Multiple function ratcheting orthotic device
First Claim
1. An orthotic device for a joint of a human body at which a body appendage pivots, comprising:
- a first member able to extend along a posterior portion of the appendage on a first side of the joint;
a second member able to extend along a posterior portion of the appendage on a second side of the joint opposite the first side; and
a connection joining the first member and the second member and providing at least one of a series of defined positions spaced angularly about an axis at which positions the connection can be alternately locked and released, and pivoting of the second member relative to the first member about the axis within a desired angular range of motion by adjusting a flexion limiting lock nut relative to an extension limiting lock nut on a bolt aligned with the axis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An orthotic device for a joint of a human body at which a body appendage pivots includes a first member able to extend along a posterior portion of the appendage on a first side of the joint and a second member able to extend along a posterior portion of the appendage on a second side of the joint opposite the first side. A connection joining the first member and the second member provides a series of defined positions spaced angularly about an axis at which positions the connection can be alternately locked and released, allows pivoting, selective ratcheting and positioning of the second member relative to the first member about the axis, and can restrict pivoting of the second member relative to the first member within a desired angular range of motion. Notably, this orthotic device uniquely combines multiple joint functions into one convenient device which allows it to be used at different stages of therapy without being replaced or requiring additional equipment.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An orthotic device for a joint of a human body at which a body appendage pivots, comprising:
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a first member able to extend along a posterior portion of the appendage on a first side of the joint; a second member able to extend along a posterior portion of the appendage on a second side of the joint opposite the first side; and a connection joining the first member and the second member and providing at least one of a series of defined positions spaced angularly about an axis at which positions the connection can be alternately locked and released, and pivoting of the second member relative to the first member about the axis within a desired angular range of motion by adjusting a flexion limiting lock nut relative to an extension limiting lock nut on a bolt aligned with the axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An orthotic device for a joint of a human body at which a body part pivots, comprising:
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a first member having a first member cuff able to extend along a first posterior portion of the body part on a first side of the joint; a second member secured to the first member for pivoting about an axis, the second member having a second member cuff able to extend along a second posterior portion of the body part on a side of the joint opposite the first side, and the second member including ratchet teeth; and a ratchet supported for movement relative to the ratchet teeth and including a latch, a spring for urging the latch toward engagement with the ratchet teeth, and a lockout pin for alternately securing the latch against movement toward engagement with the ratchet teeth and for releasing the latch to engage the ratchet teeth, wherein the lockout pin includes a shank that can engage the first member such that the latch is prevented from engaging the ratchet teeth to allow contracture of the joint. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. An orthotic device for a joint of a human body at which a body part pivots, comprising:
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a first cuff including a first pocket that extends along a first posterior portion of the body part, the first cuff able to be secured to the first posterior portion of the body part on a first side of the joint; a first member that extends into the first pocket, moves along the first pocket relative to the first cuff, and is urged elastically to return to a first reference position in the first pocket; a second cuff including a second pocket that extends along a second posterior portion of the body part, the second cuff able to be secured to the second posterior portion of the body part on a second side of the joint opposite the first side; a second member that extends into the second pocket, moves along the second pocket relative to the second cuff, is urged elastically to return to a second reference position in the second pocket, is secured to the first member for pivoting about an axis, and includes ratchet teeth; and a ratchet supported for movement relative to the ratchet teeth and including a latch, a spring for urging the latch toward engagement with the ratchet teeth, and a lockout pin for alternately securing the latch against movement toward engagement with the ratchet teeth and for releasing the latch to engage the ratchet teeth. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An orthotic device for a joint of a human body at which a body part pivots, comprising:
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a first cuff including a first pocket that extends along a first posterior portion of the body part, the first cuff able to be secured to the first posterior portion of the body part on a first side of the joint; a first member that extends into the first pocket, moves along the first pocket relative to the first cuff, and is urged elastically to return to a first reference position in the first pocket; a second cuff including a second pocket that extends along a second posterior portion of the body part, the second cuff able to be secured to the second posterior portion of the body part on a second side of the joint opposite the first side; a second member that extends into the second pocket, moves along the second pocket relative to the second cuff, and is urged elastically to return to a second reference position in the second pocket; and a pivotal connection joining the first member and the second member and providing a series of defined positions spaced angularly about an axis at which positions the pivotal connection can be alternately locked and released by a ratchet, and first and second lock nuts to limit rotation of the first member and the second member about the axis within a desired angular range of motion. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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17. A method for operating an orthotic device comprising the steps of:
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securing a first member to a first posterior portion of a body part on a first side of a joint, the first member comprising a first lug having a first hole and a second lug spaced from the first lug having a second hole aligned with the first hole; securing a second member to a second posterior portion of the body part on a second side of the joint opposite the first side, the second member comprising a third lug located between the first and second lugs, the third lug having ratchet teeth angularly spaced about an axis and a third hole aligned with the first and the second holes, the first member and the second member being interconnected at the lugs by a bolt having a screw thread that threadably engages the first and second holes, the bolt extending through the third hole and the third lug is secured against rotation about the bolt; using a latch on the first member to engage the ratchet teeth located on the second member and spaced angularly about the axis; and locking the latch into engagement with a ratchet tooth at a desired angular position about the axis. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification