U.S. patent application number 09/964636 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-03 for orthotic device.
Invention is credited to Hopkins, Ronald B., Sieller, Richard T..
Application Number | 20030065281 09/964636 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25508794 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030065281 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hopkins, Ronald B. ; et
al. |
April 3, 2003 |
ORTHOTIC DEVICE
Abstract
An orthotic device has first and second, elongated support
members. The support members are pivotally connected at their
respective proximal ends. The device further includes a tensioning
member and a tensioning member retainer at the distal end of the
first member. There are also first and second pairs of guides, each
pair adapted to receive the tensioning member. Whereby the device
may facilitate movement of a limb into either a flexed or extended
position by placing the tensioning member in the first or second
pair of guides respectively.
Inventors: |
Hopkins, Ronald B.;
(Virginia Beach, VA) ; Sieller, Richard T.;
(Virginia Beach, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John H Thomas PC
1561 East Main Street
Richmond
VA
23219
US
|
Family ID: |
25508794 |
Appl. No.: |
09/964636 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
602/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 2005/0179 20130101;
A61F 5/0125 20130101; A63B 21/02 20130101; A63B 21/4025
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/5 |
International
Class: |
A61F 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An orthotic device comprising: first and second elongated
support members, wherein the support members are pivotally
connected at their respective proximal ends; tensioning means; a
first center post adapted to receive the tensioning means and
positioned substantially at the middle of the distal end of the
first member; first and second pairs of guides, each pair adapted
to receive the tensioning means, the first pair of guides
positioned at the distal end of the first member and at opposite
sides of the first member, the second pair of guides positioned at
substantially the middle of the proximal end of the second member;
a second center post adapted to receive the tensioning means and
positioned at substantially the middle of the distal end of the
second member; wherein, when the tensioning means is placed in the
first guides and around the second center post, a flexion moment is
created; and when the tensioning means is placed around both the
first and second center posts and in the second guides, an
extension moment is created; whereby, when the device is fitted to
a patient's limb connected by a joint, the limb can be urged either
a flexed or extended position by placing the tensioning means in
the first or second guides respectively.
2. An orthotic device as described in claim 1, wherein the
tensioning member further comprises means for varying the length of
the tensioning member.
3. An orthotic device as described in claim 1, wherein the second
center post comprises a pulley.
4. An orthotic device as described in claim 3, wherein the pulley
further comprises a tension gauge that measures and displays the
amount of tension exerted by the tensioning member.
5. An orthotic device as described in claim 1, wherein the
tensioning member is a single, noncontinuous piece that is
releasably secured at each end to the first center post.
6. An orthotic device as described in claim 5, wherein the second
center post comprises a pulley.
7. An orthotic device as described in claim 2, wherein the pulley
further comprises a tension gauge that measures and displays the
amount of tension exerted by the tensioning member.
8. An orthotic device as described in claim 1, wherein the pivotal
connection between the support members comprises a range of pivot
limiter.
9. An orthotic device as described in claim 1, wherein the
tensioning member is an elastic cord.
10. An orthotic device comprising: first and second elongated
support members, wherein the support members are pivotally
connected at their respective proximal ends; a tensioning member;
first and second post means for retaining the tensioning member at
the distal ends of the first and second members respectively; first
and second pairs of means for guiding the tensioning member, the
first pair of guide means positioned at the distal end of the first
member and at opposite sides of the first member, the second pair
of guide means positioned at the proximal end of the second member
and at substantially the middle of the member; and wherein, when
the tensioning member is placed in the first pair of guide means
and around the second post means, a flexion moment is created; and
when the tensioning member is placed around both the first and
second post means and in the second pair of guide means, an
extension moment is created; whereby, when the device is fitted to
a patient's limb connected by a joint, the limb can be urged to
either a flexed or extended position by placing the tensioning
member in the first or second guide means respectively.
11. An orthotic device as described in claim 10, wherein the
tensioning member further comprises means for varying the length of
the tensioning member.
12. An orthotic device as described in claim 10, wherein the second
post means comprises a means for equalizing tension along the
tensioning member.
13. An orthotic device as described in claim 12, wherein the
tension equalizing means further comprises a tension gauge that
measures and displays the amount of tension exerted by the
tensioning member.
14. An orthotic device as described in claim 10, wherein the
tensioning member is a single, noncontinuous piece that is
releasably secured at each end to the first post means.
15. An orthotic device as described in claim 14, wherein the second
post means comprise a means for equalizing tension along the
tensioning member.
16. An orthotic device as described in claim 11, wherein the
tension equalizing means further comprises a tension gauge that
measures and displays the amount of tension exerted by the
tensioning member.
17. An orthotic device as described in claim 10, wherein the
pivotal connection between the support members comprises a range of
pivot limiter.
18. An orthotic device comprising first and second elongated
support members, wherein the support members are pivotally
connected at their respective proximal ends; a tensioning means;
and a plurality of guides positioned on the support members and
adapted to receive the tensioning member, wherein the guides permit
a user to change the directional force created by the tensioning
member on the support members.
19. An orthotic device kit comprising: first and second limb
support members pivotally connected at their respective proximal
ends; tensioning means; first and second central tension receiving
means; said first member adapted for affixing thereto, at
substantially at the middle of its distal region, and first central
tension receiving means; said second member adapted for affixing
thereto, at substantially at the middle of its distal region, said
second central tensioning receiving means; first and second pair of
guides, each pair adapted to guide the tensioning means; said first
member adapted for affixing thereto said first pair of guides at
opposite sides of its distal region; said second member adapted to
affix thereto said second pair of guides at substantially the
middle of its proximal region; wherein, with the tensioning means
positioned in the affixed first guides and received in the affixed
second central means, a flexion movement is created; and with the
tensioning member positioned in both the first and second affixed
central means in the affixed second guides, an extension movement
is created; whereby, when the device is fitted to a patient's limb
connected by a joint, the limb can be urged either in a flexed or
extended position by placing the tensioning means in the first and
second pair of guides respectively.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to an orthotic device able to
apply dynamic or static forces to a joint in need of therapy. The
combination of components acts to provide multiple functions
through the variable positioning of selected components. The force
generated by the components and their direction can be quantified
and used in therapeutic treatment to provide treatment
guidelines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are many known orthotic devices including those
specifically directed to rehabilitation of various joints such as
elbows, knees, wrists and ankles. Typically, these apparatuses are
static or have a single pressure/force that is applied during
operation. Those forces may be uneven across the device. Usually,
the forces are focused solely on extension or flexion, but not
both.
[0003] One problem with conventional devices is the inability to
easily customize those devices for a particular patient. A given
arrangement may be useful and appropriate for one patient, but not
as effective for another. Further, those devices may be difficult
to adjust between, for instance, flexion or extension. Also,
typical devices are not able to easily vary their tension and
quantify such for a given patient. For instance, a weak or frail
patient may require less tension or force during therapy than a
large or strong patient. Also, as a patient gains strength during
therapy, the device needs to be able to be variable as the therapy
process moves forward.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
overcome the forgoing drawbacks and problems. The present invention
provides a combination of components that provide multiple
functions and can be arranged to produce varied directional forces.
The forces generated by the present device can be quantified and
used in therapeutic treatment to provide treatment guidelines.
[0005] In one embodiment, the orthotic device comprises first and
second limb a support members which are pivotally connected at
their respective proximal ends. The orthotic device further
includes tensioning means and a first center post positioned at the
distal end and at substantially the middle of the first member.
There is also a second center post adapted to receive the
tensioning member and positioned at the distal end and at
substantially the middle of the second member. First and second
pairs of guides are adapted to receive the tensioning member. The
first pair of guides is positioned at the distal end of the first
member and at opposite sides of the first member. The second pair
of guides is positioned at the proximal end of the second member
and at substantially the middle of the member. The first and second
pairs of guides are positioned so that when the tensioning member
is placed in the first guides and around the second center post, a
flexion moment is created; and when the tensioning member is placed
around both the first and second center posts and in the second
guides, an extension moment is created. Accordingly, when the
device is fitted to a patient's limb connected by a joint, the limb
can be urged to either a flexed or extended position by placing the
tensioning member in the first or second guides respectively. The
tensioning member may further comprise means for varying the length
of the tensioning member. The second center post may comprise a
pulley. The pulley may further comprise a tension gauge that
measures and displays the amount of tension exerted by the
tensioning member. The tensioning member can be a single,
noncontinuous piece that is releaseably secured at each end to the
first center post. The pivotable connection between the support
members may comprise a range of pivot limiter.
