US3902482A - Mechanical joint for an orthopedic brace or prosthesis - Google Patents

Mechanical joint for an orthopedic brace or prosthesis Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3902482A
US3902482A US474133A US47413374A US3902482A US 3902482 A US3902482 A US 3902482A US 474133 A US474133 A US 474133A US 47413374 A US47413374 A US 47413374A US 3902482 A US3902482 A US 3902482A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
joint
brace
portions
link
bearing plate
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US474133A
Inventor
George A Taylor
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Generation II Orthotics Inc
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3902482A publication Critical patent/US3902482A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Assigned to GENERATION II ORTHOTICS, INC. reassignment GENERATION II ORTHOTICS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: TAYLOR, GEORGE A.
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/0102Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
    • A61F5/0123Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations for the knees
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F2/00Filters implantable into blood vessels; Prostheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the body; Appliances for connecting them with the body; Devices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents
    • A61F2/50Prostheses not implantable in the body
    • A61F2/60Artificial legs or feet or parts thereof
    • A61F2/64Knee joints
    • A61F2/642Polycentric joints, without longitudinal rotation
    • A61F2/646Polycentric joints, without longitudinal rotation of the pin-guiding groove linkage type
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61FFILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F5/00Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
    • A61F5/01Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
    • A61F5/0102Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
    • A61F2005/0132Additional features of the articulation
    • A61F2005/0158Additional features of the articulation with locking means
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/32Articulated members
    • Y10T403/32254Lockable at fixed position
    • Y10T403/32262At selected angle
    • Y10T403/32319At selected angle including pivot stud
    • Y10T403/32327At selected angle including pivot stud including radially spaced detent or latch component
    • Y10T403/32352Pivoted detent
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/32Articulated members
    • Y10T403/32549Articulated members including limit means
    • Y10T403/32557Articulated members including limit means for pivotal motion
    • Y10T403/32581Pin and slot

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A mechanical joint for a leg brace having portions attachable to the leg above and below the knee joint and interconnected by a link.
  • the spaced ends of the brace portions and the opposite ends of the link are shaped to provide bearing plates which are secured together by movable pivot means. This provides the mechanical joint with dual bearings having a combined pivotal movement closely simulating the flexing action of an anatomical knee.
  • brace wearer should not be hampered unduly by the device so that his inability to use his leg in a normal manner is more noticeable than would otherwise be the case.
  • a leg brace requires a mechanical joint which will take some ofa medially or laterally applied load off the knee joint but the mechanical joint itself should not be heavy, bulky or complex otherwise the brace is awkward to wear and is noticeable through the wearers clothing and is needlessly expensive.
  • There are a number of artificial limbs which have mechanical joints designed to reproduce as closely as possible the flexing action of the human knee but such joints usually are of quite complex construction and furthermore they occupy a major portion of the space between the upper and lower parts of the artificial leg. This arrangement is unsatisfactory for use in a leg brace wherein the joint structure must lie alongside the anatomical knee joint and be flat and compact so as not to provide an unsightly projection sticking out from one side of wearers leg.
  • the mechanical joint for an orthopedic brace con structed in accordance with the present invention interconnects brace portions which are attachable to parts of a wearers body on opposite sides of a body joint, the mechanical joint comprising a bearing plate on an end of each brace portion near the body joint, a link extending across the body joint and having a bearing plate on each opposite end thereof, said bearing plates of the link overlapping the bearing plates of the brace portions to provide dual bearings, and pivot means inter connecting the bearing plates of each of the dual bearings, said pivot means providing the dual bearings with transverse axes of pivot which are shiftable whereby the link is movable away from and towards the brace portions as the body joint is flexed and straightened.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a leg brace
  • FIG. 2 is a detail side elevation of a mechanical joint of the leg brace
  • FIG. 3 is a side elevation of a link which forms part of the mechanical joint
  • FIG. 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3,
  • FIGS is a vertical section showing a bearing plate of the mechanical joint
  • FIG. 6 is a transverse section taken on the line 66 of FIG. 2
  • FIG. 7 is a transverse section taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 2, i
  • FIG. 8 is a vertical section taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 9 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 1 but showing the mechanical joint bent as a result of the wearers knee being flexed
  • FIG. 10 is a rear elevation of the mechanical joint as shown in FIG. 9,
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modified mechanical joint for a leg brace
  • FIG. 12 is a detail side elevation of the modified joint with part of a link removed.
  • FIG. 13 is a transverse section taken on the line 1313 of FIG. 12.
  • This invention may be used to reinforce anatomical joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hip and ankle but, since the brace is especially designed to simulate the gliding, rocking and rotational movement of the human knee, it will be described herein as utilized exclusively for that purpose.
  • a persons knee can be likened to a ball and socket joint having a rather unusual action for that type of mechanism.
  • the ball of the upper leg and socket of the lower leg interact in such a way as to move away from and towards one another.
  • the leg actually extends and contracts during locomotion and, when the parts of the knee joint are separated, the lower leg can twist slightly with respect to the upper leg.
  • the natural knee joint has a point of pivot which moves about as the leg is alternately bent and straightened with the knee providing a restricted universal action unless firmly locked as described.
  • the numeral 10 indicates generally an orthopedic leg brace.
  • the brace 10 is shown attached to a leg 12 so as to lend support to the knee joint 14.
  • This example of the brace 10 has a lower portion 15 which is a flat strip of metal shaped to extend alongside lower leg 16 with one end of .the portion preferably being secured by a fitting 17 to the shoe of the wearer.
  • Upper portion 20 of the brace is also a flat strip of suitably shaped metal which is secured to a stiffened leather band 21, the longitudinally divided band being clamped to the thigh 22 of the wearer by means of straps 23.
  • the adjacent ends of the brace portions 15 and 20 are connected by a mechanical joint generally indicated at 24, the joint being disposed alongside the knee joint 14 when the brace 10 is attached to the wearers leg as described.
  • the mechanical joint 24 comprises bearings 26 and 28 (FIG. 2) which pivotally connect the brace portions 15 and 20 to a link 30.
  • the link 30 is shown separately in FIGS. 3 and 4 asbeing shaped to provide substantially circular bearing plates 32 and 33.
  • a flat web 34 extends between the plates 32 and 33 along the front edge of the link.
  • Plate 32 has an inner concave face 36 and an outer convex face 37.
  • the outer convex face 37 is coated with a suitable plastic anti-friction material and preferably this coating 38 is the syntheticmaterial known by the trade mark Teflon.
  • the bearing plate 33 has a concave face 40 and a convex face 41 with the latter face having a plastic coating 42.-
  • the lower portion of the brace is provided with a bearing plate 45, see particularly FIGS. 2 and 5, which plate overlaps and closely fits the bearing plate 32 of the link thereby forming the bearing 26.
  • the bearing plate 45 is formed by a stamping process which shapes the upper end of the metal brace portion 15 into a dished configuration thus providing a concave inner face 46 and a convex outer face 47, see FIG. 5.
  • Firmly bonded to the face 46 is a thin plastic coating 48.
  • the plastic coated faces 37 and 46 when placed in sliding contact with one another provide the bearing 26 with a particularly smooth action which enables the brace portion 15 to rock on the link 30 in several directions.
  • the upper portion of the leg brace will be seen to be shaped to provide a bearing plate 50 having concave and convex inner and outer faces 51 and 52.
  • Face 51 has a plastic coating 53 which serves as anti-friction material.
  • the plastic coated face 51 fits over the underlapping and similarly coated face 41 of the link so that the bearing 28 has an action similar to the action of the bearing 26 whereby said link can move relative to the brace portion 20 again in a number of different directions.
  • pivot means generally indicated at 60.
  • the means 60 comprises pivot pins 62 and 63 which are suitably secured to the plate 32 to project outwardly from the convex face 37.
  • These pivot pins which have short shanks and flattened heads, are located on opposite sides of the center of the substantially circular bearing plate 32 as can best be seen in FIG. 3.
  • Bearing plate 45 is provided with arcuate guide slots 64 and 65, see particularly FIG. 2.
  • the shank of the pivot pin 62 projects freely through the slot 64 and the shank of the pivot pin 63 similarly projects through the relatively long guide slot 65 with the enlarged heads of these pins slidably engaging the outer or convex face 47 of the bearing plate 45 to hold these two parts of the bearing 26 against separation.
  • a similar pivot means 70 is provided to interconnect the plates 33 and 50 of the bearing 28.
  • the means 70 comprises identical pivot pins 72 and 73 which are secured to the plate 33.
  • Arcuate guide slots 74 and 75 are formed in the bearing plate 50, see FIG. 2, and the short shanks of the pins 72v and 73 project freely through these slots with the heads of said pins slidably engaging the convex face 52 of the plate to hold the bearing 28 against separation.
  • the mechanical joint 24 includes stop means generally indicated at 80 for limiting swinging movement of the lower brace portion beyond the position assumed thereby when the wearers leg is straightened and the upper and lower brace portions are substantially aligned.
  • the means 80 is shown to comprise opposing stops 82 and 83 which are flattened end edges of the bearing plates 45 and 50 respectively. These stops 82 and 83 come into contact with one another when the leg 11 is straight and the knee 14 is locked. At this time, the shanks of the pivot pins 62 and 63 are in contact with the opposite ends of the guide slots 64 and 65. The pins 72 and 73 are similarly positioned in their slots 74 and 75.
  • the upper and lower portions 15 and 20 are substantially aligned when the leg 11 is straight and it is at this alignment that the stop means comes into play to halt further bending movement of the mechanical joint 24 which might impose a strain on the locked knee 14.
  • the stops 82 and 83 cooperate with the arrangement of pivot pins and slots to limit swinging movement of the brace portions 15 and 20 beyond their substantially aligned positions.
  • the present joint 24 also includes locking means generally indicated by the numeral for securing the bearing plates of the dual bearings against relative movement when the upper and lower brace portions are in the substantially aligned position.
  • the means 90 is shown to comprise a flap 92 which extends across the center of the link 30.
  • a hinge 93 secures one end of the flap 92 to the web 34 of the link.
  • a small spring 94 will be seen incorporated into the hinge 93 to bias the flap 92 away from the link, and said flap is fitted with a lug 95 which contacts the web 34 to limit outward swinging movement of the flap.
  • the flap 92 is provided with spaced dowels 96 and 97 which are adapted to enter holes 98 and 99 formed in the link 30 to register with the ends of the slots 65 and 75 when he mechanical joint 24 is in the FIG. 2 position.
  • the flap 92 is held in the FIG. 7 position by the action of the spring 94 and lug 95 at which time the dowels 96 and 97 are supported clear of the bearing plates 45 and 50.
  • the joint 24 is then free to operate as required.
  • the wearer of the brace 10 might decide to lock the joint 24 so that his knee could no longer be flexed and, in order to do so, he would first straighten the leg to the limit determined by the stop means 80.
  • the joint 24 is then looked and cannot be released until the flap 92 is moved manually to the FIG. 7 position.
  • the operation of the mechanical joint 24 is best understood with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
  • the joint 24 performs a hinging action which closely simulates the flexing action of the knee 14.
  • the several pivot pins of the bearings 26 and 28 allow the link 30 and brace portion 15 to swing relative to the brace position 20 but. since these pins are free to move as required within their arcuate slots, the effect is to provide the joint with a plurality of transverse axes of pivot.
  • the mechanical joint can elongate slightly in the same manner as does the knee joint when it is flexed.
  • the link 30 and brace portion 15 can also rotate slightly about their longitudinal axes to assume positions substantially as shown in FIG. 10. This allows the wearer to turn his lower leg when the knee 14 is flexed as he may be required to do in order to execute a particular step.
  • the mechanical joint allows the knee joint to function in a natural manner while being supported to the extent that any undue strain is unlikely to be placed thereon.
  • the numeral 110 indicates generally a modified mechanical joint for a leg brace having portions 112 and 114.
  • the brace portion 112 has a flat bearing plate 116, see FIG. 12, provided with arcuate guide slots 117 and 118.
  • Brace portion 114 has a similar flattened bearing plate 120 in which arcuate slots 121 and 122 (FIG. 12) are formed.
  • a link 124 which is also flat as shown best in FIG. 13, has bearing plates 125 and 126 which overlap the plates 116 and 120 of the brace portions. Pivot pins 130, 131, 132 and 133 are carried by the link 124 to slidably project through the slots 117, 118 121 and 122 respectively.
  • a cover 135 of substantially the same shape as the link 124 extends over the bearing plates 116 and 120, the cover being secured to the link the aforesaid pivot pins which are riveted over as shown in FIG. 11.
  • the above described arrangement provides the mechanical joint 110 with dual bearings which are generally indicated at 137 and 138. Since these dual bearings are formed with flattened bearing plates, they allow the brace portions 112 and 114 to hinge or fold in a substantially common plane but, of course, one position cannot twist with respect to the other portion as is the case when dished or concave-convex bearing plates are used.
  • the pivot pins 130 to 133 are still received in arcuate slots so that the resulting pivot means provides a plurality of transverse axes of rotation for the mechanical joint 110.
  • Such a joint is particularly intended for use by paraplegics and others who might find it easier to get around provided their legs were reinforced by braces fitted with the modified joint.
  • the joint 110 has stop means and locking means which are generally indicated by the numerals 140 and 141 respectively. Since these two means are constructed substantially as their counterparts 80 and 90 of the main embodiment of the invention, and operate in almost the same manner, detailed description of the two devices is not considered necessary.
  • an orthopedic brace having portions attachable to parts of a wearers body on opposite sides of a body joint, a mechanical joint comprising a bearing plate on an end of each brace portion near the body joint, a link extending across the body joint and having a bearing plate on each opposite end thereof, said bearing plates of the link overlapping the bearing plates of the brace portions to provide dual bearings, and pivot means interconnecting the bearing plates of each of the dual bearings, said pivot means providing each of the dual bearings with a plurality of transverse axes of pivot which are shiftable to accommodate the natural pivotal movement of the body joint whereby one of said brace portions is movable away from and towards the other of said brace portions as the body joint is flexed and straightened.
  • a joint as claimed in claim 1 and including stop means for limiting folding movement of the mechanical joint in one direction beyond a position assumed when the body joint substantially is straight.
  • a mechanical joint comprising a bearing plate on each of the upper and lower brace portions near the point of pivot of the knee joint, a link extending across the knee joint and having a bearing plate overlapping a bearing plate of each upper and lower brace portions to provide dual bearings, said bearing plates having opposing faces, one opposing face of each of the dual bearings being convex and the other opposing face of said bearing being concave, one bearing plate of each of the dual bearings having pivot pins spaced apart thereon and the other bearing plate of said joint having correspondingly spaced arcuate guide slots through which said pivot pins project, said pivot pins and arcuate guide slots providing each of the dual bearings with a plurality of transverse axes of pivot which are shiftable to accommodate the natural pivotal movement of the knee joint and whereby the link and the lower brace portion are rotatably about their longitudinal axes and are movable away from the upper brace member when
  • said locking means comprises a hinged flap carried by the link, said bearing plates of the upper and lower brace portions each haaving a hole adapted to register with a guide slot when said portions are substantially aligned, and dowels carried by the hinged flap adapted to project through the registering guide slots to enter the holes.

