U.S. patent application number 14/174619 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-05 for cuff assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hanger, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Hanger, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mary-Kate Ennis, Joseph P. Moser, David Nieves.
Application Number | 20140155978 14/174619 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43876424 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140155978 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moser; Joseph P. ; et
al. |
June 5, 2014 |
CUFF ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A cuff assembly includes a frame assembly configured to be
positioned about a limb of a user and support a functional
electrical stimulation system, and an over center closure mechanism
coupled to the frame assembly and configured to secure the frame
assembly relative to the limb, the over center closure mechanism
being located on a medial side of the limb when the frame assembly
is positioned about the limb.
Inventors: |
Moser; Joseph P.; (Wheaton,
IL) ; Nieves; David; (Port Jefferson, NY) ;
Ennis; Mary-Kate; (Austin, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hanger, Inc. |
Austin |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hanger, Inc.
Austin
TX
|
Family ID: |
43876424 |
Appl. No.: |
14/174619 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12581059 |
Oct 16, 2009 |
8660656 |
|
|
14174619 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
607/149 ;
2/272 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/0472 20130101;
A61N 1/0492 20130101; A61N 1/0456 20130101; A61N 1/0452 20130101;
A61N 1/0484 20130101; A61N 1/36003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/149 ;
2/272 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/04 20060101
A61N001/04 |
Claims
1. A functional electrical stimulation system comprising: a frame
assembly configured to be positioned about a lower leg of a user; a
liner coupled to an inner surface of the frame assembly, the liner
including a locating guide configured to align with a tibial crest
of the lower leg of the user when the frame assembly is positioned
about the lower leg of the user; an electrode assembly positioned
on an inner surface of the liner; and a control unit supported by
the frame assembly, the control unit configured to provide
functional electrical stimulation to a neuromuscular system of the
user through the electrode assembly.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrode assembly is
repositionable along the inner surface of the liner.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the liner
and a surface of the electrode assembly comprise at least one of
hook and loop material to facilitate securing the electrode
assembly to the inner surface of the liner in a repositionable
manner.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the locating guide is positioned
along a top edge of the liner.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the locating guide is formed of a
material having a different color than the liner.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame assembly is symmetric
about a line of symmetry extending along a length of the frame
assembly such that the system can be used on a left leg or a right
leg of the user.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a closure mechanism
coupled to the frame assembly and configured to secure the frame
assembly relative to the lower leg of the user, wherein the closure
mechanism includes a strap assembly.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the strap assembly includes a
control unit cover that forms a recess to receive the control
unit.
9. A cuff assembly comprising: a frame assembly configured to be
positioned about a lower leg of a user and to support a control
unit, the frame assembly is symmetric about a line of symmetry
extending along a length of the frame assembly such that the frame
assembly can be used on a left leg or a right leg of the user; a
liner coupled to an inner surface of the frame assembly, the liner
including a locating guide configured to align with a tibial crest
of the lower leg of the user when the frame assembly is positioned
about the lower leg of the user; and an electrode assembly
positioned on an inner surface of the liner.
10. The cuff assembly of claim 9, wherein the electrode assembly is
repositionable along the inner surface of the liner.
11. The cuff assembly of claim 10, wherein the inner surface of the
liner and a surface of the electrode assembly comprise at least one
of hook and loop material to facilitate securing the electrode
assembly to the inner surface of the liner in a repositionable
manner.
12. The cuff assembly of claim 9, wherein the locating guide is
positioned along a top edge of the liner.
13. The cuff assembly of claim 12, wherein the locating guide is
formed of a material having a different color than the liner.
14. The cuff assembly of claim 9, further comprising a closure
mechanism coupled to the frame assembly and configured to secure
the frame assembly relative to the lower leg of the user, wherein
the closure mechanism includes a strap assembly.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the strap assembly includes a
control unit cover that forms a recess to receive the control
unit.
