Systems, methods, and devices for automatic closure of medical devices
First Claim
1. A method for automatically opening and closing an article about a body part, the method comprising:
- an article in an initially open configuration that aids in donning of the article, the article including;
a motorized tensioning device;
a control unit communicatively coupled with the motorized tensioning device, the motorized tensioning device and control unit being configured to adjust a tension of a tensioning member of the article; and
an opening mechanism that opens the article as the tension of the tensioning member tension is reduced;
receiving a first input at the control unit;
communicating a first instruction from the control unit to the motorized tensioning device, wherein the first instruction comprises a tension value that is provided by a user or that is a preconfigured value stored in a memory device of the control unit;
in response to the first instruction, tensioning the tensioning member via the motorized tensioning device so as to close and tighten the article about the body part;
receiving a second input via the control unit;
communicating a second instruction from the control unit to the motorized tensioning device; and
in response to the second instruction, reducing the tension of the tensioning member via the motorized tensioning device so as to loosen the article about the body part and to enable opening of the article via the opening mechanism to aid in doffing of the article.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
According to an embodiment, a brace may include a motorized tensioning device, a tensioning member operationally coupled with the motorized tensioning device to tighten the brace about the limb, and a control unit communicatively coupled with the motorized tensioning device to control adjustment of a tension of the tensioning member. A method for providing therapy with the brace fitted about a limb may include communicating a first instruction from the control unit to the motorized tensioning device to adjust the tension of the tensioning member according to a therapeutic regimen that is designed to aid in recovery of the limb via repetitive movement of the limb.
449 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for automatically opening and closing an article about a body part, the method comprising:
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an article in an initially open configuration that aids in donning of the article, the article including; a motorized tensioning device; a control unit communicatively coupled with the motorized tensioning device, the motorized tensioning device and control unit being configured to adjust a tension of a tensioning member of the article; and an opening mechanism that opens the article as the tension of the tensioning member tension is reduced; receiving a first input at the control unit; communicating a first instruction from the control unit to the motorized tensioning device, wherein the first instruction comprises a tension value that is provided by a user or that is a preconfigured value stored in a memory device of the control unit; in response to the first instruction, tensioning the tensioning member via the motorized tensioning device so as to close and tighten the article about the body part; receiving a second input via the control unit; communicating a second instruction from the control unit to the motorized tensioning device; and in response to the second instruction, reducing the tension of the tensioning member via the motorized tensioning device so as to loosen the article about the body part and to enable opening of the article via the opening mechanism to aid in doffing of the article. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An article comprising:
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a motorized tensioning device; a tensioning member operationally coupled with the motorized tensioning device to tighten the article about a body part; a control unit communicatively coupled with the motorized tensioning device to control adjustment of a tension of the tensioning member, wherein the control unit is configured to; receive a first input; communicate a first instruction to the motorized tensioning device to tension the tensioning member and thereby close and tighten the article about the body part; receive a second input; and communicate a second instruction to the motorized tensioning device to reduce the tension of the tensioning member and thereby loosen the article about the body part; and an opening mechanism configured to automatically open the article as the tension of the tensioning member tension is reduced and the article is loosened; wherein the opening mechanism includes a spring mechanism that is coupled with the article so as to effect opening of the article as the tensioning member'"'"'s tension is reduced. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for tightening a brace about a limb comprising:
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a brace including; a motorized tensioning device; and a control unit communicatively coupled with the motorized tensioning device, the motorized tensioning device and control unit being configured to adjust a tension of a tensioning member of the brace to tighten the brace about the limb; receiving, at the control unit, a prescribed parameter for the brace that is determined to therapeutically benefit the limb; communicating a first instruction from the control unit to the motorized tensioning device to tension the tensioning member to a tension value determined from the prescribed parameter; tensioning, via the motorized tensioning device, the tensioning member to substantially the tension value so as to adjust a fit of the brace about the limb in accordance with the prescribed parameter; monitoring, via the control unit, the fit of the brace about the limb over a period of time; comparing the monitored fit of the brace to the prescribed parameter to determine that the fit of the brace exceeds a variance threshold for the fit; communicating a second instruction from the control unit to the motorized tensioning device to adjust the fit of the brace about the limb; and adjusting the tension of the tensioning member via the motorized tensioning device so that the fit of the brace about the limb is in accordance with the prescribed parameter. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification