GB2559729A

GB2559729A - Ankle-foot orthosis

Info

Publication number: GB2559729A
Application number: GB1701934.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Starkey Paul
Original assignee: Neo G Ltd
Current assignee: Neo G Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-06
Filing date: 2017-02-06
Publication date: 2018-08-22
Also published as: GB201701934D0

Abstract

An ankle-foot orthosis having an ankle sleeve 104 for arranging around an ankle and comprising first and second guide members 106a 106b and a line (116 Fig 3) having a first end which extends around the first guide member and a second end which extends around the second guide member. The first and second ends of the line are operable to be reversibly attached together (e.g. tied in a knot) between the first and second guide members and in use the first and second guide members change the direction of the first and second ends of the line, respectively. Preferably the first and second guide members are hooks and located on opposite sides of the ankle in use. Preferably a further guide member is located centrally. The sleeve may have first and second attachmenet members 114/112 Fig 2, e.g. a hook and loop fastener system. The line may be the size of a standard laced shoe eyelet and may be elastic. A foot sleeve may be used with the ankle sleeve and has an attachment point (126 Fig 6) for receiving the line. A kit of parts and method of attaching the orthosis is also claimed.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Ankle-foot orthosis Abstract Title: Ankle-foot orthosis (57) An ankle-foot orthosis having an ankle sleeve 104 for arranging around an ankle and comprising first and second guide members 106a 106b and a line (116 Fig 3) having a first end which extends around the first guide member and a second end which extends around the second guide member. The first and second ends of the line are operable to be reversibly attached together (e.g. tied in a knot) between the first and second guide members and in use the first and second guide members change the direction of the first and second ends of the line, respectively. Preferably the first and second guide members are hooks and located on opposite sides of the ankle in use. Preferably a further guide member is located centrally. The sleeve may have first and second attachmenet members 114/112 Fig 2, e.g. a hook and loop fastener system. The line may be the size of a standard laced shoe eyelet and may be elastic. A foot sleeve may be used with the ankle sleeve and has an attachment point (126 Fig 6) for receiving the line. A kit of parts and method of attaching the orthosis is also claimed.

Fig. 1

114b

1/7

102

Fig. 1

110a

108a

108b

114b

106a

106b

114a

2/7

Fig. 2

3/7

Fig. 3

122

4/7

Fig. 4

106a

102

5/7

Fig. 5

106b

107b

6/7

Fig. 6

124

128a

128b

132

126

7/7

Fig. 7

124

ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSIS

FIELD [01] The present invention relates to an ankle-foot orthosis. More specifically, the present invention relates to an ankle-foot orthosis for the treatment of foot drop symptoms.

BACKGROUND [02] Foot drop is used to describe a gait abnormality wherein dropping of the forefoot occurs. The dropping of the forefoot can be due to paresis of muscles in the anterior portion of the lower leg. This condition can lead to dragging of the toes whilst walking or excessive raising of the leg to avoid the dragging.

[03] An ankle-foot orthosis is a device that is used to treat the symptoms of foot drop by forming a direct link between the ankle and the forefoot. The link is either of fixed length or at least of limited length such that the foot is prevented from fully dropping.

[04] Ankle-foot orthosis can, however, be costly and often require professional fitting. Such devices can be configured to completely lock the ankle joint or constrain normal ankle joint motion other than dorsiflexion, which may lead to discomfort.

[05] Devices that can be applied by the user generally provide a greater range of movement, however they can suffer from reliability issues and a short lifespan due to failures in relation to, for example, the attachment of the link between the foot and the ankle. Self-fitting devices can also still present difficulties for the user to fit appropriately and to remove after use. Devices that offer solutions for simpler methods of fitting and removal can involve the use of complex parts, increasing the risk of failure and the cost.

[06] There is a desire for an ankle-foot orthosis that is easy to fit and remove whilst providing reliability during use. It is also desirable that the orthosis is simple to manufacture and maintain.

[07] It is therefore an object of aspects of the present invention to address one or more of the abovementioned or other problems.

SUMMARY [08] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an ankle-foot orthosis comprising:

an ankle sleeve operable to be arranged around an ankle; the ankle sleeve comprising first and second guide members;

the orthosis further comprising a line having a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are operable to be reversibly attached together; wherein the first end of the line is operable to extend around the first guide member and the second end of the line is operable to extend around the second guide member, and wherein then the first and second ends of the line are operable to be reversibly attached together between the first and second guide members, wherein in use the first and second guide members change the direction of the first and second ends of the line, respectively.

[09] In use, the line of the orthosis is attached to the ankle sleeve and the foot such as to form a link between the foot and the ankle sleeve. The restricted length of the link is such that the foot is prevented from dropping as far as it would otherwise drop without the orthosis. As the link prevents the foot from fully dropping, the line is generally held under tension in use.

