WO2023172831A1 - Surface mount kits and related components - Google Patents

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods used to make adjustments to an artificial appliance are disclosed. An artificial appliance adjustability system includes surface guide devices and a reel device. A releasing tab may be selectively coupled to the surface guide device. A lace is coupled to the surface guide devices and the reel device. Rotation of the reel device can apply tension to or release tension from the lace to adjust a portion of the artificial appliance.

Description

SURFACE MOUNT KITS AND RELATED COMPONENTS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/269,028, filed March 8, 2022, and titled SURFACE MOUNT KITS AND RELATED COMPONENTS, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to artificial appliances. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to adjustability systems for artificial appliances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The embodiments disclosed herein will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments, which will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0004] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of an artificial appliance adjustability system mounted to an artificial appliance.

[0005] FIG. 2A is a perspective embodiment of a surface guide device of the artificial appliance adjustability system of FIG. 1 .

[0006] FIG. 2B is a perspective exploded view of the surface guide device of FIG. 2A.

[0007] FIG. 2C is a side view of the surface guide device of FIG. 2A.

[0008] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a releasing tab coupled to the surface guide device of FIG. 2A.

[0009] FIG. 3B is an exploded view of the surface guide device and releasing tab of FIG. 3A.

[0010] FIG. 3C is a top view of the releasing tab of FIG. 3A.

[0011] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the releasing tab decoupled from the surface guide device of FIG. 3A.

[0012] FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the releasing tab coupled to the surface guide device of FIG. 3A.

[0013] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a reel device of the artificial appliance adjustability system of FIG. 1 .

[0014] FIG. 4B is a top view of the reel device of FIG. 4A.

[0015] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface collar of the artificial appliance adjustability system of FIG. 1 .

[0016] FIG. 5B is a top view of the surface collar of FIG. 5A.

[0017] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface shim of the artificial appliance adjustability system of FIG. 1 .

[0018] FIG. 6B is a top view of the surface shim of FIG. 6A.

[0019] FIG. 7A is a side view of the reel device of FIG. 4A partially coupled to the surface collar of FIG. 5A. [0020] FIG. 7B is a side view of the reel device of FIG. 4A coupled to the surface collar of FIG. 5A.

[0021] FIG. 8A is a top view of an embodiment of a lace of the artificial appliance adjustability system of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 8B is a top view of an embodiment of a thread matrix of the lace of FIG. 8A.

[0023] FIG. 8C is a top view of the thread matrix of FIG. 8B in a worn state.

[0024] FIG. 9A illustrates a method of reducing a diameter of an artificial appliance utilizing the artificial appliance adjustability system of FIG. 1 .

[0025] FIG. 9B illustrates a method of increasing the diameter of the artificial appliance utilizing the artificial appliance adjustability system of FIG. 1 .

[0026] FIG. 9C illustrates a method of opening the artificial appliance utilizing the artificial appliance adjustability system of FIG. 1 .

[0027] FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of an artificial appliance adjustability system coupled to an artificial hip appliance.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a top view of an artificial appliance adjustability kit.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a side view of another embodiment of an artificial appliance adjustability system mounted to a pylon of an artificial appliance.

[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a pylon mount of the artificial appliance adjustability system of FIG. 12.

[0031] FIG. 14A is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an angle bracket coupled to a collar retainer of the pylon mount of FIG. 13.

[0032] FIG. 14B is a rear perspective view of the angle bracket coupled to the collar retainer of the pylon mount of FIG. 13.

[0033] FIG. 15A is a front view of an embodiment of a lace management system of the artificial appliance adjustability system of FIG. 12.

[0034] FIG. 15B is a perspective view of an embodiment of interlocking tubes of the lace management system of FIG. 15A.

[0035] FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the interlocking tubes of FIG. 15B in an interlocked state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In certain instances, the fit of an artificial appliance, such as a prosthesis or an orthosis, on a user may need to be adjusted one or more times during a wear period, such as a day, to provide comfort to the user. During a wear period, the limb to which the artificial appliance is coupled may change in size due to swelling or other factors resulting in the artificial appliance causing discomfort to the user. Additionally, over the life of the artificial appliance the limb to which the artificial appliance is coupled may change in size due to continued healing or growth of the user. This change in size may necessitate adjusting a size of the artificial appliance or providing of a new artificial appliance of a larger or smaller size. [0037] Embodiments herein describe artificial appliance adjustability systems, kits, and components. In some embodiments, a surface guide device is described. The surface guide device can include a base, a body, and a cap. The base can be conformable to a non-flat surface. The body can include a groove at least partially circumferentially surrounding the body configured to receive a lace. The cap can include a keeper tab configured to be disposed in a first slot of the body and to retain the lace within the groove. The keeper tab can also be disposed within a second slot of the body. In some embodiments, a releasing tab is releasably couplable to the body. The releasing tab may have a track for the lace to be threaded through.

