Abstract:
A drop foot brace includes a support configured to be secured to a leg of a user, a foot-receiving member and a tensioning component. The tensioning component may include an elongated element a rotatable tightening member for adjusting a tension in the elongated element and two or more engagement elements associated with the elongated element. Each engagement element may include a long, curved hook guide that receives the elongated element and that is configured to minimize deformation and breakage of the elongate element. In addition, each engagement element may include a hook configured to engage a corresponding feature of a foot-receiving member. The foot-receiving member may comprise footwear, such as a shoe or boot, or it may be configured to enable us of the support member (and, thus, of the drop foot brace) without footwear that covers the top, or dorsal portion, of the foot. Thus, the drop foot brace may be used when an individual decides to go barefoot or when the individual wears flip-flops or other sandals. Methods for addressing drop foot are also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/795,060, filed on Mar. 12, 2013 and titled “ORTHOSIS, SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ADDRESSING FOOT DROP,” the entire disclosure of which is, by this reference, incorporated herein. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This disclosure relates generally to orthoses and, more specifically, to orthoses that are configured for use in treating conditions that relate to feet, including foot drop. This disclosure also relates to systems and methods for treating foot drop. 
       BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART 
       [0003]    Foot drop, which is also known as “drop foot,” is a condition in which the front part of an individual&#39;s foot, or “forefoot,” and his or her toes drop. Various causes of foot drop include weakness of the forefoot, injury to the peroneal nerve, paralysis of muscles in the anterior, or front, portion of the lower leg (i.e., the shin), or a variety of other conditions, such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or others. The condition may be temporary or permanent, and can affect one foot or both of an individual&#39;s feet. 
         [0004]    Because foot drop affects an individual&#39;s ability to lift his or her forefoot, it can cause difficulty walking. A person with foot drop may drag his or her toes along the ground when walking or lift his or her knee higher than normal while walking in order to prevent the foot from dragging, resulting in what is commonly referred to as “steppage gait.” These complications may make decrease the mobility of affected individuals. 
         [0005]    While various orthoses are available for treating foot drop, they are often difficult and clumsy to set up and adjust. Many require specialized or modified shoes. The complexity, weight, and lack of flexibility associated with many orthoses make them less convenient for affected individuals. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    This disclosure, in one aspect, relates to orthoses for addressing foot drop or other conditions that may be addressed by adjusting an angle of the foot relative to the lower leg. For the sake of simplicity, such an orthosis may also be referred to herein as a “drop foot brace.” A drop foot brace may be configured to exert an upward force on a foot-receiving member (e.g., an item of footwear, another foot-receiving member configured to be worn on an individual&#39;s forefoot, etc.) and, thus, on the individual&#39;s foot. 
         [0007]    Various embodiments of a drop foot brace may include a support that is configured to secure the drop foot brace to a lower leg of an individual, as well as a tensioning component, which is configured to exert an upward force on a foot-receiving member and, thus, on a foot, of an individual (who may also be referred to herein as a “user”). 
         [0008]    The support of a drop foot brace may include an anterior element and an elongated securing element. The anterior element may be configured to be positioned over a shin of the user&#39;s lower leg. The elongated securing element (or, more simply, an “elongated element”) may be configured to wrap at least partially around the user&#39;s lower leg and to secure the anterior element in place over the user&#39;s shin. In some embodiments, the support may be configured to wrap completely around the user&#39;s leg. 
         [0009]    The tensioning component of a drop foot brace may be configured to removably engage a foot-receiving member, which, in turn, may be secured to a user&#39;s foot. The tensioning component may include at least one flexible elongated element (or, more simply, an “elongated element”) (e.g., a cord, a cable, etc.), at least two engagement elements that are configured to engage corresponding features of the foot-receiving member (e.g., eyelets, such as reinforced or unreinforced holes, loops or hooks, etc.) and that are actuated by the flexible elongated element, and a tensioning system configured to introduce tension in the flexible elongated element (and, optionally, to release tension from the flexible elongated element). In a specific embodiment, the tensioning system may comprise a reel tensioning system, in which a handle and reel are rotated to take up the flexible elongated element, and to introduce tension therein. In addition, the tensioning component may include one or more guides for the flexible elongated element. The guide or guides may be carried by the support of the drop foot brace. 
         [0010]    An engagement element of a tensioning component of a drop foot brace may include an upper portion, a central portion extending from the upper portion, and a lower portion adjacent to an opposite side (or end) of the central portion from the upper portion. The upper portion is configured to receive and to be engaged by the flexible elongated element. In some embodiments, an aperture through the upper portion receives the flexible elongated element. The aperture may be configured to minimize wear on the flexible elongated element as the engagement element moves along the flexible elongated element or as the flexible elongated element moves through the aperture. Wear of the flexible elongated element may be minimized by avoiding corners at locations of the upper portion that may come into contact with the flexible elongated element during use of the foot brace. As a non-limiting example, interior peripheral surfaces that define the aperture through the upper portion may be convex. The lower portion of the engagement element, which extends transverse to a length of the engagement element, may include a tooth at or near an end of the lower portion. The tooth may be configured to engage an eyelet of a foot-receiving member or the foot-receiving member without damaging the same. 
