The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 01, 1983
Filed:
May. 04, 1981
Donald M Mauldin, Dallas, TX (US);
Richard E Jones, III, Dallas, TX (US);
Other;
Abstract
An improved knee brace (10) is disclosed. The knee brace includes thigh and calf cuffs (12, 14) and identical side members (15, 16) to simplify manufacture and permit use with a range of leg sizes. The hinge members (24) on each of the side members permit the knee joint to be immobilized at a predetermined degree of flexion or movable within a predetermined arc of motion such as 0.degree. to 30.degree. flexion or 30.degree. to 60.degree. flexion. A tensioned cord (70) is provided to urge the knee joint in a given direction. The spring force may be employed to inhibit the quadriceps muscles or permit progressive resistance exercises during rehabilitation. In a first modification, a torsion spring (250) replaces the tension cord (70) and forms the preferred embodiment. In a second modification, a torsion spring is also employed with a thumb screw (218) which permits the knee joint to be immobilized at any desired degree of flexion. In a second embodiment, an elbow brace (300) is provided for supporting and rehabilitation of the elbow joint and adjacent body portions in the arm. A hinge member (310) permits pivotal motion of the elbow brace about an axis corresponding to the axis of the elbow joint. A spring (334) provides a moment about the pivotal axis of the hinge member to inhibit the biceps muscle and provide a variable resistance to motion to rehabilitate the elbow joint and surrounding tissues.