[0006] In a further embodiment, an orthotic device comprises first
and second elongated support members, wherein the support members
are pivotally connected at their respective proximal ends. The
device further includes a tensioning member and first and second
post means for retaining the tensioning member at the distal ends
of the first and second members respectively. There are also first
and second pairs of means for guiding the tensioning member. The
first pair of guide means is positioned at the distal end of the
first member and on opposite sides of the member. The second pair
of guide means is positioned at the proximal end of the second
member and at substantially the middle of that member. When the
tensioning member is placed in the first pair of guide means and
around the second post means, a flexion moment is created; and when
the tensioning member is placed around both the first and second
post means and in the second pair of guide means, an extension
moment is created. Therefore, when the device is fitted to a
patient's limb connected by a joint, the limb can be urged to
either a flexed or extended position by placing the tensioning
member in the first or second guide means respectively. The
tensioning member may further comprise means for varying the length
of the tensioning member. The second post means may comprise means
for equalizing tension along the tensioning member. The tension
equalizing means may further comprise a tension gauge that measure
and displays the amount of tension exerted by the tensioning
member. The tensioning member can be a single, noncontinuous piece
that is releasably secured at each end to the first post means. The
second post means may comprise a means for equalizing tension along
the tensioning member. The pivotal connection between the support
members may comprise a range of pivot limiter.
[0007] In a still further embodiment, an orthotic device comprises
first and second elongated support members, wherein the support
members are pivotally connected at their respective proximal ends.
The device further comprises a tensioning member and a plurality of
guides adapted to receive the tensioning member wherein the guides
allow a user to change the directional force created by the
tensioning member on the support members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a
device in accordance with the present invention with the device
shown in a flexed position.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a
device in accordance with the present invention with the device
shown in an extended position.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a top elevation view of one embodiment of a device
in accordance with the present invention with the device shown in
an extended position.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a device
in accordance with the present invention with the device shown in a
flexed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The present invention is intended for use with a joint such
as an elbow, knee, wrist or ankle. The specific embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1 through 4 describes an elbow brace. Of course, the
teachings may be applied to other devices for other joints in
accordance with the present teachings.
[0013] The elbow brace shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 includes a first
limb support member 10 and a second limb support member 11. These
particular support members are elongated cuffs made primarily of a
stiff plastic material. The support members 10 and 11 will
typically come in different sizes to fit different sized arms. It
is also possible that an orthotic device may be custom molded to
accurately fit a specific arm of a given patient.
[0014] The first member 10 is adapted to support an upper arm. The
first member 10 has a proximal end 13 adjacent the second member 11
and a distal end 15 on the opposite end of the elongated first
member 10. The second member 11 is adapted to support a forearm. It
is made up of a proximal end 14 adjacent the first member 10 and a
distal end 16. Both the first and second members 10 and 11 are
roughly in the shape of a half tube adapted to wrap a substantial
way around a patient's limb to support it. The proximal ends 13 and
14 are connected by a hinge 12 in order to allow the device to flex
and extend with the limb being braced. The hinge 12 defines the
mechanical axis of rotation of the brace. The anatomical axis of
the limb (in this example an elbow) will be approximately the same
as the mechanical axis of the brace.
[0015] A person's limb, in this case an arm, is held within the
device by straps 55 that connect the opposite sides of the
respective first and second members 10 and 11. The straps 55 extend
from one side of the members 10 and 11 across through a loop 56 and
back onto themselves. The straps 55 are preferably made from
conventional hooks and loops (Velcro) to secure the person's limb
within the device. Soft plastic sleeves 50 and 52 are positioned
inside the straps 55 through use of pads 51 and 53 in order to
better secure the patient's limb and to make the device more
comfortable overall. Additionally, pads 60 and 61 may line the
insides of the first and second members 10 and 11 to add in the
comfort and fit of the brace.
