Patent ID: 8221341

Claim:
An ankle-foot orthotic device, comprising: a foot support having an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion has an articulated exterior surface, said articulated exterior surface comprises a plurality of distinct segments that are independently attached to the inner portion and adapted to be positioned adjacent the sole of a persons' foot, wherein each distinct segment is pivotable relative to the other segments in a manner such that each segment can dissociate from the other segments and flex independently when the person's foot engages in a walking sequence; a free motion ankle joint, where the ankle joint and the foot support are configured to allow the device to articulate in a manner that allows the person wearing the device to bend and flex the ankle and foot when walking while maintaining an orthopedically proper alignment of the foot; and a calcaneal control device adapted to stabilize the heel position so as to substantially inhibit varus and valgus movement.