Abstract

A mechanical joint for a leg brace having portions attachable to the leg above and below the knee joint and interconnected by a link. The spaced ends of the brace portions and the opposite ends of the link are shaped to provide bearing plates which are secured together by movable pivot means. This provides the mechanical joint with dual bearings having a combined pivotal movement closely simulating the flexing action of an anatomical knee.

Description

ilnited States Patent [191 Taylor Sept. 2, 1975 [54] MECHANICAL JOINT FOR AN 1,336,695 4/1920 Gromes 128/88 ORTHOPEDIC BRACE OR PROSTHESIS 3,799,158 3/1974 Gardner 128/80 C Inventor: George A. Taylor, 976 Saunders Rd., Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, V7a 2134 Filed: May 28, 1974 Appl. No.: 474,133
Foreign Application Priority Data May 21, 1974 Canada 200442 US. Cl. 128/80 F; 3/22; 3/26; 403/95; 403/116; 128/88 Int. Cl A61f 5/00; A6lf 1/04 Field of Search 128/80 F, 80 C, 80 R, 88; 3/22, 24, 26, 27; 403/95, 116, 119, 113
References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/1895 Rankin .l 128/80 F FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 826,333 12/1951 Germany Primary ExaminerR0nald L. [Frinks Attorney, Agent, or F irmFetherstonhaugh & Co.
57 ABSTRACT A mechanical joint for a leg brace having portions attachable to the leg above and below the knee joint and interconnected by a link. The spaced ends of the brace portions and the opposite ends of the link are shaped to provide bearing plates which are secured together by movable pivot means. This provides the mechanical joint with dual bearings having a combined pivotal movement closely simulating the flexing action of an anatomical knee.
9 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures PATEN IEB SEP 2 I975 SHiEI 1 BF 3 PATENTED 975 SHEET 2 0F 3 MECHANICAL JOINT FOR AN ORTHOPEDIC BRACE OR PROSTHESIS My invention relates generally to joints for orthope-. dic braces or prosthetics and more particularlyto a mechanical joint for a leg brace.
When a brace is worn to lend support to an injured or weakened knee, it is generally desirable that the properly supported limb be allowed to operate in as natural a manner as possible so that appropriate muscles and ligaments will become strengthened and eventually the support will no longer be required. Even if the injury or weakness is permanent, the brace wearer should not be hampered unduly by the device so that his inability to use his leg in a normal manner is more noticeable than would otherwise be the case.
A leg brace requires a mechanical joint which will take some ofa medially or laterally applied load off the knee joint but the mechanical joint itself should not be heavy, bulky or complex otherwise the brace is awkward to wear and is noticeable through the wearers clothing and is needlessly expensive. There are a number of artificial limbs which have mechanical joints designed to reproduce as closely as possible the flexing action of the human knee but such joints usually are of quite complex construction and furthermore they occupy a major portion of the space between the upper and lower parts of the artificial leg. This arrangement is unsatisfactory for use in a leg brace wherein the joint structure must lie alongside the anatomical knee joint and be flat and compact so as not to provide an unsightly projection sticking out from one side of wearers leg.
I have found that the above mentioned as well as other disadvantages of conventional hinge structures can be overcome by providing a simply and inexpensively constructed brace with a mechanical joint which is designed to reproduce very closely the natural movements of a body joint. The mechanical joint is light in weight as well as strong and it has an overall thickness which is not much greater than the remainder of the brace which makes the device difficult to detect through the clothing of the wearer. An athlete, for example, who might have a knee injury such as a strained ligament, could wear the present invention to protect the knee from severe blows or stress which could quite easily further damage the knee and incapacitate him completely.
The mechanical joint for an orthopedic brace con structed in accordance with the present invention interconnects brace portions which are attachable to parts of a wearers body on opposite sides of a body joint, the mechanical joint comprising a bearing plate on an end of each brace portion near the body joint, a link extending across the body joint and having a bearing plate on each opposite end thereof, said bearing plates of the link overlapping the bearing plates of the brace portions to provide dual bearings, and pivot means inter connecting the bearing plates of each of the dual bearings, said pivot means providing the dual bearings with transverse axes of pivot which are shiftable whereby the link is movable away from and towards the brace portions as the body joint is flexed and straightened.
In drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention,
FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a leg brace,
FIG. 2 is a detail side elevation of a mechanical joint of the leg brace,
FIG. 3 is a side elevation of a link which forms part of the mechanical joint,
FIG. 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3,
FIGS is a vertical section showing a bearing plate of the mechanical joint,
FIG. 6 is a transverse section taken on the line 66 of FIG. 2
FIG. 7 is a transverse section taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 2, i
. FIG. 8 is a vertical section taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 2,
FIG. 9 is a side elevation similar to FIG. 1 but showing the mechanical joint bent as a result of the wearers knee being flexed,
FIG. 10 is a rear elevation of the mechanical joint as shown in FIG. 9,
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a modified mechanical joint for a leg brace,
FIG. 12 is a detail side elevation of the modified joint with part of a link removed, and
FIG. 13 is a transverse section taken on the line 1313 of FIG. 12.
This invention may be used to reinforce anatomical joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hip and ankle but, since the brace is especially designed to simulate the gliding, rocking and rotational movement of the human knee, it will be described herein as utilized exclusively for that purpose. A persons knee can be likened to a ball and socket joint having a rather unusual action for that type of mechanism. When the knee bends and straightens during walking or running, the ball of the upper leg and socket of the lower leg interact in such a way as to move away from and towards one another. The leg actually extends and contracts during locomotion and, when the parts of the knee joint are separated, the lower leg can twist slightly with respect to the upper leg. It is only when the leg is straightened and supporting the weight of the body that the knee joint is locked and the lower leg cannot twist as described. Thus, the natural knee joint has a point of pivot which moves about as the leg is alternately bent and straightened with the knee providing a restricted universal action unless firmly locked as described.
Referring first to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the numeral 10 indicates generally an orthopedic leg brace. The brace 10 is shown attached to a leg 12 so as to lend support to the knee joint 14. This example of the brace 10 has a lower portion 15 which is a flat strip of metal shaped to extend alongside lower leg 16 with one end of .the portion preferably being secured by a fitting 17 to the shoe of the wearer. Upper portion 20 of the brace is also a flat strip of suitably shaped metal which is secured to a stiffened leather band 21, the longitudinally divided band being clamped to the thigh 22 of the wearer by means of straps 23. The adjacent ends of the brace portions 15 and 20 are connected by a mechanical joint generally indicated at 24, the joint being disposed alongside the knee joint 14 when the brace 10 is attached to the wearers leg as described.
The mechanical joint 24 comprises bearings 26 and 28 (FIG. 2) which pivotally connect the brace portions 15 and 20 to a link 30. The link 30 is shown separately in FIGS. 3 and 4 asbeing shaped to provide substantially circular bearing plates 32 and 33. A flat web 34 extends between the plates 32 and 33 along the front edge of the link. Plate 32 has an inner concave face 36 and an outer convex face 37. The outer convex face 37 is coated with a suitable plastic anti-friction material and preferably this coating 38 is the syntheticmaterial known by the trade mark Teflon. Similarly, the bearing plate 33 has a concave face 40 and a convex face 41 with the latter face having a plastic coating 42.-
The lower portion of the brace is provided with a bearing plate 45, see particularly FIGS. 2 and 5, which plate overlaps and closely fits the bearing plate 32 of the link thereby forming the bearing 26. Preferably, the bearing plate 45 is formed by a stamping process which shapes the upper end of the metal brace portion 15 into a dished configuration thus providing a concave inner face 46 and a convex outer face 47, see FIG. 5. Firmly bonded to the face 46 is a thin plastic coating 48. Thus, the plastic coated faces 37 and 46 when placed in sliding contact with one another provide the bearing 26 with a particularly smooth action which enables the brace portion 15 to rock on the link 30 in several directions.
Referring now particularly to FIGS. 2 and 6, the upper portion of the leg brace will be seen to be shaped to provide a bearing plate 50 having concave and convex inner and outer faces 51 and 52. Face 51 has a plastic coating 53 which serves as anti-friction material. The plastic coated face 51 fits over the underlapping and similarly coated face 41 of the link so that the bearing 28 has an action similar to the action of the bearing 26 whereby said link can move relative to the brace portion 20 again in a number of different directions.
The plates 32 and 45 of the bearing 26 are held in face-to-face sliding contact by pivot means generally indicated at 60. As shown best in FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 9 of the drawings, the means 60 comprises pivot pins 62 and 63 which are suitably secured to the plate 32 to project outwardly from the convex face 37. These pivot pins, which have short shanks and flattened heads, are located on opposite sides of the center of the substantially circular bearing plate 32 as can best be seen in FIG. 3. Bearing plate 45 is provided with arcuate guide slots 64 and 65, see particularly FIG. 2. The shank of the pivot pin 62 projects freely through the slot 64 and the shank of the pivot pin 63 similarly projects through the relatively long guide slot 65 with the enlarged heads of these pins slidably engaging the outer or convex face 47 of the bearing plate 45 to hold these two parts of the bearing 26 against separation.