         [0011]    In a specific embodiment of a foot brace, the anterior element of the support may include a base and at least one collapsible region adjacent to the base. A guide of the tensioning component may be secured to the at least one collapsible region. When tension is applied to the flexible elongated element (e.g., by the tensioning system or otherwise), the flexible elongated element may pull on the guide, which, in turn, may cause the collapsible region of the anterior element of the support to bend or collapse. In contrast, the base of the anterior element of the support may have sufficient rigidity to resist collapsing under such force. Such a selectively collapsible configuration may enable the anterior element to remain in place while the tensioning component of a foot brace pulls a foot-receiving member upward. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect, a method for addressing drop foot includes securing a foot-receiving member to a foot of an individual; securing a support of an orthosis for addressing drop foot to a lower leg, above the foot; inserting engagement elements into corresponding features of the foot-receiving member; and introducing tension in a flexible elongated element of the orthosis. As tension is introduced into the flexible elongated element, the orthosis may pull the foot-receiving member and the foot upward. As tension is introduced in the flexible elongated element, a collapsible region of an anterior element of a support of the brace may collapse or bend under the force generated by the collapsible region, while the base of the support may have sufficient rigidity to resist collapsing under such force. In addition, a tooth on the end of each engagement member may engage their corresponding features (e.g., eyelets, etc.) of the foot-receiving member or portions of the foot-receiving member that are located immediately adjacent to those corresponding features. The orthosis may be removed by releasing tension in the flexible elongated element; removing each engagement member from its corresponding feature of the foot-receiving member (and, optionally, disengaging a tooth of each engagement member); and removing the orthosis from the lower leg. 
         [0013]    Other aspects, as well as the features and advantages of various aspects, of the disclosed subject matter will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the ensuing description, the accompanying figures, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    In the Figures: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an exterior surface of an embodiment of an orthosis for addressing foot drop, or “drop foot brace”; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1A  illustrates another embodiment of an orthosis that may be used to address drop foot, among other purposes; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2A through 2C  are views of an embodiment of an engagement element that may be used with a drop foot brace; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 2D through 2F  illustrate another embodiment of engagement element that may be used with a drop foot brace; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates use of the embodiment of drop foot brace shown in  FIG. 1  in conjunction with a foot-receiving member that is configured to be worn without a shoe; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows use of the embodiment of drop foot brace depicted by  FIG. 1  in conjunction with a shoe with laces; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for using an embodiment of a drop foot brace in conjunction with a foot receiving member or a shoe. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a drop foot brace  100 . The drop foot brace  100  provides support for the forefoot of the user, and can be used to treat foot drop and other conditions where the forefoot needs additional support. 
         [0023]    The drop foot brace  100  may include a support  102  for securing the drop foot brace  100  to the leg of a user wearing the drop foot brace  100 . Because the support  102  is configured to be secured to the leg of a user, its construction and the materials from which it is made may be configured to enable the support  102  to engage a user&#39;s leg in a desired manner. Thus, the support  102  may include flexible materials (e.g., fabrics, polymeric films, cushioning materials, etc.), rigid or somewhat rigid materials (e.g., plastic or metallic structural elements, form-fitting pieces, etc.) or combinations of flexible and rigid or somewhat rigid materials. 
         [0024]    The support  102  includes an interior surface that faces inwardly toward the leg of the user when the support  102  is being worn, and an exterior surface that faces outwardly from the leg. In some embodiments, the support  102  may be configured to wrap entirely around the leg. In other embodiments, the support  102  may be configured to physically contact only portions of the leg, such as the front of the leg and the back of the leg. 
         [0025]    The embodiment of support  102  shown in  FIG. 1  is a cuff. Other types and embodiments of supports  102  are also within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. In the embodiment depicted by  FIG. 1 , the support  102  comprises a band-like structure for surrounding a portion of the leg of the user of the drop foot brace  100 . The support  102  may be made from a flexible material such as neoprene. The support  102  may also include stiff or rigid components. The support  102  may also include foam material or other padding to make the support  102  more comfortable when worn by the user. The support  102  may be configured to be worn against the skin of the leg and/or over an item clothing (e.g., hosiery, a sock, a pants leg, etc.). 
