Pre-assembled custom fit knee orthosis and method of making same
US5693007A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/0123
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for forming a custom fit knee orthosis is disclosed that includes forming a flat pre-assembled knee orthosis in which upper and lower support blanks made of rigid carbon fiber and plastic resin composite materials are connected in a flat, rigid state by joint mechanisms, and the knee orthosis is shipped to a orthopedist or orthopedic assembly facility in a flat condition with the blanks of composite material still in their flat pre-cured state. The orthopedist or orthopedic assembly facility heat softens the blanks and reshapes them to conform to the contours of a particular patient's leg, with only minor finishing operations being required after the reshaped blanks have set.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.