A similar pivot means 70 is provided to interconnect the plates 33 and 50 of the bearing 28. The means 70 comprises identical pivot pins 72 and 73 which are secured to the plate 33. Arcuate guide slots 74 and 75 are formed in the bearing plate 50, see FIG. 2, and the short shanks of the pins 72v and 73 project freely through these slots with the heads of said pins slidably engaging the convex face 52 of the plate to hold the bearing 28 against separation.
The mechanical joint 24 includes stop means generally indicated at 80 for limiting swinging movement of the lower brace portion beyond the position assumed thereby when the wearers leg is straightened and the upper and lower brace portions are substantially aligned. Referring now particularly to FIG. 2, the means 80 is shown to comprise opposing stops 82 and 83 which are flattened end edges of the bearing plates 45 and 50 respectively. These stops 82 and 83 come into contact with one another when the leg 11 is straight and the knee 14 is locked. At this time, the shanks of the pivot pins 62 and 63 are in contact with the opposite ends of the guide slots 64 and 65. The pins 72 and 73 are similarly positioned in their slots 74 and 75. The upper and lower portions 15 and 20 are substantially aligned when the leg 11 is straight and it is at this alignment that the stop means comes into play to halt further bending movement of the mechanical joint 24 which might impose a strain on the locked knee 14. In other words, the stops 82 and 83 cooperate with the arrangement of pivot pins and slots to limit swinging movement of the brace portions 15 and 20 beyond their substantially aligned positions.
The present joint 24 also includes locking means generally indicated by the numeral for securing the bearing plates of the dual bearings against relative movement when the upper and lower brace portions are in the substantially aligned position. Referring to FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, the means 90 is shown to comprise a flap 92 which extends across the center of the link 30. A hinge 93 secures one end of the flap 92 to the web 34 of the link. In FIG. 7, a small spring 94 will be seen incorporated into the hinge 93 to bias the flap 92 away from the link, and said flap is fitted with a lug 95 which contacts the web 34 to limit outward swinging movement of the flap. The flap 92 is provided with spaced dowels 96 and 97 which are adapted to enter holes 98 and 99 formed in the link 30 to register with the ends of the slots 65 and 75 when he mechanical joint 24 is in the FIG. 2 position.
Normally, the flap 92 is held in the FIG. 7 position by the action of the spring 94 and lug 95 at which time the dowels 96 and 97 are supported clear of the bearing plates 45 and 50. The joint 24 is then free to operate as required. At some time the wearer of the brace 10 might decide to lock the joint 24 so that his knee could no longer be flexed and, in order to do so, he would first straighten the leg to the limit determined by the stop means 80. This places the holes 98 and 99 in register with the dowels 96 and 97 whereupon the flap 92 can be pressed inwardly to project the dowels through the slots 65 and 75 and into said holes where they are held by friction. The joint 24 is then looked and cannot be released until the flap 92 is moved manually to the FIG. 7 position.
The operation of the mechanical joint 24 is best understood with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. When the lower leg 16 swings to the rear as the wearer of the brace 10 walks. the joint 24 performs a hinging action which closely simulates the flexing action of the knee 14. The several pivot pins of the bearings 26 and 28 allow the link 30 and brace portion 15 to swing relative to the brace position 20 but. since these pins are free to move as required within their arcuate slots, the effect is to provide the joint with a plurality of transverse axes of pivot. In other words, the mechanical joint can elongate slightly in the same manner as does the knee joint when it is flexed.
Since the several plates of the bearings 26 and 28 are segment of a thin-walled, hollow spheroid. the link 30 and brace portion 15 can also rotate slightly about their longitudinal axes to assume positions substantially as shown in FIG. 10. This allows the wearer to turn his lower leg when the knee 14 is flexed as he may be required to do in order to execute a particular step. The mechanical joint allows the knee joint to function in a natural manner while being supported to the extent that any undue strain is unlikely to be placed thereon.
Referring to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13; the numeral 110 indicates generally a modified mechanical joint for a leg brace having portions 112 and 114. The brace portion 112 has a flat bearing plate 116, see FIG. 12, provided with arcuate guide slots 117 and 118. Brace portion 114 has a similar flattened bearing plate 120 in which arcuate slots 121 and 122 (FIG. 12) are formed.
A link 124, which is also flat as shown best in FIG. 13, has bearing plates 125 and 126 which overlap the plates 116 and 120 of the brace portions. Pivot pins 130, 131, 132 and 133 are carried by the link 124 to slidably project through the slots 117, 118 121 and 122 respectively. A cover 135 of substantially the same shape as the link 124 extends over the bearing plates 116 and 120, the cover being secured to the link the aforesaid pivot pins which are riveted over as shown in FIG. 11.
The above described arrangement provides the mechanical joint 110 with dual bearings which are generally indicated at 137 and 138. Since these dual bearings are formed with flattened bearing plates, they allow the brace portions 112 and 114 to hinge or fold in a substantially common plane but, of course, one position cannot twist with respect to the other portion as is the case when dished or concave-convex bearing plates are used. The pivot pins 130 to 133 are still received in arcuate slots so that the resulting pivot means provides a plurality of transverse axes of rotation for the mechanical joint 110. Such a joint is particularly intended for use by paraplegics and others who might find it easier to get around provided their legs were reinforced by braces fitted with the modified joint.
The joint 110 has stop means and locking means which are generally indicated by the numerals 140 and 141 respectively. Since these two means are constructed substantially as their counterparts 80 and 90 of the main embodiment of the invention, and operate in almost the same manner, detailed description of the two devices is not considered necessary.
From the foregoing, it will be apparent I have provided a mechanical joint for a leg brace which is simply yet sturdily constructed without being heavy or bulky. The knee joint is not restricted in its movement any more than is necessary to provide the required support and therefore the wearer can walk and run with quite a natural gate assuming the brace he is wearing is equipped with the preferred mechanical joint. Both embodiments of the invention provide a joint which might be described as polyaxial, viz. there is no fixed axis of pivot but rather a multitude of pivotal axes which move about or shift as required to accommodate the natural flexing action of the anatomical knee joint.
I claim:
1. In an orthopedic brace having portions attachable to parts of a wearers body on opposite sides of a body joint, a mechanical joint comprising a bearing plate on an end of each brace portion near the body joint, a link extending across the body joint and having a bearing plate on each opposite end thereof, said bearing plates of the link overlapping the bearing plates of the brace portions to provide dual bearings, and pivot means interconnecting the bearing plates of each of the dual bearings, said pivot means providing each of the dual bearings with a plurality of transverse axes of pivot which are shiftable to accommodate the natural pivotal movement of the body joint whereby one of said brace portions is movable away from and towards the other of said brace portions as the body joint is flexed and straightened. I
2. Ajoint as claimed in claim ll, in which said bearing plate of each of the dual bearings have opposing concave-convex faces whereby one of the brace portions is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof and with respect to the other brace portion and the link when the body joint is flexed.
3. A joint as claimed in claim 1, and including stop means for limiting folding movement of the mechanical joint in one direction beyond a position assumed when the body joint substantially is straight.
4. Ajoint as claimed in claim 3, and including locking means for securing the mechanical joint against folding movement in the opposite direction.
5. Ajoint as claimed in claim 1, in which said bearing plates are flat whereby to move parallel to one another and substantially in the vertical planes of the brace portions.
6. In an orthopedic brace having upper and lower brace portions securable to a leg above and below the knee joint, a mechanical joint comprising a bearing plate on each of the upper and lower brace portions near the point of pivot of the knee joint, a link extending across the knee joint and having a bearing plate overlapping a bearing plate of each upper and lower brace portions to provide dual bearings, said bearing plates having opposing faces, one opposing face of each of the dual bearings being convex and the other opposing face of said bearing being concave, one bearing plate of each of the dual bearings having pivot pins spaced apart thereon and the other bearing plate of said joint having correspondingly spaced arcuate guide slots through which said pivot pins project, said pivot pins and arcuate guide slots providing each of the dual bearings with a plurality of transverse axes of pivot which are shiftable to accommodate the natural pivotal movement of the knee joint and whereby the link and the lower brace portion are rotatably about their longitudinal axes and are movable away from the upper brace member when the knee joint is flexed.
7. A mechanical joint as claimed in claim 6, and including stop means for limiting swinging movement of the lower brace portion beyond the position assumed thereby when the wearers leg is straightened and the upper and lower brace portions are substantially aligned.
8. A mechanical joint as claimed in claim 7, and including locking means for securing the bearing plates of the dual bearings against relative movement when the upper and lower brace portions are in the substantially aligned position.
9. A mechanical joint as claimed in claim 8, wherein said locking means comprises a hinged flap carried by the link, said bearing plates of the upper and lower brace portions each haaving a hole adapted to register with a guide slot when said portions are substantially aligned, and dowels carried by the hinged flap adapted to project through the registering guide slots to enter the holes.