[0038] In other embodiments, an artificial appliance adjustability system or kit is described. The adjustability system or kit can include one or more surface guide devices and releasing tabs, a reel device for applying tension to a lace, a surface collar and surface shim for mounting the reel to the artificial appliance, and a lace.

[0039] In use, the adjustability system can be used for an orthotic device in a lacer or strap configuration to close the device, and to position a portion of the device. The adjustability system can hold the device closed and/or in a desired position in a non-releasing configuration and in a releasing configuration. In another embodiment, the adjustability system may be used for a prosthetic device to close a gap in a socket frame, to create a pressure panel on a socket, or to create a hinge.

[0040] The adjustability system can be mounted to any suitable type of upper or lower extremity prosthesis or orthosis. The reel can be mounted to a first portion of the artificial appliance, and one or more of the surface guide devices can be mounted to a second portion of the artificial appliance that is displaceable relative to the first portion. In another embodiment, one or more of the surface guide devices may be mounted to the first portion. The lace can be threaded around a spool of the reel and around one or more of the surface guide devices such that when tension is applied to the lace by the reel the second portion is displaced relative to the first portion to decrease a diameter of a socket of the artificial appliance. In some embodiments, the reel can release tension on the lace allowing the second portion to be displaced relative to the first portion allowing that the diameter of the socket to increase or the lace to be removed from the one or more surface guide devices.

[0041] Embodiments may be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0042] FIGS. 1-9C illustrate an embodiment of an artificial appliance adjustability system. FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an artificial appliance adjustability system mounted to an artificial hip appliance. FIG. 11 illustrates an artificial appliance adjustability kit. FIGS. 12-15C illustrate another embodiment of an artificial appliance adjustability system mounted to a pylon of an artificial appliance. Further, in some views only selected components are illustrated, to provide detail into the relationship of the components. Some components may be shown in multiple views, but not discussed in connection with every view. Disclosure provided in connection with any figure is relevant and applicable to disclosure provided in connection with any other figure or embodiment.

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the depicted embodiment of an artificial appliance adjustability system 100 includes a surface guide device 110, a releasing tab 130, a tension adjusting device 150, and a lace or chord 190. The artificial appliance adjustability system 100 can be mounted to an exterior surface of any suitable upper extremity or lower extremity prosthesis or orthosis. For example, the artificial appliance may be an adjustable prosthetic socket or other prosthetic device. Other types of appliances are also contemplated, including shoes (e.g., athletic shoes), boots, orthopedic braces, durable medical equipment, spinal jacket, orthotic braces, and the like. The artificial appliance adjustability system 100 may include one, two, three, four or more surface guide devices 110 mounted on the artificial appliance in any suitable pattern to adjust a diameter of a socket or other member of the artificial appliance. In some embodiments, the releasing tabs 130 can be coupled to one or more of the surface guide devices 110.

[0044] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate an embodiment of the surface guide device 110. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C, the surface guide device 110 includes a body 111 , a cap 112, and a base 113. The body 111 is stacked on the base 113 and the cap 112 is stacked on the body 111 such that the body 111 is disposed between the cap 112 and the base 113. The body 111 includes a first end portion 114 and a second end portion 115 disposed opposite the first end portion 114. The body 111 includes an ovoid or egg shape with the second end portion 115 having a width smaller than a width of the first end portion 114. In other embodiments, the body 111 may include any suitable shape, such as elliptical, circular, rectangular, triangular, square, etc. In some embodiments, a substantially triangular body 111 shape can provide anti-rotation of the guide device 110 as it is being pulled by a lace. A substantially triangular body 111 can also point to the correct orientation of the guide device 110. Additionally, the shape (e.g., triangular) can provide extra material to support the guide device 110 so that it doesn’t pull the device 110 and attachment mechanism (e.g., screw) through the surface to which it is attached. The body 111 can be formed from any suitable rigid material. For example, the body 111 can be formed from stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, or polymeric materials such as polycarbonate and carbon fiber reinforced polymeric materials.

