ANKLE-FOOT ORTHOSIS WITH PLANTARFLEXOR TORQUE ASSISTANCE

摘要

An ankle-foot orthosis (10) (AFO) is disclosed for providing external torque that mimics the torque typically produced by the plantarflexor muscles of the leg when the ankle is dorsiflexed. The torque generated by the AFO (10) assists persons with weak platarflexor strength due to, for example, neurological weakness. The present invention may assist in improving the walking ability of patients who use the AFO (10). In one embodiment, the AFO (10) has a first orthotic member (12) which is adapted to be removably attached to a portion of a calf, and a second orthotic member (14) which is adapted to be removable attached to a portion of the wearer's foot. The second orthotic member (14) can be pivotably mated to the first orthotic member (12). The AFO (10) also includes at least one bias member (68) having a first end and a second end. The first end is mated to the first orthotic member, and the second end is mated to the second orthotic member. The bias member (68) is configured to provide resistance against dorsiflexion of the foot.