         [0026]    The support  102  may include a center portion  106  that is configured to be positioned on the front of the leg when being worn (as shown in connection with  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 ), a lateral side  104 , and a medial side  108  opposite from the lateral side  104 . The support  102  may include fastener (e.g., a hook and loop fastener (such as VELCRO®), etc.) to secure the support  102  to itself and to the leg of the user. In one embodiment, the exterior surface of the medial side  108  carries a hook material  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . An interior surface of the lateral side  104  may carry loop material (not seen in  FIG. 1 ). The user, when securing the support  102  in place, may wrap the medial side  108  around the leg, and then wrap the lateral side  104  around the leg such that the loop material at least partially overlaps the hook material  110 . 
         [0027]    While  FIG. 1  illustrates a support  102  using hook and loop fasteners, other types of fasteners may be used instead of or in addition to hook and loop fasteners to secure the support  102  to a user&#39;s leg. The embodiment of support  102  shown in  FIG. 1  also includes an optional strap  112  that at least partially secures the support  102  to the leg of the user. The strap  112  may be adjustable. It may include a securing mechanism comprising a male clip component  116  and a female clip component  114 . The strap  112  may employ other forms of securing mechanisms, such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and others. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the strap  112  (or at least a central portion thereof) may comprise a chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber material (CSM), such as HYPALON®. However, other appropriate materials may also be used. Such a strap  112  may also include lateral portions that comprise nylon webbing that is sewn to the central portion of the strap  112 . 
         [0029]    In use, a user may position the support  102  around his or her leg, then secure the support  102  in place with the hook material  110  and the loop material. The strap  112  may then be adjusted to further tighten or secure the support  102  to the leg. The strap  112  may be pulled around the support  102  such that the strap  112  is disposed over (and around) a majority or all of the support  102 , and encircles the user&#39;s leg. The user may then adjust the tightness of the strap  112  to further secure the support  102  in position. 
         [0030]    While  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a support  102  with a lateral side  104  and a medial side  108  that are not connected to each other, in other embodiments, the lateral side  104  and the medial side  108  join one another at a back of the support  102 , such that the support  102  forms a unitary band. In embodiments where the support  102  comprises a unitary band, elasticity in at least a portion of the unitary band may enable the support  102  to engage and remain in place on the leg of a user. For example, the support  102  may comprise a unitary band formed from a flexible neoprene material that the user slides over his or her foot and onto his or her leg. 
         [0031]    The support  102  may be configured to fit the lower leg of the user above the ankle and below the knee, a location that is often referred to as the “crus” or the “gaiter.” The center portion  106  of the support  102  may be situated proximally above the foot when being worn, as shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 . In certain embodiments, the center portion  106  is configured to fit an individual&#39;s leg directly above the ankle. In such an embodiment, a bottom edge of the center portion  106  may include a recess  118  for accommodating the top of an individual&#39;s foot when the support  102  is secured to the individual&#39;s lower leg. The recess  118 , which comprise a concave curvature, may make the support  102  more comfortable for an individual to wear. In some embodiments, a recess  118  may enable use of the drop foot brace  100  with footwear (e.g., shoes, boots, etc.). 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, a support  102  may include a number of perforations  140  that extend therethrough (e.g., completely through the support  102 , from the interior surface to the exterior surface; partially through the support; etc.). The perforations  140  may impart the support  102  with breathability, which may make it more comfortable to wear (e.g., by minimizing perspiration that might otherwise be caused by the support  102 , etc.). In addition or as an alternative to perforations  140 , a support  102  may include apertures (e.g., openings in the lateral sides  104  and  108  of the support  102 , etc.). A wicking material on the interior surface of the support  102  may draw moisture away from the skin of in individual wearing the drop foot brace  100 . 
         [0033]    The support  102  may include one or more cut lines  142 . Each cut line  142  may be configured to enable an individual to adjust the length of the first lateral side  104  of the support  102  by providing a location at which the first lateral side  104  may be cut to remove unneeded, excess portions of the first lateral side  104  and, thus, to ensure that the support  102  is sized appropriately for the individual who will be wearing it. In various embodiments, each cut line  142  may be configured in a manner that will help prevent fraying or other undesirable wear of the first lateral side  104  of the support  102  as it is cut (e.g., each cut line  142  may comprise an elongated location that is molded or otherwise compressed, etc.) to an appropriate length. 
         [0034]    The drop foot brace  100  may also include a tensioning component that removably couples to a foot-receiving member (e.g., footwear, such as a shoe, a boot, etc.; etc.) worn by the user that is using the drop foot brace  100 . The tensioning component couples the support  102  of the drop foot brace  100  to the foot-receiving member. The term “couple,” as used herein, may refer to direct coupling with no intermediate components or indirect coupling. The tensioning component may directly couple to the foot-receiving member, or may indirectly couple to the foot-receiving member. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the tensioning component is an elongated element  120  having two engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b  attached thereto. Other types of tensioning component may be used in alternative embodiments. 
