Orthopaedic brace with an inflatable air bag
US5558627A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/20
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An orthopaedic brace for a joint includes a support mechanism attached to limb members on either side of the joint for providing support to the joint and for permitting a predetermined range of movement of the joint. The support mechanism defines a void space substantially surrounding the joint between the support mechanism and the joint. An inflatable air bag that preferably includes several air cells substantially surrounds the joint in the void space. At least one sensor attached to the support mechanism provides a trigger signal in response to a predetermined, potentially injurious condition, such as a severe force, stress, strain or acceleration. An inflation mechanism operatively connected to the air bag and the sensor inflates the air bag in response to the trigger signal, thereby providing additional support to the joint before the joint is injured.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.