Abstract

An energy storing brace to be worn on a limb of a user may include a primary frame and a secondary frame pivotally connected to the primary frame. An energy storage assembly may include a spring member that is spaced apart from the first hinge and the second hinge. A first energized cord path may extend from the first hinge to the energy storage assembly. A tensioning cord may extend from a first anchor section secured relative to the first primary arm, across a first peripheral surface and through the first energized cord path to the spring member. Pivoting the brace from an extended position toward a flexed position may cause (i) the first extension member to exert a tension force on the first cord segment thereby loading the spring member and the spring member applies a restorative spring force to urge the brace to return to the extended position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces

Abstract

An energy storing brace to be worn on a limb of a user may include a primary frame and a secondary frame pivotally connected to the primary frame. An energy storage assembly may include a spring member that is spaced apart from the first hinge and the second hinge. A first energized cord path may extend from the first hinge to the energy storage assembly. A tensioning cord may extend from a first anchor section secured relative to the first primary arm, across a first peripheral surface and through the first energized cord path to the spring member. Pivoting the brace from an extended position toward a flexed position may cause (i) the first extension member to exert a tension force on the first cord segment thereby loading the spring member and the spring member applies a restorative spring force to urge the brace to return to the extended position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
• A61F 5/052 - Devices for stretching or reducing fractured limbsDevices for distractionsSplints for immobilising specially adapted to facilitate walking, e.g. ambulatory braces

Abstract

An energy storing brace to be worn on a limb of a user may include a primary frame and a secondary frame pivotally connected to the primary frame. An energy storage assembly may include a spring member that is spaced apart from the first hinge and the second hinge. A first energized cord path may extend from the first hinge to the energy storage assembly. A tensioning cord may extend from a first anchor section secured relative to the first primary arm, across a first peripheral surface and through the first energized cord path to the spring member. Pivoting the brace from an extended position toward a flexed position may cause (i) the first extension member to exert a tension force on the first cord segment thereby loading the spring member and the spring member applies a restorative spring force to urge the brace to return to the extended position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
• A61F 5/052 - Devices for stretching or reducing fractured limbsDevices for distractionsSplints for immobilising specially adapted to facilitate walking, e.g. ambulatory braces

Abstract

A knee brace for assisting the extension or flexing of a limb comprises substantially rigid upper and lower frames connected by a hinge, the upper frame being secured to the leg by an upper strap. A stabilizing strap for fixing the lower frame to the user's leg comprises an inelastic band, cord or other flexible securing member for circumscribing the user's leg having a fastening element for fixing the securing member in a set position. The securing member is affixed to the arms of the lower frame, slidably extending through at least one strap support provided by at least one of the arms of the lower frame. When the brace is in position on a user's leg the stabilizing strap is able to move through at least one strap support in a generally horizontal direction while supporting the lower frame in the vertical direction.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces

Abstract

A brace for augmenting movement of a user's limb about a joint includes an upper arm having an engaging portion for engaging against the user's limb above the joint, and an attachment portion, a lower arm having an engaging portion for engaging against the user's limb below the joint, and an attachment portion, the lower arm being pivotable relative to the upper arm, at least one compression element disposed in fixed relation to at least one of the upper and lower arms, and a substantially inelastic tensioning element affixed to the other of the upper and lower arms over at least one tensioning element tensioning member such that a user applies a force to move the brace to a loaded position in which the at least one compression element is loaded and upon removal of the applied force the at least one compression element applies a restoring force to urge the brace out of the loaded position, the at least one compression element comprising a hydraulic tension spring disposed in fixed relation to at least the other of the upper and lower arms, comprising a pair of cylinders mounted within a frame, each cylinder having a sealed portion defining a liquid containment space, for each of the pair of cylinders, a piston comprising a piston rod, the piston rod comprising a compressing portion having a smaller diameter than the cylinder and extending axially through a hydraulic seal into the liquid containment space, and an external portion accessible from outside the liquid containment space, one of the cylinder and the piston being fixed relative to the frame and the other of the cylinder and the piston being movable axially relative to the frame, a guide for maintaining the movable one of the cylinder and the piston oriented axially relative to the frame, and a compression element tensioning member bearing against the movable one of the at least one cylinder and the piston, for compressing the at least one cylinder relative to the piston, whereby when the frame is fixed in place and tension is applied to the tensioning element tensioning member, the compressing portions of the piston rods intrude further into the liquid containment space, compressing the hydraulic fluid and loading the spring.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces

