Orthotic device
View Patent ↗An orthotic device has first and second, elongated support members. The support members are pivotally connected at their respective proximal ends. The device further includes a tensioning member. There are also first, second and third pairs of guides, each pair adapted to receive the tensioning member. Whereby the device may facilitate movement of a limb into either a flexed or extended position by placing the tensioning member in the first and second or second and third pairs of guides respectively.
1. An orthotic device comprising:
first and second elongated support members, wherein the support members are pivotally connected at their respective proximal ends by a pair of hinges mounted substantially on opposite sides of the support members, wherein each of the support members comprises anterior and posterior portions with respect to a sagittal plane passing through the hinges;
a tensioning member;
a first pair of guides positioned on the first member and substantially at opposite sides of the first member,
a second pair of guides positioned on the second member and substantially along the sagittal plane and at opposite sides of the second member;
a third pair of guides positioned on the first member near the proximal end of the first member and on the anterior portion of the first member;
wherein, when the tensioning member is placed in the first and second pairs of guides only, a flexion moment is created; and when the tensioning member is placed in the second and third pairs of guides only, an extension moment is created.
2. An orthotic device as described in claim 1 , wherein the tensioning member is a single, noncontinuous piece secured at each end to a support member.
3. An orthotic device as described in claim 1 , wherein the tensioning member is a loop.
4. An orthotic device as described in claim 1 , further comprising means for varying the length of the tensioning member.
5. An orthotic device as described in claim 1 , wherein the tensioning member is an elastic cord.
6. An orthotic device as described in claim 1 , wherein the tensioning member is a single, noncontinuous piece with one end fixed to a support member and the second end is variably attachable to a member, whereby the length of the member is variable.
7. An orthotic device as described in claim 1 , wherein the hinges comprise range of pivot limiters.
8. An orthotic device as described in claim 5 , further comprising a static cord connected to the support members and adapted to limit the range of pivot of the support members.
9. An orthotic device as described in claim 1 , wherein the third pair of guides are pulleys.
10. An orthotic device as described in claim 1 , wherein all of the guides are pulleys.
11. An orthotic device kit comprising:
first and second elongated support members, wherein the support members are pivotally connected at their respective proximal ends by a pair of hinges mounted substantially on opposite sides of the support members, wherein each of the support members comprises anterior and posterior portions with respect to a sagittal plane passing through the hinges;
a tensioning member;
a first pair of guides adapted to be positioned on the first member and substantially at opposite sides of the first member,
a second pair of guides adapted to be positioned on the second member and substantially along the sagittal plane and at opposite sides of the second member;
a third pair of guides adapted to be positioned on the first member near the proximal end of the first member and on the anterior portion of that member;
wherein, after the device is assembled, when the tensioning member is placed in the first and second pairs of guides only, a flexion moment is created; and when the tensioning member is placed in the second and third pairs of guides only, an extension moment is created.