CN118785875A - Orthotic brace with retractable side panels and adjustable pulley system - Google Patents

Abstract

An orthopedic brace has a lumbar brace and an adjustable spinal support extension. The lumbar brace includes a structural member. The adjustable spinal support extension is configured to be inserted into the structural member. The adjustable spinal support extension includes a sleeve, a first strut member, and a second strut member, the second strut member being adjustably coupled to the first strut member to change the length of the spinal support extension. The first strut member and the second strut member are partially enclosed within the sleeve, and when the adjustable spinal support extension is placed within the sleeve, the fasteners of the structural member can be attached to the fasteners of the sleeve.

Description

Orthotic brace with retractable side panels and adjustable pulley system

Related references

This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 18/162,328, filed on January 31, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/305,671, filed on February 1, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/305,678, filed on February 1, 2022, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of medical devices. More particularly, one embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an orthopedic brace and components thereof.

Background Art

The following description includes information that may be helpful in understanding the invention described. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, nor is it an admission that any publication specifically or implicitly cited is prior art.

Orthotics (orthoses) usually need to be adjusted or customized in some way to fit the body part being supported and then positioned correctly. A typical orthosis usually has at least two parts, a rigid portion that supports the body part, and a flexible or semi-flexible portion that secures the orthosis to the body. One type of orthosis is called a "thoracolumbar sacral orthosis" or the acronym "TLSO."

A TLSO is a brace that is used to restrict the movement of the wearer's spine from the thoracic area (mid-back area) to the wearer's sacrum (lower back area). At the same time, the TLSO allows the wearer's neck to move freely. This type of brace is often used to provide support and stabilization of the spine after back injuries and/or surgery, and in some cases, to address spinal pathology.

A common problem associated with conventional TLSOs is that the donning process can be difficult, especially when the orthotist is trying to ensure that the TLSO fits properly to immobilize the patient, as a proper fit of the orthosis generally provides better pain relief for the wearer and promotes healing. Conventional TLSOs rely on soft goods, i.e., long straps extending from the posterior brace with hook-and-loop fasteners that fasten to complementary hook-and-loop fasteners located on the top surface of the anterior brace to secure the anterior brace to the posterior brace. As a result, the donning process may require multiple “log rolls” of the patient (moving from face-down to face-up, or vice versa) in order to adjust and fit the TLSO to the patient. For example, the patient is placed on the posterior support system and then “log rolled” onto the anterior brace to allow for adjustment of the waist belt size while hiding excess waist belt strips. Thereafter, the patient may be “log rolled” one or more times to adjust the posterior support system or adjust the waist belt to better immobilize the patient. Avoiding a complicated (and in some cases painful) donning process will ensure more effective use of TLSO-based orthotics.

In addition, there are different braces for different conditions, including the use of an orthotic brace with a cervical collar, known as a cervical thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis (CTLSO). It would be advantageous to provide an orthotic brace with a uniform structure to enable transition from a TLSO to a CTLSO and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying drawings, in which like references refer to like elements, and in which:

1 is a perspective rear view of an exemplary embodiment of an orthopedic brace having a posterior support system.

2A is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the rear support system of FIG. 1 .

2B is an exemplary embodiment of the rear support system of FIG. 1 with an inner liner for wear.

3A is a top-down plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a pulley subsystem implemented through a guide channel formed in the rear cover of FIG. 2A.

3B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a rear cover showing a second chamber at least partially formed by a guide channel.

3C is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a support hole implemented in the rear panel of FIG. 2A.

3D is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a heat staking process in which rods and support holes serve as coupling points between the rear panel and rear cover of FIG. 2A.

4A is a top-down plan view of a brace adjustment system having the retractable panels of FIG. 2 and a waist belt deployed between a back panel and a back cover.

4B is a cross-sectional view of the brace adjustment system showing a stop including a first stop type to prevent the retractable side panel from further extending from a first cavity formed between the rear panel and the rear cover.

4C is a top-down plan view of a rear support system having retractable side panels that operate in conjunction with an adjustable waist belt component.

5A is an exemplary embodiment of an orthotic fastening subsystem deployed within the orthopedic brace of FIG. 1 .

5B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a rear support system having the pulley subsystem of FIG. 5A .

5C is a top-down plan view of the exemplary embodiment of the pulley base of FIG. 5A .

5D is a top-down plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a pulley subsystem operating in a first state.

5E is a top-down plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the pulley subsystem operating in a second state in response to a tightening operation, wherein the retractable side panels and waist belt components are partially returned into the first and second chambers.

6A-6B are exemplary embodiments of the internal dimensions of a waist belt and the subsequent dimensions of retractable side panels as deployed within the rear support system of FIG. 2A .

