Dynamic exoskeletal orthosis
Inventors
Assignees
United States Department of the Army • US Army Medical Research and Development Command
Publication Number
US-9956107-B2
Publication Date
2018-05-01
Expiration Date
2032-04-19
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Abstract
An exoskeletal orthosis includes a proximal cuff includes a hinge along an upper edge of the cuff; an ankle section/footplate; and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section and foot plate.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a dynamic exoskeletal orthosis comprising a proximal cuff with a hinge along its upper edge, an ankle section/footplate, and at least one posterior strut connecting the proximal cuff to the ankle section and footplate. The orthosis is designed to support and correct alignment and movement in cases of ankle and foot impairments, allowing for increased mobility despite injury.
The orthosis addresses the problem of limited bracing options for individuals suffering pain, weakness, or decreased range of motion about the ankle. Prior solutions either provided adequate strength only for isolated peroneal neuropathy or involved stiff orthotic materials that immobilized the ankle, preventing normal gait and higher level activities. This invention offers improved joint support combined with mobility.
The design includes variations such as modular or fixed versions, single or dual posterior struts, and an alignable configuration with a bolt mechanism allowing adjustment of strut angles to accommodate individual alignment needs. It enables walking and running even with severe lower limb injuries and supports activities from early ambulation post-injury to high-impact movements. Additional embodiments cover partial foot orthoses and knee ankle foot orthoses with stretchable bands for hamstring assistance.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim detailing an alignable exoskeletal orthosis with multiple inventive features.
Alignable exoskeletal orthosis with dual posterior struts
An orthosis comprising a proximal cuff, an ankle section/footplate, and dual posterior struts connecting the rear of the cuff to the rear of the ankle section/footplate. The dual posterior struts are fixed via a bolt mechanism that includes two opposing discs with reciprocal curved surfaces that surround part of the struts' circumference.
Bolt mechanism with angled wedge for adjustable alignment
The bolt mechanism includes at least one angled wedge positioned between a bottom opposing disc and the ankle section/footplate surface, enabling clamping of the dual posterior struts at different angles and permitting alignment changes such as dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and rotational adjustments.
The claims focus on an exoskeletal orthosis design featuring dual posterior struts secured with a specialized bolt mechanism allowing adjustable alignment through angled wedges, enabling customizable fit and improved functional mobility for users.
Stated Advantages
Allows greater ability to walk and run despite severe lower extremity physical impairments.
Supports early walking post-injury and high level activities with the same orthosis.
May be lightweight, durable, and suitable for use in regular shoes and military boots.
Documented Applications
Support for individuals with severe lower limb injury causing reduced ankle range of motion, weakness, and pain.
Use during early post-injury ambulation, agility and impact activities, running, sprinting, or military deployment.
Treatment of ankle fusion, talus or calcaneus fractures, nerve injuries, partial foot amputation, soft tissue loss, and ankle pain in weight bearing activities.
Use as a viable alternative to amputation for severe leg impairment.
Enabling more normal walking or running patterns for patients with impaired ankle function.
Assist patients with isolated peroneal neuropathy or tibial neuropathy to walk and run.
Increased agility for activities requiring stepping forward, backward, or side-to-side.
Promotes quadriceps strengthening during everyday activity.
Application for spinal cord injuries with ankle weakness and relatively preserved knee strength.
Use as an alternative to traditional walking boots during early postoperative period after leg/foot/ankle surgery.
Pediatric use for cerebral palsy patients with ankle plantarflexion weakness and hamstring weakness.
Dynamic knee ankle foot orthosis configuration for knee support during high impact activities and military maneuvers.
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