         [0035]    The elongated element  120  and the two engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b  may removably couple the support  102  to the foot-receiving member worn by the user. As used herein, the term “elongated element” refers to any of a variety of thin, collapsible regions along which tensile forces may be applied and maintained to provide a desired amount of bracing force (e.g., a cord, a cable, a rope, a string, etc.). The elongated element  120  may comprise a single stranded element or it may include a plurality of filaments or strands that are associated with one another in a manner that imparts the elongated element  120  with strength and/or durability (e.g., it may comprise a plurality of twisted and/or woven strands, etc.). Any suitable material may be used to form the elongated element  120  (e.g., metal wire, polyethylene, an aramid, an acrylic, or any other suitable material). In embodiments where the elongated element  120  includes a plurality of filaments or strands, ends of the filaments or strands may be secured together in a manner that prevents fraying and, thus, dissociation of the filaments or strands from one another. 
         [0036]    The drop foot brace  100  may also include a tensioning system  150  disposed on the exterior surface of the support  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the tensioning system  150  includes a reel and a control, or handle, for winding the elongated element  120  about the reel and, thus, to adjust tension in the elongated element  120 . Where the engagement elements  122   b  and  122   a  are engage features of a foot-receiving member that are configured to receive the engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b  (e.g., eyelets of footwear, etc.), the tensioning system  150  may pull the top of the foot-receiving member and, thus, of a foot held by the foot-receiving member, towards the support  102 . In this manner, the drop foot brace  100  can provide support for an individual&#39;s forefoot and prevent the foot from dropping when the wearer lifts his or her foot while walking. In a specific embodiment, the tensioning system  150  may comprise a tensioning element of the type made by BOA Technology, Inc. 
         [0037]    In use, the user may turn a control of the tensioning system  150  that causes the tensioning system  150  to wind the elongated element  120  about the reel. This action removes slack from the elongated element  120 , and introduces tension into the elongated element  120 . The tensioning system  150  may include a uni-directional control that prevents unwinding of (and a reduction of tension in) the elongated element  120  unless the user actuates a separate control to enable unwinding of the elongated element  120 . Thus, the user can control the tensioning system  150  to tailor the amount of tension in the elongated element  120  and, thus, to provide his or her foot with a desired amount of support. When the user wants to remove the drop foot brace  100  or otherwise release tension in the elongated element  120 , the user may use the tensioning system  150  in a manner that causes the elongated element  120  to unwind or that otherwise releases the elongated element  120 . 
         [0038]    Use of a tensioning system  150  that winds and unwinds to control the amount of tension in the elongated element  120  may be easy for an individual to use since it requires less dexterity than many other tensioning systems. Such a tensioning system  150  may be particularly useful where it is used by an individual who has suffered a stroke or other condition that affects his or her dexterity. 
         [0039]    The elongated element  120  may have first and second ends that removably connect to the reel of the tensioning system  150 , enabling the elongated element  120  to be removed from the drop foot brace  100  without removing the tensioning system  150 . Removability of the elongated element  120  may be desirable for circumstances when replacement of the elongated element  120  is desired, such as when the elongated element  120  is worn or damaged. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  further illustrates guides that are used to position and orient the elongated element  120  relative to the drop foot brace  100  and the foot-receiving member. As used herein, the term “guide” refers to a structure that helps guide and/or position the elongated element  120 .  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of drop foot brace  100  that includes three guides, a lateral guide  160   a , a medial guide  160   b , and a center guide  160   c  disposed on the center section  106  of the support  102 . 
         [0041]    The center guide  160   c  is disposed on the center portion  106  of the support  102 , at or adjacent to its lower edge, which is positioned closest to a user&#39;s foot when the drop foot brace  100  is worn by the user. The elongated element  120  passes through the center guide  160   c . In  FIG. 1 , one engagement element  122   b  is on one side of the center guide  160   c , while the other engagement element  122   a  is on the other, opposite side of the center guide  160   c . In the depicted embodiment, the center guide  160   c  comprises a loop of flexible material; however, other configurations of a center guide  160   c  may be used. 
         [0042]    The drop foot brace  100  may also include a lateral guide  160   a  disposed on the center portion  106  of the support  102  adjacent to the lateral side  104  of the center portion  106 . The lateral guide  160   a  may be situated above (at a higher elevation on the center portion  106  than) the center guide  160   c  and, in some embodiments, adjacent to an upper edge of the center portion  106  of the support  102 . The lateral guide  160   a  may comprise a reinforced loop of flexible material, as shown in  FIG. 1 , or it may have any other appropriate configuration. 
