Orthotic apparatus

Abstract

In one embodiment of the invention, an orthotic apparatus includes a frame structure having an upper frame portion moveable relative to a lower frame portion. The orthotic apparatus further includes at least one strap attached to the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion of the frame structure. The at least one strap and the frame structure, together, are configured to apply a therapeutic moment to a joint of a limb responsive to positioning the limb within a limb-receiving space formed between the at least one strap and the frame structure.

1 . An orthotic apparatus, comprising:
 a frame structure including an upper frame portion moveable relative to a lower frame portion;   at least one strap attached to the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion of the frame structure; and   the at least one strap and the frame structure, together, are configured to apply a therapeutic moment to a joint of a limb responsive to positioning the limb within a limb-receiving space formed between the at least one strap and the frame structure.   
     
     
         2 . The orthotic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a device operable to tension the at least one strap is not included. 
     
     
         3 . The orthotic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one strap is configured to increase in length responsive to insertion of the limb into the limb-receiving space so that the limb-receiving space can accommodate a range of limb sizes. 
     
     
         4 . The orthotic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one strap and the frame structure are configured so that a position that the at least one strap attaches to the frame structure is relatively adjustable. 
     
     
         5 . The orthotic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one strap and the frame structure are configured so that a position that the at least one strap attaches to the frame structure is non-adjustable. 
     
     
         6 . The orthotic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one strap exhibits an elastic limit of about 1 percent to about 40 percent. 
     
     
         7 . The orthotic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one strap comprises an elastomeric material. 
     
     
         8 . The orthotic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one strap comprises an elastic fabric. 
     
     
         9 . The orthotic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the at least one strap comprises only one strap. 
     
     
         10 . The orthotic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein:
 the upper frame portion comprises an upper shell having a first elongated support arm extending therefrom; 
 the lower frame portion comprises a lower shell having a second elongated support arm extending therefrom that is hingedly connected to the first elongated support arm; and 
 the at least one strap comprises first and second straps each of which is attached to the upper shell and the lower shell in a manner so that the first strap and the second strap cross each other. 
 
     
     
         11 . The orthotic apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion are rotatable relative to each other. 
     
     
         12 . A method, comprising:
 positioning a limb within a limb-receiving space formed between a frame structure and at least one strap attached thereto of an orthotic apparatus; and   engaging the limb with the frame structure and the at least one strap to tension the at least one strap and apply a therapeutic moment to a joint of the limb.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein positioning a limb within a limb-receiving space formed between a frame structure and at least one strap attached thereto of an orthotic apparatus comprises:
 inserting the limb within the limb-receiving space. 
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein positioning a limb within a limb-receiving space formed between a frame structure and at least one strap attached thereto of an orthotic apparatus comprises:
 positioning a knee of a subject within a limb-receiving space. 
 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein engaging the limb with the frame structure and the at least one strap to tension the at least one strap and apply a therapeutic moment to a joint of the limb comprises:
 physically interfering the limb with the frame structure and the at least one strap as a result of at least one lateral dimension of the limb being greater than at least one lateral dimension of the limb-receiving space prior to positioning of the limb therein. 
 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the act of engaging the limb with the frame structure and the at least one strap tensions the at least one strap and applies the therapeutic moment substantially simultaneously. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 relatively adjusting at least one position at which the at least one strap attaches to the frame structure.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the at least one strap comprises first and second straps each of which is attached to the frame structure. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the at least one strap comprises only one strap. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the at least one strap comprises an elastomeric material.