Abstract:
An orthotic device for supporting a jointed limb of the human body includes a first segment having a first support member that extends along a posterior portion of the limb about the joint, a first support pad secured to the first support member, and a channel slot extending along the first support member. An extension segment includes a second support member that also extends along the posterior portion of the limb and a second support pad secured to the second support member. The second support member can be adjustably coupled to the first segment by entering and engaging the channel slot.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to an orthotic device, and particularly to an orthotic that can be adapted to selectively support various portions of a jointed limb of the human body. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    An orthotic is a device, such as a brace or splint, for supporting, immobilizing, or treating muscles, joints, or skeletal parts that are weak, ineffective, deformed, or injured. 
         [0005]    A patient, such as a stroke patient who is at least partially physically impaired, may require a brace to support and stabilize the ankle. The brace usually includes an ankle and foot support that extends from the underside of the foot, around the back of the ankle and upward to the lower portion of the calf. The ankle and foot support is usually removed before entering bed and while the patient is in bed. 
         [0006]    When the patient is to walk or attend a session in which physical therapy is administered, the patient&#39;s leg must often be supported along a greater length than that of the foot support, e.g., from the upper portion of the calf, across the knee joint to the thigh. To provide this enhanced support to the leg, it is conventional to remove the foot brace and to replace it with a longer brace that extends from the underside of the foot, around the back of the ankle, along the calf, possibly to the thigh. Due to the size of the replacement brace, the patient&#39;s weakened physical condition, lack of stamina and partial paralysis on the affected side of the body that requires the brace, the patient needs assistance in removing the foot brace and securing the longer brace to the patient&#39;s leg. 
         [0007]    A need exists for an orthotic device comprising various length segments that can be readily connected to and disconnected from a short brace, thereby increasing its length and the length of the leg or arm that is supported by the brace. Preferably the orthotic device is easily assembled in segments so that it can be quickly disassembled and restored to its shorter length when need for the greater length of support is past. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    An orthotic device for supporting a limb of the human body includes a first segment (such as an ankle and foot segment) including a first support member that extends along a posterior portion of the jointed limb, a first support pad secured to the first support member, and a channel slot extending along the posterior portion of the limb and secured to the first support member. An extension segment (such as an upper calf extension segment to further support the calf or a leg extension segment to support the thigh and knee) includes a second support member that also extends along the posterior portion of the limb and a second support pad secured to the second support member. The second support member is easily coupled to the first segment by entering and engaging the slot. 
         [0009]    Adjustment screws located in the slot and engaging the second support member and the slot, can be used to adjust an angular disposition of the second support member with respect to a reference axis. Shims or inclined inner surfaces on the walls of the slot with respect to the reference axis can be used to provide a desired angular disposition of the support member with respect to the reference axis. 
         [0010]    The orthotic is manufactured from lightweight structural material, e.g., plastic and aluminum, which is formed by conventional techniques and at low cost. Angular adjustability of the first segment (i.e. ankle and foot segment) of the orthotic with respect to a longitudinal reference axis and the extension segment (e.g. leg extension segment supporting the upper calf, knee and thigh), which is spaced along a jointed limb, produces some additional advantages, including the ability to easily and quickly adjust the first segment relative to the second segment to accommodate and urge correction of anomalies associated with soft tissue injuries about the joint (commonly the knee). 