         [0043]    The drop foot brace  100  may include a similar medial guide  160   b  disposed on the center portion  106  adjacent to a medial side  108  of the center portion  106  and at an elevation above that of the center guide  160   c . The medial guide  160   b  may be disposed on an opposite side of the center portion  160  from the lateral guide  160   a  Like the lateral guide  160   a , the medial guide  160   b  may comprise a reinforced loop of flexible material, or it may have any other suitable configuration. 
         [0044]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the elongated element  120  may extend from the tensioning system  150  through the lateral guide  160   a , then through the engagement element  122   b , which may be situated on the elongated element  120  between the lateral guide  160   a  and the center guide  160   c . The elongated element  120  may then extend through the center guide  160   c , into the engagement element  122   a , through the medial guide  160   b  and back into the tensioning system  150 . 
         [0045]    The lateral guide  160   a , medial guide  160   b , and center guide  160   c  control the position of the elongated element  120  as the user uses the tensioning system  150  to adjust the tension in the elongated element  120 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , the lateral guide  160   a , medial guide  160   b , and center guide  160   c  orient the elongated element  120  when it is under tension such that the elongated element  120 , when secured to a foot-receiving member by the engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b , lifts the forefoot of the user to make it easier for a person with weakness in the foot who is wearing the drop foot brace  100  to walk. Other configurations and/or arrangements of guides for the elongated element  120  that differ from those shown in  FIG. 1  may also be used. 
         [0046]    Turning now to  FIG. 1A , another embodiment of support  102 ′ of a drop foot brace  100 ′ is depicted. The support  102 ′ may include an anterior element  103 ′ and an elongated securing element  104 ′. The anterior element  103 ′ may be configured to be positioned over a shin of the user&#39;s lower leg. The elongated securing element  104 ′ may be configured to wrap at least partially around the user&#39;s lower leg and to secure the anterior element  103 ′ in place on the user&#39;s shin. In some embodiments, the support  102 ′ may be configured to wrap completely around the user&#39;s leg. 
         [0047]    The drop foot brace  100 ′ may be configured to removably engage a foot-receiving member (e.g., the band  302  in  FIG. 3 , the footwear  402  in  FIG. 4 , etc.), which, in turn, may be secured to a user&#39;s foot. At least one flexible elongated element  120 ′, at least two engagement elements  122 ′ that are configured to engage corresponding features of the foot-receiving member (e.g., eyelets, such as reinforced or unreinforced holes, loops or hooks, etc.) and that are actuated by the flexible elongated element  120 ′, and a tensioning system  150 ′ configured to introduce tension in the flexible elongated element  120 ′ (and, optionally, to release tension from the flexible elongated element  120 ′) may be collectively configured to pull the foot-receiving element upward. In addition, one or more guides  160 ′ may define a portion of the pathway of the flexible elongated element  120 ′. The guide  160 ′ or guides  160 ′ may be carried by the support  102 ′ of the drop foot brace  100 ′. 
         [0048]    In a specific embodiment of a drop foot brace  100 ′, the anterior element  103 ′ of the support  102 ′ includes a base  103 B′ and a pair of collapsible regions  103 C′ along a top edge of the base  103 B′. The collapsible regions  103 C′ are located on opposite sides of the support  102 ′ and, thus, on opposite sides of the tensioning system  150 ′. As depicted, the collapsible regions  103 C′ may also be located somewhat above the tensioning system  150 ′. 
         [0049]    A guide  106 ′ may be secured to each collapsible region  103 C′. When tension is applied to the flexible elongated element  120 ′ (e.g., by the tensioning system  150 ′ or otherwise), the flexible elongated element  120 ′ may pull on each of the guides  106 ′, which, in turn, may cause the collapsible regions  103 C′ of the anterior element  103 ′ of the support  102 ′ to bend or collapse. In the embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 1A , where the collapsible regions  103 C′ of the anterior element  103 ′ of the support  102 ′ are located at or near the top of the base  103 B′ of the anterior element  103 ′ of the support  102 ′, tension in the flexible elongated element  120 ′ may pull the guides  106 ′ and the collapsible regions  103 C′ down (e.g., in the directions of arrows  107 ′, etc.). 
         [0050]    In contrast, the base  103 B′ of the anterior element  103 ′ of the support  102 ′ may be configured to resist collapsing under the force applied to the support  102 ′ as tension is applied to the flexible elongated element  120 ′. Such resistance to collapsing may be imparted to the base  103 B′ in any of a variety of ways. As a few non-limiting examples, the material(s) from which the base  103 B′ is formed may be flexible enough to conform to the shape of an individual&#39;s shin, but impart the base  103 B′ with sufficient rigidity to resist undesired bending or collapsing; a construction of the base (e.g., laminated layers, etc.) may impart the base  103 B′ with the desired characteristics; reinforcement features  103 R (e.g., the depicted stitching, rigid reinforcements, etc.) may provide the base  103 B′ with the desired characteristics, etc. Juxtaposition of one or more collapsible regions  103 C′ and a more rigid base  103 B′ may make the anterior element  103 ′ in a way that prevents undesirable bending or collapsing of the base  103 B′, and enable the anterior element  103 ′ to remain in place while the flexible elongated element  120 ′, under tension, pulls a foot-receiving member upward. The ability of the base  103 ′ to resist collapsing may enable the support  102 ′ to remain in place when the foot drop brace  100 ′ is worn, which may increase user comfort. 
