A motion assistance apparatus including a proximal module to be attached to a proximal part of a user, a distal module to be attached to a distal part of the user, the distal module configured to slide relative to the proximal module, and a connecting module configured to detachably connect the proximal module and the distal module is provided.

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.

An automated method for applying specific geometric constraints to a starter file and considering external specifications outside of fit to achieve an optimized, restorative joint brace or orthotic device. External specifications may include indications of the patient, biometric data, data from prescribing doctors, X-ray data, MRI data, joint geometry to restore optimized function, and envelope of motion. After the fitting process, the starter file undergoes a process of exact commands in order to finish and/or add additional features. With a vertical integration from scanning an object to producing the custom fitted device, the product can be manufactured at scale more rapidly and at lower cost, improving access to superior devices at a reasonable price to the consumer.

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.

A multi-axis rotation control ankle brace, wherein the direction and magnitude of force can be controlled around three axes of the ankle joint through an adjustable tensioning apparatus. The device may be applied to address conditions such as chronic ankle instability, foot drop, or osteoarthritis by providing such forces around the joint as an external-muscle tendon system to improve function, reduce pain, or restore mobility of the user. While more are contemplated herein, five preferred embodiments are specifically disclosed in the current application. Three preferred embodiments comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the proximal portion is anchored above the ankle joint and houses, in aspects, the adjustment mechanism. The proximal portion is connected to the distal portion by tensioning or compressive elements, through which threes can be controlled by the user via the adjustment mechanism. In other preferred embodiments, the device is comprised of one continuous mesh, sock or sleeve through which tension can be controlled by the user. In other preferred embodiments, the device is personalized to the user through multiple aspects including user-enabled adjustment of forces around the joint. The device may be customized by 3D printing a device based on a digital scan, and therefore conforms to the user's ankle and foot.

Orthopedic devices may include rigid members for coupling to portions of a limb that includes a joint, and a cable that couples to the rigid members and extends up to a powered element. The orthopedic devices are configured to produce beneficial forces using the rigid member and the cable, which beneficial forces are translated to the wearer. The orthopedic devices include control systems that generate control signals for controlling the powered element.

An articulated Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) with an upper boot member and a lower boot member hinged to one another is made more flexible and effective by having a dorsi-flexion control member attached thereto. The dorsi-flexion control member has a main body with upper portion which is attachable to a predetermined position on the upper boot member, and a lower portion which is attachable to a lower boot member. The main body is fabricated from a material having a predetermined set of elasticity characteristics, which will limit dorsi-flexion movement in a predetermined manner, depending on the material used and the specific configuration. In this manner, the elasticity characteristics of the control member can provide both dynamic and static dorsi-flexion control

An orthosis is fitted to a body joint, in a preferred embodiment the equine fetlock, by locating the center of rotation (COR) of the joint; measuring the bones comprising the joint at points located with respect to the COR; selecting the appropriate orthosis from a selection of models thereof; and custom-fitting the orthosis to the individual by heating it to soften a layer of thermoformable foam on the interior of the orthosis and clamping the orthosis in place over the body joint. A kit of tools for performing the measurements is disclosed, as are a method for location of the COR of the body joint by palpation and a preferred heater.

Provided is a power transmitting device including an input side gear assembly that includes a single power input terminal and two power output terminals, an output side gear assembly that includes two power input terminals and a single power output terminal, the two power input terminals configured to operate using power received from the two power output terminals of the input side gear assembly, respectively, and a stopper module configured to block power to be transmitted through one of two power transmitting paths connecting the two power output terminals of the input side gear assembly and the two power input terminals of the output side gear assembly.

The invention relates to a hard frame (100) for a joint-bridging extremity joint orthosis, containing two mutually opposed longitudinally extending joint splints (110, 120), the proximal joint arms (113, 123) thereof being connected to one another via a transverse proximal bridge arch (310) and forming a proximal extremity holder (300), and the distal joint arms (112, 122) of which being connected to one another via a transverse distal bridge arch (210) and forming a distal extremity holder (200). According to the invention, at least one of the bridge arches (210) is mounted on joint arm ends (114, 124) of the associated joint arms (112, 122) of the joint splints (110, 120) connecting the bridge arch (210), noreover is mounted pivotably about at least one pivot axis (222) at a joint (220).