Orthopedic device

Abstract

A method and device for assisting the gait of an individual using an orthopedic device, wherein the orthopedic device includes an upper anchor device, a lower anchor device and a connecting member and wherein the connecting member is associated with the upper anchor device and the lower anchor device to resiliently connect to the upper anchor device with the lower anchor device.

1 . An orthopedic device, comprising: 
 an upper anchor device;    a lower anchor device; and    a connecting member, wherein said connecting member is associated with said upper anchor device and said lower anchor device to resiliently connect said upper anchor device with said lower anchor device.    
   
   
       2 . The orthopedic device according to  claim 1 , wherein said connecting member is constructed from an elastic material.  
   
   
       3 . The orthopedic device according to  claim 2 , wherein said elastic material includes a predetermined amount of elasticity to provide a desired resistance.  
   
   
       4 . The orthopedic device according to  claim 1 , wherein said upper anchor device and said lower anchor device is at least one of a clip, a snap, a hook, a belt and a Velcro®t connector.  
   
   
       5 . The orthopedic device according to  claim 1 , wherein said connecting member is removably associated with said upper anchor device and said lower anchor device to allow said connecting member to be replaced easily.  
   
   
       6 . The orthopedic device according to  claim 1 , wherein said connecting member includes at least one connecting member anchor device for associating said connecting member with at least one of said upper anchor device and said lower anchor device.  
   
   
       7 . The orthopedic device according to  claim 6 , wherein said at least one connecting member anchor device is at least one of a clip, a snap, a hook, a belt and a Velcro® connector.  
   
   
       8 . The orthopedic device according to  claim 1 , wherein said upper anchor device is associated with a waist section of an individual.  
   
   
       9 . The orthopedic device according to  claim 1 , wherein said lower anchor device is associated with an ankle section of an individual.  
   
   
       10 . The orthopedic device according to  claim 1 , wherein said connecting member is removably connected to said upper anchor device and said lower anchor device such that said connecting member is at least one of replaceable and adjustable.  
   
   
       11 . The orthopedic device according to  claim 1 , wherein said connecting member is at least one of length and resistance adjustable.  
   
   
       12 . A method for assisting the gait of an individual using an orthopedic device having an upper anchor device, a lower anchor device and a connecting member, wherein the connecting member is constructed from a resilient material having a predetermined amount of elasticity, the method comprising: 
 securing the upper anchor device to an upper portion of the individual;    securing the lower anchor device to a lower portion of the individual; and    associating the upper anchor device with the lower anchor device via the connecting member, such that when a force is applied to at least one of the upper anchor device and the lower anchor device in a direction opposite the other of the upper anchor device and the lower anchor device, the connecting member exerts a force on at least one of the upper anchor device and the lower anchor device in a direction toward the other of the upper anchor device and the lower anchor device to cause the upper anchor device and the lower anchor device to be drawn together.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said connecting member is constructed from a material having the predetermined amount of resistance.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising selecting the connecting member responsive to a desired amount of resistance between said upper anchor device and said lower anchor device.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said securing the upper anchor device includes associating the upper anchor device via at least one of a clip, a snap, a hook, a belt and a Velcro® connector.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said securing the lower anchor device includes associating the upper anchor device via at least one of a clip, a snap, a hook, a belt and a Velcro® connector.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising incrementally increasing the predetermined amount of elasticity responsive at least in part to the gait of the individual.  
   
   
       18 . A method for assisting the gait of an individual, wherein the individual has a limb with a first limb portion movably separated from a second limb portion by a pivot point, the method comprising: 
 identifying a first anchor location and a second anchor location, wherein said first anchor location is disposed on the first limb portion and wherein said second anchor location is disposed on the second limb portion;    associating a first anchor device with said first anchor location and a second anchor device with said second anchor location;    connecting said first anchor device with said second anchor device via a connecting device wherein said connecting device includes a predetermined amount of resilience;    moving at least one of the first limb portion and the second limb portion to cause at least one of said first anchor device and said second anchor device to move in a direction away from the other of said first anchor device and said second anchor device, such that said connecting device exerts a force on at least one of said first anchor device and said second anchor device in the direction of the other of at least one of said first anchor device and said second anchor device.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising selecting the connecting member responsive to a desired amount of resistance between said upper anchor device and said lower anchor device.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising incrementally increasing the predetermined amount of resilience responsive at least in part to the gait of the individual.