[0045] The body 111 is shown with a groove 116 circumferentially disposed in the first end portion 114. The groove 116 may be sized to receive the lace 190 as shown in FIG. 2C. A first slot 117 is disposed adjacent the groove 116 at the first end portion 114. The first slot 117 is sized to receive a keeper or retention tab 119 of the cap 112 when the surface guide device 110 is assembled in a first configuration. A second slot 118 is disposed in a top surface of the second end portion 115 and sized to receive the keeper tab 119 when the surface guide device 110 is assembled in a second configuration.

[0046] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the cap 112 includes the keeper tab 119 disposed at one end of the cap 112 and extending from a bottom surface. As shown in FIG. 2C, when the cap 112 is assembled in a first configuration, the keeper tab 119 is disposed in the first slot 117, the lace 190 is wrapped around the first end portion 114 in the groove 116 and the keeper tab 119 retains the lace 190 within the groove 116 such that the lace 190 is prevented from displacement from the groove 116.

[0047] The base 113 includes a recess 120 sized and shaped to receive a portion of the body 111. The base 113 can be formed from a flexible material to allow the base 113 to conform to a nonflat surface of the artificial appliance. For example, the base 113 can be formed from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, neoprene, thermoplastic elastomer, nylon, metals, carbon fiber reinforced polymers, injection molded polymers, 3D printed polymers, etc.

[0048] The body 111 includes a passage 121 , the cap 112 includes a passage 122, and the base 113 includes a passage 123. When the surface guide device 110 is assembled, the passages 121 , 122, 123 are configured to axially align, as shown in FIG. 2B, such that a fastener can be disposed through the passages 121 , 122, 123 to mount and secure the surface guide device 110 to the surface of the artificial appliance.

[0049] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the releasing tab 130 coupled to the surface guide device 110 assembled in the second configuration where the keeper tab 119 is disposed in the second slot 118. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3C, the releasing tab 130 includes a handle portion 131 and an engagement portion 132. The handle portion 131 extends away from the engagement portion 132 and is configured to be gripped by the user’s fingers. The handle portion 131 can include grip enhancement features, such as bumps, divots, ridges, over molded compliant material, etc. The engagement portion 132 includes a U- or C-shaped member 133. The U- or C-shaped member 133 may be configured to releasably engage with the groove 116 of the body 111 , as shown in FIG. 3A. As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the engagement portion 132 includes a track 134 configured to receive the lace 190. The track 134 may be partially enclosed. The lace 190 can be threaded through the track 134 to form a lace loop coupled to the releasing tab 130. For instance, the lace 190 can be inserted into a lateral channel of the releasing tab 130 and into the track 134.

[0050] FIG. 3D illustrates the releasing tab 130 released or disengaged from the surface guide device 110. This can be accomplished by the user gripping the handle portion 131 and displacing the releasing tab 130 away from the surface guide device 110, as indicated by the arrow. When the releasing tab 130 is released from the surface guide device 110, the lace 190 is decoupled from the surface guide device 110 providing slack in the lace 190.

[0051] FIG. 3E illustrates the releasing tab 130 engaged with the surface guide device 110. This can be accomplished by the user gripping the handle portion 131 and displacing the releasing tab 130 toward the surface guide device 110, as indicated by the arrow, until the U- or C-shaped member 133 is disposed within the groove 116. When the releasing tab 130 is engaged with the surface guide device 110, the lace 190 threaded through the track 134 is coupled to the surface guide device 110 to allow the lace 190 to be tightened by the reel device 150. In another embodiment, the lace 190 may be disposed within the groove 116 and the U- or C-shaped member 133 disposed within the groove 116 over the lace 190 to retain the lace 190 within the groove 116. [0052] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a reel device 150. The reel device 150 may be configured to adjustably apply tension and release tension on a lace to adjust the fit of the artificial appliance to a user. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the reel device 150 includes a rotatable handle portion 151 and a base portion 152. The handle portion 151 may be grasped by the user and rotated in a first direction to increase tension of the lace coupled to a spool of the reel device 150. The handle portion 151 may also be grasped by the user and rotated in a second direction, opposite of the first direction, to reduce tension on the lace and/or to release any tension on the lace. The handle portion 151 is coupled to the base portion 152 such that the handle portion 151 is rotatable relative to the base portion 152. The handle portion 151 may include a clutch mechanism to limit tension applied to the lace when the handle portion 151 is rotated in the first direction.