         [0011]    The scope of applicability of the preferred embodiment will become apparent from the following detailed description, claims and drawings. It should be understood, that the description and specific examples, although indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. Various changes and modifications to the described embodiments and examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Having generally described the nature of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings used to illustrate and describe the preferred embodiments thereof. Further, these and other advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments when considered in the light of these drawings in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of an ankle and foot segment of an orthotic device; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a cross section taken at plane  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  showing a bracket slot used to extend the ankle and foot segment;. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is side view of a first extension segment, i.e. an upper calf support extension segment that can be coupled to the ankle and foot segment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross section taken at plane  2 - 2  of  FIG. 2  showing a support member of an extension segment located in and engaged with a bracket slot; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a second extension segment, i.e. a leg extension segment to support the upper calf, knee and thigh, that can be coupled to the ankle and foot segment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view showing the upper calf support extension segment of  FIG. 3  partially inserted into the ankle and foot segment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view showing the leg extension segment of  FIG. 5  in position to be inserted into the ankle and foot segment of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing the orthotic device of  FIG. 6  positioned to support a leg; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the orthotic device of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a rear view of the ankle and foot segment adapted to include an angularly adjustable support member of one of the extension segments; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional top view taken at plane  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10  showing the support member of the extension segment located in and engaged with a spaced bracket slot to allow the extension support member to be aligned relative to the ankle and foot segment along a reference axis; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a cross sectional top view taken at plane  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10  showing the upper support member of the extension segment rotated with respect to the ankle and foot segment and the reference axis; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a cross sectional top view taken at plane  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10  showing the upper support member of the extension segment rotated in a direction opposite to that of  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , an ankle and foot segment  11  or first segment of an orthotic  10  includes ankle and foot support members  12  and  14 , respectively, each support member preferably being a bar of aluminum or another structural material having density, strength and endurance comparable to those of aluminum. 
         [0027]    The lower end of the ankle support member  12  is formed with a circular arc  18  having a center  20 . The upper end of the foot support member  14  is formed with a circular arc  22 , which is centered at  20  and whose outer surface nests within the inner surface of arc  18 . The ankle and foot support members  12  and  14  are connected mutually at an adjustable connection  23 . An outer block  24  is formed with a flat outer surface  26 , engaged by the head of threaded attachment  28 , e.g., a screw or bolt, and a circular cylindrical inner surface  30  centered at  20 . An inner block  32  is formed with a circular cylindrical outer surface  34  centered at  20 , and a flat inner surface  36  contacted by laterally spaced self-locking nuts  38 , each nut engaging a respective attachment  28 . Support member  12  is formed with two parallel slotted holes  40 . The ankle support member  14  is formed with two slotted holes  42 , each hole  42  being aligned with a respective hole  40 . Each attachment  28  extends through a hole in the outer block  24 , paired holes  40 ,  42  in members  12  and  14 , and a hole in the inner block  32 . 
         [0028]    In operation, the angular disposition of the ankle and foot connection  23  is adjusted by loosing the engagement of nuts  38  with screw attachments  28  sufficiently to permit the arcuate surfaces  18 ,  22  of members  12 ,  14  to rotate about center  20  as the slotted holes  40 ,  42  slide relative the attachments. When the desired angular position is established, the nuts  38  are retightened with screw attachments  28 , which draws blocks  24 ,  32  and the arcuate surfaces  18 ,  22  of members  12 ,  14  into friction contact and secures the desired angular setting of the ankle and foot connection  23 . 
         [0029]    The lower portion of foot support member  14  is formed with an arc  44  (to suspend the heel) and a flat surface  46  to support a foot pad extending forward from the arc. The foot pad having a toe support surface  48  being inclined upward from a horizontal plane. The arc  44  and surfaces  46 ,  48  extend along the lower surface of a human foot, and around the heel and ankle, as  FIG. 8  illustrates. Walking bases  50 ,  52 , preferably of rubber, are attached to the underside of the foot member  14  to resist slippage. 
         [0030]    The upper end of the ankle support member  12  carries a lower calf support pad  60 , which includes a front surface  62 , a portion of whose contour conforms to that of the lower calf of the human leg. The lower calf support pad  60  includes a rear wall  64 , formed with an inner channel  65 , which extends along the calf of the user&#39;s leg. Channel  65  has a length that extends along the lower calf support pad  60  and a width that is able to accept the upper portion  66  of the ankle support member  12 . 
         [0031]    A bracket  68  is formed with a channel slot  69  and is secured by upper and lower countersunk screws  70 ,  71 , each of which passes through the bracket  68 , the rear wall  64  of the lower calf support pad  60 , and the upper portion  66  of the ankle support member  12 . Each screw  70 ,  71  is engaged with a respective nut  72 ,  73 . 
