Patent ID: 6689080
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An exteriorly positionable anatomical brace for stabilizing a uniting pivoting joint disposed between a first and second limb structure of a living being, the brace comprising:a) an upper frame member and a lower frame member; b) a pivoting joint member connecting the upper and lower frame members; c) an upper cuff for encompassing a portion of the first limb structure and secured to the upper frame member with a cuff mount, and a lower cuff for encompassing a portion of the second limb structure and secured to the lower frame member with a cuff mount, each cuff comprising: i) an arcuate, tensionable, flexibly-bendable wall structure; ii) at least one elongate tensioner in arcuately related juxtaposition with the cuff, whereby bending the tensioner also bends the cuff, the tensioner having a lateral end and a medial end; iii) an exteriorly accessible adjuster for incrementally drawing the lateral end of the tensioner medially to arcuately tighten the cuff and for incrementally releasing the lateral end to arcuately loosen the cuff; and iv) two sleeves structurally a part of each cuff, with each sleeve having a lateral end and a medial end and wherein the sleeves converge toward each other from the lateral ends toward the medial ends of the sleeves, and further wherein each sleeve houses one elongate tensioner; and d) an upper securement member for securing the upper cuff to the first limb structure, and a lower securement member for securing the lower cuff to the second limb structure.