Anchoring system for prosthetic and orthotic devices

Abstract

An anchoring system for cable-activated prosthetic and orthotic devices is provided. Also provided is a prosthetic or orthotic system that includes the anchoring system, as well as methods for securing such a system to a wearer.

1 . An anchoring system comprising: 
 (i) a fastener comprising a base and a clasp-engaging member; and    (ii) a clasp, comprising a first end configured to engage and rotate about the clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage an activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device.    
   
   
       2 . A prosthetic or orthotic system, comprising: 
 (a) the anchoring system of  claim 1;  and    (b) a prosthetic or orthotic device comprising an activation cable and a terminal device, wherein the activation cable comprises a first end operatively coupled to the terminal device and a second end engaged with the second end of the clasp.    
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base and clasp engaging member are together a unitary structure.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the clasp engaging member is detachably connected to the base.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the clasp-engaging member is a flange that protrudes from a portion of the base.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the clasp-engaging member is a button.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base is a flat member comprising an adhesive side adapted to adhere the base to the body of a wearer and a non-adhesive side.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the base is circular, rectangular, square, or triangular in shape.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a thermoplastic material.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a perforated thermoplastic material.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the fastener comprises a thermoplastic material.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the clasp at the first end comprises a loop or a hook.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the anchoring system further comprises a linker between the clasp and the activation cable.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the linker comprises a cloth material.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the linker is a canvas strap.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the system comprises a prosthetic device.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the prosthetic device is a prosthetic arm.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the prosthetic device is a below elbow forearm prosthesis.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the prosthetic device is a prosthetic leg.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the terminal device is a prehensile device.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the prehensile device is a prosthetic hand or a hook.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the device comprises an orthotic device.  
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the orthotic device is a dynamic splint.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the dynamic splint is selected from the group consisting of: a dynamic leg splint, a dynamic hand splint, a dynamic forearm splint, and a dynamic elbow splint.  
   
   
       25 . A method of securing a prosthetic or orthotic device to a wearer, comprising: 
 (a) attaching the prosthetic or orthotic device of  claim 2  to a limb of the wearer;    (b) adhering the fastener to the upper back of the wearer; and    (c) engaging the clasp and clasp-engaging member,    thereby connecting the activation cable to the fastener and securing the prosthetic or orthotic device on the wearer.