16. A liner assembly for a cuff assembly comprising: a liner having
configured to be positioned about a lower leg of a user, the liner
including an inner surface, an outer surface, and a top edge; a
locating guide positioned along the top edge of the liner and
configured to align with a tibial crest of the lower leg of the
user when the liner is positioned about the lower leg of the user;
an electrode locator removably coupled to the inner surface of the
liner;
17. The liner assembly of claim 16, wherein the outer surface of
the liner comprises at least one of hook and loop material.
18. The liner assembly of claim 16, wherein the liner includes a
grove or a notch located to align with the tibial crest of the
lower leg of the user when the liner assembly is positioned about
the lower leg of the user.
19. The liner assembly of claim 16, wherein the locating guide is
formed of a material having a different color than the liner.
20. The liner assembly of claim 16, wherein the inner surface of
the liner and a surface of the electrode locator comprise at least
one of hook and loop material to facilitate removably securing the
electrode locator to the inner surface of the liner in a
repositionable manner.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/581,059, entitled "CUFF ASSEMBLY," and
filed on Oct. 16, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety and for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
cuff assemblies. More specifically, the present disclosure relates
to a cuff assembly that is attachable to a user's limb (e.g., leg,
etc.) and is configured to support a control unit (e.g., a
computerized control unit, etc.) that provides functional
electrical stimulation (FES) to the neuromuscular system of the
user.
[0003] FES systems are generally known and may be used to improve
neuro-muscular functioning of users with various disabilities.
However, there are many challenges associated with providing an
effective FES system that is easy to use and adaptable to a wide
variety of users.
SUMMARY
[0004] One embodiment relates to a cuff assembly comprising a frame
assembly configured to be positioned about a limb of a user and
support a functional electrical stimulation system, and an over
center closure mechanism coupled to the frame assembly and
configured to secure the frame assembly relative to the limb, the
over center closure mechanism being located on a medial side of the
limb when the frame assembly is positioned about the limb.
[0005] Another embodiment relates to a cuff assembly comprising a
frame assembly having an at least partially flexible skeletal
portion configured to extend about at least a portion of a
circumference of a limb of a user, a strap assembly extending about
at least a portion of the frame assembly and configured to support
a control unit, and an over center closure mechanism coupled to at
least one end of the strap assembly, the over center closure
mechanism being moveable from an open position to a closed position
to increase an amount of compressive force applied to the limb via
the frame assembly.
[0006] Another embodiment relates to a cuff assembly comprising a
frame assembly configured to extend about at least a portion of a
limb of a user, a strap assembly configured to extend about at
least a portion of the frame assembly, a first end of the strap
assembly being coupled to the frame assembly, and a latch
mechanism. The latch mechanism is located to a medial side of the
limb and comprises a base coupled to the frame assembly, a first
clip member coupled to a second end of the strap, and a second clip
member coupled to the first clip member and having a first pin
member configured to be rotatably received by a first portion of
the base and a second pin member configured to be snap fit into a
second portion of the base.
[0007] Another embodiment relates to a cuff assembly comprising one
or more electrode locators that are configured to be removeably
coupled to the interior of the cuff assembly and locate electrode
assemblies relative to a limb of a user.
[0008] Another embodiment relates to a cuff assembly comprising an
extra-skeletal frame member that includes an exposed exterior
surface and is coupled to a liner assembly on an interior surface.
The skeletal frame member may comprise a plurality of portions,
each portion being molded using a separate molding process (e.g.,
injection molding, etc.), and each portion having a unique hardness
relative to at least one other portion.
