Triple action orthotic ankle joint and methods
US10500081B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 2015 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2240/001
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In one aspect, an improved ankle joint device provides two stages of dorsiflexion resistance biasing a first splint member (or other attachment member that follows the angular displacement of a wearer's lower leg or foot) against dorsiflexion movement within an active angular range of dorsiflexion, corresponding to second and third rocker phases of a wearer's gait; in addition to a phase of plantarflexion resistance biasing the first splint/attachment member against plantarflexion movement within an active angular range of plantarflexion, corresponding to a first rocker phase. In another aspect, an equilibrium or neutral angle between a wearer's foot and tibia at which the device applies no biasing forces is adjustable by adjusting the angle at which a second splint/attachment member is fixed relative to a joint body. Typically, the second splint member is secured to a wearer's lower leg, and the first splint member is secured to a wearer's foot.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.