[10] Advantageously, the guide members of the orthosis of the present invention change the direction of the line and thereby reduce the force applied to the line at the attachment point between the ends of the line in use. The reduction in force enables the attachment point to be a simple attachment whilst still providing a reliable link between the ankle sleeve and the foot. Furthermore, the reduction in force also reduces strengthening of attachment during use which allows for easier release of the orthosis.

[11] The ankle sleeve is operable to be arranged around the ankle of a user. For the avoidance of doubt, “around the ankle” may include, or consist of, a portion of the lower leg above the ankle joint.

[12] Preferably, the ankle sleeve is flexible. Suitably, the ankles sleeve is formed of at least two layers of flexible fabric.

[13] The ankle sleeve is suitably operable to be reversibly attached around the ankle. Suitably, the ankle sleeve comprises attachment members. Preferably, the ankle sleeve comprises first and second attachment members operable to cooperatively form a reversible attachment. The first and second attachment members may be arranged on opposing ends of the ankle sleeve. Suitably, the first attachment member is operable to overlay the second attachment member to form an attachment. As such, preferably the first attachment member comprises attachment means on a bottom face, such as hook and loop attachment means, and the second attachment member comprises attachment means on an upper face, such as cooperating hook and loop attachment means.

[14] The first attachment member may comprise spaced fingers, suitably each finger is operable to overlay the second attachment member and each finger comprises attachment means.

[15] The first and second guide members may be fixedly attached to the sleeve. Preferably, the first and second guide members are opposed on the sleeve. The first and second guide members may operable to be on opposing side faces of the ankle in use.

[16] Suitably, the first and second guide members are in the form of a hook, preferably, a hook having an open gap. Suitably, the open gap of the hook of the first guide members faces toward the open gap of the hook of the second guide member. Preferably, the hook is attached to the sleeve via at least two eyes. The hook may be formed of metal, suitably galvanized metal, such as nickel coated metal.

[17] The ankle sleeve may further comprise a central guide member. Suitably the central guide member is arranged below the first and second guide members. Preferably, the central guide member is operable to project between the fingers of the first attachment member of the sleeve in use. Suitably, the central guide member is operable to be arranged on the front face of the ankle in use.

[18] The central guide member preferably comprises discrete guide members for the first and second ends of the line. Suitably, the central guide member comprises first and second spaced apertures.

[19] The line of the orthosis of the present invention is operable to form a link between a point on the foot distal to the ankle joint and a point on the leg above the ankle joint. By forming such a link, and by having a limited length, the line helps to reduce the drop of the foot that would otherwise occur in the absence of the orthosis when the user is suffering from foot drop symptoms.

[20] As such, the line is operable to attach to a point on the foot and to the ankle sleeve. The line attaches to the ankle sleeve by the first end of the line extending around the first guide member and the second end of the line extending around the second guide member, and then the first and second ends of the line being attached together. In use, the abutment of the line against the first and second guide members holds the line against the ankle sleeve, and the attachment of the first and second ends of the line together prevents the line from falling out of the first and second guide members.

[21] The opposite end of the line to the attachment point at the ankle sleeve may be attached to an attachment point on the foot. Such a foot attachment point may be provided by any suitable means operable to hold the line in position on the foot when under tension in use. For example, the line may pass through the eyelets of a shoe on the foot.

[22] Suitably, the line has a diameter at the foot attachment portion that is operable to pass through the eyelet of a standard laced shoe. The diameter of the line at the foot attachment point may be between 0.5 and 4mm, such as between 1 and 3.5mm, or between 1.5 and 3mm. Preferably, at least one end of the line has a diameter that is operable to pass through the eyelets of a standard laced shoe. As such, preferably at least one end of the line has a diameter of between 0.5 and 4mm, such as between 1 and 3.5mm, or between 1.5 and 3mm. More preferably, both ends of the line have a diameter that is operable to pass through the eyelets of a standard laced shoe the line. As such, preferably, the line has a substantially constant diameter, suitably of between 0.5 and 4mm, such as between 1 and 3.5mm, or between 1.5 and 3mm.

[23] The line may have any suitable length. Preferably, the line has a length sufficient to link the foot and the ankle sleeve and permit tying of the ends of the line but not so long that the terminal faces of the ends of the line protrude substantially from the ankle attachment point. As such, preferably, the line has a length of between 45 and 85cm, such as between 50 and 80cm, between 55 and 75cm or between 60 and 70cm.

[24] The line may be elastic. Suitably, under tension in use the line is operable to extend up to between 110 and 200% of its length when not under tension, preferably between 120 and 190%, 130 and 180%, or 140 and 170%. Said limited elastication reduces jarring of the foot when the limit of the length of the link between the foot attachment point and the ankle attachment point is reached.