Claims (9)

1. In an orthopedic brace having portions attachable to parts of a wearer''s body on opposite sides of a body joint, a mechanical joint comprising a bearing plate on an end of each brace portion near the body joint, a link extending across the body joint and having a bearing plate on each opposite end thereof, said bearing plates of the link overlapping the bearing plates of the brace portions to provide dual bearings, and pivot means interconnecting the bearing plates of each of the dual bearings, said pivot means providing each of the dual bearings with a plurality of transverse axes of pivot which are shiftable to accommodate the natural pivotal movement of the body joint whereby one of said brace portions is movable away from and towards the other of said brace portions as the body joint is flexed and straightened.
2. A joint as claimed in claim 1, in which said bearing plate of each of the dual bearings have opposing concave-convex faces whereby one of the brace portions is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof and with respect to the other brace portion and the link when the body joint is flexed.
3. A joint as claimed in claim 1, and including stop means for limiting folding movement of the mechanical joint in one direction beyond a position assumed when the body joint substantially is straight.
4. A joint as claimed in claim 3, and including locking means for securing the mechanical joint against folding movement in the opposite direction.
5. A joint as claimed in claim 1, in which said bearing plates are flat whereby to move parallel to one another and substantially in the vertical planes of the brace portions.
6. In an orthopedic brace having upper and lower brace portions securable to a leg above and below the knee joint, a mechanical joint comprising a bearing plate on each of the upper and lower brace portions near the point of pivot of the knee joint, a link extending across the knee joint and having a bearing plate overlapping a bearing plate of each upper and lower brace portions to provide dual bearings, said bearing plates having opposing faces, one opposing face of each of the dual bearings being convex and the other opposing face of said bearing being concave, one bearing plate of each of the dual bearings having pivot pins spaced apart thereon and the other bearing plate of said joint having correspondingly spaced arcuate guide slots through which said pivot pins project, said pivot pins and arcuate guide slots providing each of the dual bearings with a plurality of transverse axes of pivot which are shiftable to accommodate the natural pivotal movement of the knee joint and whereby the link and the lower brace portion are rotatably about their longitudinal axes and are movable away from the upper brace member when the knee joint is flexed.
7. A mechanical joint as claimed in claim 6, and including stop means for limiting swinging movement of the lower brace portion beyond the position assumed thereby when the wearer''s leg is straightened and the upper and lower brace portions are substantially aligned.
8. A mechanical joint as claimed in claim 7, and including locking means for securing the bearing plates of the dual bearings against relative movement when the upper and lower brace portions are in the substantially aligned position.
9. A mechanical joint as claimed in claim 8, wherein said locking means comprises a hinged flap carried by the link, said bearing plates of the upper and lower brace portions each haaving a hole adapted to register with a guide slot when said portions are substantially aligned, and dowels carried by the hinged flap adapted to project through the registering guide slots to enter the holes.
US474133A 1974-05-21 1974-05-28 Mechanical joint for an orthopedic brace or prosthesis Expired - Lifetime US3902482A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA200,442A CA1017641A (en) 1974-05-21 1974-05-21 Mechanical joint for an orthopedic brace or prosthesis