6C-6D are exemplary embodiments of the outer dimensions of a waist belt and subsequent dimensions of retractable side panels as deployed within the rear support system of FIG. 2A.

6E is an exemplary embodiment of an orthotic fastening system adjusted to show different side panel and waist belt component combinations having different sizing settings, which are sized according to the different waist belt sizing procedures shown in FIGS. 6A-6D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an orthotic brace that includes a posterior support system. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the posterior support system has an orthotic fastening subsystem that includes retractable side panels that extend from opposite sides of the posterior support system and are operated to cooperate with an adjustable waist belt to assist in donning the orthotic brace on a patient. As described herein, the orthotic brace can constitute any type of lumbar sacral orthosis (LSO), including a standard LSO (lower back brace belt) or other orthoses configured to provide greater patient fixation, such as a thoracic LSO (TLSO) or a cervical TLSO (CTLSO), as described below.

When deployed as a TLSO or CTLSO or LSO, the rear support system of the orthotic brace can be configured according to a layered component architecture, including a rear panel, a rear cover, and a pulley cover. Each of these components can be formed of a rigid material, such as a hardened plastic, to provide greater rigidity to fix the patient. Here, the shape and size of the rear panel are set so that it rests again on the lower middle part of the patient's back to partially fix the patient's spine. The size of the rear cover is set to cover the middle area of the rear panel, and the size of the pulley cover is set to cover the middle area of the rear cover. This layered structure creates different chambers for accommodating different components that constitute the orthotic fastening subsystem. For example, the rear panel and the rear cover form a first chamber for accommodating and fixing the end portion of the side (wall) plate, which can be extended in a retractable manner from the side opening of the first chamber. Similarly, the rear cover and the pulley cover form a second chamber for accommodating the pulley subsystem and the retractable side plate, and the adjustable belt component is attached to the pulley subsystem.

According to one embodiment of the disclosure, as an illustrative example, the rear cover is positioned to partially cover the rear surface of the rear panel, such as the middle of the rear panel. Therefore, a first chamber is created between the front (forward) surface of the rear cover and the rear (rear) surface of the rear panel. In addition, the pulley cover is positioned to partially cover the rear surface of the rear cover, such as covering a recessed area formed as part of the rear cover. Therefore, a second chamber is created between the front (front section) surface of the pulley cover and the rear (rear section) surface of the rear cover.

Herein, the patient's back can be leaned against a liner (cushion) that is placed on the front (front section) surface of the back panel. The front surface of the back panel is shaped to have a contour that conforms to the thoracic and lumbar regions of the patient's spine. The back (back section) surface of the back panel includes a first recessed area that is combined with the front surface of the back cover to form a first chamber. The back cover includes a rod coupled to the back panel, wherein such coupling can be achieved by inserting the rod into a corresponding support hole and coupling therewith. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the rod of the back cover can be formed of a solid material and inserted into a corresponding hole formed in the back panel. In response to the heat fusion process, the rod is deformed to form a head portion that can prevent the rod from being removed from the hole without removing the head portion. These rods operate as: (i) a gasket to provide structural integrity by maintaining a substantially constant side opening for adjusting the adjustment of the retractable side panel inward and outward from the first chamber, and (ii) a stopper to prevent the retractable side panel from being completely removed from the first chamber.

The front surface of the pulley cover includes rods that couple to support holes formed in the rear cover. These rods can be heat fused as described above, or in the alternative, can be heat fused to be removed from the holes (e.g., threaded, holes having approximately the same diameter as the rods for a tight fit, etc.) to allow the orthotist to access the pulley subsystem located below the pulley cover. The rods also act as spacers, provide structural stability, and allow the pulley base of the pulley subsystem to move unimpeded by forces applied to the rear cover and/or pulley cover that would otherwise limit the depth of the second chamber.

The pulley bases are connected to each other by a rope, wherein tightening of the pulley rope (i.e., pulling the handle at the end of the pulley rope) causes the two pulley bases to move inwardly toward each other along the guide channel formed on the rear surface of the rear cover to operate as part of the second chamber. During the inward traverse, the orthopedic waist belt is tightened. During this tightening process, the pulley bases move inwardly toward each other, which causes the length of each waist belt component attached to the pulley base and the length of the side plate to which the waist belt component is attached to be reduced by a dimension extending from the first and second chambers. In other words, during the tightening process, the side plate and its corresponding waist belt component are pulled back into the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively.