[0009] Yet another embodiment relates to a cuff assembly comprising
a locating guide that is attached to a portion of the cuff assembly
and is configured to be aligned with a tibial crest of a user when
the cuff assembly is properly positioned on the user's leg.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present disclosure will become more fully understood
from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to
like elements.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cuff assembly
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of an interior of
a cuff assembly according to an exemplary embodiment
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front view of a cuff assembly positioned on a
limb of a user according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of a cuff assembly positioned on a
limb of a user according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a an exploded view of a cuff assembly according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a skeleton member of a frame
assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a top view of the skeleton member of FIG. 6
according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a skeleton assembly
according to another exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a liner assembly according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a liner assembly according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the liner assembly
shown in FIG. 10 taken along line A-A of FIG. 10 according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a closure device according to
an exemplary embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a strap assembly to be used
with a cuff assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 14 a perspective view of an electrode locator according
to an exemplary embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a disposable liner according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of a skeleton
member after a first molding process according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of a skeleton
member after a second molding process according to an exemplary
embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a general block diagram of a functional
electrical stimulation system according to an exemplary
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Various embodiments disclosed herein may be used in
connection with one or more medical devices (e.g., neuro-prosthetic
devices, etc.) intended to address neuro-muscular medical
conditions in users of such devices. One such medical condition is
drop foot, or foot drop, which is a disorder that can affect a
person's ability to raise his or her foot at the ankle. Drop foot
may also make walking a challenge, resulting in a person either
dragging a foot and toes while walking, or having to walk with an
unusually high step.
[0030] To address drop foot, a functional electrical stimulation
(FES) system may be used to provide signals to nerves in the lower
leg that then activate muscles to raise the foot at the appropriate
time during walking, etc. A cuff assembly may be used to support
the FES system, for example, by wrapping or extending about a lower
leg portion of a user.
[0031] The cuff assembly described in the various embodiments
disclosed herein may provide a variety of benefits to users,
including enabling a user to don (e.g., put on) or doff (e.g., take
off or remove) the cuff assembly utilizing only a single hand,
minimizing the overall diameter and/or circumference of the cuff
assembly to facilitate fitting pant legs or other clothing over the
cuff assembly, and providing an easily repeatable locating of
electrodes used by the FES system between wearings of the cuff to
avoid having to repeatedly determine proper placement of electrodes
via various calibration techniques. The cuff assembly may provide
many other benefits to users as discussed in further detail
below.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a cuff or cuff assembly 10
(e.g., a support assembly, a neuro-prosthetic device or support, a
brace, a wrap, etc.) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 1-5, cuff 10 may include a frame assembly 12, a
strap assembly 14, and a closure assembly shown as over center
closure mechanism 18. Cuff 10 further includes one or more
electrode locators 20, 22 that support and locate electrode
assemblies 24, 26, which are in turn controlled by a control unit
16 (e.g., a computerized control unit, etc.) via wires 28, 30.
Electrode locators 20, 22 may be coupled to a liner assembly 34
provided on an interior portion of frame assembly 12. A leg pad 38
may be provided between frame assembly 12 and strap assembly 14 to
ensure a good fit of cuff assembly 10 and avoid discomfort to a
user.
[0033] Cuff 10 is configured to support control unit 16 proximate a
user's limb, such as a lower leg, so that electrode assemblies 24,
26 may provide proper stimulation to the nerves and/or muscles. A
locating guide 36 may be provided as part of liner assembly 34 to
provide a guide to properly locate cuff 10 about the circumference
of a user's leg, such as limb 32 shown in FIGS. 3-4. According to
an exemplary embodiment, locating guide 36 is positioned such that
it aligns with the tibial crest of a user when cuff 10 is properly
positioned on limb 32. This may facilitate proper positioning of
cuff 10 over repeated uses.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 5-18, the various components of cuff
assembly 10 will be described in greater detail. As shown in FIGS.
6-10, frame assembly 12 includes a skeleton member 40 (e.g., a
frame, an exoskeleton, a molded member, an armature, etc.) and a
liner assembly 34. Frame assembly 12 may be any suitable width
(e.g., 2 inches, 4 inches, etc.). According to various exemplary
embodiments, skeleton member 40 may be a rigid, semi-rigid, or
flexible member made from a polymer material (e.g., High-Density
Polyethylene (HDPE), Santoprene, a combination thereof, etc.) via
one or more injection molding processes or another suitable
molding, forming, or other manufacturing process. For example, as
shown in FIG. 7, skeleton member may 40 comprise a first portion 42
and a second portion 44 made from differing materials having
different characteristics (e.g., different colors, hardness,
durometer values, flexibility, etc.). In one embodiment, second
portion 44 is formed from HDPE (e.g., a rigid or semi-rigid
material) utilizing a first injection molding process (see FIG.