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3902482A true US3902482A (en) 1975-09-02

Family

ID=4100129

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US474133A Expired - Lifetime US3902482A (en) 1974-05-21 1974-05-28 Mechanical joint for an orthopedic brace or prosthesis

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US3902482A (en)
CA (1) CA1017641A (en)

Cited By (106)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4144881A (en) * 1977-06-06 1979-03-20 Chappell Cluff E Apparel worn for the aid and protection of the body and for the support and assistance of impaired joint function
US4241730A (en) * 1976-09-20 1980-12-30 Helfet Arthur Jacob Knee support
US4243027A (en) * 1978-10-20 1981-01-06 Lacourse Y Ronald Hip stabilizer
US4245629A (en) * 1978-12-13 1981-01-20 Cummins Alfred B Knee and elbow joint protector
EP0040717A1 (en) * 1980-05-27 1981-12-02 Peter Dr. Will Joint brace
US4323059A (en) * 1979-04-19 1982-04-06 Andre Rambert Articulated splint for a knee joint
US4337764A (en) * 1981-03-02 1982-07-06 United States Manufacturing Company Adjustable motion brace
WO1982002658A1 (en) * 1981-02-09 1982-08-19 George Clarence Anderson Improved modified orthotic device
JPS58500191A (en) * 1981-12-22 1983-02-10 アンダ−ソン・ジヨ−ジ・クラレンス Improved and repaired muscle and joint reinforcement and recovery device
US4373591A (en) * 1981-04-10 1983-02-15 Chromalloy American Corporation Implement and last motion hitch locking mechanism therefor
EP0139689A1 (en) * 1983-03-08 1985-05-08 Medical Designs Inc Knee brace hinge.
GB2161388A (en) * 1984-07-13 1986-01-15 Univ Northwestern Knee orthosis and joint construction therefor
US4637382A (en) * 1982-04-27 1987-01-20 Brigham & Women's Hospital Motion-guiding load-bearing external linkage for the knee
US4699129A (en) * 1986-09-05 1987-10-13 Aaserude Gordon V Polycentric variable axis hinge
US4732143A (en) * 1987-02-13 1988-03-22 Spectrum Orthopedics, Ltd. Selectable extension stop for a polycentric hinge
US4821707A (en) * 1987-12-28 1989-04-18 Andre Audette Mechanical articulated joint for knee braces
US4854308A (en) * 1986-12-29 1989-08-08 Drillio Robert C Knee orthosis having offset within hinges and anti-rotation straps
US4856501A (en) * 1987-06-29 1989-08-15 Innovation Sports, Inc. Knee brace having adjustable width frame pivoted to cuffs
US4873967A (en) * 1987-04-27 1989-10-17 Sutherland Jeffrey L Knee orthosis
US4886054A (en) * 1987-06-29 1989-12-12 Innovation Sports, Inc. Knee brace with cammed stop lever
US4890607A (en) * 1988-09-28 1990-01-02 Townsend Jeffrey H Multiaxis controlled motion knee orthosis
WO1990014807A1 (en) * 1989-06-01 1990-12-13 Anthony Alan Richardson Improvements relating to joint support devices
US5022391A (en) * 1989-06-05 1991-06-11 Weidenburner William K Knee orthosis
USRE33621E (en) * 1983-10-03 1991-06-25 Anatomic brace fracture for the knee
US5038765A (en) * 1989-08-14 1991-08-13 Protectair Limited Orthopaedic bipivotal hinge and pivot control system therefor
US5060640A (en) * 1990-03-14 1991-10-29 Becker Orthopedic Appliance Company Knee brace
US5063916A (en) * 1990-06-01 1991-11-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Knee brace having freecentric locking hinge
US5107824A (en) * 1989-09-14 1992-04-28 Anodyne, Inc. Anatomically correct knee brace hinge
US5222256A (en) * 1992-09-03 1993-06-29 Chang Yang Business Enterprise Co., Ltd. Knee or elbow pad
WO1993020782A1 (en) * 1989-09-14 1993-10-28 Anodyne, Inc. Anatomically correct knee brace hinge
US5286250A (en) * 1992-06-01 1994-02-15 Meyers Andrew H Knee joint hinge for brace
US5292303A (en) * 1992-07-01 1994-03-08 Smith & Nephew Donjoy, Inc. Hinged orthopedic brace having an adjustable pivot range
US5302169A (en) * 1993-01-04 1994-04-12 Generation Ii Orthotics Inc. Post operative knee brace
US5356370A (en) * 1993-09-09 1994-10-18 Generation Ii Orthotics Inc. Antifriction mechanical joint for an orthopedic knee brace
US5409449A (en) * 1993-07-09 1995-04-25 Smith & Nephew Donjoy Inc. Detent mechanism for a hinged orthopedic brace
US5421810A (en) * 1994-04-14 1995-06-06 Orthomerica Products, Inc. Orthopedic hinge assembly for an orthopedic brace
US5458565A (en) * 1992-07-01 1995-10-17 Smith & Nephew Donjoy Inc. Osteoarthritic knee brace
US5457891A (en) * 1994-03-18 1995-10-17 Generation Ii Orthotics, Inc. Leg angle measurement gauge
US5460599A (en) * 1994-05-26 1995-10-24 Orthomerica Products, Inc. Orthopedic hinge assembly for a leg brace
EP0693276A1 (en) * 1994-07-19 1996-01-24 Professional Care Products Inc. Improved orthopaedic polycentric hinge
US5520622A (en) * 1992-07-01 1996-05-28 Smith & Nephew Donjoy Inc. Orthopedic brace having a pneumatic pad and associated pump
US5527268A (en) * 1992-07-01 1996-06-18 Smith & Nephew Donjoy Inc. Orthopedic knee brace and associated knee condyle pad
US5542774A (en) * 1994-12-08 1996-08-06 Hoy; David J. Orthotic joint
US5545127A (en) * 1995-04-24 1996-08-13 Detoro; William Laterally adjustable ankle and foot orthosis
US5554105A (en) * 1994-07-01 1996-09-10 Generation Ii Orthotics, Inc Patella stabilizer
US5562605A (en) * 1994-08-10 1996-10-08 Generation Ii Orthotics Inc. Medial collateral ligament brace
US5658243A (en) * 1995-08-28 1997-08-19 Boston Brace International, Inc. Knee brace
US5766140A (en) * 1996-05-01 1998-06-16 Smith & Nephew Donjoy, Inc. Angular compensation device for a joint brace
US5772619A (en) * 1995-04-07 1998-06-30 Corbett; Blake Pivotal brace for prosthesis
US5792086A (en) * 1996-02-13 1998-08-11 Les Equipements Medicus Ltee Neurophysiologically designed knee orthosis with three dimensional joint
USD433756S (en) * 1999-11-02 2000-11-14 Castillo Edward L Osteoarthritis knee brace
US6174101B1 (en) * 1997-07-15 2001-01-16 Niehaus Joachim Rotating joint for a profiled crossbeam
WO2001066049A2 (en) * 2000-03-06 2001-09-13 Generation Ii Orthotics, Inc. Joint for a knee brace incorporating a locking mechanism
US20020107462A1 (en) * 2001-02-02 2002-08-08 Brad Freeman Anatomical joint brace with adjustable joint extension limiter
US20020107465A1 (en) * 2001-01-29 2002-08-08 Brad Freeman Joint brace with rapid-release securement members
US6461318B2 (en) 2001-01-29 2002-10-08 Brad Freeman Anatomical brace with rapid-release securement members
US6464657B1 (en) 2000-05-24 2002-10-15 James D. Castillo Anatomical joint brace field of the invention
US20020183674A1 (en) * 2000-01-18 2002-12-05 Castillo Edward L. Osteo-arthritis knee brace
US20030060745A1 (en) * 2001-08-31 2003-03-27 Scott Seligman Knee brace hinge deflector
US6589195B1 (en) 2000-05-26 2003-07-08 Orthomerica Products, Inc. Modular adjustable prophylactic hip orthosis and adduction/abduction joint
US20030204156A1 (en) * 2002-04-26 2003-10-30 Nelson Ronald E. Knee brace with patella stabilizer
US20040002674A1 (en) * 2002-06-28 2004-01-01 Generation Ii Usa, Incorporated Anatomically designed orthopedic knee brace
US6689080B2 (en) 2000-05-24 2004-02-10 Asterisk.Asterisk Llc Joint brace with limb-conforming arcuately adjustable cuffs
US20040068215A1 (en) * 2002-10-08 2004-04-08 Jeremy Adelson Osteoarthritis knee brace apparatus and method
US20040176715A1 (en) * 2003-03-04 2004-09-09 Nelson Ronald E. Self adjusting knee brace
US20040225245A1 (en) * 2003-05-05 2004-11-11 Nelson Ronald E. Knee brace with directional elastic
US20050148915A1 (en) * 2004-01-07 2005-07-07 Nathanson Jeremy J. Knee brace hinges having dual axes of rotation
US20050148916A1 (en) * 2004-01-07 2005-07-07 Nathanson Jeremy J. Knee brace hinges with adaptive motion
US20050177082A1 (en) * 2004-02-05 2005-08-11 Bledsoe Gary R. Muscle powered dynamic knee brace
EP1588678A1 (en) * 2004-04-23 2005-10-26 Wilhelm Julius Teufel GmbH Modular hip orthosis
US20050240135A1 (en) * 2004-04-21 2005-10-27 Carl Hoffmeier Osteoarthritis brace
US6962571B2 (en) 2001-02-02 2005-11-08 Asterisk.Asterisk, Llc Joint brace with multi-planar pivoting assembly and infinitely adjustable limb extension regulator
US20050261680A1 (en) * 2001-03-28 2005-11-24 Imperial College Innovations Ltd. Bone fixated, articulated joint load control device
US7001349B2 (en) 2003-08-12 2006-02-21 Otto Bock Healthcare Gmbh Orthopedic splint
US7044925B2 (en) 2002-12-30 2006-05-16 Innovation Sports, Llc Hinge system for regulating knee joint flexion and extension
US20070232976A1 (en) * 2006-04-03 2007-10-04 David Castillo Tether member connecting a knee brace to a boot
US20070232975A1 (en) * 2006-04-03 2007-10-04 David Castillo Tether member connecting a knee brace to a boot
US20070232977A1 (en) * 2006-04-03 2007-10-04 Asterisk.Asterisk, Llc Flexible tether member connecting a knee brace to a boot
US20080141947A1 (en) * 2006-12-19 2008-06-19 Yih Wenn Luo Angle-adjustable device between two tubes used as a play place for pets
US20080195014A1 (en) * 2007-02-12 2008-08-14 Arni Thor Ingimundarson Orthopedic component for use with an orthopedic brace
US20080275557A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US20080275558A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
US20080275562A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Femoral and tibial base components
US20080275555A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Extra-Articular Implantable Mechanical Energy Absorbing Systems
WO2009002504A3 (en) * 2007-06-25 2009-02-19 Timothy Pansiera Multi-centric orthopedic hinge joint
US20100137996A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2010-06-03 Moximed, Inc. Femoral and tibial base components
US20100145449A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2010-06-10 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US20110202138A1 (en) * 2009-08-27 2011-08-18 The Foundry Llc Method and Apparatus for Force Redistribution in Articular Joints
US8123805B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2012-02-28 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US8709090B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2014-04-29 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US8845724B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2014-09-30 Cotera, Inc. Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the articular joints
USD716000S1 (en) 2012-08-14 2014-10-21 Medical Technology Inc. Sports leg protector
US8882689B2 (en) 2010-12-20 2014-11-11 Asterisk.Asterisk, Llc Knee brace
US8894714B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2014-11-25 Moximed, Inc. Unlinked implantable knee unloading device
US9021614B2 (en) 2011-02-18 2015-05-05 Medical Techology, Inc. Leg protector for sports activities
US9044270B2 (en) 2011-03-29 2015-06-02 Moximed, Inc. Apparatus for controlling a load on a hip joint
US9398957B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2016-07-26 Moximed, Inc. Femoral and tibial bases
US9468466B1 (en) 2012-08-24 2016-10-18 Cotera, Inc. Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the spine
US9615955B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2017-04-11 Breg, Inc. Orthopedic knee brace with dynamically changing medial and lateral hinges
US9668903B2 (en) 2014-11-20 2017-06-06 Ossur Iceland Ehf Polymeric polycentric hinge
US9668868B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2017-06-06 Cotera, Inc. Apparatus and methods for treatment of patellofemoral conditions
US9861408B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2018-01-09 The Foundry, Llc Method and apparatus for treating canine cruciate ligament disease
US10349980B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2019-07-16 The Foundry, Llc Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the shoulder
US10420668B2 (en) 2014-11-20 2019-09-24 Ossur Iceland Ehf Patella cup
US11096803B2 (en) 2016-12-06 2021-08-24 Ossur Iceland Ehf Movable joint for use in a prosthetic or orthopedic system
US11497642B2 (en) 2019-01-30 2022-11-15 Ossur Iceland Ehf Orthopedic device for patellofemoral issues

