Multi-fit orthotic and mobility assistance apparatus

Abstract

A multi-fit orthotic structure including an attachment system for coupling the orthotic structure to a wide variety of subjects without requiring a custom fit. In one embodiment, active mobility assistance is provided via an orthotic system capable of integrating a linear actuator and linkage system to deliver torque to the lower leg of a subject to facilitate flexion and/or extension motion of the subject's leg. The orthotic structure is attached to the subject using a textile suspension system which does not require the orthotic structure to interface directly in the knee region or at the lateral areas of the thigh and calf of the subject, thus providing an ideal fit for the widest possible range of subjects with the minimum number of required sizes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-fit orthotic system configured to be placed around a user's leg, the system comprising:
 an upper leg orthotic structure;   a lower leg orthotic structure coupled with the upper leg orthotic structure;   a lower leg textile attached to the lower leg orthotic structure and configured to wrap completely around the user's lower leg;   a textile tensioning system within the lower leg textile configured to route completely around the leg to adjust a level of tension across a broad surface area of the user's lower leg; and   an actuator coupled with the upper and lower leg orthotic structures and configured to deliver torque to the upper and lower orthotic structures to provide mobility assistance, continuous passive motion, or robotic therapy for the user's leg.   
     
     
         2 . A multi-fit orthotic system configured to be placed around a user's leg, the system comprising:
 a plurality of leg orthotic structures;   a plurality of suspension textiles, each suspension textile coupled with one of the plurality of leg orthotic structures and configured to conform closely to the user's leg to accommodate a wide range of users without a custom fit;   a plurality of tensioning systems integrated into the plurality of suspension textiles and configured to adjust the level of tension in the orthotic system across a broad surface area of the user's leg; and   an actuator integrated with at least one of the plurality of orthotic structures and configured to deliver torque to the plurality of orthotic structures to provide mobility assistance, continuous passive motion, or robotic therapy for the user's leg.   
     
     
         3 . A multi-fit orthotic system configured to be placed around a user's leg, the system comprising:
 a thigh orthotic structure;   a thigh suspension textile attached to the thigh orthotic structure, the thigh suspension textile configured to provide wide area support to the thigh of the user;   a lower leg orthotic structure movably coupled with the thigh orthotic structure;   a lower leg suspension textile attached to the thigh orthotic structure, the lower leg suspension textile configured to provide wide area support to the lower leg of the user; and   an actuator integrated with the thigh orthotic structure or the lower leg orthotic structure and configured to deliver torque to the thigh orthotic structure or the lower leg orthotic structure to provide mobility assistance, continuous passive motion, or robotic therapy for the user's leg.