[0053] The base portion 152 can optionally include a shift mechanism that is responsive to friction of the lace on the reel device 150. For example, the handle portion 151 may be rotated in the first direction with a 1 :1 ratio with the spool to achieve uptake of slack of the lace. When tension on the lace exceeds a threshold, friction or drag of the lace on the reel device 150 causes the shift mechanism to shift from the 1 :1 rotation ratio to a 1 :7 rotation ratio wherein the handle portion 151 is rotated seven cycles to one rotation cycle of the spool. Other shift ratios are also contemplated.

[0054] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a surface collar 160. The surface collar 160 may be configured to facilitate attachment of the reel device 150 to the exterior surface of the artificial appliance. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the surface collar 160 includes a collar portion 161 and a base portion 162. The collar portion 161 is cylindrical and sized to receive the base portion 162 or the reel device 150. The collar portion 161 can include one, two, three or more threading slots 163 to facilitate threading of the spool of the reel device 150 with the lace. The base portion 162 can be coupled to a bottom surface of the collar portion 161. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the base portion 162 includes four arms 165 extending radially outward from a central portion. In other embodiments, the base portion 162 may include different number of arms 165, such as two, three, five, or more. In another embodiment, the base portion 162 may be a circular plate or disk. A fastener hole 164 is disposed through an end of each of the four arms 165 and configured to receive a fastener from a top side or from a bottom side of the base portion 162 to attach the surface collar 160 to the outer surface of the artificial appliance. As shown in FIG. 5B, the fastener holes 164 can be disposed at least partially beneath a wall of the surface collar 160 such that the user can be protected from scratching their fingers against the fastener while turning the reel device 150. The surface collar 160 may be formed from any suitable rigid material, such as nylon, metals, carbon fiber reinforced polymers, injection molded polymers, 3D printed polymers, etc.

[0055] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a surface shim 170. The surface shim 170 can be configured to be disposed between the surface collar 160 and the outer surface of the artificial appliance and to conform to a contour of the outer surface to provide a flat surface for the surface collar 160 to sit on. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the surface shim 170 includes a concave surface 173 configured to match or be conformed to the contour of the outer surface of the artificial appliance. A flat surface 174 opposes the concave surface 173 and is configured to couple with the base portion 162 of the surface collar 160. A plurality of fastener holes 172 are disposed through the surface shim 170. A distribution pattern of the fastener holes 172 is configured to align with the fastener holes 164 of the surface collar 160 to facilitate passage of fasteners through the fastener holes 164, 172 for attachment of the surface collar 160 and the surface shim 170 to the outer surface of the artificial appliance. The surface shim 170 can be formed from any suitable flexible or semi-rigid material, such as polymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate foam, epoxy, 3D printed polymers, thermoformed polymers, metals, wood, etc.

[0056] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a method of coupling the reel device 150 to the surface collar 160 and the surface shim 170. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the surface collar 160 is mounted to an outer surface 103 of an artificial appliance 102 with the surface shim 170 disposed between the surface collar 160 and the outer surface 103. As shown in FIG. 7A, the user can hold the handle portion 151 as the base portion 152 is partially disposed within the surface collar 160 at an angle. A foot 153 of the base portion 152, extending radially outward, can be disposed under a first catch 166 of the surface collar 160 to secure a portion of the base portion 152 within the surface collar 160. As shown in FIG. 7B, the user can continue to hold the handle portion 151 as the remainder of the base portion 152 is displaced downward into the surface collar 160, as indicated by the arrow. When the base portion 152 is fully disposed within the surface collar 160, a displaceable detent 154 of the base portion 152 can engage with a second catch 167 of the surface collar 160 to selectively secure the reel device 150 to the surface collar 160. In certain embodiments, the reel device 150 may be released from the surface collar 160 by displacing the displaceable detent 154 radially inward with a tool and lifting the reel device 150 out of the surface collar 160.