         [0032]    A strap of Velcro  74  is secured to the lower calf support pad  60  at the inner channel  65  and has a length that extends upward past the end of the channel. The width of the Velcro strap  74  is about the same as the distance between flanges  94 ,  96  of the bracket  68 , shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  illustrates an extension segment (in this case, an upper calf support extension segment  76 ) of the orthotic device  10  comprising an upper calf support member  78 , which is preferably of aluminum having a length that extends along the calf above the location of lower calf support pad  60 , and a width that is able to fit within the slot  69  of bracket  68 . The upper end of the upper calf support member  78  carries an upper calf support pad  80 , which includes a front surface  82 , whose contour conforms to a portion of the convex contour of the middle-to-upper calf of the human leg, i.e. above the lower calf support pad  60 . The upper calf support pad  80  includes a rear wall  84 , to which the support pad is secured by upper and lower countersunk screws  86 ,  87 , each of which passes through the rear wall  84  of support pad  80  and the upper portion of the upper calf support member  78 . Each screw  86 ,  87  is engaged with a respective nut  88 ,  89 . A strip of Velcro  90  is bonded to the back surface of upper calf support member  78 . 
         [0034]    In operation, the length of support along the calf that is provided by lower calf support pad  60  is increased by sliding the lower end of the upper calf support member  78  into the longitudinal channel slot  69  of bracket  68 , as  FIGS. 4 ,  6 ,  8  and  9  illustrate. Contact between the lower surface  91  of the upper calf support pad  80  and the upper surface  92  of the lower calf support pad  60  limits the extent to which the support member  78  can enter the channel slot  69 . As  FIG. 6  illustrates, with the orthotic  10  in this position, the combined front surfaces  62 ,  82  of support pads  60 ,  80 , respectively, provide surfaces that support the calf. After support member  78  is inserted into the slot  69  of bracket  68 , Velcro strap  74  is lapped over strip  90 , thereby releasably securing the upper calf support extension segment  76  to the ankle and foot segment  11 . 
         [0035]    As  FIG. 4  shows, the upper calf support member  78  (or the alternative upper leg support member  102  described subsequent in more detail) is restrained within longitudinal channel slot  69  against posterior and anterior movement due to its contact with the rear surfaces of the laterally spaced flanges  94 ,  96  of bracket  68  and the front wall  98  of the bracket. Downward movement of support member  78  is restrained within slot  69  by contact between surfaces  91 ,  92 . But support member  78  can be moved upward to remove it from slot  69 , thereby restoring orthotic  10  to the ankle and foot support shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative extension segment, i.e. leg extension segment  100  for the upper leg, that combines a below-knee extension upright with an above-knee or thigh upright of the orthotic device  10 . The leg extension segment  100  comprising a lower leg support member  102  and a thigh support member  104 , each member being preferably of aluminum. The lower leg support member  102  has a length that extends along the back of the calf above the location of lower calf support pad  60 , and a width that fits within a channel  106  formed in a lower leg support pad  108  and in the channel slot  69  of bracket  68 . The lower leg support pad  108  includes a front surface  110 , a portion of whose contour conforms to that of the upper calf of a leg, much like that of the upper calf support pad  80  described above. 
         [0037]    The lower leg support pad  108  is secured to the lower leg support member  102  by upper and lower screws  112 ,  113 , each of which passes through the rear wall  114  of the lower leg support pad  108  and the thickness of the lower leg member  102 . Each screw  112 ,  113  is engaged with a respective nut  115 ,  116 . 