[0016] The device as described thus far is conventional. The sleeve
elements and the straps and a hinge assembly are all used with
various alternatives in the construction of limb braces/orthotic
devices generally. The following teachings with respect to the
positioning and variability of a tensioning means may be applied to
any of these conventional type braces whether or not the underlying
components are exactly as described herein thus far.
[0017] A tensioning means 30 can be any type of elastic member
including a rubber cord, plastic or metal spring, or any other type
of elastic member. As shown in the drawings, the tensioning means
30 is a rubber cord or bungee cord. The tensioning means 30 is a
single noncontinuous piece, but it could alternatively be a
continuous loop. Also, more than one elastic member can make up a
tensioning means. The tensioning means 30 has ends 31 that are
attached to a tensioning member through clamps 32. Alternatively,
instead of a permanent clamp 32, there may be an adjustable piece
35 that allows the tensioning means 30 to be lengthened or
shortened. This length adjuster piece 35 can be simply two slots or
can be any other type of adjustable clamping mechanism. The ends 31
further have holes that are adapted to hook over to latch onto two
retaining hooks 20. The retainer hooks 20 may be one or, as shown,
a pair of hooks. They may be any other type of post or other
anchoring device to engage and hold the ends 31 of the tensioning
member 30. The retainer hooks 20 or other type of post should be
positioned on the outer surface of and in approximately the center
or middle of the distal end 15 of the first member 10.
[0018] When in the flexed positioned as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the
tensioning means 30 loops through the pair of guides 21 and around
pulley 40. When the tensioning member is the appropriate length, it
will create a steady and constant force urging the arm within the
device into the flexed position. By varying the length of the
tensioning means 30, the amount of tension urging the
device/patient's limb into the flexed position may be varied. The
guides 21 are simply hooks like hooks 20. The retainer hooks 20 are
positioned on the outer surface and at the distal end of the first
member 10 in approximately the center or middle of the member. The
guides 21 are positioned at the distal end of the first member, but
on opposite sides of the retainer hooks 20. The pulley 40 is
positioned at the distal end 16 of the second member 11 and
substantially at the middle of the second member.
[0019] In the extended position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the
tensioning means 30 is attached to the retainer hooks 20 and looped
around the pulley 40. The tensioning means 30 is further placed
within the guides 22. The guides 22 are positioned on the outer
surface and in the middle of the proximal end 14 of the second
member 11. In this way, the device is pulled to the extended
position.
[0020] As illustrated in the alternative figures, the brace may be
urged to the extended or flexed position by placement of the
tensioning means 30 within guides 21 (flexed position) or guides 22
(extended position). For ease of use, the guides 21 and 22, as well
as the retainers 20 are hooks. Other types of retainers or guides
may be used to receive and hold the tensioning means 30 so that it
is urging the brace in the flexed or extended positions. Also, as
noted earlier, the tensioning means 30 may be a continuous loop.
Placement of the tensioning means 30 as described above is equally
applicable to a continuous loop. The primary difference is that a
center post (either one or more) rather than retainer hooks 20 can
be used to hold a tensioning member about the center (middle) of
the distal end of the second member. Similarly, if the tensioning
means 30 is a plurality of elastic members, then the device
designer will use the teachings herein to position a sufficient
number of posts and/or hooks to achieve the same or similar results
obtained herein.