[0057] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate the lace 190. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8C, the lace 190 is a flexible member including a woven thread matrix 191. As shown in FIG. 8B, the thread matrix 191 can include first threads 192 that are resistant to wear and abrasion and second threads 193 that are less resistant to wear and abrasion. The second threads 193 may be colored differently than the first threads 192. As shown in FIG. 8C, the second threads 193 can be configured to indicate wear or abrasion of the lace 190. When worn or abraded, the second threads 193 can become frayed. The user may observe the fraying of the second threads 193 and replace the lace 190 in the artificial appliance adjustability system 100. The first threads 192 can be formed from any suitable flexible, abrasion resistant material, such as spectralon/dynema, worm or spider silk, steel, polyethylene, nylon, cotton, hemp, etc. The second threads 193 can be formed from any suitable flexible material, such as spectralon/dynema, worm or spider silk, steel, polyethylene, nylon, cotton, hemp, etc. The second material can also be selected or configured to wear faster than the first material if desired. The lace 190 can have any variety of lengths, such as lengths ranging from about 1.5 meters to about 2.5 meters, or about 2 meters. A diameter of the lace 190 may range between about 0.5 millimeter and about 1.5 millimeters.

[0058] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate a method of adjusting an artificial appliance. FIG. 9A illustrates a method of reducing a diameter of an artificial appliance 102. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, surface guide devices 110 and the reel device 150 are mounted to an outer surface 103 of the artificial appliance 102 in a lacer configuration where the lace 190 is laced by crisscrossing the lace 190 between the surface guide devices 110 and the reel device 150. In another embodiment, the surface guide devices 110 and the reel device 150 may be in a strap configuration where the lace 190 does not crisscross when threaded between the surface guide devices 110 and the reel device 150. The artificial appliance 102 includes a first panel 104 and a second panel 105 having a first end portion 106 and a second end portion 107 with the first panel 104 disposed between the first and second end portions 106, 107. The surface guide devices 110 are mounted on the first and second end portions 106, 107, and the reel device 150 is mounted on the first panel 104.

[0059] When the reel device 150 is rotated in the first direction to increase tension on the lace 190, the lace 190 can apply a force to the surface guide devices 110 to displace the first and second end portions 106, 107 toward the first panel 104. When the first and second panels 104, 105 are displaced, a diameter of the artificial appliance 102 is reduced. The artificial appliance 102 with a reduced diameter may provide a tighter fit to a limb of the user.

[0060] FIG. 9B illustrates a method increasing a diameter of the artificial appliance 102. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the surface guide devices 110 and the reel device 150 are mounted to an outer surface 103 of the artificial appliance 102 in a lacer configuration. The artificial appliance 102 includes the first panel 104 and the second panel 105 having the first end portion 106 and the second end portion 107 with the first panel 104 disposed between the first and second end portions 106, 107. The surface guide devices 110 are mounted on the first and second end portions 106, 107, and the reel device 150 is mounted on the first panel 104.

[0061] When the reel device 150 is rotated in the second direction to decrease tension on the lace 190, the force applied by the lace 190 to the surface guide devices 110 is reduced allowing the first and second end portions 106, 107 to circumferentially move away from the first panel 104. When the first and second panels 104, 105 move, a diameter of the artificial appliance 102 is increased. The artificial appliance 102 with an increased diameter may provide a looser fit to a limb of the user resulting in increased user comfort. Additionally, the increased diameter of the artificial appliance 102 may facilitate easier donning of the artificial appliance 102.

[0062] FIG. 9C illustrates a method of opening of the artificial appliance 102 for donning or removal. As illustrated in FIG. 9C, the surface guide devices 110 and the reel device 150 are mounted to an outer surface 103 of the artificial appliance 102 in a lacer configuration. The artificial appliance 102 includes the first panel 104 and the second panel 105 having the first end portion 106 and the second end portion 107 with the first panel 104 disposed between the first and second end portions 106, 107. The surface guide devices 110 are mounted on the first and second end portions 106, 107 and the reel device 150 is mounted on the first panel 104.

[0063] When the reel device 150 is rotated in the second direction to release tension on the lace 190, the releasing tabs 130 may be displaced away from the surface guide devices 110 (e.g., via the user grasping and pulling the tabs 130 away from the artificial appliance 102) resulting in decoupling of the lace 190 from the surface guide devices 110. When the lace 190 is decoupled from the surface guide devices 110, the panels 104, 105 can be separated from one another. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9C, the lace 190 is decoupled from the surface guide devices 110 mounted to the first end portion 106 allowing the first end portion 106 to separate from the first panel 104 and the second end portion 107 and to laterally open a socket 108 of the artificial appliance 102. This may facilitate easier donning and removal of the artificial appliance 102.

