Range-of-motion splint with eccentric spring
US5437619A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 1994 |
| Grant date | Aug 1, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0179
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A range-of-motion splint for applying relatively constant torque across a joint undergoing rehabilitative therapy. The splint includes a first brace section configured to engage a portion of a patient's body on a first side of a joint, and a second brace section configured to engage a portion of the body on a second side of the joint. A first arm extends from the first brace section and a second arm extends from the second brace section. The first and second arms are connected by a dual axis pivot mechanism for rotational motion about both a primary joint axis and a lateral axis generally perpendicular to the primary joint axis. A first spring-engaging mount is located on the first arm at a position spaced from the primary joint axis. A second spring-engaging mount is located on the second arm at a position spaced from the primary joint axis. An eccentrically mounted spiral spring has an inner end mounted to the first spring-engaging mount, and an outer end mounted to the second spring-engaging mount. The amount of torque between the brace sections can be adjusted by a torque adjusting mechanism which winds and unwinds the spring. An adjustable stop mechanism can be used to limit t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.