Orthopedic knee brace and associated knee condyle pad
US5527268A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2005/0174
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A hinged orthopedic knee brace has a structural frame and at least one knee condyle pad attachable thereto. The frame has a plurality of rigid or stiffened support components dynamically connected by one or more hinges. The knee condyle pad is attachable to the frame proximal to the hinge and is configured to conform to the surface of the body overlying the lateral or medial knee condyle. The knee condyle pad has a fluid-containing primary bladder with a loop configuration encircling a depressed interior opening of the pad. The primary bladder is sized to circumscribe the periphery of the knee condyle and the interior opening is sized to receive the apex of the knee condyle. The distal portion of the primary bladder has a reduced volume and reduced surface area relative to the proximal portion thereof. Accordingly, the distal portion of the pad avoids excessive pressure, and the pain associated therewith, on the peroneal nerve and fibular head proximal to the knee condyle, while effectively gripping the knee condyle and simultaneously cushioning the knee condyle from the frame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.