| 摘要 |
The present invention is a device that provides supplementary support to a human knee in such a way as to unload pressure from the knee joint, while standing or walking. This is accomplished by transferring a portion of the load through the device of the present invention and either back onto the leg, onto the surface upon which the leg is resting, or a combination of both. The present invention is able to accommodate changes in the distance over which the load is transferred while maintaining the tension necessary for effective load transfer. This coupled with different embodiments of hinge elements that offer multi-degrees of freedom give the present invention the ability to accommodate misalignment of the hinge with the axis of rotation of the knee a allow for a more natural rotation of the knee. Additionally, the system and teachings of the present invention may be adapted for use in conjunction with joints other than the knee or even for use in veterinary applications.
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