Orthopaedic knee brace with chain and sprocket for level adjustment

Abstract

The invention relates to an orthopaedic knee brace with a chain and sprocket for level adjustment, which is a device that ergonomically holds the upper and lower sides of the knee by means of clamps, hinges and screws and provides graduated movement by means of sliding guides, without sudden pressure that may cause knee pain. The orthopaedic knee brace is based on the mechanical principle of separation by means of the chain and sprocket, which helps support the weight of the body and bridge the weight such that the pressure on the knee is eased, using the separation of the upper clamp and the lower clamp. The orthopaedic knee brace comprises a sprocket level adjuster that increases separation force and safety plates that prevent obstructions and cover the majority of the mobile parts.

Description

[0001] ORTHOPEDIC KNEE BRACE WITH CHAIN ​​AND GEAR WHEEL FOR LEVEL ADJUSTMENT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention is developed in the technical field of health and serves to provide a solution to the specific problems derived from knee osteoarthritis, in subjects of all ages, treatments and weights of people.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Currently, there are approximately 300 million people worldwide suffering from knee osteoarthritis, with a ratio of two women to every man affected. The average age of onset is 45 for men and 55 for women, although there are, of course, isolated cases of younger individuals, particularly athletes.

[0006] By a certain age, over 95% of vertebrates, both humans and animals, develop osteoarthritis in their joints, with two exceptions: the sloth and the bat, since both rest and sleep hanging from their joints. The knee ceases to function correctly due to excessive weight on it and / or genetic factors; this causes the femur and tibia bones to eventually rub against each other when walking, producing erosion and inflammation that can lead to excruciating pain.

[0007] The usual techniques for treating knee osteoarthritis primarily involve medication to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, physical therapy to rehabilitate the joint, and, as a last resort, surgical interventions in which the knee is opened, the bones are reshaped, and metal prostheses, usually made of titanium, are implanted. The benefits of these operations typically last between 15 and 20 years.

[0008] Therefore, it is necessary to provide knee braces that not only provide temporary pain relief but also prevent bone-on-bone friction and restore the natural space lost in the knee. As a precedent for this invention, we present patent No. 1192, granted by the Directorate of Inventions and New Technologies, entitled "Ergonomic Bridge Knee Brace."

[0009] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] As a solution to the aforementioned problems, the present invention was developed, consisting of a system that mechanically restores the space lost in the knee due to cartilage wear, eliminating pain by relieving weight and preventing bone rubbing; this reduces inflammation in the area and facilitates the natural restoration of the knee.

[0011] Thanks to the repulsion of the aforementioned bones, hence the name "bridge knee brace", to achieve the physical separation of the joint, avoiding or relieving body weight on it, therefore avoiding bone friction and the pain that this causes, facilitating the restoration of the affected cartilage.

[0012] We call it the "inactive position" when the femur and tibia of the person using the knee brace are at an angle of 90 to 170 degrees Celsius. We call it the "active position" when these bones form 180 degrees, that is, when the leg is completely straight, since it is only in this position that the repulsion function is activated.

[0013] This knee brace has been designed exclusively for walking, since the repulsion in the "active" position will be fixed with respect to the weight of the individual and the strength of the installed hands, since the weight of the individual will vary considerably if the individual is running or going down stairs.

[0014] This mechanical system uses clamps and sliding guides. A toothed wheel driven by a chain creates the necessary space between the two clamps (one for the femur and one for the tibia) when the individual is in the "active" position. The chain, in conjunction with the toothed wheel, generates a cushioning effect that separates the knee joint by up to 0.8 millimeters. This knee brace is designed for walking, light jogging, or descending stairs, as the separation relies solely on a mechanical system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] Figure 1. A side view of the invention is shown, where the clamps, as well as the sliding guides, the chain, the sprocket, and the sprocket level regulator can be seen.

[0016] Figure 2. An isometric view of the device is shown, where the sliding guides that separate the chain and sprocket and the level regulator can be seen.

[0017] Figure 3. The isometric view with a bottom view is shown, where the chain can be seen inside some safety plates.

[0018] The figures accompanying the descriptive report contain numerical references that correspond to the following parts:

[0019] (1) Clamps

[0020] (2) Hinges

[0021] (3) Adjustment screws

[0022] (4) Sliding guide

[0023] (5) Chain

[0024] (6) Gear

[0025] (7) Level regulator

[0026] (8) Security plate

[0027] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0028] According to the above, the present invention consists of the following mechanisms.

[0029] The braces (1), which contain hinges (2), help adjust the upper and lower parts to the knee, creating a weight bridge that helps distribute weight on the knee. These braces (1) have adjustment screws (3) on each side, allowing them to be used by people of different physical builds.

[0030] The sliding guides (4), which are attached to the hinges (2), provide a graduated movement, without sudden pressures that could cause pain. With the help of these sliding guides, there is a more controlled movement, providing comfort to the user.

[0031] On the upper and lower clamps, on each side, is the structure that supports the base of the chain (5), and the opposite base that supports the sprocket (6), which when in operation help to separate the upper part from the lower part, achieving the weight bridge, and removing the pressure exerted on the knee, which brings pain and discomfort.

[0032] The level regulator (7) allows you to adjust the distance between the chain and the sprocket. Turning the level regulator (7) varies the height of the sprocket (6), applying pressure to it. The adjustment can range from millimeters to centimeters, depending on the user's comfort and walking pace.

[0033] Due to the constant movement and to avoid accidents, there is a safety plate (8) which helps to prevent anything from interfering between the chain and sprocket system, and prevents jams by covering most of the moving parts.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An orthopedic knee brace with chain and sprocket, characterized in that it comprises: - some clamps (1 ); joined with hinges (2) that cover the upper and lower part of the knee; - adjustment screws (3) at the end of the clamps (1) that fit at the top and bottom of the knees; - a sliding guide (4), which is attached to the hinges (2) that allows controlled movement of the knee; - a chain (5) attached to the upper clamp, which in contact with the toothed wheel (6) exerts a repulsive force that separates the clamps (1) and relieves pressure on the knee; - a level regulator (7), which, when actuated, fixes the toothed wheel at a specific height, by means of a variable adjustment screw, which, when turned, varies the height of the toothed wheel by exerting pressure on the wheel; and - a safety plate (8) located on the outside of the chain and sprocket, which prevents jamming by covering most of the moving parts.

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