A pivoting hinge assembly for an orthotic device for a knee joint afflicted with osteoarthritis, thus reducing pain and improving mobility, comprising: a proximal subunit, a distal subunit, an energy storage element capable of generating significant forces around the joint, and a tension adjustable geared hinge assembly. Four embodiments are disclosed of hinge assemblies useable with the knee brace, or other types of braces. The hinge assemblies comprise: two subunits housing intermeshed gears, and at least one elastic band extending between the hinge subunits over a cam surface above the gears. In three embodiments, U-shaped connectors secure the subunits and gears together, and the subunits may comprise a user mechanism that adjusts the elastic band's tension and thus the amount of weight unloaded, then releases it. Another embodiment comprises a core bracket to protect the band(s) and a mechanism to compress the elastic band at various points to increase the amount of tension, and with a quick release mechanism.

A hinge includes an upper hinge component and a lower hinge component. A cover plate is pivotally connected at first location point to the upper hinge component and at a second location point to the lower hinge component. First and second plates are pivotally connected at a third location point to the upper hinge component and at a fourth location point to the lower hinge component. The first plate is positioned between the cover plate and the upper and lower hinge components. The upper and lower hinge components are positioned between the first and second plates. The cover plate is mounted on an outer side of the hinge and the connection of the cover plate at the first location point rotates around the third location point and the connection of the cover plate at the second location point rotates around the fourth location point.

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 forces 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.

An orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame element defining opposed first and second sides, and is adapted to extend about at least a portion of a limb. The device includes straps formed from a variety of segments having stretchable and substantially inelastic segments. The straps adjustably secure to the frame element, and stretch relative thereto. The device also includes a central strap pad arranged to connect two straps together such that a first strap of the two straps is movable relative to a second strap, and the first and second straps are maintained diagonal relative to one another.

An improved joint support for limiting the range of motion of an anatomical joint comprises intermeshing gears for allowing adjustment of the range of motion of the joint, and comprises plural mechanisms for securing the gears in engagement with one another, whereby adjustment can be made without tools and without disassembly of any components.

An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. A third arm member including a third extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom is interposed between the first and second arm members. The third arm member is operatively connected to the first and second arm members, such that the first and third arm members travel along an arcuate path defined by the second extension member when the third arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the second arm member. Furthermore, the first arm member can slide along the third extension member as the third arm member is moved from the first position to the second position relative to the second arm member.

Gearwheel transmission comprising a first stage and a second stage, the second stage being a differential gearing comprising a planetary gear train system which is executed in a quasi duplicated form, wherein a first component is forming a torque resisting means, wherein a second component is interconnected or interacting with an output shaft, the overall transmission efficiency in the first stage being higher than in the second stage and/or the overall capacity for transmitting torque in the second stage being higher than in the first stage.

A releasable gripping glove is provided having one or more flexible artificial tendons extending through a finger section of a glove body. The flexible artificial tendon is configured to maintain a structurally articulated configuration when the finger section is articulated. Each tendon includes locking teeth that engages with a releasable locking tab extending form a locking mechanism configured to engage the locking teeth when the finger section is articulated. A release mechanism is provided to engage and disengage the locking mechanism. A thumb release rod is positioned within a thumb portion and connected to the release mechanism. The articulating of the finger section releasably locks the flexible artificial tendon in the articulated position, which is releasable through relaxing of the thumb portion.

An assistance apparatus wearable by a subject for an assistance in forward reclining movements of the torso includes an upper structure for the engagement of the subject's torso and a lower structure for the engagement of the subject's legs, pivotally connected to each other around an axis, at least one elastic device operatively interposed between the upper structure and the lower structure and at least one electric motor operatively arranged in series with the elastic device, between the upper structure and the lower structure, and actionable for dynamically controlling the extent of deformation of the elastic device.

A knee device and method of stimulating muscles is disclosed. The knee device includes a knee brace with a support frame and vibration components. The vibration components are connected to the support frame by adjustable arms that allow for precise adjustments in the spatial position and orientation of the vibration components. The vibration components can be activated by the ambulation of a user.