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:
An orthopedic device has upper and lower frames (11, 14) hingedly connected to each other by first and second primary hinges (16, 18) on opposed sides of the device and providing movement between flexion and extension. Each of the upper and lower frames (11, 12) includes opposed first and second medial-lateral portions connected by a central portion (13). A force strap (20) is connected to the upper and lower frames and spiraling therebetween, and the force strap generally extends along a first location (100) proximate to the first primary hinge and is generally urged in a first direction (A) at the first location to the second primary hinge. The upper frame is rigid or semi-rigid, and may include means (23) for permitting movement in proximal-distal directions (P-D) and means (36) for permitting movement in lateral-medial directions (L-M)
Abstract:
A strapping system (10) includes a flexible, textile strap (12) having locking elements (16). The strap defines an attachment portion (15) upon which a reinforcement element (14) formed from a solid mass of polymeric material inseparably and integrally secures. The locking elements (16) of the strap are embedded at least in part into the thickness of a reinforcement element (14).
Abstract:
A hinge (2) for an orthopedic device includes an upper hinge component (6), a lower hinge component (8), a first plate (10) pivotally connected at a first location point to the upper hinge component (6) and connected at a second location point to the lower hinge component (8), and a second plate (12) pivotally connected at the first location point to the upper hinge component (6) and at the second location point to the lower hinge component (8). A first rotation stop (13) is connected at a third location point to the first and second plates (10, 12). A center link (4) is pivotally attached at a fourth location point to the upper hinge component (6) and at a fifth location point to the lower hinge component (8). The center link (4) has a first stop surface (40) arranged to directly abut the first rotation stop (13). The hinge components (6, 8) and the center link (4) are arranged between the first and the second plates (10, 12).
Abstract:
An orthopedic device (1000) has at least one flexible or rigid frame member (1006) contoured to generally correspond to an anatomical limb. The device also includes a tightening system having a dial tensioning device (1030) and at least one cable (1032) and/or strap (2006) connected to the dial tensioning device (1030). The dial tensioning device (1030) has a rotary ratchet permitting incremental adjustment of the cable (1032) and/or strap (2006). Adjustment of the dial tensioner (1030) in a first direction secures the frame member (1006) to the limb.
Abstract:
A strap tab assembly has a strap tab (20) defining a substantially square-shaped locking hole (24) located generally at a first end, and an elongated slot (22) on a second end. The strap tab assembly includes a top cap (30) defining a top cover (36), a square-shaped locking projection (34) corresponding in shape to the locking hole (24), and a female portion (38) forming a center channel (32) and extending beyond and concentric with the locking projection (34). A bottom cap (40) has a male portion (44) adapted for being received in the center channel (32) of the female portion (38) to engage the top cap (30). The locking projection (34) extends beyond the periphery of the female portion (38), and is configured and dimensioned to correspond to and engage an inner periphery of the locking hole (24).
Abstract:
A coupling device for an orthopedic brace includes an anchoring member (120) for securing to a frame (12, 14) and protruding therefrom, and a subshell (20, 24) arranged to connect to the frame by the anchoring member (120). The subshell (20, 24) has a locking element (114) for selectively positioning the subshell (20, 24) on the frame (12, 14) at a plurality of locations. The subshell (20, 24) may include an end portion or contoured edge extending beyond a portion of the frame (12, 14) so as to flex relative to the frame (12, 14).
Abstract:
An orthopedic device in the form of a circumferential walker (2100) includes a first member (2120) (posterior shell) and a second member (2102) (dorsal shell) corresponding to the first member (2120). An outsole (2148) or plantar shell portion (2144) is attached to, or formed on or with the posterior shell (2120). An expansion joint (2126) is positioned in the posterior shell (2120) or dorsal shell (2102) to expand to accommodate larger sized lower legs. The dorsal and posterior shells (2102, 2120) may include flexible or resilient edge portions (1110, 2124) to reduce pressure points and to further accommodate users having larger sized lower legs. The dorsal shell (2102) also includes a flexible or resilient connecting portion (2114) to accommodate users having larger ankles and feet and to reduce or eliminate the formation of a pressure point along the dorsal shell (2102). Quick-connecting buckle assemblies (1148, 1250) can be provided to allow a user to quickly don and doff the orthopedic device.
Abstract:
An orthopedic device (654) is arranged to apply a dynamic load on a leg of a user. The orthopedic device has a rigid or semi-rigid frame including lower and upper frames (618, 620), and a hinge assembly (600) connecting the lower and upper frames (618, 620). A dynamic loading component (638) is used to urge the load on the user's leg on the basis of flexion of the hinge assembly (600) on the basis of tension in an elongate element connecting the dynamic loading component (638) and at least one of the lower and upper frames (618, 620). A peak load is generated at a flexion angle between extension and maximum flexion of the hinge assembly (600).