[0064] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of an artificial appliance adjustability system 200 that resembles the artificial appliance adjustability system 100 described above in certain respects. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals, with the leading digit incremented to “2.” For example, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10 includes a surface guide device 210 that may, in some respects, resemble the surface guide device 110 of FIG. 1. Relevant disclosures set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the artificial appliance adjustability system 100 and related components shown in FIGS. 1-9C may not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the artificial appliance adjustability system 200 and related components depicted in FIG. 10. Any suitable combination of the features, and variations of the same, described with respect to the artificial appliance adjustability system 100 and related components illustrated in FIGS. 1-9C can be employed with the artificial appliance adjustability system 200 and related components of FIG. 10, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter, wherein the leading digits may be further incremented.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 10, an artificial appliance adjustability system 200 is coupled to an artificial appliance 202 configured to function as a prosthetic hip. Surface guide devices 210 and a reel device 250 are mounted to the artificial appliance 202 in a strap configuration where a lace 290 does not crisscross when threaded between the surface guide devices 210 and the reel device 250. The artificial appliance 202 includes a central panel 204. A first adjustable panel 205 and a second adjustable panel 206 (which may be coupled to one another) are disposed laterally to the central panel 204. The surface guide devices 210 are mounted on the first and second adjustable panels 205, 206, and the reel device 250 is mounted on the central panel 204. Releasing tabs 230 are coupled to the surface guide devices 210. In use, when the reel device 250 is rotated in a first direction, tension is applied to the lace 290 and the first and second adjustable panels 205, 206 are displaced radially inward to reduce a diameter of the artificial appliance 202 and adjust a fit of the artificial appliance 202 to a user. When the reel device 250 is rotated in a second direction, tension on the lace 290 is released allowing the releasing tabs 230 to be decoupled from the surface guide devices 210 (e.g., via the user grasping and pulling the tabs 230 away from the artificial appliance 202). When the releasing tabs 230 are decoupled, the first and second adjustable panels 205, 206 are allowed to swing outward to allow for easing donning and/or un-donning of the artificial appliance 202. [0066] FIG. 11 illustrates an artificial appliance adjustability kit 300 that includes components including one or more surface guide devices 310, one or more releasing tabs 330, a reel device 350, a surface collar 360, a surface shim 370, and a lace 390. In other embodiments, the artificial appliance adjustability kit 300 may further include one or more of fasteners, a lace feeder, a reel tool, a lock pin, and a QR code label linked to instructions for use. In some embodiments, the components of the kit 300 may be packaged together and provided to the user as a complete kit. In other embodiments, the components of the kit 300 may be provided individually to replace or repair a worn component.

[0067] FIGS. 12-14B illustrate another embodiment of an artificial appliance adjustability system 400. As depicted in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12, the artificial appliance adjustability system 400 includes an artificial appliance 402, a pylon 409, a reel device 450, a pylon mount 480, and a lace management system 494. The artificial appliance 402 may be any suitable type of artificial appliance attachable to the pylon 409, such as a sleeve or socket. In certain embodiments, the pylon 409 can be coupled to a prosthetic foot. In some embodiments, the pylon 409 may include a joint, such as a rotator, to function as a knee of the artificial appliance 402.

[0068] The reel device 450 may be configured to adjustably apply tension and release tension on a lace to adjust the fit of the artificial appliance 402 to a user. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 12, the reel device 450 includes a rotatable handle portion 451 and a base portion 452. The handle portion 451 may be grasped by the user and rotated in a first direction to increase tension of the lace coupled to a spool of the reel device 450. The handle portion 451 may also be grasped by the user and rotated in a second direction, opposite of the first direction, to reduce tension on the lace and/or to release any tension on the lace. The handle portion 451 is coupled to the base portion 452 such that the handle portion 451 is rotatable relative to the base portion 452. The handle portion 451 may optionally include a clutch mechanism to limit tension applied to the lace when the handle portion 451 is rotated in the first direction.

[0069] The base portion 452 can optionally include a shift mechanism that is responsive to friction of the lace on the reel device 450. For example, the handle portion 451 may be rotated in the first direction with a 1 :1 ratio with the spool to achieve uptake of slack of the lace. When tension on the lace exceeds a threshold, friction or drag of the lace on the reel device 450 causes the shift mechanism to shift from the 1 :1 rotation ratio to a 1 :7 rotation ratio wherein the handle portion 451 is rotated seven cycles to one rotation cycle of the spool.

