US 12,226,333 B2
Orthopedic devices and systems integrated with sensors and controlling devices
Ramon Dempers, Alpharetta, GA (US); and Ophir Frieder, Chevy Chase, MD (US)
Assigned to QUAZAR EKB LLC, Alpharetta, GA (US)
Filed by QUAZAR EKB LLC, Alpharetta, GA (US)
Filed on Jul. 12, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/373,268.
Application 17/373,268 is a continuation in part of application No. 15/620,339, filed on Jun. 12, 2017, granted, now 11,065,142.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/351,586, filed on Jun. 17, 2016.
Prior Publication US 2021/0338469 A1, Nov. 4, 2021
Int. Cl. A61F 5/01 (2006.01); A61B 5/00 (2006.01); A61B 5/0205 (2006.01); A61B 5/11 (2006.01); A61B 5/296 (2021.01)
CPC A61F 5/0109 (2013.01) [A61B 5/0022 (2013.01); A61B 5/02055 (2013.01); A61B 5/1121 (2013.01); A61B 5/296 (2021.01); A61B 5/4836 (2013.01); A61B 5/6812 (2013.01); A61F 5/0111 (2013.01); A61B 2562/0252 (2013.01); A61B 2562/0261 (2013.01); A61B 2562/0271 (2013.01); A61F 2005/0144 (2013.01); A61F 2005/0188 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A support and/or treatment system, comprising:
an orthopedic footbed adapted to be worn by a patient;
a footbed sensor integrated with the orthopedic footbed, and configured to measure a load and/or weight thereon;
a knee support brace adapted to be worn by the patient;
a control unit including a processor integrated with the knee support brace;
a telemedicine control device remote from the orthopedic footbed and the knee support brace, and connected to the footbed sensor and the control unit over a network, wherein the telemedicine control device is configured to measure and model stress in a foot, knee, and/or hip of the patient;
an adjustment mechanism integrated with the knee support brace, wherein the control unit is in controlling combination with the adjustment mechanism, and the adjustment mechanism comprises a compression subsystem integrated with the knee support brace and having variable tension controllable by the telemedicine control device via the control unit, the compression subsystem comprises: a rotating bar or rod and a motor configured to rotate the rotating bar or rod to adjust a compression or tension in the knee support brace, and a plurality of straps each connected at a first end to the rotating bar or rod and fixed at a second end to the knee support brace, wherein rotation of the rotating bar or rod tightens or loosens the plurality of straps to adjust compression of the knee support brace about an internal cavity of the knee support brace;
a sensor subsystem integrated with the knee support brace and in communication with the control unit, wherein the compression or tension is automatically monitored by the sensor subsystem and automatically adjustable by the control unit, and wherein the sensor subsystem comprises a first flexible ring integrated with the knee support brace, encircling the internal cavity of the knee support brace, and with at least one sensor adapted to measure swelling in a body part within the first flexible ring and the knee support brace; and
wherein the telemedicine control device is accessible by a remotely located telemedicine healthcare provider to receive metrics from the footbed sensor and the control unit and for control and adjustment of the adjustment mechanism and the knee support brace throughout treatment of the patient by the telemedicine healthcare provider via the knee support brace.