Abstract

A knee brace for assisting the extension or flexing of a limb comprises substantially rigid upper and lower frames connected by a hinge, the upper frame being secured to the leg by an upper strap. A stabilizing strap for fixing the lower frame to the user's leg comprises an inelastic band, cord or other flexible securing member for circumscribing the user's leg having a fastening element for fixing the securing member in a set position. The securing member is affixed to the arms of the lower frame, slidably extending through at least one strap support provided by at least one of the arms of the lower frame. When the brace is in position on a user's leg the stabilizing strap is able to move through at least one strap support in a generally horizontal direction while supporting the lower frame in the vertical direction.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces

Abstract

A hinge for a brace comprises a tensioning element such as an inelastic cord for applying a restorative force to the hinge. A tensioning mechanism, preferably a hydraulic spring, tensions the cord as the hinge is moved from a rest position to a loaded condition. A tensioning member having a peripheral cam surface applies a tensioning force to the cord as the hinge is moved out of the rest position. The tensioning block and the anchoring block may be operatively geared together along an arc of motion so as to provide a generally symmetrical motion of the tensioning and anchoring portions relative to the gusset. When an external force is applied to move the hinge from the rest position the tension on the cord loads the spring, and when the external force is removed the spring applies a restorative force to move the hinge back to the rest position. Optionally the tensioning member may be configured to be disengaged and reengaged by an external actuator.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces

Abstract

A hinge for a brace comprises a tensioning element such as an inelastic cord for applying a restorative force to the hinge. A tensioning mechanism, preferably a hydraulic spring, tensions the cord as the hinge is moved from a rest position to a loaded condition. A tensioning member having a peripheral cam surface applies a tensioning force to the cord as the hinge is moved out of the rest position. The tensioning block and the anchoring block may be operatively geared together along an arc of motion so as to provide a generally symmetrical motion of the tensioning and anchoring portions relative to the gusset. When an external force is applied to move the hinge from the rest position the tension on the cord loads the spring, and when the external force is removed the spring applies a restorative force to move the hinge back to the rest position. Optionally the tensioning member may be configured to be disengaged and reengaged by an external actuator.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/00 - Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or jointsNursing devices
• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces

Abstract

A hinge for a brace comprises a tensioning element such as an inelastic cord for applying a restorative force to the hinge. A tensioning mechanism, preferably a hydraulic spring, tensions the cord as the hinge is moved from a rest position to a loaded condition. A tensioning member having a peripheral cam surface applies a tensioning force to the cord as the hinge is moved out of the rest position. The tensioning block and the anchoring block may be operatively geared together along an arc of motion so as to provide a generally symmetrical motion of the tensioning and anchoring portions relative to the gusset. When an external force is applied to move the hinge from the rest position the tension on the cord loads the spring, and when the external force is removed the spring applies a restorative force to move the hinge back to the rest position. Optionally the tensioning member may be configured to be disengaged and reengaged by an external actuator.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces

Goods & Services

(1) Braces for limbs and joints, for medical use; Medical braces for knee.

