Ankle-Foot Orthosis

Abstract

An inventive ankle-foot orthosis which transfers a portion of a wearer's weight normally applied to a wearer's foot and ankle to a wearer's calf thereby removing weight bearing stress from the wearer's foot and ankle.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A method of fitting an orthosis to transfer a portion of a wearer's weight normally applied to a wearer's foot to a wearer's calf to thereby remove weight bearing stress from said wearer's foot and ankle, comprising:
 providing an orthosis, including:
 an upper secured to an insole in a combination configured to receive a wearer's foot; 
 a stirrup including a stirrup base connected between a pair of stirrup side pieces, said stirrup base coupled to said insole to dispose said stirrup in fixed relation to said combination with said pair of stirrup side pieces each upwardly extending to positions adjacent each side of said combination, said pair of stirrup side pieces correspondingly terminating in a pair of stirrup ends; 
 a pair brace members each having a length disposed between a brace member first end and a brace member second end, said brace member first ends correspondingly coupled to said pair of stirrup ends, said pair of brace members configured to extend upwardly to positions adjacent each side of said wearer's calf; and 
 a cuff member securable about said wearer's calf and securable to said pair of brace members; and 
   securing said cuff member about said wearer's calf;   placing said wearer's foot in said combination; and   securing said cuff member to each of said pair of brace members at a position which transfers said portion of said wearer's weight normally applied to said wearer's foot to said wearer's calf, thereby removing weight bearing stress from said wearer's foot and ankle.   
     
     
         23 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 22 , wherein providing an orthosis further includes an outsole secured to said insole, said outsole overlaying said stirrup base. 
     
     
         24 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 23 , wherein providing an orthosis further includes a midsole disposed between said insole and said outsole, said midsole having a thickness disposed between substantially flat midsole first face and a midsole second face, said midsole having a stirrup base recess disposed in said first midsole face to receive said stirrup base. 
     
     
         25 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 22 , wherein providing an orthosis further includes a pair of dorsum flaps each having a flap first portion releasably securable at a position adjacent corresponding sides of said upper, said pair of dorsum flaps each having a flap second portion configured to releasably secure in overlaid relation over a dorsum of said wearer's foot within said combination, and further comprising securing said pair of dorsum flaps in overlaid relation over a dorsum of said wearer's foot within said combination. 
     
     
         26 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 25 , wherein each of said first portions of said pair of dorsum flaps adjustably position adjacent corresponding sides of said upper, and further comprising positionally adjusting said first portions of said pair of dorsum flaps adjacent corresponding sides of said upper. 
     
     
         27 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 26 , wherein providing an orthosis further includes an upper material which releasably secures hook fasteners mounted to said first portions of said pair dorsum flaps. 
     
     
         28 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 27 , wherein said flap second portions further include mateable portions of hook and loop fasteners which releasably secure said second portions in overlaid relation over said dorsum of said wearer's foot received within said combination and further comprising mating portions of said hook and loop fasteners of said second portions of said flap second portions in overlaid relation over a dorsum of said wearer's foot within said combination. 
     
     
         29 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 22 , wherein providing an orthosis further includes a pair of joint elements correspondingly coupled between said pair of stirrup ends and said pair of brace members, wherein each of said pair of joint elements pivotally couple said pair of stirrup ends to said pair of brace members to allow rotation of said pair of brace members about a pivot axis extending through said pair of stirrup ends to allow dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of said wearer's foot, and further comprising generating dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of said wearer's foot placed within said combination by rotation of said pair of brace members about said pivot axis. 
     
     
         30 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 22 , wherein securing said cuff member to each of said pair of brace members further comprises releasably securing said cuff member to said brace members with pairs of mating hook and loop fasteners respectively mounted to said cuff member and said pair of brace members. 
     
     
         31 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 30 , further comprising vertically adjusting said cuff member in relation to said pair of braces to determine said position which transfers said portion of said wearer's weight normally applied to said wearer's foot to said wearer's calf prior to securing said cuff member to each of said pair of brace members. 
     
     
         32 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 31 , wherein providing an orthosis further includes providing a main pad which removably overlays said insole, and wherein placing said wearer's foot in said combination further comprises engaging said wearer's foot with said main pad prior to securing said cuff member to each of said pair of brace members. 
     
     
         33 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 32 , wherein providing an orthosis further includes providing a fitting pad which removably overlays said main pad, and wherein placing said wearer's foot in said combination further comprises engaging said wearer's foot with said fitting pad prior to securing said cuff member to each of said pair of brace members. 
     
     
         34 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 33 , further comprising removing said fitting pad subsequent to securing said cuff member to each of said pair of brace members. 
     
     
         35 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 22 , wherein providing an orthosis further includes:
 configuring said cuff member to dispose a pair of cuff edges disposed in opposed relation a distance apart; and   providing a plurality of straps which act on said cuff member to reduce said distance between said pair of cuff edges to secure said cuff member about said wearer's calf.   
     
     
         36 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 35 , further comprising wrapping at least one of said plurality of strap members about said brace members secured to the cuff member. 
     
     
         37 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 22 , further comprising transferring about 10% to about 75% of said wearer's weight normally applied to said wearer's foot to said wearer's calf. 
     
     
         38 . The method of fitting an orthosis of  claim 37 , further comprising transferring about 40% to about 60% of said wearer's weight normally applied to said wearer's foot to said wearer's calf.