16), and then first portion 42 is over-molded onto at least a
portion of second portion 44 utilizing a Santoprene material (e.g.,
a flexible material) and a second injection molding process (see
FIG. 17). The HDPE material would have a higher durometer value,
and therefore second portion 44 would be more rigid, than first
portion 42, which would have a relatively lower durometer value
associated with the Santoprene material. First and second portions
42, 44 may overlap each other at an overlap area 120 shown in FIG.
17. Other materials may be used according to various other
exemplary embodiments.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 6-7, skeleton member 40 may include one or
more apertures 50 that may reduce the weight of skeleton member 40
without impairing the strength or structural characteristics of
cuff 10. Further, skeleton member 40 includes an apex 46 (e.g., a
curved portion, a groove, a corner, etc.) configured to conform to
a tibial crest of a user. A flat portion or area 52 may be provided
to a medial side of apex 46 and be sized to accommodate a side
surface of control unit 16. A pin retainer 48 extends from one side
of skeleton member 40 and in one embodiment is configured to retain
a pin coupled to strap assembly 14, as discussed in greater detail
below.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 8, one or more pads 54, 56, 58 may be
secured to skeleton member 40. For example, as shown in FIG. 8,
pads 54, 56 may be located on an exterior or outward-facing surface
of skeleton member 40, while one or more pads 58 may be located on
an inward-facing or interior surface of skeleton member 40. In one
embodiment, pads 54, 56, and 58 are secured to skeleton member 40
using an adhesive material. In a further embodiment, pads 54, 56,
and 58 comprise outward-facing hook and/or loop material configured
to enable coupling of additional components to frame assembly 12.
In a yet further embodiment, pads 54, 56 comprise a loop material
and pads 58 comprises a hook material.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, liner assembly 34 is shown in
greater detail according to an exemplary embodiment. Liner assembly
34 may be coupled to the inner surface of skeleton member 40, as
shown in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, outer surface 60 of liner
assembly 34 may comprise a hook and/or loop fastener material
configured to couple with the hook and/or loop material provided on
pads 58 of skeleton member 40. Inner surface 62 may similarly be
provided with a hook and/or loop material to facilitate the
locating and retention of electrode locators 20, 22 (see, e.g.,
FIG. 2) on inner surface 62. Other means (e.g., adhesives,
mechanical fasteners, snap fit devices, etc.) may be used to secure
liner assembly 34 to skeleton member 40 and/or electrode locators
20, 22 according to various alternative embodiments.
[0038] In one embodiment, locating guide 36 is located along a top
edge of liner assembly 34 such that locating guide 36 aligns with
the tibial crest of a lower leg when cuff assembly 10 is properly
fitted to a user. In one embodiment, locating guide 36 is a piece
of material that is sewn, adhered, or otherwise coupled to the main
body of liner assembly 34. In further embodiments, locating guide
36 may be provided in a contrasting color (e.g., an orange color,
etc.) from liner assembly 34 and/or other components of cuff 10 so
as to be easily identifiable by a user. According to various other
embodiments, locating guide 36 may comprise other features such as
a notch, a printed marking, etc.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 10-11, according to one embodiment, liner
assembly 34 may be compression molded and include one or more
raised portions 66, 69, and one or more lower or recessed portions
64. Portions 64, 66, 69 may be formed such that when liner assembly
34 is coupled to skeleton member 40, raised portions 66 extend at
least partially through apertures 50 in skeleton member 40 and
raised portion 69 extends about a portion or all of the perimeter
of skeleton member 40. Liner assembly 34 may also include a groove
or notch 68 located to align with the tibial crest of a lower leg
of a user. In some embodiments, skeleton member 40 may be molded
with a corresponding raised portion which may be received within
notch 68 when liner assembly 34 is coupled to skeleton member
40.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 4-5 and 12, closure mechanism 18
(e.g., an over center latch, closure mechanism, buckle, closure
device, etc.) will be described in greater detail according to an
exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, closure mechanism 18
includes a base 74, a first clip member 72 (e.g., a band, etc.),
and a second clip member 70 (e.g., an over center clip, a rotating
clip, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, base 74 is
coupled to frame assembly 12 via one or more fastening members 76
(e.g., screws, nuts, adhesive members, hook and loop fasteners,
etc.). In one embodiment, base 74 is rotatably coupled to frame
assembly 12 to permit a limited amount of pivoting of base 74
relative to frame assembly 12 and to facilitate closing of closure
mechanism 18. One portion 73 of first clip member 72 is coupled to
one end of strap 14 (e.g., end 82 of strap 14 shown in FIG. 13) and
a second portion of first clip member 72 is pivotally coupled to
second clip member 70 via a pivot 75 (e.g., via a pin extending
through apertures in both first and second clips 72, 70).