Conversely, by loosening the pulley rope (or loosening the orthotic fastening subsystem), the pulley base moves outwardly toward the pulley stop that is integrated as part of the guide channel. A flange component is located on the opposite side of the pulley base, and the flange component is positioned to engage with the stop when the waist belt and side panels are extended from the first and second chambers to a predetermined length set during a waist belt adjustment process, which may occur during wearing of the orthotic brace.

I. Terminology

In the following description, certain terms are used to describe various aspects of the present invention. For example, the term "component" may be interpreted as a structural component of an orthopedic brace. In some cases, a component may include a component covered by a soft good, such as one or more textiles, one or more fabrics (woven and/or non-woven), leather, and/or other covering materials. These soft goods may have "loop" type fasteners or other variations to which "hook" type fasteners can be attached, or may have hook fasteners to attach to loop type fasteners. In other cases, a component may be a soft good that is attached to another structural component of an orthopedic brace, such as a textile or fabric that is sewn together to form a pocket such as a knitted textile, wherein the structural component can be placed within the pocket.

The term "chamber" is a partially enclosed housing, i.e., a structure having a partially enclosed perimeter except for one or more openings, such as at least two openings along opposite sides of the perimeter. Thus, a partially enclosed chamber operates as a structure configured to secure, maintain and protect orthotic fastening subsystem components.

The term "attach" and other tenses of the term (attached, attaching, etc.) may be interpreted as physically connecting a first component to a second component. "Fasteners" may be interpreted as any physical component used to attach different components together. Illustrative examples of different types of fasteners and fastening techniques may include, but are not limited to or confined to, snaps, buttons, buckles, clasps, adhesives, sewing, heat sealing (or melting), gluing, braiding, or other physical coupling techniques, such as hook and loop connections.

The term "rigid" or "rigid" with respect to a component or a portion of a component may be interpreted as a component that is configured to at least partially resist bending or deformation. According to this definition, different lengths of a given structure and assembly may be rigid over a shorter length and flexible over a longer length. As used herein, the term "rigid" with respect to a component or a portion of a component may be interpreted as a component that may be permanently deformed or broken if bent or twisted at least 90°. Examples of rigid components may include, but are not limited to or limited to, a back panel, or an extension panel, wherein the retractable side panel is rigid but has flexibility to support placement into a concave shape without breaking.

Finally, the terms "or" and "and/or" as used herein should be interpreted to include or mean any one or any combination. For example, "A, B or C" or "A, B and/or C" means "any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition will only occur if the combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are inherently mutually exclusive to some extent.

As the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, it is intended that this disclosure be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific embodiments shown and described.

II. Overall Architecture

Referring to FIG. 1 , a perspective rear view of an exemplary embodiment of a rear support system 110 deployed as part of an orthopedic brace 100 is shown. Herein, the rear support system 110 has a rear panel 120 that, when worn, is positioned to reside approximately on or substantially parallel to the patient's coronal plane. As shown, a filler 115 (cushion) may be inserted near the front surface of the rear panel 120. The rear panel 120 provides support along the thoracic and lumbar regions of the patient's spine.

As further shown, the rear support system 110 also has a plurality of structural components layered onto the rear panel 120 to form a plurality of chambers between them. These structural components may include, but are not limited to or are not limited to a rear cover 140 and a pulley cover 160. The rear cover 140 is coupled to a curved midsection region 125 of the rear panel 120. The shape of the midsection region 125 is generally concave to conform to the thoracic and lumbar regions of the patient's spine. One or more slotted openings 130 are located on each side (left 126, right 128) of the midsection region 125 to reduce the lateral rigidity of the rear panel 120 to allow the side of the rear panel 120 to move laterally and forwardly when worn. As shown, the top region 132 of the rear panel 120 has a locking slot 134 for holding an extension plate (not shown) and a belt guide 136 for holding an attachment belt (not shown).

The pulley cover 160 is coupled to the rear cover 140 at the midsection region 145 of the rear cover 140. The midsection region 145 of the rear cover 140 has a recessed area (not shown) shaped to hold the pulley subsystem 150, wherein the pulley subsystem 150 includes a plurality of pulley bases 152 ₁ -152 _2. Each pulley base 152 ₁ or 152 ₂ includes (i) a base member 154 ₁ or 154 ₂ having a plurality of pulley members (not shown) disposed in a staggered orientation and interconnected with a designated pulley rope 180 ₁ or 180 ₂ with a handle 185 ₁ or 185 ₂ , and (ii) a belt groove 156 ₁ or 156 ₂ located at the outer edge of the pulley base member 154 ₁ or 154 ₂ . Each pulley rope ₁₈₀₁ or ₁₈₀₂ passes through the rope passage hole ₁₇₀₁ or ₁₇₀₂ located in the same transverse plane. The pulley cover 160 is smaller in size (e.g., width and height) than the rear cover 140 so as to cover the recessed area of the rear cover 140, so that the pulley cover 160 is free from covering the top cover area 158 and the bottom cover area 159 of the rear cover 140.

