United States Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Dan J Edwards

Ted J Greene

Wayne R Janke

Adjustable modular prosthetic joint

A knee brace includes a cage-type frame formed as a rigid unit and having upper lateral and medial uprights, lower lateral and medial uprights, and a generally U-shaped fixed posterior brace that extends behind the knee. The pairs of upper and lower uprights extend along upper and lower lateral and medial sides of the upper and lower leg, respectively, above and below the knee joint. Long lateral and medial pivot arms are hinged to the upper lateral and medial uprights, respectively, and these pivot arms hold upper and intermediate flexible straps releasably securing the upper portion of the brace to the thigh well above the knee joint. A flexible lower strap affixed to the lower uprights releasably secures the lower portion of the brace to the patient's lower leg. A flexible U-shaped posterior strap affixed adjacent the knee joint extends behind the knee joint to controllably restrict hyperextension. The hinged connection of each pivot arm to its corresponding upright allows the upper portion of the brace with its upper and intermediate straps to be releasably secured to the thigh so that the upper portion of the brace rotates with a normal walking gait. Rotational stops at the lateral and medial pivot joints limit rotation to restrict hyperextension. These pivot joints include noise-free bushings. The pivot joints are spaced a short distance above the knee joint axis to improve cosmetics. The hinged portions of the brace functionally distribute thigh forces as well as avoiding slippage of the brace during use.

Hinged cage-type knee brace

A universal modular frame for use as a component in an above-knee endoskeletal prosthesis comprises a one-piece rigid outer frame of closed configuration having an upper sleeve extending between lateral and medial sides of the frame and adapted for connection to a linkage and socket for an above knee amputation, rigid lateral and medial side arms rigidly affixed to and extending downwardly from the sleeve, the lateral and medial side arms having recessed lightening recesses therein for reducing the weight of the frame, and a lower base extending between and rigidly affixed to bottom portions of the lateral and medial side arms. The outer frame forms the perimeter of an open central region for mounting a knee motion and gait control unit. The lower base has a flat bottom face and a pattern of spaced apart holes extending through the lower base for use in receiving corresponding fastening means for rigidly but releasably affixing an upper connecting portion of a lower leg pylon to the bottom of the outer frame. The lower means of attachment on the base of the frame provides a means for mounting to the frame a variety of lower leg pylons depending upon the patient' s needs.

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Sunland, CA, United States of America

Dan J Edwards