[25] Suitably, each end of the line comprises a terminal face. Suitably, the line is continuous from the terminal face of the first end to the terminal face of the second end, suitably integrally formed. As such, preferably, when the ends of the line are not attached then the line does not form a closed loop. By “ends” herein it is intended to mean the two strands of line that extend fro either side of the foot attachment point. As such, “ends” is not limited to the terminal end faces of the line.

[26] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising:

a line having a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second ends are operable to be reversibly attached together;

wherein the first end of the line is operable to extend around the first guide member and the second end of the line is operable to extend around the second guide member, and wherein then the first and second ends of the line are operable to be reversibly attached together between the first and second guide members, wherein in use the first and second guide members change the direction of the first and second ends of the line, respectively.

[27] The orthosis and kit of parts of the present invention may further comprise a foot sleeve operable to be arranged around a foot. The foot sleeve preferably comprises a foot attachment point operable to receive the line and hold the line in position on the foot under tension in use.

[28] The foot sleeve is preferably operable to be reversibly attached around the ankle. Suitably, the foot sleeve comprises attachment members. Preferably, the foot sleeve comprises first and second attachment members operable to cooperatively form a reversible attachment.

The first and second attachment members may be arranged on opposing sides of the foot sleeve. Suitably, the first attachment member is operable to overlay the second attachment member to form an attachment. As such, preferably the first attachment member comprises attachment means on a bottom face, such as hook and loop attachment means, and the second attachment member comprises attachment means on an upper face, such as cooperating hook and loop attachment means.

[29] The first attachment member may comprise spaced fingers, suitably each finger is operable to overlay the second attachment member and each finger comprises attachment means. More preferably, the foot attachment point is operable to project between the fingers of the first attachment member in use.

[30] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for attaching an ankle-foot orthosis according to the first aspect of the present invention, comprising the steps of:

(a) attaching the ankle sleeve around an ankle and arranging a line attachment point on the foot, optionally by attaching a foot sleeve around the foot; and securing the line of the orthosis to the foot attachment point;

(b) adjusting the length of the line between the guide members of the ankle sleeve and the foot attachment point;

(c) attaching the ends of the line together to fix the length of the line between the guide members of the ankle sleeve and the foot attachment point; preferably by tying the ends of the line together.

[31] All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [32] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the following figures.

[33] Figure 1 shows a top view of an ankle sleeve of an orthosis according to the present invention.

[34] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the ankle sleeve of Figure 1.

[35] Figure 3 shows a front perspective view of the orthosis of Figure 1.

[36] Figure 4 shows a left-side perspective view of the ankle sleeve of Figure 1.

[37] Figure 5 shows a right-side perspective view of the ankle sleeve of Figure 1.

[38] Figure 6 shows a top view of a foot sleeve of the orthosis according to the present invention.

[39] Figure 7 shows a bottom view of the foot sleeve of Figure 6.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [40] Figures 1 to 7 show orthosis 102 according to the present invention. Figures 1 to 5 show ankle sleeve 104 of orthosis 102 and figures 6 and 7 show foot sleeve 124.

[41] Ankle sleeve 104 is formed of a lower fabric material layer arranged under, and coterminal with, a perforated upper fabric material layer. The lower and upper fabric layers are stitched together around the peripheral edge. The fabric layers form an ankle sleeve 104 that is substantially rectangular with curved edges. A middle portion of the upper edge of sleeve 104 is in the form of curve extending upwardly from the adjacent linear portions of the upper edge. At one end of sleeve 104 the side edge extends inwardly part way up the side edge such as to form spaced upper and lower sidewardly extending fingers 110a and 110b. On the bottom face of fingers 110a and 110b are arranged hook and loop attachment portions 112a and b, with hooks portions arranged at the outer ends of the fingers and loop portions arranged inwardly from, and abutting the inner edge of, the hook portions.

[42] At the opposite end of sleeve 104 to fingers 110a and b are arranged on the front face of sleeve 104 respective hook and loop attachment portions 114a and 114b for forming reversible attachment with hook and loop attachment portions 112a and b. Hook portions are arranged at the outer end of sleeve 104 and loop portions are arranged inwardly from, and abutting the inner edge of, the hook portions. Attachment portions 114a and 114b are spaced and attached to the front face of sleeve 104 between attachment portions 114a and b is central guide member 108.

[43] Central guide member 108 is in the form of a rectangular fabric tab attached along the top edge to sleeve 104. Contained within member 108 are spaced coplanar apertures 108 a and b. Apertures 108a and b are delineated by metal collars.

[44] Attached toward the top edge of the front face of sleeve 104 are spaced reinforcement fabric pads 107a and 107b. Attached to pads 107a and b are side guide members 106a and b, respectively. Guide members 106a and b are each in the form of a metal J-hook.

