Knee joint and method
AssigneeBecker Orthopedic Appliance Company
InventorsJames H. Campbell, Derek M. Helenberger, Nicholas C. Zalinski
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
There is provided a mechanical orthotic device and method. The orthotic device and method utilize a torsion spring to provide resistance to restrain pivotal movement of upper and lower members between an extension and a flexion position.
Claims34
An orthotic joint for pivotally connecting two orthotic bar members around an axis of rotation comprising:
- a. an upper member;
- b. a lower member;
- c. means associated with and connecting the upper and lower members for permitting pivotal movement of the upper member relative to the lower member between extension and flexion positions;
- and
- d. a torsion spring to restrain pivotal movement of the upper and lower members between an extension and a flexion position, wherein only ends of the spring are secured, one end of the spring is operatively connected to the upper member and the other end of the spring is operatively connected to the lower member.
A mechanical orthotic knee joint for pivotally connecting two orthotic members around an axis of rotation comprising:
- a. an upper member;
- b. a lower member;
- c. means associated with and connecting the upper and the lower members for permitting movement of the upper member relative to the lower member between extension and flexion positions;
- and
- d. a spring to provide resistance to restrain pivotal movement of the upper and lower members between an extension to a flexion position, wherein only ends of the spring are secured, one end of the spring is operatively connected to the upper member and the other end of the spring is operatively connected to the lower member and wherein the spring extends longitudinally from the joint to at least one of the members.
An orthotic appliance comprising
- a. foot support;
- b. a lower bar member to support a leg below the knee;
- c. an upper bar member to support a leg above the knee;
- d. an orthotic ankle joint for pivotally connecting the foot support to the lower bar member;
- e. a first knee joint for permitting movement of the lower bar member relative to the upper bar member;
- f. a second knee joint for locking and releasing the upper bar member relative to the lower bar member wherein when the second knee joint is released, the upper bar member is at an approximately ninety degree angle with respect to the lower bar member;
- and
- g. a torsion spring, wherein the spring provides resistance during movement of the bar members from an extended to a flexed position and wherein the spring is attached to at least one of the bar members.
A method for providing a desired amount of resistance during flexion of a mechanical orthotic knee joint comprising:
- a. providing an orthotic device comprising an upper and lower member and a means associated with and connecting the upper and lower members for permitting pivotal movement of the upper member relative to the lower member between extension and flexion positions;
- and
- b. providing the device with a torsion spring having a desired level of tension wherein only ends of the spring are secured, one end of the spring is operatively connected to the upper member and the other end of the spring is operatively connected to the lower member.
A method of providing a uniform degree of resistance for a person using a knee joint during walking comprising:
- a. providing an orthotic device comprising an upper and lower member, a means associated with and connecting the upper and lower members for permitting pivotal movement of the upper member relative to the lower member between extension and flexion positions and a torsion spring to provide uniform resistance during pivotal movement between an extension and flexion position wherein only ends of the spring are secured, one end of the spring is operatively connected to the upper member and the other end of the spring is operatively connected to the lower member;
- b. wearing the device in operative position as a knee joint for at least one of the person's knees;
- and
- c. walking with the knee joint in the operative position on a person's limb so that a desired degree of uniform resistance is provided during flexion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.