         [0051]    Each of  FIGS. 2A-2C  shows a different view of an embodiment of an engagement element  122  that may be used for the drop foot brace  100 . Of course, other embodiments of an engagement element  122  that differ from the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C  may also be used.  FIG. 2A  shows a three-quarter view of the engagement element  122 . The depicted engagement element  122  includes an enlarged head  208 , or upper portion, with a pair of divergently oriented flanges protruding from an upper end thereof and an aperture  206  extending laterally therethrough, from one side to the other. A vertically oriented elongated recess  210  (which, in the depicted embodiment, has a shape that resembles a teardrop) is located at each end of the aperture and extends into the side or lower surface of each flange. A neck  202 , or center portion, extends from the enlarged head  208  to a curved element, or lower portion of the engagement element  122 , which forms a hook  204 . 
         [0052]    The hook  204  of the engagement element  122  is configured to be coupled to a corresponding feature of the foot-receiving member (e.g., an eyelet, hook, loop, lace, etc., of a shoe or other footwear, etc.). Thus, when the hook  204  engages a corresponding feature of the foot receiving member, it (along with the remainder of the engagement element  122  and the elongated element  120  and other features of the tensioning component) provides the necessary connection between the support  102  and the foot-receiving member of the drop foot brace  100 . The hook  204  may, as shown, terminate in a raised lip to impart it with a “J” shape. A raised lip may help reduce the likelihood that the engagement element  122  slips and accidentally uncouples from the feature of the foot-receiving member that the hook  204  engages. 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, the support engage  122  may lack a curved hook  204 , as other configurations may suitably engage corresponding features of a foot-receiving member. 
         [0054]    The engagement element  122  may be coupled to a foot-receiving member at a location adjacent to the distal end, or front, of a user&#39;s foot. Alternatively, the engagement element  122  may engage another portion of a foot-receiving member, such as the sidewall of an item of footwear. The particular coupling options may vary based on the type of foot-receiving member and user preference. 
         [0055]    The aperture  206  through the enlarged head  208  of the engagement element  122  may be configure to receive the elongated element  120  shown in  FIG. 1  and described in reference thereto. The aperture  206  may be sized and shaped to allow the engagement element  122  to move along the length of the elongated element  120 . In other embodiments, the engagement element  122  may be fixed to a certain position along the length of the elongated element  120 . 
         [0056]    The enlarged head  208  of the engagement element  122  may also define a guide, which is also referred to herein as a “hook guide” to distinguish it from the lateral guide  106   a , the medial guide  106   b , and the center guide  106   c  on the support  102 , as discussed in reference to  FIG. 1 . In the depicted embodiment, the divergent flanges that protrude from the enlarged head  208  of the engagement element  122 , the recesses  210  in the outer (or lower) surfaces of the flanges and the aperture  206  define the hook guide. The hook guide urges the elongated element  120  toward the support  102  of the drop foot brace  100  when the elongated element  120  is under sufficient tension. More specifically, the hook guide and, more specifically, the recesses  210  and the angles at which their respective flanges are oriented may control the angle at which the elongated element  120  is bent when the elongated element  120  is under sufficient tension. In some embodiments, the hook guide may provide a substantially semi-circular path for the elongated element  120 . In certain embodiments, the elongated element  120  may comprise a material that may be irreversibly deformed when subjected to tensile stress that exceeds a critical threshold. The hook guide may be configured to distribute the force applied to the elongated element  120  and increase or maximize the distance over which the elongated element  120  contacts the engagement element  122 . In this manner, the hook guide may prevent the elongated element  120  from exceeding its elastic and, thus, prevent or reduce permanent deformation of or other damage to the elongated element  120 . Such a configuration of hook guide may also prevent bending of the elongated element  120  at sharp angles, which may reduce the possibility that the elongated element  120  will break or snap at any location where it contacts the engagement element  122 . 
