CIRCUMFERENTIAL WALKER

• US 20100234782A1
• Filed: 09/21/2009
• Published: 09/16/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/15/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ossur hf
• Original Assignee: Ossur hf
• Inventors: HU, Irving, Lee, Jane
• Granted Patent: US 8,506,510 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 602/13
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/01 Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0111 for the feet or ankles
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/012 inflatable
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0127 for the feet A61F5/0111 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 5/0195 Shoe-like orthopaedic devices for protecting the feet against injuries after operations

Abstract

An orthopedic device in the form of a circumferential walker includes a first member (posterior shell) and a second member (dorsal shell) corresponding to the first member. An outsole or plantar shell portion is attached to, or formed on or with the posterior shell. A hinge mechanism is provided between the posterior and dorsal shells to allow the dorsal shell to be swung away from the posterior shell in order to accommodate an anatomical limb therein. Inflatable bladders having perspiration wicking channels and/or openings are provided within a liner for insertion between the posterior and dorsal shells. Quick-connecting buckle and retaining assemblies can be provided to allow a user to quickly don and doff the orthopedic device.

Claims

1. An orthopedic device comprising:

a first member contoured to generally correspond to an anatomical limb;

a second member contoured to generally correspond to an anatomical limb and corresponding to the first member; and

a hinge mechanism connecting the first and second members to allow the second member to be swung away from the first member to accommodate an anatomical limb therebetween,

wherein the hinge mechanism is formed by at least one projection or extension portion formed on one of the first and second members for selective engagement with at least one corresponding receiving portion or a cutout portion on the other of the first and second members.

2. The orthopedic device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one projection is formed on the extension portion and the cutout portion includes at least one corresponding receiving portion.

3. The orthopedic device according to claim 1 wherein a living hinge is provided between the extension portion and the first or second member from which the extension portion extends.

4. The orthopedic device according to claim 1 wherein the extension portion includes a ratchet structure formed thereon.

5. The orthopedic device according to claim 1 wherein the cutout portion includes at least one projection formed thereon for selective engagement with at least one corresponding receiving opening formed in the extension portion.

6. The orthopedic device according to claim 1 wherein the first or second member that has the extension portion has a second extension portion formed thereon, and at least one projection formed on one of the extension portion and the second extension portion and a corresponding receiving opening formed on the other of the extension portion and the second extension portion.

7. The orthopedic device according to claim 6 wherein each of the extension portion and the second extension portion includes at least one projection and at least one receiving opening corresponding to the at least one projection formed on the other of the extension portion and the second extension portion.

8. A strap assembly for use with an orthopedic device comprising:

a strap having first and second ends, a retaining assembly on the first end of the strap and a buckle assembly on the second end of the strap;

the retaining assembly configured to be selectively engaged with a connector assembly configured to be arranged on an orthopedic device; and

the buckle assembly configured to be selectively engaged with a locking element configured to be arranged on an orthopedic device;

wherein each of the retaining assembly and the connector assembly, and the buckle assembly and the locking element form quick connect mechanisms.

9. The strap assembly according to claim 8, further comprising a length adjusting element.

10. The strap assembly according to claim 9, wherein the length adjusting element is an automatic self winding element.

11. The strap assembly according to claim 9, wherein the length adjusting element is a protruding portion formed on the strap configured to be received in a strap retention slot formed on an orthopedic device.

12. The strap assembly according to claim 9, wherein the length adjusting element is a multi-loop strap adjuster.

13. The strap assembly according to claim 8, wherein the retaining assembly is formed by a toothed portion configured to be selectively engaged with a corresponding toothed portion of the connector assembly, the connector assembly further comprising connecting element pivotally attached to the connector assembly;

and

the buckle assembly includes a pivoting portion having a first locking protruding portion and a second nose protruding portion, and the locking element includes corresponding nose and locking hooks for selectively engaging the first locking protruding portion and the second nose protruding portion of the buckle assembly.

14. The strap assembly according to claim 8, wherein the buckle assembly includes a main portion connected via a first hinge to a clamping portion which is connected via a second hinge to a strap retaining portion, and the main portion further includes a protruding portion configured to selectively engage an eyelet formed on an orthopedic device.

15. The strap assembly according to claim 14, wherein the main portion includes ergonomically shaped indents.

16. The strap assembly according to claim 14, wherein the main portion further includes a buckle rotation restriction projection extending therefrom configured to engage a buckle rotation restriction groove formed on an orthopedic device.

17. The strap assembly according to claim 14, wherein the clamping portion includes an actuation tab that can be manipulated by a user to clamp and unclamp the clamping portion via selective rotation about the first hinge. (FIGS. 33-36)

18. The strap assembly according to claim 14 wherein an engaging portion is formed on the clamping portion to selectively engage the main portion. (FIGS. 33-36)

19. An inflatable bladder configuration for use with an orthopedic device comprising:

a main bladder portion in communication with first and second side bladder portions, wherein each of the main, first and second side bladder portions include at least one channel formed in at least one surface thereof; and

at least one of the main and first and second side bladder portions includes an opening defined therethrough to provide ventilation for perspiration, wherein the at least one channel formed in the respective main, first, or second side bladder portions leads to the opening.

20. The inflatable bladder configuration according to claim 19, wherein the first and second side bladder portions each include a bulged portion configured to fill in space defined around an anatomical portion of a wearer.

21. The inflatable bladder configuration according to claim 19, wherein the main, first and second side bladder portions are all simultaneously inflatable and deflatable.

22. The inflatable bladder configuration according to claim 19, further comprising a valve assembly to provide selective inflation or deflation of the respective main, first and second side bladder portions.

23. The inflatable bladder configuration according to claim 19, further comprising:

a liner in which the main, first and second side bladder portions are disposed; and

a pump assembly connected to the main, first and second side bladder portions via at least one inflation tube;

wherein the liner includes a sliding slot through which the at least one inflation tube passes to allow a position of the pump assembly to be selectively adjusted with respect to the liner.