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US552143A (en) * 1895-12-31 Adjustable splint
US1336695A (en) * 1917-02-26 1920-04-13 Adam J Gromes Limb and foot brace
US3799158A (en) * 1971-10-06 1974-03-26 H Gardner Knee brace

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US552143A (en) * 1895-12-31 Adjustable splint
US1336695A (en) * 1917-02-26 1920-04-13 Adam J Gromes Limb and foot brace
US3799158A (en) * 1971-10-06 1974-03-26 H Gardner Knee brace

Cited By (189)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4241730A (en) * 1976-09-20 1980-12-30 Helfet Arthur Jacob Knee support
US4144881A (en) * 1977-06-06 1979-03-20 Chappell Cluff E Apparel worn for the aid and protection of the body and for the support and assistance of impaired joint function
US4243027A (en) * 1978-10-20 1981-01-06 Lacourse Y Ronald Hip stabilizer
US4245629A (en) * 1978-12-13 1981-01-20 Cummins Alfred B Knee and elbow joint protector
US4323059A (en) * 1979-04-19 1982-04-06 Andre Rambert Articulated splint for a knee joint
EP0040717A1 (en) * 1980-05-27 1981-12-02 Peter Dr. Will Joint brace
US4392488A (en) * 1980-05-27 1983-07-12 Peter Will Joint splint
WO1982002658A1 (en) * 1981-02-09 1982-08-19 George Clarence Anderson Improved modified orthotic device
US4337764A (en) * 1981-03-02 1982-07-06 United States Manufacturing Company Adjustable motion brace
US4373591A (en) * 1981-04-10 1983-02-15 Chromalloy American Corporation Implement and last motion hitch locking mechanism therefor
JPH0371140B2 (en) * 1981-12-22 1991-11-12 Jooji Kurarensu Andaason
JPS58500191A (en) * 1981-12-22 1983-02-10 アンダ−ソン・ジヨ−ジ・クラレンス Improved and repaired muscle and joint reinforcement and recovery device
US4637382A (en) * 1982-04-27 1987-01-20 Brigham & Women's Hospital Motion-guiding load-bearing external linkage for the knee
EP0139689A1 (en) * 1983-03-08 1985-05-08 Medical Designs Inc Knee brace hinge.
EP0139689A4 (en) * 1983-03-08 1986-11-26 Medical Designs Inc Knee brace hinge.
USRE33621E (en) * 1983-10-03 1991-06-25 Anatomic brace fracture for the knee
FR2567398A1 (en) * 1984-07-13 1986-01-17 Univ Northwestern ORTHOPEDIC JOINT FOR THE KNEE
US4655201A (en) * 1984-07-13 1987-04-07 Northwestern University Knee orthosis and joint construction therefor
DE3504633A1 (en) * 1984-07-13 1986-01-23 Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. DEVICE FOR ORTHOTIC KNEE TREATMENT AND JOINT CONSTRUCTION THEREFOR
GB2161388A (en) * 1984-07-13 1986-01-15 Univ Northwestern Knee orthosis and joint construction therefor
US4699129A (en) * 1986-09-05 1987-10-13 Aaserude Gordon V Polycentric variable axis hinge
US4854308A (en) * 1986-12-29 1989-08-08 Drillio Robert C Knee orthosis having offset within hinges and anti-rotation straps
US4732143A (en) * 1987-02-13 1988-03-22 Spectrum Orthopedics, Ltd. Selectable extension stop for a polycentric hinge
US4873967A (en) * 1987-04-27 1989-10-17 Sutherland Jeffrey L Knee orthosis
US4856501A (en) * 1987-06-29 1989-08-15 Innovation Sports, Inc. Knee brace having adjustable width frame pivoted to cuffs
US4886054A (en) * 1987-06-29 1989-12-12 Innovation Sports, Inc. Knee brace with cammed stop lever
US4821707A (en) * 1987-12-28 1989-04-18 Andre Audette Mechanical articulated joint for knee braces
US4890607A (en) * 1988-09-28 1990-01-02 Townsend Jeffrey H Multiaxis controlled motion knee orthosis
WO1990014807A1 (en) * 1989-06-01 1990-12-13 Anthony Alan Richardson Improvements relating to joint support devices
US5022391A (en) * 1989-06-05 1991-06-11 Weidenburner William K Knee orthosis
US5038765A (en) * 1989-08-14 1991-08-13 Protectair Limited Orthopaedic bipivotal hinge and pivot control system therefor
US5107824A (en) * 1989-09-14 1992-04-28 Anodyne, Inc. Anatomically correct knee brace hinge
WO1993020782A1 (en) * 1989-09-14 1993-10-28 Anodyne, Inc. Anatomically correct knee brace hinge
US5060640A (en) * 1990-03-14 1991-10-29 Becker Orthopedic Appliance Company Knee brace
US5063916A (en) * 1990-06-01 1991-11-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Knee brace having freecentric locking hinge
US5286250A (en) * 1992-06-01 1994-02-15 Meyers Andrew H Knee joint hinge for brace
US5458565A (en) * 1992-07-01 1995-10-17 Smith & Nephew Donjoy Inc. Osteoarthritic knee brace
US5292303A (en) * 1992-07-01 1994-03-08 Smith & Nephew Donjoy, Inc. Hinged orthopedic brace having an adjustable pivot range
US5527268A (en) * 1992-07-01 1996-06-18 Smith & Nephew Donjoy Inc. Orthopedic knee brace and associated knee condyle pad
US5520622A (en) * 1992-07-01 1996-05-28 Smith & Nephew Donjoy Inc. Orthopedic brace having a pneumatic pad and associated pump
US5222256A (en) * 1992-09-03 1993-06-29 Chang Yang Business Enterprise Co., Ltd. Knee or elbow pad
US5400806A (en) * 1993-01-04 1995-03-28 Generation Ii Orthotics, Inc. Post operative knee brace and method for its use
US5302169A (en) * 1993-01-04 1994-04-12 Generation Ii Orthotics Inc. Post operative knee brace
US5409449A (en) * 1993-07-09 1995-04-25 Smith & Nephew Donjoy Inc. Detent mechanism for a hinged orthopedic brace
WO1995007061A1 (en) * 1993-09-09 1995-03-16 Generation Ii Orthotics Inc. Antifriction mechanical joint for an orthopedic knee brace
US5356370A (en) * 1993-09-09 1994-10-18 Generation Ii Orthotics Inc. Antifriction mechanical joint for an orthopedic knee brace
US5457891A (en) * 1994-03-18 1995-10-17 Generation Ii Orthotics, Inc. Leg angle measurement gauge
US5421810A (en) * 1994-04-14 1995-06-06 Orthomerica Products, Inc. Orthopedic hinge assembly for an orthopedic brace
US5460599A (en) * 1994-05-26 1995-10-24 Orthomerica Products, Inc. Orthopedic hinge assembly for a leg brace
US5554105A (en) * 1994-07-01 1996-09-10 Generation Ii Orthotics, Inc Patella stabilizer
EP0693276A1 (en) * 1994-07-19 1996-01-24 Professional Care Products Inc. Improved orthopaedic polycentric hinge
US5562605A (en) * 1994-08-10 1996-10-08 Generation Ii Orthotics Inc. Medial collateral ligament brace
US5542774A (en) * 1994-12-08 1996-08-06 Hoy; David J. Orthotic joint
US5772619A (en) * 1995-04-07 1998-06-30 Corbett; Blake Pivotal brace for prosthesis
US5545127A (en) * 1995-04-24 1996-08-13 Detoro; William Laterally adjustable ankle and foot orthosis
US5658243A (en) * 1995-08-28 1997-08-19 Boston Brace International, Inc. Knee brace
US5792086A (en) * 1996-02-13 1998-08-11 Les Equipements Medicus Ltee Neurophysiologically designed knee orthosis with three dimensional joint
US5766140A (en) * 1996-05-01 1998-06-16 Smith & Nephew Donjoy, Inc. Angular compensation device for a joint brace
US6174101B1 (en) * 1997-07-15 2001-01-16 Niehaus Joachim Rotating joint for a profiled crossbeam
USD433756S (en) * 1999-11-02 2000-11-14 Castillo Edward L Osteoarthritis knee brace
US6875187B2 (en) 2000-01-18 2005-04-05 Innovation Sports, Inc. Osteo-arthritis knee brace
US20020183674A1 (en) * 2000-01-18 2002-12-05 Castillo Edward L. Osteo-arthritis knee brace
WO2001066049A3 (en) * 2000-03-06 2002-02-21 Generation Ii Orthotics Inc Joint for a knee brace incorporating a locking mechanism
US6746414B1 (en) 2000-03-06 2004-06-08 Generation Ii Orthotics, Inc. Joint for a knee brace incorporating a locking mechanism
WO2001066049A2 (en) * 2000-03-06 2001-09-13 Generation Ii Orthotics, Inc. Joint for a knee brace incorporating a locking mechanism
US6464657B1 (en) 2000-05-24 2002-10-15 James D. Castillo Anatomical joint brace field of the invention
US6689080B2 (en) 2000-05-24 2004-02-10 Asterisk.Asterisk Llc Joint brace with limb-conforming arcuately adjustable cuffs
US7048707B2 (en) 2000-05-26 2006-05-23 Orthomerica Products, Inc. Modular adjustable prophylactic hip orthosis and adduction/abduction joint
US6589195B1 (en) 2000-05-26 2003-07-08 Orthomerica Products, Inc. Modular adjustable prophylactic hip orthosis and adduction/abduction joint
US20040024340A1 (en) * 2000-05-26 2004-02-05 Schwenn Shannon R. Modular adjustable prophylactic hip orthosis and adduction/abduction joint
US20020107465A1 (en) * 2001-01-29 2002-08-08 Brad Freeman Joint brace with rapid-release securement members
US6461318B2 (en) 2001-01-29 2002-10-08 Brad Freeman Anatomical brace with rapid-release securement members
US6793641B2 (en) 2001-01-29 2004-09-21 Asterisk.Asterisk, Llc Joint brace with rapid-release securement members
US6796951B2 (en) * 2001-02-02 2004-09-28 Asterisk.Asterisk. Llc Anatomical joint brace with adjustable joint extension limiter
US6962571B2 (en) 2001-02-02 2005-11-08 Asterisk.Asterisk, Llc Joint brace with multi-planar pivoting assembly and infinitely adjustable limb extension regulator
US20020107462A1 (en) * 2001-02-02 2002-08-08 Brad Freeman Anatomical joint brace with adjustable joint extension limiter
US9943336B2 (en) 2001-03-28 2018-04-17 Moximed, Inc. Bone fixated, articulated joint load control device
US20050261680A1 (en) * 2001-03-28 2005-11-24 Imperial College Innovations Ltd. Bone fixated, articulated joint load control device
US7763020B2 (en) * 2001-03-28 2010-07-27 Moximed, Inc. Bone fixated, articulated joint load control device
US9610103B2 (en) 2001-03-28 2017-04-04 Moximed, Inc. Bone fixated, articulated joint load control device
US20100145336A1 (en) * 2001-03-28 2010-06-10 Moximed, Inc. Bone fixated, articulated joint load control device
US20090248026A1 (en) * 2001-03-28 2009-10-01 Moximed, Inc. Bone fixated, articulated joint load control device
US20030060745A1 (en) * 2001-08-31 2003-03-27 Scott Seligman Knee brace hinge deflector
US6890314B2 (en) * 2001-08-31 2005-05-10 Dj Orthopedics, Llc Knee brace hinge deflector
US20030204156A1 (en) * 2002-04-26 2003-10-30 Nelson Ronald E. Knee brace with patella stabilizer
US20040002674A1 (en) * 2002-06-28 2004-01-01 Generation Ii Usa, Incorporated Anatomically designed orthopedic knee brace
US6969364B2 (en) * 2002-06-28 2005-11-29 Shane Sterling Anatomically designed orthopedic knee brace
US20040068215A1 (en) * 2002-10-08 2004-04-08 Jeremy Adelson Osteoarthritis knee brace apparatus and method
US7044925B2 (en) 2002-12-30 2006-05-16 Innovation Sports, Llc Hinge system for regulating knee joint flexion and extension
US9314364B2 (en) 2003-03-04 2016-04-19 Mueller Sports Medicine, Inc. Self adjusting knee brace
US20040176715A1 (en) * 2003-03-04 2004-09-09 Nelson Ronald E. Self adjusting knee brace
US10159588B1 (en) 2003-03-04 2018-12-25 Mueller Sports Medicine, Inc. Self adjusting knee brace
US20040225245A1 (en) * 2003-05-05 2004-11-11 Nelson Ronald E. Knee brace with directional elastic
US7001349B2 (en) 2003-08-12 2006-02-21 Otto Bock Healthcare Gmbh Orthopedic splint
US20050148916A1 (en) * 2004-01-07 2005-07-07 Nathanson Jeremy J. Knee brace hinges with adaptive motion
US8043243B2 (en) 2004-01-07 2011-10-25 Djo, Llc Knee brace hinges having dual axes of rotation
US20050148915A1 (en) * 2004-01-07 2005-07-07 Nathanson Jeremy J. Knee brace hinges having dual axes of rotation
US7615025B2 (en) 2004-01-07 2009-11-10 Djo, Llc Knee brace hinges with adaptive motion
US20050177082A1 (en) * 2004-02-05 2005-08-11 Bledsoe Gary R. Muscle powered dynamic knee brace