         [0057]    Another embodiment of engagement element  122 ′ is shown in  FIGS. 2D-2F . The engagement element  122 ′ includes an upper portion  208 ′, a central portion  202 ′ extending from the upper portion  208 ′, and a lower portion  204 ′ adjacent to an opposite side (or end) of the central portion  202 ′. The upper portion  208 ′ is configured to receive and to be engaged by the flexible elongated element  120 ,  120 ′ ( FIGS. 1 and 1A ). In some embodiments, an aperture  206 ′ through the upper portion  208 ′ receives the flexible elongated element  120 ,  120 ′. The aperture  208 ′ may be configured to minimize wear on the flexible elongated element  120 ,  120 ′ as the engagement element  122 ′ moves along the flexible elongated element  120 ′ or as the flexible elongated element  120 ′ moves through the aperture  206 ′. Wear of the flexible elongated element  120 ,  120 ′ may be minimized by providing a configuration that lacks corners at locations of the upper portion  208 ′ that may come into contact with the flexible elongated element  120 ,  120 ′ during use of the foot brace  100 ,  100 ′ ( FIGS. 1 and 1A ). As a non-limiting example, interior peripheral surfaces  209 ′ of the upper portion  208 ′, which define the aperture  206 ′, may be convex and continuous with side surfaces  208 S′ of the upper portion  208 ′. 
         [0058]    The lower portion  204 ′ of the engagement element  122 ′, which extends transverse to a length of the engagement element  122 ′, may include a tooth  201 ′ at or near a distal end  202 D′ of the lower portion  202 ′. The tooth  201 ′ may be configured to engage an eyelet of a foot-receiving member or the foot-receiving member when the lower portion  204 ′ is inserted into an eyelet or other corresponding feature of a foot-receiving member and a pulling force is then applied to the engagement element  122 ′ (e.g., to the upper portion  208 ′ of the engagement element  122 ′. A pulling force may be applied as tension is applied to a flexible elongated element  120 ,  120 ′ ( FIGS. 1 and 1A ) of a drop foot brace  100 ′ ( FIGS. 1 and 1A ). In some embodiments, the tooth  201 ′ of an engagement element  122 ′ may be configured to engage its corresponding feature or a foot-receiving member without damaging the same. 
         [0059]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a drop foot brace  100  being worn by a user and connected to a foot-receiving member. The foot-receiving member shown in  FIG. 3  comprises a band  302  that wraps around at least a portion of the foot of the user. The band  302  includes a bottom surface (not seen) for receiving the plantar portion of the foot of the user, and an upper surface  320  that is configured to be positioned over the dorsal, or top, portion of the foot of the user, as seen in  FIG. 3 . The band  302  also includes a proximal opening  324  for receiving the user&#39;s foot, and a distal opening  322  through which the distal end  312  (e.g., toes, etc.) of the user&#39;s foot may protrude. In other embodiments, the band  302  may lack a distal opening  322  and, thus, it may be configured to cover the toes of the user. 
         [0060]    The bottom surface of the band  302  may be made from a different material than the upper surface  320  of the band  302 . For example, the bottom surface may include a durable tread to provide traction when the user is walking without any footwear or other protection on the band  302 , or that helps prevent an item of footwear (i.e., a sandal, etc.) worn over (or under) the band  302  from slipping off of the foot. 
         [0061]    The band  302  may be adjustable to accommodate a variety of different sizes of feet. As an example, the upper surface  320  of the band  302  may be configured to adjust to the size of a foot. Without limitation, the upper surface  320  of such a band  302  may a length adjustable element (e.g., a strap, etc.). The band  302  may be configured to fit over the bare foot of the user, or over a footwear item of the user; for example, the band  302  may fit over a flip-flop, a sandal, or other item of footwear worn on the foot of the user. Such an embodiment may be desirable where the footwear does not include lace guides that can be engaged by the engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b . In certain embodiments, the band  302  may be placed on the foot first, then the footwear item may be positioned over the band  302 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0062]    Some embodiments of band  302  may include a strap  304  that removably secures the bottom surface to the upper surface  320 . The strap  304  may partially close the distal opening  322  to help secure the band  302  to the foot of the user. In the embodiment shown, the strap  302  is configured and positioned to pass between the hallux (or big toe) and the second toe of the user. 
         [0063]    The band  302  may include one or more connection points or other features to which the engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b  (or other variety of tensioning component) may connect. The connection points may be eyelets, lace guides, hooks, loops, or any other suitable connection point. The connection points may be positioned on opposite sides of the band  302 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a drop foot brace  100  being worn by a user and connected to an item of footwear  402 . The footwear  402  may be a shoe, a boot, or any other type of footwear. The footwear  402  may have a high-top configuration, a mid-top configuration, or other. While the depicted embodiment shows the drop foot brace  100  as being separate from the footwear  402 , in some embodiments, the drop foot brace  100  may be integral with the footwear  402 . For example, the tensioning system  150  may be built into the tongue  410  or another portion of the footwear  402  (e.g., in embodiments where the footwear  402  has a sufficiently high top, etc.). In such an embodiment, the support  102  may be defined by sides  404  and  406  of an upper of the footwear  402  and the tongue of the footwear  402 . 