Referring to FIG. 2A , an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the rear support system 110 of FIG. 1 is shown. Herein, the rear support system 110 has a rear panel 120, a rear cover 140, and a pulley plate 160, as shown in FIG. 1 . The liner 115 is located in front of the front surface 200 of the rear panel 120. In addition, a plurality of side panels 210 are made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as any type of hardened, flexible plastic (e.g., polyethylene sheet, polycarbonate, etc.) and are located in a first chamber 280 (see FIG. 2B ), wherein the first chamber 280 is formed between the rear surface 205 of the rear panel 120 and the front surface 220 of the rear cover 140 (and adjacent to another liner 117). The pulley subsystem 150 is located in a second chamber 290 (see FIG. 2B ), which is formed between the rear surface 225 of the rear cover 140 and the front (forward) surface 230 of the pulley cover 160. The adjustable waist belt member 240 is attached to the waist belt slots 156 ₁ - 156 ₂ formed in the pulley bases 152 ₁ - 152 ₂ .

More specifically, the front surface 220 of the rear cover plate 140 includes a plurality of rods 260 that are coupled to the rear panel 120, wherein such coupling can be achieved by inserting the rods 260 into corresponding support holes 265 in the rear panel 120 and permanently fusing them therein (e.g., coupling together through a heat fusion process). The rods 260 operate as (i) gaskets to provide structural integrity by maintaining a substantially constant width of the side opening formed in the first chamber 280 (see FIG. 2B ) for accommodating the adjustment of the retractable side panel 210 inwardly and outwardly from the first chamber 280, and (ii) stops to prevent the side panel 210 from being completely removed from the first chamber 280 by engaging the tab portion of the side panel 210 with the rods 260, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B and described below.

Here, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, retractable side panels 210 provide support by relieving circumferential pressure and helping stabilize the spinal system from lateral (coronal) bending. The rigid plastic side panels 210 can extend from the sacrococcygeal junction area and terminate just below the scapular spine. In conjunction with the side panels associated with a softly lined anterior support system (not shown) extending from the pubic symphysis to the sternal notch, the side panels 210 help limit gross trunk motion in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes and provide lateral strength.

In addition, the pulley cover 160 has a front surface 230, which also includes a plurality of rods 270. However, the rods 270 can be removably coupled to support holes 275 formed in the rear cover 140. The rods 270 operate as gaskets that provide structural integrity to resist substantial narrowing or closing of the side opening formed in the second chamber 290 in response to a force applied to the pulley cover 160 in the forward direction D1 or a force applied to the rear cover 140 in the rearward direction D2. This allows the waist belt slots 156 ₁ -156 ₂ located on the pulley bases 152 ₁ -152 ₂ to be exposed from the second chamber 290 and unobstructed during use.

2A- _2B , the pulley bases _{1521-1522 are} interconnected by pulley ropes _18O1-18O2 extending from the rear (rear end) surface ₂₃₅ of the pulley cover 160, wherein tightening _{of one or both of the pulley ropes 18O1-18O2 ( i.e.} , pulling the handle ₁₈₅₁ at the end of the pulley rope _18O1 ) causes the two pulley bases _1521-1522 to move inwardly relative to each _other along the guide channel 222 formed on the rear surface 225 of the rear cover 140. During the traversing process, one or more orthopedic belt components 240 are tightened. During such tightening, the pulley bases 152 ₁ -152 ₂ move inwardly toward each other, which causes the length of each side panel (e.g., side panel 210) and its corresponding waist belt member 240 extending from the first and second chambers 280 and 290, respectively, to be reduced, as each waist belt member 240 is coupled to its corresponding side panel via a hook-and-loop fastener, a loop connection that is attached to the surface of the waist belt member 240 and enters through a slot in the side panel 210 for attachment to a complementary fastener on the side panel. Thus, during adjustment, the side panel 210 and its corresponding waist belt member 240 can both move away from the first chamber 280 and the second chamber 290 in a first lateral direction (L1) 292. However, during tightening, the side panel 210 and its corresponding waist belt member 240 are pulled back into the first chamber 280 and the second chamber 290 in a second lateral direction (L2) 294, as described in more detail below.

3A, a top-down plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a pulley subsystem 150 is shown, which is implemented with a guide channel 222 formed in the rear cover 140. The rear surface 225 of the rear cover 140 is shown, and the structure of the rear cover 140 is a middle cover area 145, which is integrated with and inserted between the top cover area 158 and the bottom cover area 159. The middle cover area 145 has a guide channel 222, which is composed of a first guide member 300, a second guide member 310, and a third guide member 320.

