Patent ID: 6027468
Filing Date: 2000-02-22
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
A walking brace for the lower leg of a patient, said walking brace comprising:a leg portion adapted to fit substantially around the lower leg of a patient,a rigid sole portion adapted to fit beneath the foot of a patient, said rigid sole portion having an opening therethrough in the area of the patient's heel said opening extending through said upper surface and said lower surface of said rigid sole portion, such that no portion of said rigid sole portion is disposed below the patient's heel; anda layer of resilient shock-absorbing material disposed along said bottom surface of said rigid sole portion, said layer of resilient shock-absorbing material having continuous a heel portion extending upwardly through said opening in said sole portion to a height no greater than slightly above said upper surface of said rigid sole portion such that in use the patient's heel exerts force against said resilient, shock absorbing heel portion and not against said rigid sole portion, and such that in use the patient's heel is not raised substantially above said upper surface of said rigid sole portion.