         [0038]    The lower end of the upper leg support member  104  is formed with a circular arc  118  having a center  120 . The upper end of the lower leg support member  102  is formed with a circular arc  122 , which is centered at  120  and whose outer surface nests within the inner surface of arc  118 . Leg support members  102  and  104  are connected mutually at an adjustable knee connection  123 . An outer block  124  is formed with a flat outer surface  126 , engaged by the head of threaded attachment  128 , e.g., a screw or bolt, and a circular cylindrical inner surface  130  centered at  120 . An inner block  132  is formed with a circular cylindrical outer surface  134  centered at  120 , and a flat inner surface  136  contacted by laterally spaced self-locking nuts  138 , each nut engaging a respective attachment  128 . The arc  118  of the upper leg support member  104  is formed with two parallel slotted holes  140 . The arc  122  of the third support member  102  is formed with two slotted holes  142 , each hole  142  being aligned with a respective hole  140 . Each attachment  128  extends through a hole in the outer block  124 , paired holes  140 ,  142  in support member  104  and  102 , respectively, and a hole in the inner block  132 . 
         [0039]    In operation, the angular disposition of the knee connection  123  is adjusted by loosing the engagement of nuts  138  with screws  128  sufficiently to permit the arcuate surfaces  118 ,  122  of support member  102 ,  104  to rotate about center  120  as the slotted holes  140 ,  142  slide relative the attachments. When the desired angular position is established, the nuts  138  are retightened with screw attachments  128 , which draws blocks  124 ,  132  and the arcs  118 ,  122  of support member  104 ,  102  into friction contact and secures the desired angular setting of the upper leg support member  104  relative to the lower leg support member  102  at the knee connection  123 . 
         [0040]    The upper leg support member  104  carries a thigh support pad  160 , which includes a front surface  162 , a portion of whose contour conforms to the contour of the back of the thigh of the human leg. The support pad  160  includes a rear wall  164 , formed with a channel  166 , which has a length that extends along the thigh support pad  160  and a width that is able to accept the width of the upper leg support member  104 . The thigh support pad  160  is secured to the upper leg support member  104  by upper and lower screws  168 ,  169 , each of which passes through the rear wall  164  of the thigh support pad  160  and the thickness of the upper leg support member  104 . Each screw  168 ,  169  is engaged with a respective nut  170 ,  171 . 
         [0041]    In operation, the length of support along the calf that is provided by the lower calf support pad  60  of the ankle and foot segment  11  of orthotic  10  is increased by sliding the lower end  172  of the lower leg support member  102  into the longitudinal slot  69  of bracket  68 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Contact between the lower surface  174  of lower leg support pad  108  and the upper surface  92  of the lower calf support pad  60  limits the extent to which the lower leg support member  102  can enter the longitudinal slot  69 . With the orthotic  10  in this position, the combined surfaces  62 ,  110  of support pads  60 ,  108 , respectively, support the calf, and the surface  162  of the thigh support pad  160  supports the back of the thigh. Notably, a strip of Velcro  176  is bonded to the surface of the lower end  172  of the lower leg support member  102 . After lower leg support member  102  is inserted into the slot  69  of bracket  68 , Velcro strap  74  is lapped over Velcro strip  176 , thereby releasably securing the leg extension segment  100  to the ankle and foot segment  11 . 
         [0042]    As previously described above with reference to  FIG. 4 , the lower leg support member  102 , like the upper calf support member  78 , is restrained within longitudinal channel slot  69  against posterior and anterior movement due to its contact with the rear surfaces of the laterally spaced flanges  94 ,  96  of bracket  68  and the front wall  98  of the bracket. Downward movement of the lower leg support member  102  is restrained within slot  69  by contact between surfaces  92 ,  174 . Also, the lower leg support member can be moved upward to remove it from slot  69 , thereby restoring the orthotic  10  to the ankle and foot segment  11  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the ankle and foot segment of  FIG. 1  includes soft material  200  for wrapping the foot supported in the ankle and foot segment  11 . The upper portion  66  of the ankle support member  12  is shown inserted in and secured to the channel  65  at the back of the calf support pad  60 . The interchangeable support members  78 ,  102  of the extended upper calf support extension segment  76  or the leg extension segment  100 , respectively, depending on which of these is being used to increase the length of the ankle and foot segment  11 , is shown inserted into an alternative bracket  202  (i.e. wider than bracket  68  by having further rearward spaced flanges  212  and  214 ) which is secured by a screw  204  to the wall  64  of the calf support pad  60 . 
