Potentiating support with side struts spanning hinge joint
US7615019B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 2005 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/0193
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A potentiating support for an area of a body includes: a framework having a surface for abutment with an area of a body including a hinge joint, said framework defining a plurality of permanent openings in said surface; and two strut members each attached to said framework such that each said strut member spans the hinge joint when said framework is disposed in abutment with the area of the body, said strut members providing a measure of rigidity to said framework in the direction of their respective lengths, each respective said strut member including an intermediate portion thereof spanning the hinge joint that is expandable and recoverable between a first initial state and extended states wherein, when expanded to a said extended state during flexing of the hinge joint, said respective strut member stores potential energy that is released as kinetic energy upon its return to said initial state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.