Unloading knee brace apparatus
US10806619B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0165
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An adjustable tension knee brace for unloading weight from a knee joint afflicted with osteoarthritis, thus reducing pain and improving mobility, comprising: an upper and lower rigid posterior portion, anterior straps, and a tension adjustable geared hinge assembly. Four embodiments are disclosed of hinge assemblies useable with the knee brace, or other types of braces. The hinge assemblies comprise: two subunits housing intermeshed gears, and at least one elastic band extending between the hinge subunits over a cam surface above the gears. In three embodiments, U-shaped connectors secure the subunits and gears together, and the subunits may comprise a user mechanism that adjusts the elastic band's tension and thus the amount of weight unloaded, then releases it. Another embodiment comprises a core bracket to protect the band(s) and a mechanism to compress the elastic band at various points to increase the amount of tension, and with a quick release mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.