[0070] The pylon mount 480 is configured to provide for a coupling of the reel device 450 to the pylon 409. FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of the pylon mount 480. As depicted in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 13, the pylon mount 480 includes an angle bracket 481 , a collar retainer 482, and a collar 460. The angle bracket 481 is couplable to the pylon 409 and includes a horizontal plate 485 and a vertical plate 486. The horizontal plate 485 is oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the pylon 409 and the vertical plate 486. The vertical plate 486 is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pylon 409. The horizontal plate 485 can be disposed between the artificial appliance 402 and the pylon 409 and coupled to the artificial appliance 402 and the pylon 409 utilizing any suitable type of fasteners, such as screws or bolts. The angle bracket 481 may be formed of a stamped and bent steel, such as stainless steel.

[0071] The vertical plate 486 faces outwardly from the pylon 409. A collar retainer 482 is couplable to the vertical plate 486. The collar retainer 482 is configured to receive and retain the collar 460. The vertical plate 486 includes clip retention holes 483 configured to receive and retain retention clips 484 of the collar retainer 482 when the collar retainer 482 is mounted to the vertical plate 486 as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. As depicted, the number of clip retention holes 483 and retention clips 484 is four of each. In other embodiments, the number of clip retention holes 483 and retention clips 484 may be one, two, three, five, or more of each. The collar retainer 482 includes lace guides 487 configured to receive and guide a lace through the lace guides 487 to collar threading slots 463 of the collar 460. The number of lace guides 487 in the depicted embodiment is three. In other embodiments, the number of lace guides 487 may be one, two, four or more. The collar retainer 482 may be formed of any suitable rigid polymeric material, such as polyoxymethylene, carbon fiber reinforced polymers, metals, acrylonitrile, butadiene styrene, etc.

[0072] The collar 460 may be configured to facilitate selective attachment of the reel device 450 to the pylon 409. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 13, the collar 460 includes a collar portion 461 and a base portion 462. The collar portion 461 is cylindrical and sized to receive a base portion of the reel device 450. The collar portion 461 can include one, two, three, or more threading slots 463 aligned with the lace guides 487 to facilitate threading of a spool of the reel device 450 with the lace. The base portion 462 can be coupled to the vertical plate 486 utilizing any suitable type of fasteners 489 disposed through vertical plate fastener holes 488 of the vertical plate 486 and fastener holes 464 of the collar 460. The fastener holes 464 can be disposed at least partially beneath a wall of the surface collar 460 such that the user can be protected from scratching their fingers against the fastener while turning the reel device. The collar 460 may be formed from any suitable rigid material, such as nylon, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene, acrylonitrile, butadiene styrene, metals, 3D printed polymers, epoxy resins, etc.

[0073] FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate the lace management system 494. As depicted in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 15A, the lace management system 494 includes a lace 490 and interlocking tubes 495a, 495b. The interlocking tubes 495a, 495b are disposed within a sleeve of the artificial appliance 402 to provide a passage for the lace 490 from the reel device 450 to an adjustable portion of the artificial appliance 402.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C, the interlocking tube 495a includes a bore 498a extending therethrough. The interlocking tube 495b includes a bore 498b extending therethrough. The bores 498a and 498b are sized to slidingly receive the lace 490. The interlocking tube 495b includes a C-shaped protrusion 496 configured to selectively receive a protrusion 497 of the interlocking tube 495a as depicted in FIG. 15C. In certain embodiments, the interlocking tubes 495a, 495b may be interlocked to provide ease of placement within the artificial appliance 402. In other embodiments, the interlocking tubers 495a, 495b can be at least partially separated to direct the lace 490 at desired angles. The interlocking tubes 495a, 495b can also allow for a sub-surface set of tubing channels to be exposed to the surface.

[0075] Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified. For example, a method of adjusting an artificial appliance may include one or more of the following steps: coupling a reel device to an exterior surface of a first portion of an artificial appliance; coupling a surface guide device to an exterior surface of a second portion of the artificial appliance; coupling a lace to the reel device and the surface guide device by threading the lace around a spool of the reel device and at least partially around the surface guide device; and rotating a cap of the reel device to apply tension to the lace, wherein the second portion is displaced relative to the first portion. Other steps are also contemplated.

[0076] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0077] In the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

[0078] The phrase “coupled to” refers to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components may be coupled to each other even though they are not in direct contact with each other. For example, two components may be coupled to each other through an intermediate component.

