Patent ID: 7393335
Filing Date: 2008-07-01
Classification: A61F,B25J

Abstract:
1. A metabolically efficient leg brace, comprising: a shank frame for transferring forces between a wearer's tibia/fibula and the shank frame; a thigh frame for transferring forces between a wearer's femur and the thigh frame; at least one knee joint rotatably coupling the shank frame to the thigh frame; at least one torsion spring having a torsional axis at the at least one knee joint, a first arm of the torsion spring coupled to the shank frame, and a second arm of the torsion spring coupled to an input arbor of a thigh clutch; an output arbor of the thigh clutch coupled to the thigh frame; a first activation mechanism for actuating and releasing the thigh clutch; and an electronics control module controlling the first activation mechanism during periods governed by the wearer's gait.