Abstract:
A support (14) for an article has a body (22) arranged for length adjustment along a length adjustment axis (65). A tensioning device (26) is connected to the support (14) and adjustment of the tensioning device (26) shortens or lengthens a length of the support (14) along the length adjustment axis (65). The body (22) defines at least one opening (28) overlapping at least part of the length adjustment axis (65) such that length adjustment is governed by modification of the size of the at least one opening (28) according to adjustment by the tensioning device (26).
Abstract:
An Achilles heel wedge (200) has a back part (292), a front part (294), and a longitudinal axis (A) extending in a longitudinal direction between the back part (292) and the front part (294). A first wedge section (256) defines a bottom surface (270) and a top surface (272). The top surface (272) of the first wedge section (256) forms a convex portion (276) curving along the longitudinal axis (A) and extending between side portions (296) of the first wedge section (256). The convex portion (276) is positionable under the longitudinal arch of a user's foot during use. A second wedge section (254) is removably attachable to the bottom surface (270) of the first wedge section (256). The second wedge section (254) defines substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces (264, 266) and a ramped edge (268) at or near a front of the second wedge section (254). The ramped edge (268) extends downwardly and forwardly relative to the first wedge section (256) and the top surface (264) of the second wedge section (254).
Abstract:
A vacuum suspension system (20) includes a pump mechanism (200) operatively connectable to a prosthetic socket (10). The pump mechanism (200) has a first member (204) and a second member (202). First and second fluid chambers (217, 220) are located between the first and second members (204, 202). The second fluid chamber (220) is fluidly separate from the first fluid chamber (217), and arranged for fluid communication with the socket (210). An increase in volume of the first fluid chamber (217) mechanically expands the second fluid chamber (220), which, in turn, creates a vacuum pressure in the second fluid chamber (220).
Abstract:
A hinge (100) includes an upper hinge component (110) and a lower hinge component (112). A cover plate (102) is pivotally connected at first location point (114) to the upper hinge component (110) and at a second location point (116) to the lower hinge component (112). First and second plates (106, 108) are pivotally connected at a third location point (126) to the upper hinge component (110) and at a fourth location point (128) to the lower hinge component (112). The first plate (106) is positioned between the cover plate (102) and the upper and lower hinge components (110, 112). The upper and lower hinge components (110, 112) are positioned between the first and second plates (106, 108). The cover plate (102) is mounted on an outer side (O) of the hinge (100) and the connection of the cover plate (102) at the first location point (114) rotates around the third location point (126) and the connection of the cover plate (102) at the second location point (116) rotates around the fourth location point (128).
Abstract:
Liners (10) are adapted for use with a prosthetic or orthotic device, and provide a barrier and/or interface between a residual limb and a prosthetic socket, or between an orthotic device and the site of application. The prosthetic and orthotic liners include at least one antiperspirant (30), and methods of forming the same in an efficient, reliable manner. The liners (10) may include aluminum-based antiperspirants such as Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine. The antiperspirants (30) may be provided as a powder or anhydride, may first be constituted in a silicone-oil, and mixed under vacuum. The antiperspirant-oil mixture can be combined with silicone components and mixed under vacuum. The resulting complete mixture is then cast and cured into a silicone elastomer liner (10) with antiperspirant (30) dispersed and/or embedded.
Abstract:
A dynamic tension system (20) for an orthopedic device (10) having a frame (12, 13) and at least one hinge (19) connected to the frame (12, 13) includes a cable (18) and an adjustment mechanism (24) connected to the cable (18) and arranged to incrementally wind or release said cable (18). A tension control device (470, 497) connects to the adjustment mechanism and is arranged to limit the adjustment mechanism (24) from winding of the cable (18) past a predetermined tension level.
Abstract:
A strap attachment system including a frame member (26) having an opening (28), a strap (80), a tab (10) having an attachment element (50, 52) defined by the body (12), and a fastener element (30, 60) detachably and slidably mountable to the frame member (26) via the opening (28). The tab (10) connects to the strap (80), and the fastener element (30, 60) removably connecting to the tab (10) by the attachment element (50, 52). The fastener element (30, 60) defines upper and lower portions (36, 62, 38, 68) with the lower portion (38, 68) arranged to abut a lower surface (29) of the frame member (26), and the upper portion (38, 68) extending over a second surface (31) of the tab body (12). The tab (10) secures between the upper portion (38, 68) and the frame member within the clearance (33). A method for securing a strap to a frame member may use the components of the strap attachment system.
Abstract:
A cervical collar (10) having a chin support (18) slidably connected to an inside surface of an anterior component (12) adapted to secure against an anterior chin and neck of a user. A posterior component (14) connects to the anterior component (12) to circumferentially surround the user's neck. A height adjustment support (16) has spring locks (38) securing the height adjustment mechanism (16) against the anterior component (12). The cervical collar includes a footplate (20) having a connection continuously extending from the height adjustment mechanism (16) without a variation in thickness. The posterior component (14) has side portions (41) with a plurality of living hinges (42) located proximate to elongate slots (30) for straps (26) connecting to the anterior component (12).
Abstract:
Prosthetic feet having improved vertical suspension are provided. A prosthetic foot can include a foot member having a change in curvature near a toe section so that the toe section is downwardly vertically offset from the remainder of the foot member. A prosthetic foot can have upper and lower foot members that extend parallel to each other and are separated by a gap. The lower foot member can extend beyond a distal end of the upper foot member to form a toe section. An adapter for coupling a prosthetic foot to another prosthetic component is also provided. The adapter includes a cavity for receiving the proximal end of a prosthetic foot. The prosthetic foot is secured to the adapter with a curable material such as epoxy to provide a more lightweight system.
Abstract:
A prosthetic knee (100) provides security and stability, particularly to low activity users, household and limited community ambulators, single and/or slow speed ambulators, and those with little voluntary control, while also balancing walking (dynamic) performance for low activity users. The prosthetic knee (100) includes a housing (2), parallel anterior links (4, 5), a posterior link (3), and a chassis (1). The geometry of the links and their relationship to one another (3, 4, 5) allow for low voluntary control, shortening of mid-swing, which reduces stumbling risk, and geometric stability in stance. The anterior links (4, 5) are particularly oriented, sized and located to provide for stability. The anterior links (4, 5) both extend above the posterior link (3) and substantially below the posterior link (3). The prosthetic knee includes a friction adjustment mechanism (6), a stability adjustment mechanism (110), and an adjustable extension assist mechanism (14).