Goods & Services

(1) Orthoses, namely, knee braces, knee extension assist devices namely knee strain relief supports

Abstract

A hydraulic tension spring comprises a block comprising at least one liquid-impermeable cylinder and at least one piston disposed through an open end of the cylinder. The piston provides a piston guide within a liquid containment space within the cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid. A tensioning member moves the piston or the cylinder relative to the other to compress the hydraulic fluid and load the spring, while the piston guide keeps the piston axially aligned to prevent buckling.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16F 5/00 - Liquid springs in which the liquid works as a spring by compression, e.g. combined with throttling actionCombinations of devices including liquid springs
• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
• F16F 9/16 - Devices with one or more members, e.g. pistons, vanes, moving to and fro in chambers and using throttling effect involving only straight-line movement of the effective parts

Abstract

A hydraulic tension spring comprises a block comprising at least one liquid-impermeable cylinder and at least one piston disposed through an open end of the cylinder. The piston provides a piston guide within a liquid containment space within the cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid. A tensioning member moves the piston or the cylinder relative to the other to compress the hydraulic fluid and load the spring, while the piston guide keeps the piston axially aligned to prevent buckling.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16F 5/00 - Liquid springs in which the liquid works as a spring by compression, e.g. combined with throttling actionCombinations of devices including liquid springs
• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
• A61F 5/37 - Restraining devices for the body or for body partsRestraining shirts

Abstract

A hydraulic tension spring comprises a block comprising at least one liquid-impermeable cylinder and at least one piston disposed through an open end of the cylinder. The piston provides a piston guide within a liquid containment space within the cylinder filled with hydraulic fluid. A tensioning member moves the piston or the cylinder relative to the other to compress the hydraulic fluid and load the spring, while the piston guide keeps the piston axially aligned to prevent buckling.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces
• A61F 5/37 - Restraining devices for the body or for body partsRestraining shirts
• F16F 5/00 - Liquid springs in which the liquid works as a spring by compression, e.g. combined with throttling actionCombinations of devices including liquid springs

Goods & Services

Braces for limbs and joints, for medical use; Medical braces for knee

Abstract

A brace for augmenting the extension of a limb. In a knee brace embodiment the brace comprises an upper arm for engaging against the femoral portion of a user’s leg pivotally connected to a lower arm for engaging against the tibial portion of the user’s leg. At least one compression element is fixed to one of the upper and lower arms. A substantially inelastic tensioning element such as a cord is affixed to the head through the compression element such that applying a tensile force to the cord compresses the compression element. The cord is affixed to the other arm over a tensioning member, so that applying a force to bend the knee brace to a flexed position tensions the cord and compresses the compression element. Upon removal of the flexing force the compression element applies a restoring force to urge the knee brace back to the extended position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces

Abstract

A brace for augmenting the extension of a limb. In a knee brace embodiment the brace comprises an upper arm for engaging against the femoral portion of a user's leg pivotally connected to a lower arm for engaging against the tibial portion of the user's leg. At least one compression element is fixed to one of the upper and lower arms. A substantially inelastic tensioning element such as a cord is affixed to the head through the compression element such that applying a tensile force to the cord compresses the compression element. The cord is affixed to the other arm over a tensioning member, so that applying a force to bend the knee brace to a flexed position tensions the cord and compresses the compression element. Upon removal of the flexing force the compression element applies a restoring force to urge the knee brace back to the extended position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces

Abstract

A brace for augmenting extension of a user's limb about a joint comprises an upper arm pivotably attached to a lower arm. At least one compression element is attached to at least one of the upper and lower arms, and a substantially inelastic tensioning element is affixed to the other of the upper and lower arms over at least one tensioning member. Applying a force to bend the brace to a flexed position loads the compression element, and upon removal of the flexing force the compression element applies a restoring force to urge the brace back to the extended position. The compression element may comprise a hydraulic tension spring comprising at least one cylinder having a sealed portion defining a liquid containment space, and a piston comprising a compressing portion having a smaller diameter than the cylinder and extending axially through a hydraulic seal into the liquid containment space. A guide for maintaining the piston oriented axially relative to the frame maintains piston alignment so that when the frame is fixed in place and tension is applied to the tensioning member, the compressing portion of the piston rod intrudes further into the liquid containment space, compressing the hydraulic fluid and loading the spring.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 5/01 - Orthopaedic devices, e.g. long-term immobilising or pressure directing devices for treating broken or deformed bones such as splints, casts or braces

Goods & Services

Medical braces for knee

Goods & Services

Medical braces for knee

Goods & Services

(1) Orthoses, namely knee braces and knee extension assist devices