[45] The hooks of members 106a and b are each formed of a single piece of metal wire having a first end that finishes in an eye through which the hook is secured to the respective pad and a second end that is spaced from the first end and also has an eye through which the hook is secured to the pad. The ends of the wire extend from the secured eyes along the pad until they meet at the bend of the hook. The ends of the wire continue to substantially abut around the bend and up to the point of the hook, at which point the ends of the wire are integrally joined.

[46] Figures 3 to 5 show line 116 attached to ankle sleeve 104. Elasticated fabric line 116 is of substantially constant diameter and has first end 118a and second end 118b. In use, first end 118a extends through aperture 108a of member 108 and around member 106a. Second end 118b extends through aperture 108b and around member 106b such that first and second ends 118a and b meet on the front face of sleeve 104 between members 106a and b. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, ends 118a and b may then be tied together to form attachment point 120. This forms a closed loop in line 116. In such a closed loop, in use portion 122 of line 116 would be secured to an attachment point on the foot.

[47] Figures 6 and 7 show an example of an attachment point, provided by a foot sleeve 124. Foot sleeve 124 has a similar form to sleeve 104 in that it is formed of a lower fabric material layer arranged under, and co-terminal with, a perforated upper fabric material layer. The lower and upper fabric layers are stitched together around the peripheral edge. The foot sleeve 124 is also substantially rectangular with curved edges. Further, at one end of sleeve 124 the side edge extends inwardly part way up the side edge such as to form spaced upper and lower sidewardly extending fingers 128a and 128b. On the bottom face of fingers 128a and 128b are arranged hook attachment portions 130a and b.

[48] At the opposite end of sleeve 124 to fingers 128a and b is arranged on the front face of sleeve 124 loop attachment portion 132 for forming reversible attachment with hook attachment portions 130a and b. Attachment portion 132 has attached to it a fabric attachment point 126 that provides a point of attachment for line 116.

[49] In use, foot sleeve 124 is wrapped around a foot and fingers 128a and 128b are attached to portion 132 either side of attachment point 126. Ankle sleeve 104 is wrapped around an ankle and secured in a similar manner. Line 116 is then passed through attachment point 126, central guide member 108 and side guide members 106 a and b as previously described. The line is then pulled by the user until the desired lift of the foot is achieved. The ends of line 116 are then secured together between members 106a and b.

[50] Advantageously, the orthosis of the present invention provides a combination of a simple to fit and adjust orthosis for treating the symptoms of drop foot that also provides excellent reliability and is of simple construction.

[51] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[52] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

[53] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[54] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

02 18

Claims

1. An ankle-foot orthosis comprising:

2. Ankle-foot orthosis according to claim 1, wherein the ankle sleeve is flexible.

3. Ankle-foot orthosis according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ankle sleeve comprises first and second attachment members operable to cooperatively form a reversible attachment.

4. Ankle-foot orthosis according io any preceding claim, wherein the first and second guide members are opposed on the sleeve.

5. Ankle-foot orthosis according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second guide members are operable to be on opposing side faces of the ankle in use.

6. Ankle-foot orthosis according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second guide members are in the form of a hook.

7. Ankle-foot orthosis according to claim 6, wherein the hooks each have an open gap, and wherein the open gap of the hook of the first guide member faces toward the open gap of the hook of the second guide member.

8. Ankle-foot orthosis according to any preceding claim, wherein the ankle sleeve further comprises a central guide member.

9. Ankie-foot orthosis according to claim 8, wherein the central guide member comprises discrete guide members for the first and second ends ofthe line.

10. Ankle-foot orthosis according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one end ofthe line has a diameter that is operable to pass through the eyelets of a standard laced shoe.

05 02 18

11. Ankle-foot orthosis according to any preceding claim, wherein the line is elastic.

12. A kit of parts comprising:

wherein the first end of the line is operable to extend around the first guide member and the second end of the line is operable to extend around the second guide member, and wherein then the first and second ends ofthe line are operable to be reversibly attached together between the first and second guide members, wherein in use the first and second guide members change the direction of the first and second ends ofthe line, respectively.

13. Ankle-foot orthosis or kit of parts according to any preceding claim, further comprising a foot sleeve operable to be arranged around a foot.

14. A method for attaching an ankie-foot orthosis according to any of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of:

(a) attaching the ankle sleeve around an ankle and arranging a line attachment point on the foot, optionally by attaching a foot sleeve around the foot; and securing the line ofthe orthosis to the foot attachment point;

(c) attaching the ends of the line together to fix the length of the line between the guide members ofthe ankle sleeve and the foot attachment point; preferably by tying the ends ofthe line together.

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