A61F5/0125

Eccentric and polycentric articulated tensioning joint for orthopedic braces
11752024 · 2023-09-12 · ·

An eccentric and polycentric articulated tensioning joint applied to an orthopedic brace with adjustable angular excursion placed in correspondence of body joints comprises two bars each hinged to a rotation pin, wherein said rotation pins are constrained parallel to each other at a predefined distance, said two bars being connected to each other by means of respective semi-circular toothed profiles present on each bar, so as to be set in synchronous motion relative to each other. Said two bars are associated with a respective pair of loop elements, which are kinetically connected to said bars in such a way as to impart thereto the same rotational movements and partially transform them into relative translational movements along the longitudinal axes of each of the bars themselves, in order to effect linear movements of reciprocal distancing or nearing relative to the rotation centres thereof located on said pins.

TERRAIN ADAPTIVE POWERED JOINT ORTHOSIS

A powered device augments 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. A controller estimates terrain slope and modulates the augmentation torque and the impedance, according to a phase of the gait cycle and the estimated terrain slope to provide at least a biomimetic response. The controller may also modulate a joint equilibrium. Accordingly, the device is capable of normalizing or augmenting human biomechanical function, responsive to a wearer's activity, regardless of speed and terrain, and can be used, for example, as a knee orthosis, prosthesis, or exoskeleton.

KNEE BRACE
20230021158 · 2023-01-19 ·

A knee brace includes a support module including a first body, a second body, and a hinge movably coupling the first body to the second body. The hinge includes a pin and a receptacle in the first and second bodies. The pin defines a plurality of teeth thereon and the receptacle defines a plurality of teeth therein. The plurality of teeth on the pin are configured to engage with the plurality of teeth in the receptacle such that the pin is rotatable and translatable within the receptacle. The knee brace also includes a fastener configured to releasably attach the knee brace to a leg. The first and second bodies couples with a first portion of the leg and with a second portion of the leg via the fastener. The first and second portions of the leg are separated by a knee joint of the leg.

Wearable sitting-posture aid
11813186 · 2023-11-14 · ·

A wearable sitting-posture assisting device includes at least one leg unit that defines at least one longitudinal leg axis, and includes at least one foot unit that is configured for a connection of a shoe and/or a foot of a person, wherein the foot unit includes at least one shoe adapter and at least one shoe connector, which are couplable with one another at least transversely to the at least one at least one longitudinal leg axis, wherein the wearable sitting-posture assisting device includes a quick coupling which is configured for a tool-less coupling of the shoe adapter and the shoe connector with each other, wherein the quick coupling includes at least one latch element that is configured at least partially to create a coupling of the shoe adapter with the shoe connector.

Adjustable tensioning device

An adjustable tensioning device capable of providing and holding high tensions needed for medical devices, prosthetics, and orthotics.

Semi-active robotic joint

A robotic joint comprises a first link, a middle link, a torque generator, a second link, and a locking mechanism. Different ends of the middle link are rotatably coupled to the first link and the second link. The torque generator is coupled to the first link and the middle link and is configured to produce torque between these links. The locking mechanism is switchable between a locking state and an unlocking state. In the unlocking state, the locking mechanism allows free rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the first and second rotation directions. In the locking state, the locking mechanism is configured to impede rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the first rotation direction and to allow rotation of the second link relative to the middle link in the second rotation direction opposite of the first rotation direction.

Device for providing active assistance to a body joint

A device for providing active assistance to a body joint including at least one spring module interconnecting first and second attachment parts. The at least one spring module including first and second elongate link members coupled to the first and second attachment parts respectively and pivotably coupled to each other at a pivot joint with a pivoting axis perpendicular to the first and second elongate link members; a coil spring extending longitudinally between the first and second elongate link members and across the pivot joint, whereby first and second ends of the coil spring are coupled to the first and second elongate link members respectively; and a coil-spring-retaining-member slidable relative to the first elongate link member in a manner so as to vary a portion of a length of the coil spring engaged and retained by the coil-spring-retaining-member to vary an effective length of the coil spring.

Unloading knee brace apparatus with conforming and distracting hinge

An adjustable tension knee brace for unloading weight from a knee joint afflicted with osteoarthritis, thus reducing pain and improving mobility, comprising: an upper and lower frame connected by an unloading hinge assembly, optionally comprising a sensor and processor allowing for remote or automatic control of brace tension. In embodiments, the brace includes a user mechanism that is capable of adjusting a tensioning element while the brace is being worn. In other embodiments, electronic motors, sensors, and indicators may be included in the brace to improve brace performance and user interaction.

ORTHOTIC KNEE CONTROL DEVICE FOR PROVIDING EASE OF MOVEMENT
20230372137 · 2023-11-23 ·

Embodiments herein discloses an orthotic knee control device providing ease of movement. The orthotic knee control device includes a hydraulic piston connected with a hydraulic chamber, accumulator spring(s) connected with an accumulator chamber, a non-return valve connected in between the hydraulic chamber and the accumulator chamber. The non-return valve allows the flow of an oil from the accumulator chamber to the hydraulic chamber and does not allow the flow of the oil from the hydraulic chamber to the accumulator chamber. Further, the orthotic knee control device includes a motorized valve connected between the hydraulic chamber and the accumulator chamber. Further, the accumulator springs apply pressure to the hydraulic piston, to resist flexion of a knee joint and to aid extension of the knee joint.

Orthotic Joint Devices, Joint Device Components, and Methods

Various orthotic joint devices, components, and methods are provided. These include orthotic joint alignment devices for adjusting a neutral or fixed angle of an orthotic joint device independently of other parameters, orthotic joint devices providing staged resistance through staged recruitment of separate springs or initiation of staged spring-rate behavior of a single spring retained in a joint body, adapters for converting non-staged resistance orthotic joint devices into orthotic joint devices, and low-noise orthotic joint devices with intermittent normal force-transmitting contact associated with resistive or assistive forces provided by the devices, and methods of using the devices and components.