# US 10,369,072 B2 · Orthotic device

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- Number: US 10,369,072 B2
- Document ID: US10369072B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/864,107
- Filed: 2018-01-08
- Published: 2018-05-10
- Granted: 2019-08-06
- Earliest claimed: 2015-07-09
- Assignees: Kinematic Ventures, LLC
- Applicants: Kinematic Ventures, LLC
- Inventors: Harry H. Herman, Jr.; Henry H. Herman
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10369072B2

## CPC

- A61H 3/02: Crutches
- A45B 1/00: Sticks with supporting, hanging or carrying means
- A45B 3/00: Sticks combined with other objects
- A45B 7/005: {crank-shaped}
- A45B 9/04: Ferrules or tips {(for crutches A61H3/0288)}
- A45B 2009/007: {of adjustable length, e.g. telescopic shafts}
- A61H 2003/006: {with forearm rests, i.e. for non-used arms}
- A61H 2003/007: {secured to the patient, e.g. with belts}
- A61H 2003/0216: {Crutches in which movement is limited to a pivoting in one plane, e.g. 2-point supports}
- A61H 2201/0173: Means for preventing injuries
- A61H 2201/018: By limiting the applied torque or force
- A61H 2201/0192: Specific means for adjusting dimensions
- A61H 2201/1676: Pivoting
- A61H 2201/5058: Sensors or detectors
- A61H 2201/5097: wireless
- A61H 2230/06: Heartbeat rate
- A61H 2230/50: Temperature
- A61H: PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY (electrotherapy, magnetotherapy, radiation therapy or ultrasound therapy A61N)
- A45B: WALKING STICKS (walking aids, e.g. sticks, for blind persons A61H3/06); UMBRELLAS; LADIES' OR LIKE FANS (cane or umbrella stands or holders A47G25/12)

## Abstract

An orthotic device for assisting a user in walking includes an underarm support assembly configured to support a user's weight without damage to their nerves, and upright support pivotally connected to the underarm support assembly and a ground engaging assembly pivotally connected to the upright support. In one embodiment, the underarm support assembly is spring biased relative to the upright support to bias the upright support to an orientation substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal dimension of the underarm support. The ground engaging assembly is also biased to bias the ground engaging assembly to a position perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upright support while allowing the ground engaging assembly to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the upright support and about an axis parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the upright support.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An orthotic walking device comprising:
an underarm support assembly;
two substantially parallel upright support members having an upper end pivotally coupled to said underarm support and a cross member extending between said upright support members; and
a ground engaging assembly having a base pivotally connected to a lower end of said support members, a mounting bracket having a longitudinal dimension with a first end pivotally coupled to said base and a second free end, and a spring extending between said mounting bracket and said cross member, wherein when said base is moved forward of said upright support members said mounting bracket pivots upward from said base to reduce spring tension between said ground engaging assembly and said cross member, and when said base moves rearward of said upright support members, said mounting bracket pivots to contact said ground engaging assembly and increase spring tension between said ground engaging assembly and said cross member to bias said ground engaging assembly to a predetermined position relative to said upright support members.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The orthotic device of claim 1, wherein said ground engaging assembly has a longitudinal dimension, and where said mounting bracket pivots between a first position substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of said ground engaging assembly, and a second position where said mounting bracket is at an incline relative to the longitudinal dimension of said ground engaging assembly.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The orthotic device of claim 2, wherein said spring extends between a midsection of said mounting bracket and said cross member.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The orthotic device of claim 2, wherein said mounting bracket includes a rigid member extending substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal dimension of said mounting bracket, and where said spring is coupled to a distal end of said rigid member.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The orthotic device of claim 4, wherein said rigid member is fixed to a midsection of said mounting bracket between said first end and said second free end.

### Claim 6 (depends on 4)

The orthotic device of claim 4, wherein said mounting bracket has at least one hole aligned with at least one hole in said base of said ground engaging member, and a removable locking member received in said holes to lock said mounting bracket in a fixed position with respect to said base.

### Claim 7 (depends on 4)

The orthotic device of claim 4, wherein said rigid member extends from said mounting bracket toward said cross member.