Patent ID: 6464657
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An exteriorly positionable anatomical brace for stabilizing a uniting pivoting joint disposed between a first limb structure and a second limb structure of a living being, the brace comprising:a) a first cuff partially encompassable about the first limb structure and a second cuff partially encompassable about the second limb structure, wherein each said cuff is a generally U-shape flexibly bendable and tensionable wall structure with two lateral cuff arms having respective distal ends arcuately extending toward each other for juxtapositioning with respective adjacent limb structure sites with said respective first and second cuffs having extending therefrom respective first and second rigid frame members, each of the lateral cuff arms further having at least one sleeve; b) at least one tensioning elongate member integral with each lateral cuff arm and having a threaded end extending from the respective distal end of each cuff arm, at least a portion of each of the at least one tensioning elongate member being retained within the respective at least one sleeve; c) a stop member disposed at each distal end of each cuff arm, said stop member accommodating the passage therethrough of the threaded end of the respective at least one tensioning elongate member; d) a threaded bolt engaged on the threaded end of the respective at least one tensioning elongate member and rotatably movable thereon against the stop member for bendably drawing each respective elongate member with respective integral lateral cuff arm progressively tighter against the respective adjacent limb structure site in direct relationship to the magnitude of rotational movement of said bolt against the stop member; and e) a pivotable brace joint member connecting the first and second rigid frame members.