[0041] Referring further to FIG. 12, second clip 70 includes a pin
member 78 (e.g., an extension, etc.) configured to be received
within recesses 80 (e.g., notches, etc.) provided in base 74 when
closure mechanism 18 is fully closed. In one embodiment, pin member
78 is slightly oversized relative to recess 80 to provide a snap
fit interface between the components.
[0042] When closure mechanism 18 is in an open position, clip
members 70, 72 may be physically separated from base 74 so as to
permit removal of cuff 10 from limb 32 in a lateral direction
(e.g., eliminating the need to pull cuff 10 up and/or down over the
foot to don/doff the assembly). In order to close closure mechanism
18, pivot member 77 is first placed into a corresponding recess 79
in base 74. A user may then rotate second clip 70 about pivot
member 77 until pin member 78 is securely received within recesses
80 in a snap fit fashion. As second clip 70 is rotated, first clip
72 is likewise moved circumferentially about frame assembly 12,
thereby decreasing the circumference of frame assembly 12 and
increasing the compressive force applied to limb 32. This increase
in compressive force ensures that cuff 10 remains in place during
physical activity of the use and ensures electrode contact with the
skin.
[0043] In some embodiments, closure mechanism 18 is an over center
closure device, such that the force required to rotate second clip
70 increases (e.g., from a fully open position) as second clip 70
is rotated, reaches a maximum at approximately the center point of
rotation (e.g., at the "over center" location), and then decreases
as second clip 70 is rotated further toward the fully closed
position. According to one embodiment, the maximum force required
to close closure mechanism 18 is 5 pounds. According to alternate
embodiments, the maximum force required to close closure mechanism
18 may be more or less than 5 pounds (e.g., 2 pounds, 3 pounds, 7
pounds, etc.).
[0044] It should be noted that closure mechanism 18 can be easily
opened and closed by a user through the use of only a single hand.
This may be beneficial in situations where a user experiencing
problems with, for example, a left leg, is also experiencing
problems with the left hand. For example, such problems often arise
in connection with stroke victims, people suffering from multiple
sclerosis (MS), and from a variety of other medical conditions. In
some embodiments, closure mechanism 18 may be located to a medial
side of limb 32 (e.g., along an inside portion) to facilitate
opposite single-hand manipulation of closure mechanism 18 (as
shown, e.g., in FIGS. 3-4).
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 13, strap assembly 14 is shown in
greater detail according to an exemplary embodiment. Generally,
strap 14 extends about all or a portion of frame assembly 12 when
cuff 10 is in use. As shown in FIG. 13, strap assembly 14 includes
a first end 82 and a second end 84. First end 82 may include a loop
configured to be coupled to a portion of closure mechanism 18
(e.g., first clip member 72 shown in FIG. 12), and second end 84
may include a pin member 92 configured to be received in pin
retainer 48 on frame assembly 12 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6 and 8). Strap
14 may include one or more portions 86, 88 that comprises an
elastic material configured to provide cuff 10 with a degree of
mechanical compliance relative to limb 32 to permit for physical
activity, muscle flexion, etc. For example, portions 86, 88 allow
the cuff circumference to expand and contract with leg
circumferential changes during walking to keep cuff 10 from moving
axially along the leg. Strap assembly 14 may further include one or
more pads 96-106 on either side of strap assembly 14 that include a
hook and/or loop material and are usable to couple various
components of cuff 10 to strap 14. Further, one or more of pads
96-106 may be usable to conceal wires 28, 30 that extend from
control unit 16 to electrode assemblies 24, 26. For example,
according to one embodiment, pad 98 may form a pocket or recess
that is configured to receive one or more of wires 28, 30, thereby
reducing the chance that wires 28, 30 will snag on other components
during use of cuff 10. Further yet, one or more of pads 96-106 may
be provided with a length-adjustment feature so as to allow a user
to adjust the length of strap 14.