US7500957B2 (en) 2004-02-05 2009-03-10 Medical Technology, Inc. Muscle powered dynamic knee brace
US7311687B2 (en) 2004-04-21 2007-12-25 Djo, Llc Osteoarthritis brace
US20050240135A1 (en) * 2004-04-21 2005-10-27 Carl Hoffmeier Osteoarthritis brace
EP1588678A1 (en) * 2004-04-23 2005-10-26 Wilhelm Julius Teufel GmbH Modular hip orthosis
JP2005305174A (en) * 2004-04-23 2005-11-04 Wilhelm Julius Teufel Gmbh Module type correction tool
US20070232975A1 (en) * 2006-04-03 2007-10-04 David Castillo Tether member connecting a knee brace to a boot
US7458949B2 (en) 2006-04-03 2008-12-02 David Castillo Flexible tether member connecting a knee brace to a boot
US20070232976A1 (en) * 2006-04-03 2007-10-04 David Castillo Tether member connecting a knee brace to a boot
US20070232977A1 (en) * 2006-04-03 2007-10-04 Asterisk.Asterisk, Llc Flexible tether member connecting a knee brace to a boot
US7686776B2 (en) 2006-04-03 2010-03-30 Asterisk.Asterisk, Llc Flexible tether member connecting a knee brace to a boot
US7578800B2 (en) 2006-04-03 2009-08-25 Asterisk.Asterisk, Llc Tether member connecting a knee brace to a boot
US20080287851A1 (en) * 2006-04-03 2008-11-20 David Castillo Flexible tether member connecting a knee brace to a boot
US20080141947A1 (en) * 2006-12-19 2008-06-19 Yih Wenn Luo Angle-adjustable device between two tubes used as a play place for pets
US7509924B2 (en) * 2006-12-19 2009-03-31 Ying Yeeh Enterprise Co., Ltd. Angle-adjustable device between two tubes used as a play place for pets
US9039644B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2015-05-26 Ossur Hf Orthopedic component for use with an orthopedic brace
US8348876B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2013-01-08 Ossur Hf Strap retainer
US20080195014A1 (en) * 2007-02-12 2008-08-14 Arni Thor Ingimundarson Orthopedic component for use with an orthopedic brace
US8048013B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2011-11-01 Ossur Hf Orthopedic brace and component for use therewith
US20080195013A1 (en) * 2007-02-12 2008-08-14 Arni Thor Ingimundarson Orthopedic brace and component for use therewith
US7749183B2 (en) 2007-02-12 2010-07-06 Ossur Hf Orthopedic brace including a protector assembly
US9005298B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2015-04-14 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems
US20080275560A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Femoral and tibial base components
US7655041B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2010-02-02 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
US20100106247A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2010-04-29 Moximed, Inc. Extra-Articular Implantable Mechanical Energy Absorbing Systems
US20100106248A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2010-04-29 Moximed, Inc. Extra-Articular Implantable Mechanical Energy Absorbing Systems
US20100114322A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2010-05-06 Moximed, Inc. Extra-Articular Implantable Mechanical Energy Absorbing Systems and Implantation Method
US20100137996A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2010-06-03 Moximed, Inc. Femoral and tibial base components
US20100145449A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2010-06-10 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US20080275558A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
US20080275562A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Femoral and tibial base components
US20080275557A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US20110060422A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2011-03-10 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable Absorber Designs for Implantable Device
US20110137415A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2011-06-09 Moximed, Inc. Extra-Articular Implantable Mechanical Energy Absorbing Systems and Implantation Method
US11389298B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2022-07-19 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems
US10736746B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2020-08-11 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems
US7611540B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2009-11-03 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
US20080275555A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Extra-Articular Implantable Mechanical Energy Absorbing Systems
US8088166B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2012-01-03 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US8100967B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2012-01-24 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US8123805B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2012-02-28 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US20080275556A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US8409281B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2013-04-02 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US10639161B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2020-05-05 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable load sharing systems
US8709090B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2014-04-29 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US8801795B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2014-08-12 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems
US10596007B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2020-03-24 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
US10383736B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2019-08-20 Moximed, Inc. Femoral and tibial base components
US10327816B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2019-06-25 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US8894714B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2014-11-25 Moximed, Inc. Unlinked implantable knee unloading device
US20080275565A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US20080275559A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US10070964B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2018-09-11 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
US10022154B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2018-07-17 Moximed, Inc. Femoral and tibial base components
US10010421B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2018-07-03 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems
US9125746B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2015-09-08 Moximed, Inc. Methods of implanting extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems
US20080275567A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Extra-Articular Implantable Mechanical Energy Absorbing Systems
US7678147B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2010-03-16 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
US9398957B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2016-07-26 Moximed, Inc. Femoral and tibial bases
US9907645B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2018-03-06 Moximed, Inc. Adjustable absorber designs for implantable device
US20080275561A1 (en) * 2007-05-01 2008-11-06 Exploramed Nc4, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
US9814579B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2017-11-14 Moximed, Inc. Unlinked implantable knee unloading device
US9655648B2 (en) * 2007-05-01 2017-05-23 Moximed, Inc. Femoral and tibial base components
US9700419B2 (en) 2007-05-01 2017-07-11 Moximed, Inc. Extra-articular implantable mechanical energy absorbing systems and implantation method
WO2009002504A3 (en) * 2007-06-25 2009-02-19 Timothy Pansiera Multi-centric orthopedic hinge joint
US10695094B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2020-06-30 The Foundry, Llc Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of articular joints
US20110213466A1 (en) * 2009-08-27 2011-09-01 The Foundry Llc Method and Apparatus for Force Redistribution in Articular Joints
US10349980B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2019-07-16 The Foundry, Llc Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the shoulder
US11517360B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2022-12-06 The Foundry, Llc Method and apparatus for treating canine cruciate ligament disease
US20110202138A1 (en) * 2009-08-27 2011-08-18 The Foundry Llc Method and Apparatus for Force Redistribution in Articular Joints
US9931136B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2018-04-03 The Foundry, Llc Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of articular joints
US9278004B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2016-03-08 Cotera, Inc. Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the articular joints
US9114016B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2015-08-25 Cotera, Inc. Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the articular joints
US8597362B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2013-12-03 Cotera, Inc. Method and apparatus for force redistribution in articular joints
US9668868B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2017-06-06 Cotera, Inc. Apparatus and methods for treatment of patellofemoral conditions
US8845724B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2014-09-30 Cotera, Inc. Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the articular joints
US9861408B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2018-01-09 The Foundry, Llc Method and apparatus for treating canine cruciate ligament disease
US11730519B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2023-08-22 The Foundry, Llc Method and apparatus for force redistribution in articular joints
US9795410B2 (en) 2009-08-27 2017-10-24 Cotera, Inc. Method and apparatus for force redistribution in articular joints
US8882689B2 (en) 2010-12-20 2014-11-11 Asterisk.Asterisk, Llc Knee brace
US9021614B2 (en) 2011-02-18 2015-05-05 Medical Techology, Inc. Leg protector for sports activities
US9044270B2 (en) 2011-03-29 2015-06-02 Moximed, Inc. Apparatus for controlling a load on a hip joint
US9615955B2 (en) 2011-04-21 2017-04-11 Breg, Inc. Orthopedic knee brace with dynamically changing medial and lateral hinges
USD716000S1 (en) 2012-08-14 2014-10-21 Medical Technology Inc. Sports leg protector
US10898237B2 (en) 2012-08-24 2021-01-26 The Foundry, Llc Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the spine
US9468466B1 (en) 2012-08-24 2016-10-18 Cotera, Inc. Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the spine
US9668903B2 (en) 2014-11-20 2017-06-06 Ossur Iceland Ehf Polymeric polycentric hinge
US10420668B2 (en) 2014-11-20 2019-09-24 Ossur Iceland Ehf Patella cup
US11241256B2 (en) 2015-10-15 2022-02-08 The Foundry, Llc Method and apparatus for altering biomechanics of the shoulder
US11096803B2 (en) 2016-12-06 2021-08-24 Ossur Iceland Ehf Movable joint for use in a prosthetic or orthopedic system
US11497642B2 (en) 2019-01-30 2022-11-15 Ossur Iceland Ehf Orthopedic device for patellofemoral issues

