Patent classifications
A61F2005/0197
Adaptive three-dimensional orthoses and methods for their manufacture and use
A conformable body interface is fabricated using a data set representing a three-dimensional, soft tissue body surface. The conformable body interface includes a body scaffold that is divided into two or more longitudinal segments separated by axial joints. Optionally, the body scaffold is further divided into two or more circumferentially split segments separated by circumferential joints. The axial joints are circumferentially constrained by elastic bands, tabs, or similar structures and the circumferential joints are longitudinally constrained by elastic axial tethers or similar structures. In this way, the body interfaces can accommodate swelling and bending of the body surface.
FOOT ORTHOSIS
Apparatus (20, 200) including a leaf spring assembly (22, 220) shaped to define a first end (32), a second end (34), and a middle portion (36) including a plurality of layered leaf springs (40). The spring is placed across a joint such that the first end is placed against a first location on a first side of the joint, and the second end is placed against a second location on a second side of the joint. When the leaf spring is constrained between the first and second locations, the middle portion (36) bridges a gap (120) formed between the middle portion and the joint. Additionally, a position of a first portion of a limb on the first side of the joint is maintained at a desired angle with respect to a second portion of the limb on the second side of the joint. Other embodiments are also described.
SINGLE-UPRIGHT OSTEOARTHRITIS BRACES AND RELATED METHODS
A brace is provided, including a single upright assembly. The assembly includes an upper rigid support, lower rigid support, a hinge coupling the upper rigid support to the lower rigid support, an upper cuff coupled to the upper rigid support, and a lower cuff coupled to the lower rigid support. The brace includes a plurality of upper straps configured for coupling to the upper cuff such that the plurality of upper straps do not cross when the brace is properly attached to the subject. The brace includes a plurality of lower straps configured for coupling to the lower cuff such that the plurality of lower straps do not cross when the brace is properly attached to the subject. The brace includes a tensioning mechanism configured to adjust a tension in at least one of the plurality of upper and lower straps. Other braces and related methods are also provided.
Support for articles and methods for using the same
A support for an article has a body arranged for length adjustment along a length adjustment axis. A tensioning device is connected to the support and adjustment of the tensioning device shortens or lengthens a length of the support along the length adjustment axis. The body defines at least one opening overlapping at least part of the length adjustment axis such that length adjustment is governed by modification of the size of the at least one opening according to adjustment by the tensioning device.
Apparatus for stabilizing body joints and/or supporting items of sports equipment
Disclosed is an apparatus for stabilizing body joints and/or for supporting items of sports equipment, comprising: a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is filled with a filling medium, a first body for interacting with the filling medium, wherein the first body is displaceably arranged in the receptacle, a force transmission body for transmitting an external force to the first body, a second body for interacting with the filling medium, which is displaceably arranged in the receptacle, wherein the second body is elastically coupled to the first body via a coupling element, wherein the second body and/or the first body has at least one passage opening, through which the filling medium can flow, and wherein the first body forms a valve body and the second body forms a valve seat, such that a flow of the filling medium through the passage opening can be permitted or inhibited as a function of the valve position, wherein, in a displacement direction relative to the first body, the second body overlaps therewith.
ORTHOSIS DEVICE HAVING METAL WIRE ADJUSTING STRUCTURE
An orthosis device having a metal wire adjusting structure includes a palm orthosis body and a forearm orthosis body. The palm orthosis body includes a plurality of fixing portions. A plurality of adjustment seats are connected to the fixing portions, respectively. The adjustment seats each have a first through hole for insertion of a first end of an elastic metal wire. A first adjusting bolt is screwed to the outer side of each of the adjustment seats, so as to tighten and secure the first end of the elastic metal wire. A second end of the elastic metal wire is inserted into a second through hole of a movable seat. A second adjusting bolt is screwed to the outer side of the movable seat, so as to tighten and secure the second end of the elastic metal wire. A finger sleeve is connected to the movable seat.
ORTHOPEDIC DEVICE
An orthopedic device, first and second struts, and a range-of-motion limiting pivot assembly connecting to the first and second struts. The pivoting assembly having an engagement member linked to a tab disposed and arranged for pulling radially outward away from a central axis of the pivoting assembly for adjusting the range of motion of the pivoting assembly.
Joint Rehabilitating Garment Assembly
A joint rehabilitating garment assembly includes a shirt that is wearable on a user's torso such that the shirt covers each of the user's shoulders. The shirt has a plurality of channels integrated into the shirt and each of the channels is strategically positioned on the shirt such that each of the channels extends along pre-determined pressure points associated with supporting a rotator cuff injury in the user. A plurality of elastomeric bands is each of the elastomeric bands is routed through respective ones of the channels in the shirt thereby facilitating each of the elastomeric bands to extend along the pre-determined pressure points associated with rotator cuff injuries. Each of the elastomeric bands imparts tension into the pre-determined pressure points to support the user's rotator cuffs while the user's rotator cuffs are healing from injury.
BRACE
The first attaching member is configured to be fixed to a portion on the center side of the body of the joint portion to which the brace is attached. The second attaching member is configured to be fixed to a portion of the joint portion opposite to the center side of the body. The pressing member is configured to press a portion of the joint portion that extends when the joint portion bends. The plurality of tension members is configured to pull and connect the first attaching member, the second attaching member, and the pressing member. Each of the plurality of tension members is arranged such that the amount of change in the length of the tension member when the joint portion is bent and extended is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value.
ADAPTIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL ORTHOSES AND METODS FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE AND USE
A conformable body interface is fabricated using a data set representing a three-dimensional, soft tissue body surface. The conformable body interface includes a body scaffold that is divided into two or more longitudinal segments separated by axial joints. Optionally, the body scaffold is further divided into two or more circumferentially split segments separated by circumferential joints. The axial joints are circumferentially constrained by bands, tabs, or similar structures and the circumferential joints are longitudinally constrained by axial tethers or similar structures. In this way, the body interfaces can accommodate swelling and bending of the body surface.