[0046] Referring further to FIG. 13, strap assembly 14 includes a
control unit cover 94 and a reinforcement member 90. When strap
assembly 14 extends about frame assembly 12, cover 94 and frame
assembly 12 may form a recess, or pocket, which receives control
unit 16. Cover 94 may be open on both ends so that control unit 16
may be inserted from either a top or bottom position. Reinforcement
member 90 may be made from a different material (e.g., a polyester,
etc.) from the remainder of strap assembly 14. Further, cover 94
may be at least partially elastic so as to securely retain control
unit 16 during use, and may be configured to provide user access to
the battery compartment and connector(s) of control unit 16.
Various portions of strap assembly 14 may be latex-free elastic,
polyester, and/or nylon material to avoid irritation of the users
skin.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 14, electrode locators 20, 22 are
shown in greater detail. Electrode locators 20, 22 are used to
facilitate proper placement of electrode assemblies 24, 26 relative
to limb 32. Locators 20, 22 include a generally circular ring 108
(e.g., a silicone ring), an inner surface 110, and an outer surface
112. Inner and outer surfaces 110, 112 may comprise hook and/or
loop material to facilitate securing outer surface 112 of locators
20, 22 to liner assembly 34 and to facilitate securing inner
surface 110 of locators 20, 22 to electrode assemblies 24, 26 (see,
e.g., FIG. 2). According to an exemplary embodiment, locators 20,
22 each include a thread material 114 that extends about the
perimeter of locators 20, 22. A different color material (e.g., one
black, and one read) may be used for each of locators 20, 22. While
locators 20, 22 are shown as generally circular in shape, any
desired shape may be used (e.g., square, rectangular, etc.). In
some embodiments, locators 20, 22 are circular and have a diameter
of approximately 1.25 inches, although according to various
alternative embodiments, locators 20, 22 may have a variety of
different diameters (e.g., approximately 1.88 inches, more or less
than 1.25 inches, etc.).
[0048] During an initial wearing of cuff 10, the positions of
electrode assemblies 24, 26 may be varied using a trial and error
type calibration procedure to determine the best placement of the
electrodes. Once the proper placement of the electrodes is
determined, electrode assemblies 24, 26 may be fastened to
electrode locators 20, 22, which are in turn fastened to liner
assembly 34. Various combinations of hook and loop fasteners may be
used to coupled electrode locators 20, 22 to electrode assemblies
24, 26 and/or liner assembly 34.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 15, a disposable liner 122 is shown
according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15,
disposable liner 122 may be a generally planar piece of material
(e.g., a fabric, paper, etc.) having a shape similar to liner
assembly 34. Liner 122 may be provided with imprinted cut lines
124, 126 or other suitable markings identifying where liner 122 may
be cut to fit varying sizes of cuffs (e.g., for large (as shown),
medium (cut line 126), and small (cut line 124)). Liner 122 may
include a notch 128 or other suitable marking that aligns with the
tibial crest of a user and tibial crest locator 36 on liner
assembly 34. The outer surface of liner 122 (e.g., the surface
facing away from a limb) may include one or more pads 130 provided
with hook and loop material and/or adhesive features that enable a
user to temporarily secure liner 122 to the inner surface of liner
assembly 34. The inner surface of liner 122 (e.g., the surface
facing a limb) may also include a hook and/or loop material and may
receive locators 20, 22 and/or electrodes 24, 26 as discussed
above.
