Dynamic ankle orthosis devices, systems, and methods
AssigneeUniversity of Tennessee Research Foundation
InventorsDenis J. DiAngelo, Chloe Chung, Michael Parker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present subject matter relates to orthotic devices, systems, and methods configured to support an ankle joint. In such devices, systems, and methods, a calf sleeve is configured to be secured about a leg of a user, a foot plate is configured to be secured about a foot of the user, and a distractive force mechanism is connected between the calf sleeve and the foot plate. The distractive force mechanism is configured to generate a force between the foot plate and the calf sleeve acting bidirectionally across the ankle to substantially offload bodyweight of the user passing through the ankle and lower limb.
Claims32
A dynamic ankle orthosis system comprising:
- a calf sleeve configured to be secured about a leg of a user;
- a foot plate configured to be secured about a foot of the user;
- and
- a distractive force mechanism connected between the calf sleeve and the foot plate, wherein the distractive force mechanism is configured to generate a force between the foot plate and the calf sleeve acting bidirectionally across an ankle of the user to substantially offload bodyweight of the user passing through the foot, ankle, and leg.
A method for offloading at least a portion of a user's bodyweight at an ankle of the user, the method comprising:
- securing a calf sleeve about a leg of the user;
- securing a foot plate about a foot of the user;
- connecting a distractive force mechanism between the calf sleeve and the foot plate;
- and
- generating a force by the distractive force mechanism between the foot plate and the calf sleeve acting bidirectionally across an ankle of the user to substantially offload bodyweight of the user passing through the foot, ankle, and leg.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.