[0079] References to approximations are made throughout this specification, such as by use of the term “substantially.” For each such reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without approximation. For example, where qualifiers such as “about” and “substantially” are used, these terms include within their scope the qualified words in the absence of their qualifiers. For example, where the term “substantially perpendicular” is recited with respect to a feature, it is understood that in further embodiments, the feature can have a precisely perpendicular configuration.

[0080] The terms “a” and “an” can be described as one, but not limited to one. For example, although the disclosure may recite a housing having “a stopper,” the disclosure also contemplates that the housing can have two or more stoppers.

[0081] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. [0082] Recitation in the claims of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element.

[0083] The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expressly incorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims. Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from the independent and dependent claims that follow are also expressly incorporated into the present written description.

[0084] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the invention to its fullest extent. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of the present disclosure, that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the order of the steps or actions of the methods disclosed herein may be changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order or use of specific steps or actions may be modified. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1 . A surface guide device, comprising: a base configured to conform to a non-flat surface; a body coupled to the base and comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and a circumferential groove disposed adjacent the first end portion and configured to receive a lace; and a cap coupled to the body and comprising a keeper tab.

2. The surface guide device of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a flexible material.

3. The surface guide device of claim 2, wherein the flexible material comprises one or more of a rubber, a neoprene, and a thermoplastic elastomer.

4. The surface guide device of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the body further comprises a first slot disposed at a first end of the body adjacent the circumferential groove; wherein the first slot is configured to receive the keeper tab when the surface guide device is in a first state; and wherein the keeper tab retains the lace within the circumferential groove when disposed in the first slot.

5. The surface guide device of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the body comprises a second slot disposed adjacent a second end of the body; and wherein the second slot is configured to receive the keeper tab when the surface guide device is in a second state.

6. The surface guide device of any one of claims 1 -5, wherein each of the base, the body, and the cap comprise a passage; and wherein the passages are configured to align and receive a fastener when the surface guide device is mounted on a surface.

7. The surface guide device of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising a releasing tab releasably couplable to the surface guide device.

8. The surface guide device of claim 7, wherein the releasing tab comprises: a handle portion graspable by fingers of a user; and an engagement portion releasably couplable to the first end portion.

9. The surface guide device of claim 8, wherein the engagement portion comprises a concave shape configured to receive the first end portion.

10. The surface guide device of claim 8, wherein the engagement portion comprises an enclosed track configured to receive the lace.

11. An artificial appliance adjustability system, comprising: a shift reel adjusting device comprising a shift member configured to shift the shift reel adjusting device from a first lace uptake configuration to a second lace uptake configuration; and a surface guide device comprising: a base configured to conform to a non-flat surface of an artificial appliance; a body coupled to the base and comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and a circumferential groove disposed adjacent the first end portion and configured to receive a lace; a cap coupled to the body and comprising a keeper tab; and a releasing tab releasably couplable to the body and comprising: a handle portion graspable by fingers of a user; and an engagement portion releasably couplable to the first end portion.

12. The artificial appliance adjustability system of claim 11 , further comprising the lace configured to couple the shift reel adjusting device to the surface guide device.

13. The artificial appliance adjustability system of claim 12, wherein the lace comprises indicators configured to indicate wear of the lace.

14. The artificial appliance adjustability system of any one of claims 11-13, further comprising a surface collar couplable to the shift reel adjusting device.

15. The artificial appliance adjustability system of claim 14, further comprising a surface shim disposable between the surface collar and the artificial appliance.

16. The artificial appliance adjustability system of any one of claims 11-15, wherein the artificial appliance is one or more of a prosthesis and an orthosis.

17. A method of manufacturing an artificial appliance, comprising: coupling one or more surface guide devices to an exterior surface of a first portion of an artificial appliance; coupling one or more surface guide devices to an exterior surface of a second portion of the artificial appliance; and coupling a lace to the one or more surface guide devices of the first portion and the one or more surface guide devices of the second portion by threading the lace between and at least partially around the one or more surface guide devices of the first portion and the one or more surface guide devices of the second portion.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: threading the lace through an enclosed track of one or more releasing tabs; and engaging the one or more releasing tabs with the one or more surface guide devices of the first portion and the one or more surface guide devices of the second portion.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising disengaging the one or more releasing tabs from the one or more surface guide devices of the first portion and the one or more surface guide devices of the second portion to decouple the lace from the one or more surface guide devices of the first portion and the one or more surface guide devices of the second portion.

20. The method of claim of any one of claims 17-19, further comprising decoupling the lace from the surface guide devices by unwrapping the lace from at least partially around the surface guide member.