As further shown in FIG. 3A , a first set (two or more) of pulley blocks 330 are positioned along the side surface 305 of the first guide member 300, and a second set of pulley blocks 335 are positioned along the side surface 325 of the third guide member 320. The first and second sets of pulley blocks 330 and 335 are positioned to prevent the pulley bases 152 ₁ and 152 ₂ from accidentally sliding and being removed from the guide channel 222. More specifically, each pulley base component 154 ₁ and 154 ₂ has a first flange 340 and 341 that is positioned to engage with one of the first set of pulley blocks 330 (e.g., pulley blocks 331 and 332) when each waist belt component 240 is set to a predetermined size and fully extended from the second chamber 290. Similarly, each pulley base member ₁₅₄₁ and ₁₅₄₂ has a second flange 342 and 343 that is positioned to engage one of the second set of pulley stops 335 (e.g., pulley stops 336 and 337) when each waist belt member 240 is set to a predetermined size and fully extended from the second chamber 290. As an optional feature, in addition to the pulley stops 331-332 and 336-337, the first and second sets of pulley stops 330 and 335 may include pulley stops 333-334 and 338-339 to prevent the pulley bases ₁₅₂₁ and ₁₅₂₂ from moving further inward beyond the predetermined position.

Referring now to FIG. 3B , a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the rear cover 140 is shown, showing the second chamber 290 formed at least in part by the guide channel 222. Here, because the rear panel 120 is shaped to conform to the contours of the chest and lumbar back regions, the rearward surface 312 of the second guide member 310 is located below the rearward surface 302 of the first guide member 300 and the rearward surface 322 of the third guide member 320. The rearward surface 302 of the first guide member 300 is generally orthogonal to the side surface 305 of the first guide member 300, and the rearward surface 322 of the third guide member 320 is generally orthogonal to the side surface 325 of the third guide member 320. This structure provides sufficient clearance for the pulley 350 mounted on the forward surface 352 of the pulley base member (e.g., the pulley base member 154 ₂ of the pulley base 152 ₂ ) as the pulley base 152 ₂ slides along the first guide member 300 and the third guide member 320 in response to forces applied to the belt groove 156 ₂ and/or forces applied through the pulley 350.

Referring to FIG. 3C , a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a support hole 265 implemented in the rear panel 120 of FIG. 2A is shown. Here, as shown in FIGS. 3B-3C , a plurality of support holes 265 are positioned to correspond to a plurality of rods 260 extending from the front surface 220 of the rear cover 140. As shown, the first group of support holes 360 are positioned to engage with a first group of rods 370 extending from the top coverage area 158 of the rear cover 140. In addition, the second group of support holes 365 are positioned to engage with a second group of rods 375 extending from the bottom coverage area 159 of the rear cover 140. According to one embodiment, except for the optional central support hole 361, the rest of the first group of support holes 360 can be coplanar. Similarly, except for the central support aperture 366, the rest of the second group of support holes 365 can be coplanar. Support holes 275 (see FIG. 2A ) for engagement with rods 270 associated with pulley cover 160 may be located along first guide 300 and second guide 320 closer to pulley stops 331 - 332 and 336 - 337 than support holes 265 .

Referring to FIG. 3D , a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a heat fusion process is shown, wherein the rod 260 and the support hole 265 operate as a coupling point and a reinforcement between the rear panel 120 and the rear cover 140. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rod 260 of the rear cover 140 can be inserted into the corresponding support hole 265 formed in the rear panel 120 and coupled together. For example, the rod 260 and the support hole 265 can be coupled together by a heat fusion process 380. In particular, after the rod 260 is inserted into the support hole 265, a prescribed amount of heat is applied to the rod 260. This heat causes the material associated with the rod 260 to melt slightly to form a head portion (dome) having a diameter greater than the hole, so that when cooled, the rod 260 cannot be removed from the support hole 265 without damaging or eliminating the head portion.

Referring to FIG. 4A , a top-down plan view of a rear support system 110 is shown having a retractable side panel 210 disposed between a first chamber 280 formed between a rear panel 120 and a rear cover 140. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the retractable side panel 210 includes a main panel region 400 and a retention panel region 410. As shown, the main panel region 400 corresponds to the portion of the side panel 210 that can be removed from the first chamber 280, i.e., the enclosure formed between the rear surface 205 of the rear panel 120 and the front surface 220 of the rear cover 140. The amount of the main panel region 400 removed from the first chamber 280 depends on the size (large (L), medium (M), small (S), or variations thereof, e.g., XL, 2XL, XS, etc.) selected for the waistband strip component 240 attached to the side panel 210, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E .