         [0044]    The screw threads of four adjuster set screws  206 - 209  engage threaded holes in the respective support member  78 ,  102 . The adjuster set screws  206 - 209 , which are located in the longitudinal slot  210  (being more spacious than slot  69  of bracket  68 ) formed in the alternative bracket  202 , engage by mutual contact the inner surfaces of flanges  212 ,  214  and the inner surface of the front wall  216  of bracket  202 . A screw  218  secured to bracket  202  includes a shank that extends across the width of slot  210  and provides a surface, which limits the extent to which the corresponding support member  78 ,  102  can travel in the slot  210 . 
         [0045]    As  FIG. 11  illustrates, when set screws  206 - 209  are adjusted such that the corresponding support member, either  78  or  102 , is substantially parallel to the slot  210 , flanges  212 ,  214  and wall  216  of bracket  202 . As a result, the corresponding support member  78 ,  102  and the respective support pad(s)  80 ,  108 ,  160  is/are aligned with a reference axis, preferably a forward facing, longitudinal axis  220  normal to a plane of the ankle support member  12 . 
         [0046]    As  FIG. 12  illustrates, when set screws  206 ,  207  are adjusted such that the space in slot  210  at the left-hand side of axis  220  between the corresponding support member  78 ,  102  (but most often the upper leg support member  102  of the leg extension segment  100 ) and flange  212  is greater than the space between the support member and the front wall  216 , and set screws  208 ,  209  are adjusted such that the space in slot  210  at the right-hand side of axis  220  between the corresponding support member  78 ,  102  and flange  214  is less than the space between the support member and the front wall  216 , the support member  78 ,  102  and the corresponding support pad(s)  80 ,  108 ,  160  of the respective extension segment  76 ,  100  is/are turned leftward at an angle  222  with respect to reference axis  220 . 
         [0047]    As  FIG. 13  illustrates, when set screws  206 ,  207  are adjusted such that the space in slot  210  at the left-hand side of axis  220  between the corresponding support member  78 ,  102  (but again, most often the upper leg support member  102  of the leg extension segment  100 ) and flange  212  is less than the space between the support member and the front wall  216 , and set screws  208 ,  209  are adjusted such that the space in slot  210  at the right-hand side of axis  220  between the corresponding support member  78 ,  102  and flange  214  is greater than the space between the support member and the front wall  216 , the support member  78 ,  102  and the corresponding support pad(s)  80 ,  108 ,  160  of the respective extension segment is/are turned rightward, in the opposite direction from that of  FIG. 12 , at an angle  224  with respect to the reference axis  220 . 
         [0048]    Notably, the ankle support member  12  and its support pad  60  remain facing forward and aligned with axis  220  regardless of whether support member  78  or  102  is turned askew of axis  220  by adjusting the set screws  206 - 209 . This way, angular adjustability of the extension segment  76 ,  100  (but most often the leg extension segment  100 ) with respect to a longitudinal reference axis  220  and the ankle and foot segment  11  of the orthotic, allows for easy and quick adjustment of segment  11  relative to the other segment  76  or  100  to accommodate and progressively urge correction of anomalies associated with soft tissue injuries, particularly about the knee joint during ongoing therapy. 
         [0049]    Instead of using set screws  206 - 209 , the angular disposition of the support member  78 ,  102  with respect to reference axis  220  can be adjusted using shims of variable thickness located in the slot  210  on both side of reference axis  220  to adjust the space between the corresponding support member  78 ,  102 , flanges  212 ,  214  and the front wall  216  of alternate bracket  202 . 
         [0050]    Alternatively, the inner surfaces of the front wall  216  and flanges  212 ,  214  can be inclined with respect to reference axis  220 , rather than being normal to the axis  220 , to provide a permanent desired angular disposition of the corresponding support member  78 ,  102  with respect to the reference axis  220 . 
         [0051]    It should be noted that the present invention can be practiced on limbs other than the leg and foot as specifically illustrated and described, without departing from its spirit or scope. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they are consistent with the objectives and spirit of the invention.