Configurable subshell components in orthopedic devices
A coupling device for an orthopedic brace includes an anchoring member for securing to a frame and protruding therefrom, and a subshell arranged to connect to the frame by the anchoring member. The subshell has a locking element for selectively positioning the subshell on the frame at a plurality of locations. The subshell may include an end portion or contoured edge extending beyond a portion of the frame so as to flex relative to the frame.
1. A D-ring for receiving a strap, the D-ring comprising:
a body having rearward and forward portions;
the rearward portion defining an elongate slot;
the forward portion forming a receiving opening and an engaging opening with a width less than the receiving opening and depending from the receiving opening;
a locking element extending from the body into the receiving opening and short of the engaging opening;
wherein the locking element includes a retaining member defining an extension portion depending from the body and a head portion depending from the extension portion into the receiving opening, the extension portion permitting flexure of the retaining member out from the receiving opening;
wherein the head portion generally conforms to a shape of the receiving opening;
wherein the head portion defines an arcuate recessed portion formed along the head portion and located adjacent to and bordering the engaging opening.
2. The D-ring of claim 1 , wherein the locking element flexibly depends from the body and is arranged for being deflected relative to the receiving opening.
3. The D-ring of claim 1 , wherein the forward portion defines an insert region generally extending alongside the engaging opening and formed from a reduced thickness area of the body.
4. The D-ring of claim 1 , wherein the engaging opening defines an elongate shape, and the receiving opening defines a generally circular shape.
5. The D-ring of claim 1 , wherein the elongate slot is arranged generally perpendicular to the engaging opening.
6. The D-ring of claim 1 , wherein the body is generally flexible.
7. A D-ring for receiving a strap, the D-ring comprising:
a body having rearward and forward portions;
the rearward portion defining an elongate slot;
the forward portion forming a receiving opening and an engaging opening with a width less than the receiving opening and depending from the receiving opening;
a locking element extending from the body into the receiving opening and short of the engaging opening;
wherein the forward portion defines an insert region generally extending alongside the engaging opening and formed from a reduced thickness area of the body.
8. The D-ring of claim 7 , wherein the locking element flexibly depends from the body and is arranged for being deflected relative to the receiving opening.
9. The D-ring of claim 7 , wherein the locking element includes a retaining member defining an extension portion depending from the body and a head portion depending from the extension portion into the receiving opening, the extension portion permitting flexure of the retaining member out from the receiving opening.
10. The D-ring of claim 9 , wherein the head portion generally conforms to a shape of the receiving opening.
11. The D-ring of claim 9 , wherein the head portion defines an arcuate recessed portion formed along the head portion and located adjacent to and bordering the engaging opening.
12. The D-ring of claim 7 , wherein the engaging opening defines an elongate shape, and the receiving opening defines a generally circular shape.
13. The D-ring of claim 7 , wherein the elongate slot is arranged generally perpendicular to the engaging opening.
14. The D-ring of claim 7 , wherein the body is generally flexible.