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  Anchoring system for prosthetic and orthotic devicesUSPTO Application #: 20070250179Title: 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. (end of abstract) Agent: Fish & Richardson PC - Minneapolis, MN, US Inventor: Debra Ann Latour USPTO Applicaton #: 20070250179 - Class: 623058000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Prosthesis (i.e., Artificial Body Members), Parts Thereof, Or Aids And Accessories Therefor, Arm Or Component (e.g., Elbow, Wrist, Hand, Finger, Etc.) And Actuator Or Connector Therefor, Torso Supported And Actuated The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070250179. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/793,178, filed on Apr. 19, 2006, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to prosthetic and orthotic devices. BACKGROUND [0003] Various limb prosthetic and orthotic devices require a harness system for their operation. However, the benefits of these devices are diminished by the harness system in that it can cause user discomfort, reduced cosmesis due to pulling on clothing, and in the case of upper limb prosthetic or orthotic devices, poor posturing of the shoulders, shoulder muscle asymmetry, and perceived pain in the contralateral shoulder, arm, and hand due, e.g., to impingement of axillae. Further, the function of a device with a harness system is often limited in that contralateral body power is needed to operate a terminal device affixed to the prosthetic or orthotic device. SUMMARY [0004] The present application provides a novel anchoring system that can replace the typical harness system used with cable-activated prosthetic and orthotic systems. Use of the anchoring system with a prosthetic or orthotic device can eliminate many of the problems associated with using a harness system. [0005] Accordingly, in one aspect, the application provides an anchoring system. The anchoring system can include (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. [0006] In another aspect, the application provides a prosthetic or orthotic system. The system can include (a) an anchoring system that includes (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 engaged with an activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device; 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. [0007] The base and clasp engaging member can together be a unitary structure. Alternatively, the clasp engaging member can be detachably connected to the base. The clasp-engaging member can be flange, button, or knob that protrudes from a portion of the base, e.g., from about the center axis of the base. [0008] The base can be a flat member that includes an adhesive side adapted to adhere the base to the body of a wearer, and a non-adhesive side. The base can be any shape, e.g., circular, rectangular, square, or triangular in shape. The size of the base can vary depending on the build and/or size of the wearer. For example, the base used by a child wearer may be rectangular in shape with a width of about 1-1.25 inches and a length of about 2 inches. As another example, the base used by an eighteen year old adult may be circular in shape with about a 3 inch diameter. The base can include a thermoplastic material, e.g., a perforated thermoplastic material. The fastener can also include a thermoplastic material. The clasp can be any shape, e.g., a loop or hook structure. The size of the clasp, e.g., the width of the clasp, can vary according to the size and/or build of the wearer. As an example, a 1 inch wide claps may work well for some wearers, while, e.g., a 1.5 inch wide clasp may be suitable for others. [0009] The anchoring system can further include a linker between the clasp and the activation cable, and can be adjustable to accommodate different sizes of wearers, lengths of prosthetic or orthotic devices, and lengths of activation cables. The linker can include a cloth material, such as a canvas strap. [0010] The prosthetic or orthotic system can include a prosthetic device, e.g., a prosthetic arm, such as a below elbow forearm prosthesis, or a prosthetic leg. The prosthetic device can include a prehensile terminal device, such as a prosthetic hand or hook. Alternatively, the prosthetic or orthotic system can include an orthotic device, e.g., a dynamic splint, such as a dynamic hand, forearm, elbow or leg splint. [0011] In yet another aspect, the application provides a method of securing a prosthetic or orthotic device to a wearer. The method includes (a) attaching the prosthetic or orthotic device described herein 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. The fastener can be adhered to the back of the wearer, e.g., just medial to the scapula and in line with (or slightly above the level of) the axilla, e.g., without crossing the line of the vertebrae. Adhering the fastener so that it does not cross the line of the spine may be useful because, e.g., the contralateral side can be overdeveloped in a user from wearing a harness system. Placement of the device described herein without crossing the line of the spine would not require the wearer to continue using the contralateral side. [0012] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and equipment similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, suitable methods and equipment are described below. All publications and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. [0013] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prosthetic device with an exemplary assembled anchoring system. [0015] FIG. 2. is a perspective view of the prosthetic device depicted in FIG. 1 in a unassembled state. [0016] FIGS. 3A-3G illustrate assembly of an exemplary fastener. [0017] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate the use of a "Figure of 8" harness system by a wearer of a prosthesis. [0018] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate the use of an exemplary anchoring system by a wearer of a prosthesis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Continue reading... Full patent description for Anchoring system for prosthetic and orthotic devices Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Anchoring system for prosthetic and orthotic devices patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Anchoring system for prosthetic and orthotic devices or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Lap joint for prosthetic foot Next Patent Application: Dongle-based multimedia player Industry Class: Prosthesis (i.e., artificial body members), parts thereof, or aids and accessories therefor ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Anchoring system for prosthetic and orthotic devices patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.43835 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Accenture , Agouron Pharmaceuticals , Amgen , AT&T , Bausch & Lomb , Callaway Golf |
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