region. The support strap includes an inelastic segment and at least one attached elastic segment for providing controlled stretch of the support strap during placement on the foot and during subsequent movement of the foot while the support is in place. Complementary and releasably-adjustable fastener elements are carried by the retention strap and the support strap for permitting lengthwise adjustment of the support strap relative to the plantar fascia region of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Medical Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Scott Gaylord, Donald Earl Griffin
  • Patent number: 6228045
    Abstract: A plantar fascitis foot support apparatus, including a support strap for being positioned in a generally U-shaped configuration along the medial and lateral aspects of the ankle and extending under and supporting the plantar fascia region of the foot. An ankle-encircling retention strap is attached by its opposite ends to the support strap at a substantially right angle thereto for retaining the support strap in a supporting position against the plantar fascia region. The support strap includes an inelastic segment and at least one attached elastic segment for providing controlled stretch of the support strap during placement on the foot and during subsequent movement of the foot while the support is in place. Complementary and releasably-adjustable fastener elements are carried by the retention strap and the support strap for permitting lengthwise adjustment of the support strap relative to the plantar fascia region of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Medical Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Scott Gaylord, Donald Earl Griffin