[0021] The precise placement of the guides 21 or 22 will be a
matter of choice by a given therapist. As shown, the guides 21 and
22 (as well as the center post 20) are hooks that are attached by
screws to the first and second limb members 10 and 11. Generically
speaking, guides or posts may be mounted in slots that allow a
therapist to move the guides or post on the members. There may also
be predrilled holes to receive the screws that anchor the guides or
posts in the member. In operation, it is only essential that the
guides 21 in conjunction with the pulley 40 (or any center post at
the distal end of the second member 11) create a force that causes
a flexion moment. That is, the force of a tensioning member must be
on the correct side of the anatomical/mechanical axis to draw the
ends of the members towards each other in a flexion or extension
rotation. Accordingly, the guides 21 that position the tensioning
member 30 so that it causes a flexion moment are oriented on the
side of the anatomical and mechanical axes to create that flexion
moment. The alternative to the flexion moment is the creation of an
extension moment where the tensioning member 30 is oriented along
the center of the members 10 and 11 and on the outside of the
anatomical/mechanical axis of the brace when worn by a user. (For
the purposes of this relative discussion, from a side view, the
"outside" is the side having the members 10 and 11, and the
"inside" is the side having the straps 55). The guides 22 are
relatively centered as are the retaining hooks 20 (or any center
post) and pulley (any center post). As shown in FIG. 2, therefore,
the tensioning means is on the outside of the anatomical/mechanical
axis and therefore creates an extension moment. In order to create
a flexion moment force, guides such as guides 21 will be positioned
on the opposite and relatively inside of a brace, while the
extension guides such as guides 22 will be oriented along the
center or outside of a brace.
[0022] The pulley 40 is a tension equalizing device in that it
equalizes the forces of the tensioning member 30 on each side of
the device. This allows for balanced and equal forces in therapy.
While a pulley 40 is envisioned as preferable, any post centered at
the distal end 16 of the second member 11 can work. For instance, a
smooth or low friction post in combination with a low friction
surface on a cord could also allow equalization of the tension
along the cord. Also, as best seen in FIG. 3, the pulley 40 can
have engineered into it a tension gauge 41 that measures and
displays the amount of tension being exerted by the tensioning
member 30. The tension gauge 41 may be used in conjunction with the
length adjustor piece 35 in order to accurately apply a given
tension pressure to a joint when the device is used in therapy. In
other words, a therapist may want a very slight tension on a very
painful joint. On the other hand, it may be desirable to exert a
substantial tension in order to help straighten or bend a joint. By
quantifying the amount of tension, a therapist is able to better
monitor and control the specific therapy that is preferably
administered for a given patient. These tension gauges are referred
to as economy force gauges commercially available from
McMaster-Carr, Inc.
[0023] Another alternative feature of the present invention
includes the use of a range of pivot limiter in the hinge 12. By
limiting the range of the pivot through known limiting devices, the
patient's joint can be protected from abnormal force, preventing
extreme range of motion and protecting from injury or damage to
surgically placed registration. The use of this range of motion or
range of pivot limiter with the hinge 12 is a still further therapy
device that, particularly when combined with the tensioning member
and guides discussed earlier, allows a therapist to deliver exactly
a quantifiable and repeatable therapy to a joint. A therapist can
prescribe and limit a specific range of motion and/or amount of
tension, thereby removing the guess work from the therapy.
[0024] The example discussed in connection with the figures
displays the pulley 40 on the relatively lower limb member 11 and
the retaining hooks 20 on the relatively upper limb member 10. The
placement of these components can be reversed with the other posts
and guides being moved to similar opposite locations on the
respective limb members.
[0025] A still further variation of the present invention is an
orthotic device kit. This kit would include all of the parts
described herein. Specifically, there would be first and second
limb support members pivotally connectable at their respective
proximal ends. There are first and second central tension receiving
means. The first member would be adapted for affixing thereto, at
substantially at the middle of its distal end, the first central
tension receiving means. The second member is adapted for affixing
thereto, at substantially at the middle of its distal end, the
second central tensioning receiving means. The kit would further
include first and second pairs of guides, each pair adapted to
guide the tensioning means. The first member adapted for affixing
thereto the first pair of guides at opposite sides of its distal
end. The second member adapted for affixing thereto the second pair
of guides at substantially the middle of its proximal end, wherein
with the tensioning means positioned in the affixed first guides
and received in the affixed second central means, a flexion moment
is created; and with the tensioning means positioned in both the
first and second affixed central means and in the fixed second
guides, an extension moment is created. In summary, therefore, the
kit is merely the separate list of components like those shown in
FIGS. 1-4 but before their assembly.
[0026] While the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments thereof, it will understood that numerous
variations, modifications and additional embodiments are possible,
and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and
embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope
of the invention.
* * * * *