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the main panel area 400 of the retractable side panel 210 may include a buckle attachment hole 425 that is sized to receive a buckle associated with a support strap (not shown) that is located under the wearer's armpit. When the support strap is inserted and passed therethrough, the buckle attachment hole 425 has a buckle retention attachment 426 that is flexible and applies a force to the inserted buckle to at least partially retain the buckle within the buckle attachment hole 425. Thus, the buckle attachment hole 425 helps retain the buckle and its support strap and retain it under and away from the wearer's armpit. This avoids unnecessary movement of the strap when the orthopedic brace 100 is worn.

As further shown in FIGS. 4A-4B , the retention panel region 410 corresponds to the smallest portion of the side panel 210 that is configured to remain within the first cavity 280 at all times. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the retention panel region 410 includes a first tab portion 420 extending from an edge 430 thereof. The first tab portion 420 (and the side panel 210) is positioned to engage with the rod 260 of the rear cover 140 and operates as a “stop” for the side panel 210 when the side panel 210 has been extended to a size that allows the primary panel region 400 to be completely removed from the first cavity 280. The first tab portion 420 prevents the side panel 210 from being accidentally removed from the first cavity 280 when engaged with the rod 260. In addition to the first tab portion 420, as shown in FIG. 4A , a second tab portion 440 may be positioned to extend from an edge 450 of the retention panel region 410 and engage with another rod 260 of the rear cover 140 when the primary panel region 400 is completely removed from the first cavity 280.

Referring now to FIG. 4C , a top-down plan view of the rear support system 110 is shown having retractable side panels 210 that operate in conjunction with an adjustable waist belt component 240. Here, the waist belt component 240 is attached to the pulley base 152 ₁ via the waist belt slot 156 _1. The waist belt component 240 can be sized to align with a portion of the pulley base 152 ₁ , such as the waist belt slot 156 ₁ , based on indicia 460 placed on the waist belt component 240. However, herein, the waist belt component 240 is sized to a maximum length represented by a first flange 340 and a second flange 342 that engage the pulley stops 331 and 336. The side panels 210 and waist belt component 240 are coupled together and moved laterally and forwardly to couple with a front support system (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 5A , an exemplary embodiment of an orthotic fastening subsystem 500 deployed within an orthotic brace 100 is shown. Implemented as a component of the rear support system 110, the orthotic fastening subsystem 500 has a pulley subsystem 150, a retractable side panel 210 (e.g., a first side panel 520 as shown), and a waist belt component 240 (e.g., a first waist belt component 525 as shown), which operate together to size and attach the orthotic brace 100 to a patient. The first retractable side panel 520 slidably extends from a first chamber 280 formed under the rear cover 140 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second retractable side panel (not shown) extends. In addition, a first end 510 of the first waist belt component 525 is anchored to a waist belt groove 156 ₁ of a first pulley base 152 ₁ , while a first end of a first end of a second waist belt component (not shown) is anchored to a waist belt groove 156 ₂ of a second pulley base 152 ₂ .

5A-5B , the pulley subsystem 150 includes a first pulley base 152 ₁ and a second pulley base 152 ₂ that are coupled together by pulley ropes 180 ₁ and 180 _2. Although not shown, pulleys mounted below the pulley bases 152 ₁ -152 ₂ apply tension and cause: (i) the first waist belt component 525 when the pulley rope 180 ₂ is pulled forward and/or laterally; and (ii) the second waist belt component (not shown) when the pulley rope 180 ₁ is pulled forward and/or laterally; to move inward (toward the central region 550 of the second chamber 290). Furthermore, given that the first waist belt component 525, a portion proximate the second end 530 of the first waist belt component 525, is attached to the first side panel 520, as shown in FIG5B , for example, by complementary loop and hook fasteners, inward movement of the first waist belt component 525 causes complementary inward movement of the first side panel 520, and vice versa. The same adjustment scheme also applies to the second side panel (not shown). This allows for easier donning of the orthopedic brace without the need to log-roll the patient to custom-fit the rear side panels.

Referring to FIG5C, a top-down plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the pulley base (e.g., pulley base ₁₅₂₁ ) of FIG5A is shown. Herein, the pulley base ₁₅₂₁ includes a base member ₁₅₄₁ having (i) a belt groove ₁₅₆₁ located proximate a first outer side edge 560 of the base member ₁₅₄₁ , (ii) a first flange 340 located on a second outer side edge 562 of the base member ₁₅₄₁ , and (iii) a second flange 342 located on a third outer side edge 564 of the base member _1541. Herein, the second and third outer side edges 562 and 564 are generally orthogonal to the first outer side edge 560. The second and third outer side edges 562 and 564 are located on opposite sides of the base member ₁₅₄₁ .

