An articulating clamshell for ankle foot orthosis and method of use thereof is described herein. A proximal articulation clamshell (PACS) system can comprise a fixed shell, a movable shell, and a fastening device. The fixed shell can comprise a fixed shell proximal end and a fixed shell distal end. The fixed shell can form-fit with a portion of a lower leg. The movable shell can comprise a movable shell proximal end and a movable shell distal end. The moveable shell can form-fit with a second portion of the lower leg. The movable shell proximal end can connect with the fixed shell proximal end wherein the movable shell can articulate in relation to the fixed shell. The movable shell can be capable of being in an open position and a closed position. The fastening device can secure the movable shell in the closed position.

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.

Wearable assistive jamming apparatus and related methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a frame to be worn about a body part of a user and a jamming actuator carried by the frame. The example apparatus includes an electrode to deliver electricity from an electrical source communicatively coupled to the electrode to a muscle of the user. In the example apparatus, the jamming actuator is to transition from a flexible state to a substantially rigid state in coordination with the delivery of the electricity to the electrode to support the body part.

An orthosis, and components thereof, that may be used as a shoulder brace for immobilization of the arm and shoulder joint may comprise components that may allow for abduction, internal/external rotation and allow for flexion and extension simultaneously. Methods of using the brace and methods of using the brace and treating shoulder injuries are similarly provided.

Examples include an upper joint arm for engaging a wearer's upper torso, connected to a first positive-locking element, and include a lower joint arm for engaging the wearer's upper leg body, and have a force application lever with a second positive-locking element, and a a mechanical energy store between the force application lever and the second joint arm. The first and second positive-locking element are aligned on a common axis, and are axially movable for engagement and disengagement. A safety device provides, in a mechanical engaging of the first and second positive-locking element, a corrective rotating of one or both the positive-locking elements. This rotation adjusts initial misalignments of the first positive-locking element and the second positive-locking element. The first positive-locking element and second positive-locking element, when engaged, transfer swivelling of the first joint arm relative to the second joint arm into a charging-discharging of the mechanical energy store.

An orthosis, and components thereof, that may be used as a shoulder brace for immobilization of the arm and shoulder joint may comprise components that may allow for abduction, internal/external rotation and allow for flexion and extension simultaneously. Methods of using the brace and methods of using the brace and treating shoulder injuries are similarly provided.

Rate-dependent, elastically-deformable devices according to various embodiments can be stretched and recovered at low elongation rates. Yet they become stiff and resistive to stretching at high elongation rates. These device can be utilized in orthotics, braces, and circulation-enhancing compression garments for the prevention of injury, promotion of personal health, and/or enhancement in human performance. The rate-responsive properties of the devices are critical performance enablers, as they allow the devices to provide a unique balance of comfort and performance that cannot be achieved with conventional, passive straps, braces, and compression garments.

Configurable orthoses having a high degree of independent adjustability of various parameters are provided. In the example of a rehabilitation-evaluation ankle-foot orthosis (REAFO), these parameters may include calf band anteroposterior, height, width, sagittal tilt, coronal tilt, and mediolateral displacement adjustments; mediolateral displacement adjustments of a supramalleolar support; heel width/stirrup separation adjustment; and sagittal active joint resistance and neutral angle adjustments. Calf band mediolateral displacement adjustment may be provided by a lockable four-bar pivoting frame linkage of the REAFO. In one aspect, the configurable orthosis is used in conjunction with a plastically deformable precursor member to facilitate the design and manufacture of a definitive orthosis customized for a particular patient. In another aspect, the orthosis communicatively transmits limb shape data to either a positive shape receiver apparatus or a CAD/CAM apparatus, to facilitate design and manufacture of a definitive orthosis.

A joint for an orthopedic device which has a first articulated arm and a second articulated arm, which are mounted about a swivel axis such that they can be swiveled relative to one another, and a blocking device which can be moved into a release position and a blocking position. The blocking device, when in the blocking position, blocks the swiveling of the first articulated arm relative to the second articulated arm in the first swivel direction, independently of a swivel angle between the first articulated arm and the second articulated arm, insofar as the swivel angle is in a predetermined range, and allows the swiveling in the first swivel direction, insofar as the swivel angle is outside of the predetermined range.

An adjusting device for adjustably securing at least two orthotic components to each other. The adjusting device includes a first holder which has a first fastening element for securing a first orthotic component, and a second holder which has a second fastening element for securing to a second orthotic component. The holders are mounted such that they can be moved in relation to each other and secured to each other in at least two orientations.