Patent ID: 9220624
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: A61F,A63B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for bracing a knee, comprising: a first portion configured to engage with an upper leg above a knee; a second portion configured to engage with a lower leg below the knee; a coupling element couping the first portion to the second portion such that the second portion can rotate about an axis at a pivot point and rotate relative to the first portion as a flexion angle changes, wherein the coupling element itself resists flexion with an anterior force on the posterior of the lower leg, wherein the anterior force is nonlinearly related to the flexion angle; wherein the coupling element includes a first spline located on a first side of the second portion, and a spring connecting to a second spring attachment site on the first spline located anterior of the pivot point and to a first spring attachment site near a center of gravity or center of torque on the first portion such that the forces exerted by the spring on the thigh portion cause less torque on the thigh portion; wherein the first spline defines a variable radius such that a maximum radius is defined between the pivot point and the second spring attachment site.