The first pulley rope attachment member 570 mounted on the base member 154 ₁ is configured to securely attach one end 182 of the second pulley rope 18O ₂ to the pulley base 152 ₁ . The second pulley rope 18O ₂ is provided from the first pulley rope attachment member 570 to the second pulley base 152 ₂ , as shown in FIG5A . In addition, the first pulley 580 mounted on the base member 154 ₁ is configured to receive the second pulley rope 18O ₂ from the pulley mounted on the second pulley base 152 ₂ , wherein the second pulley rope 18O ₂ passes through the input port 581 , is wound around the first pulley 582 , and passes through the output port 583 toward the rope passage hole 170 ₂ . The second pulley 585 is configured to receive the first pulley rope 18O ₁ from the second pulley base 152 ₂ , wherein the first pulley rope 18O ₁ passes through the input port 586 , wraps around the second pulley 587 , and passes through the output port 588 to return to another pulley of the second pulley base 152 ₂ .

As shown in Fig. 5D, after the waist belt component 240 is sized and attached to the side panel 210, the pulley bases _1521-1522 of the pulley subsystem ₁₅₀ are positioned in a first state. In the first state, _the pulley bases _1521-1522 can be located closer to the pulley stops 331-332 and 336-337 than the central area 550 of the second chamber 290. In response to tightening of the pulley ropes ₁₈₀₁ and/or ₁₈₀₂ , as shown in Fig. 5E, the pulley bases _1521-1522 move laterally along the guide channel ₂₂₂ , particularly the first and third guide components 300 and 320, toward the central area 550 of the second chamber 290. The pulley bases 152 ₁ -152 ₂ are non-stationary because these pulley bases 152 ₁ and 152 ₂ push their respective side panel/waist belt component combinations outward from the first and second chambers during initial sizing and pull their respective side panel/waist belt component combinations into the first and second chambers 280 and 290 during tightening. For example, the pulley base 152 ₁ is configured to push its respective side panel/waist belt component combination 520/525 outward from the first and second chambers during initial sizing and pull the respective side panel/waist belt component combination 520/525 into the first chamber 280 and the second chamber 290 during tightening.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B , exemplary embodiments of the interior dimensions of a second waist belt component 600 (e.g., as opposed to the waist belt component 525 of FIG. 5A ) are shown, with subsequent dimensions of a retractable side panel 620 (e.g., as opposed to the side panel 520 of FIG. 5A ). Herein, the second waist belt component 540 includes a first set of indicia 610 that identifies different waist belt sizes (large, medium, small, etc.) when oriented with a selected portion of the pulley base 152 _2. For example, as an illustrative embodiment, the indicia 610 may include a plurality of indicia elements 615, each element corresponding to a different waist belt size, such that the size of the second waist belt component 600 is adjusted accordingly. More specifically, a selected marker element 612 can be oriented with respect to a selected portion of the pulley base 152 ₂ (e.g., within the waistband slot 156 ₂ of the pulley base 152 ₂ ), and thereafter, a first fastener 625 (e.g., a loop and hook fastener) at a first end 622 of the second waistband component 600 is coupled to a second fastener 626 (e.g., a complementary loop and hook fastener) located on an inner surface 628 of the second waistband component 600 to wrap the second waistband component 600 around the waistband slot 156 ₂ and the inwardly facing connection point. As a result, the second waistband component 600 is placed with a size corresponding to the selected marker element 612.

After the second waist belt component 600 is sized, as shown in FIG6B , the markings 630 on its outer surface 632 are aligned with the markings 640 on the rearward surface 642 of the stretchable side panels 620, so that the stretchable side panels 620 are set to the same size. Thus, the second waist belt component 600 limits the lateral extension of the stretchable side panels 620 to accommodate the size of the second waist belt component 600. It is contemplated that the outer size waist belt 600 can be semi-permanently attached to the side panels 620 so that we can reduce the orthotist's sizing requirements. Therefore, the orthotist or clinician does not need to align the waist belt to the markings 640 on the side panels 620.

