Patent ID: 8361002

Claim:
An orthotic device for manipulating a user's limb having a joint, said device comprising: a structural assembly comprising a first frame section and a second frame section; and a strap and bladder combination comprising: an inflatable member including an inflatable bladder configured for selective inflation and deflation and consequent expansion and contraction, respectively; a first flexible strap portion having two opposing ends, a first end configured for attachment relative to said first frame section, and a second end configured for attachment relative to said inflatable bladder at a first strap-to-frame attachment point; and a second flexible strap portion having two opposing ends, a first end configured for attachment relative to said second frame section, and a second end configured for attachment relative to said inflatable bladder at a second strap-to-frame attachment point, said second strap-to-frame attachment point being located relative to said first strap-to-frame attachment point such that said elongate space is intermediate said first and second strap-to-frame attachment points; said strap and bladder combination configured to be attached relative to said structural assembly by said first and second flexible strap portions such that said inflatable member is spaced from said joint and said limb can be positioned between said inflatable member and said structural assembly wherein a first gap is present between said joint of said user and said first frame section and a second gap is present between said joint of said user and second frame section, such that inflation and consequential expansion of said inflatable member causes both said first and second said flexible strap portions to be placed in tension such that said inflatable member exerts a force against said limb and causes both said first and second gaps to be reduced upon expansion of said bladder and causes said joint to move towards said elongate space between said frame sections.