[0050] Disposable liner 122 may facilitate the use of cuff 10 with
a variety of different users (e.g., as part of a physical
therapist's treatment) such that a number of users may use a single
cuff assembly. Each different user may be allocated a separate
disposable liner 122, which may be inserted and removed from liner
assembly 34 as appropriate. Liner 122 may be provided with a
writable surface such that the locations of locators 20, 22 may be
marked directly onto the liner to indicate where locators 20, 22
should be positioned. Further, liner 122 may be marked with patient
information such as identification information, medical
information, etc.
[0051] Cuff assembly 10 may be used in connection with a variety of
medical devices, including a variety of FES systems that may
restore neuro-muscular functionality to patients. Referring to FIG.
18, a block diagram of an FES system is shown according to an
exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, control unit 16 may be
electrically coupled to electrode assemblies 24, 26 via wires 28,
30. Control unit 16 controls the electrical signals sent to
electrode assemblies 24, 26. In one embodiment, control unit 16
includes a processor 132, a power supply 134, and an accelerometer
136. Based on signals received from accelerometer 136, processor
132 may determine the tilt angle of a user's leg (e.g., the angle
between the lower leg, or shank, and a level surface), and may
provide electrical signals to electrode assemblies 24, 26 at
appropriate times (e.g., to determine a start/stop stimulation
pattern or timing sequence during walking to avoid dragging of the
foot and toes). In some embodiments, control unit 16 is provided on
the medial side of the tibial crest, which is a generally flat,
boney area, without excessive flesh such that cuff 10 and control
unit 16 tend to move less in this area relative to other areas of
the leg. The compressive force provided by closure mechanism 18
serves to both properly locate control unit 16 and to ensure proper
contact between the electrodes and the skin, which in turn ensures
proper electrical stimulation of the nerve(s) and/or muscle(s) of
the user. According to various other embodiments, cuff 10 may be
used with other control units that may operate in similar or
different ways.
[0052] It should be noted that the cuff assembly described in
connection with the various exemplary embodiments provided herein
may provide many benefits to users. For example, the construction
and arrangement of the frame assembly and the closure mechanism
facilitate one-handed attachment and removal of the cuff from a
user's leg. Further, when initially placed on the leg, the flexible
or resilient construction of the cuff assembly resists sliding
and/or other movement relative to a user's leg. Further yet, the
cuff may accommodate different-sized legs, and may be reversible
such that it may be used on either a left or right leg by flipping
the assembly upside down. For example, various components of the
cuff assembly (e.g., the frame assembly, strap assembly, etc.) may
be generally symmetrical about a line of symmetry extending along
the length of the cuff, such that be flipping the cuff assembly
upside down the cuff may be fitted to an opposite leg.
[0053] The cuff also provides an effective support for a control
module and/or one or more electrodes, by providing a secure
attachment mechanism for the control module and locators that
facilitate consistent and proper locating of the electrodes with
each don and doff of the cuff assembly. Further, the cuff provides
a compressive force perpendicular to a user's skin, thereby
ensuring proper contact between the electrodes and the skin. To
avoid skin irritation, various components of the cuff may be made
of a latex-free and/or hypoallergenic material that is breathable.
Further yet, to facilitate attachment and removal of the cuff,
portions of the frame assembly may be provided with varying levels
of flexibility to provide a clamping force around a user's leg. For
example, the skeleton frame member may be formed in multiple
stages, utilizing materials of differing harness (e.g., differing
durometer values, differing flexibility or rigidity, etc.) in a
series of injection molding processes where layers of polymer
material are over-molded together to form a composite skeleton
having multiple hardness characteristics.
[0054] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the cuff assembly as shown in the
exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those
skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily
appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations
in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the
various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements,
materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing
from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter
recited in the embodiments. For example, for purposes of this
disclosure, the term "coupled" shall mean the joining of two
members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be
stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be
achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two members or the two members
and any additional intermediate member being attached to one
another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively
may be removable or releasable in nature. Such joining may also
relate to mechanical, fluid, or electrical relationship between the
two components. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to
be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined
in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or
method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative
embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and/or
omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and
arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the
spirit of the present disclosure.
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