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA1017641A (en) 1977-09-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3902482A (en) Mechanical joint for an orthopedic brace or prosthesis
US4241730A (en) Knee support
US5230696A (en) Polycentric variable axis hinge for an orthopedic knee brace
US4428369A (en) Corrective and protective knee brace
US5107824A (en) Anatomically correct knee brace hinge
US3779654A (en) Artificial joint
US5356370A (en) Antifriction mechanical joint for an orthopedic knee brace
US3817244A (en) Knee brace
US4699129A (en) Polycentric variable axis hinge
US5009223A (en) Variable axis knee brace
US4603690A (en) Sliding pivot knee joint
US4628916A (en) Braces for preventing injuries to the knee joint
US6981957B2 (en) Knee brace medial/lateral shift compensation
US5792086A (en) Neurophysiologically designed knee orthosis with three dimensional joint
EP0523146B1 (en) Artificial toggle joint
US5658243A (en) Knee brace
US2883982A (en) Leg brace
CA1302819C (en) Multiaxis controlled motion knee orthosis
US4323059A (en) Articulated splint for a knee joint
US5632725A (en) Polycentric variable axis hinge for an orthopedic knee brace
US7850632B2 (en) Knee brace having an adaptable thigh pad
CA2491086A1 (en) Anatomically designed orthopedic knee brace
JPH0351182B2 (en)
US5038763A (en) Knee brace
US2587166A (en) Knee-supporting brace

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: GENERATION II ORTHOTICS, INC., CANADA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TAYLOR, GEORGE A.;REEL/FRAME:014015/0893

Effective date: 20030924