         [0065]    In addition to sides  404  and  406 , the upper of the footwear  402  may include a toe portion  408 , an ankle portion  412  and a lacing area  420  between the sides  404  and  406 . Lace guides  422  are positioned on opposite sides of the lacing area  420 . The lace guides  422  may be eyelets, hooks, loops, or any other variety of lace guide  422 . The footwear  402  includes a lace or other securing element that passes over the lacing area  420  and through the lace guides  422 . The lace may be tightened to secure the footwear  402  to the foot of a user. 
         [0066]    The user may attach the support  102  to the leg just above the footwear  402 . The engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b  may be sized to removably couple to the lace guides  422  of the footwear  402 . The first engagement element  122   a  may couple to a lace guide  422  on one side of the lacing area  420  and the second engagement element  122   b  may couple to a lace guide  422  on the opposite side of the lacing area  420 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The user may couple the engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b  to any lace guide  422  between the ankle portion  412  and the toe portion  408  of the footwear. The user may choose the lace guides  422  to which the engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b  connect based on one or more of the footwear  402 , the desired level of comfort, the desired amount of support, or any other criteria. While  FIG. 4  shows engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b  connecting to lace guides  422 , the engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b  may connect to any suitable feature of the footwear  402 . 
         [0067]    In another embodiment, the drop foot brace  100  may not use engagement elements  122  as part of the tensioning component; for example, in one embodiment, the drop foot brace  100  may include a strap that connects to the elongated element  120 . The strap may fit under the sole of the footwear  402  at the toe portion  408  of the footwear  402 . In another embodiment, the tensioning component includes a toe cap that fits over at least part of the toe portion  408  of the footwear  402 . The toe cap may connect to the elongated element  120  and thus allow the user to tension the elongated element  120  using the tensioning system  150  such that the foot is properly supported. 
         [0068]      FIG. 5  shows an embodiment of a method  500  for using a drop foot brace  100  (see  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 ). The method  500  may commence at reference  502  with attaching a support of a drop foot brace  100  to a leg of an individual. The drop foot brace  100  may be attached to the leg above the ankle and below the knee such that the tensioning system  150  of the drop foot brace  100  is outwardly disposed on the surface of the support  102 . 
         [0069]    The method  500  may also involve, at reference  504 , inserting the foot of the individual into a foot-receiving member. The foot-receiving member may be an item of footwear  402  ( FIG. 4 ), a band  302  ( FIG. 3 ), or other suitable foot-receiving member. The method  500  may further involve, at reference  506 , connecting a tensioning component of the drop foot brace  100  to the foot-receiving member. The method may additionally involve connecting the tensioning component (e.g., the elongated element  102 ) to a tensioning system  150  of the drop foot brace  100 , the lateral, medial, and center guides  160   a - c , and the engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b.    
         [0070]    The method  500 , at reference  508 , may include tightening the elongated element  120 . As a non-limiting example, a tensioning system  150  may be used in a manner that causes the tensioning component to wind around a reel of the tensioning system  150 , etc.). The user may actuate the control by turning the control in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. By winding the elongated element  120  around the reel, the user removes the slack from the connection between the tensioning system  150  and the foot-receiving member. 
         [0071]    The method  500  may also involve, at reference  510 , releasing the control when the elongated element  120  is tensioned and maintains a desired angle (e.g., an approximately ninety-degree angle, etc.) between the foot and the leg. As a result, the foot of the user is provided with additional support. The user may then walk more comfortably despite issues with weakness in the foot. 
         [0072]    The method  500  may involve other elements in addition to, or instead of, those shown in  FIG. 5 . For example, where the foot-receiving member is an item of footwear  402  ( FIG. 4 ) with a plurality of lace guides and the tensioning component includes engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b , connecting the tensioning component of the drop foot brace  100  to the foot-receiving member may involve connecting the engagement elements  122   a  and  122   b  to at least two lace guides on opposing lateral sides of the footwear  402 . Where the foot-receiving member is a band  302  ( FIG. 3 ) that is configured to wrap around at least a portion of the foot of the user and the tensioning component includes engagement elements, connecting the tensioning component may involve connecting the engagement elements to opposing lateral sides of the band  302 . Where the support  102  includes a cuff, attaching the support  102  to a user&#39;s leg may involve securing the cuff around the leg of the individual at the crus. Other variations depending on the implementation are also within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0073]    Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Similarly, other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of each claim is, therefore, indicated and limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions and modifications to the disclosed subject matter that fall within the meaning and scope of any of the claims are to be embraced thereby. No element recited by any of the claims is intended to be a means-plus-function limitation unless the phrase “means for” is specifically used in that claim.