6C-6D, exemplary embodiments of the outer dimensions of a waist belt component (e.g., the first waist belt component 525 of FIG. 5A), and the subsequent dimensions of the retractable side panels 520 are shown. Here, the first waist belt component 525 includes a first set of indicia 650 that identifies different waist belt sizes (large, medium, small, etc.) when oriented as a selected portion of the pulley base _1521. For example, as an illustrated embodiment and similar to the inner dimensions of the waist belt component shown in FIG. 6A-6B, the indicia 650 may include a plurality of indicia elements 660, each element corresponding to a different waist belt size, so that the size of the first waist belt component 530 is determined accordingly. More specifically, a selected marker element can be oriented to a selected portion of the pulley base 152 ₂ (e.g., within the waistband slot 156 ₁ of the pulley base 152 ₁ ), and thereafter, a first fastener 670 (e.g., a loop and hook fastener) at a first end 672 of the first waistband component 525 is coupled to a second fastener 674 (e.g., a complementary loop and hook fastener), wherein the second fastener 674 is located along an outer surface 676 of the first waistband component 525 to wrap the first waistband component 525 around the waistband slot 156 ₁ and the outwardly facing connection point. As a result, the first waistband component 525 is placed at a size corresponding to the selected marker element.

After the first waist belt component 525 is sized, as shown in FIG6D , the markings 680 on its outer surface 682 are aligned with the markings 684 on the rearward surface 686 of the stretchable side panels 520, so that the stretchable side panels 520 are set to the same size. Therefore, the first waist belt component 525 limits the lateral extension of the stretchable side panels 520 to accommodate the size of the first waist belt component 525.

6E , the first waistband component 525 has been sized to a "medium" size according to the external sizing process. The second waistband component 600 has been sized to a "large" size according to the internal sizing process. The indicia 680 on the first waistband component 525 is aligned with the slot (or indicia) on the first retractable side panel 520. The indicia 630 on the second waistband component 600 is aligned with the slot (or indicia) on the second retractable side panel 620. Thus, the side panels 520 and 620 are sized to be consistent with their corresponding waistband components 525 and 600, and therefore, the second retractable side panel 620 (sized to large) extends further outside the first chamber than the first retractable side panel 520 (sized to medium).

In the foregoing specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. For example, the combination of retractable side panels and adjustable waist belt components operating in conjunction with the pulley subsystem may be deployed in an LSO orthotic brace having a different structure than the orthotic brace described above. It will therefore be apparent that certain components may be deployed in different types of orthotic braces and that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (as amended under Article 19)

1. A posterior support system deployed as part of an orthopedic brace, comprising:

A rear panel;

A rear cover coupled to the rear panel, the rear cover being configured to form a first chamber, the first chamber being formed in part by a front-facing surface of the rear cover and a rear-facing surface of the rear panel; and

A pulley cover coupled to the rear cover to form a second chamber, the second chamber being formed in part by a forward surface of the pulley cover and a rearward surface of the rear cover,

Wherein, the first chamber is configured to accommodate a plurality of retractable plates, each retractable plate being arranged to extend laterally outward from the first chamber, and the second chamber is configured to accommodate a pulley subsystem, the pulley subsystem comprising a plurality of pulley bases.

2. The rear support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear surface of the rear cover includes a guide channel formed on the rear surface of the rear cover, and the guide channel enables: (i) a first pulley base of a plurality of pulley bases between a first opening in the second chamber and a central area of the second chamber, and (ii) a second pulley base of a plurality of pulley bases between a second opening in the second chamber and a central area of the second chamber; to perform lateral movement.

3. The rear support system according to claim 2 is characterized in that the first opening of the second chamber is located on the opposite side of the second chamber to serve as the second opening.

4. The rear support system according to claim 2, characterized in that the first waist belt component is attached to the first pulley base, and the second waist belt component is attached to the second pulley base.

5. The rear support system according to claim 4 is characterized in that the first waist belt component associated with the first pulley base is attached to the first retractable plate of the plurality of retractable plates, so that the first waist belt component moves simultaneously with the first retractable plate.

6. The rear support system according to claim 5 is characterized in that when the first retractable plate extends from the first chamber, the first waist belt component extends from the second chamber, and when the first retractable plate retracts from the first chamber, the first waist belt component retracts from the second chamber.

7. The rear support system according to claim 2 is characterized in that the first pulley base of the plurality of pulley bases includes a first flange extending toward the first edge of the guide channel, and the first edge of the guide channel includes at least one first stopper, and when the first flange contacts the first stopper, the at least one first stopper prevents the first pulley base from further moving laterally toward the first opening.

8. The rear support system according to claim 7 is characterized in that the first pulley base of the plurality of pulley bases further includes a second flange extending toward the second edge of the guide channel, and the second edge of the guide channel includes at least one second stopper aligned with the first stopper, so that when the first flange contacts the first stopper and the second flange contacts the second stopper, at least one second stopper prevents the first pulley base from further lateral movement toward the first opening.

9. The rear support system according to claim 1 is characterized in that each of the plurality of retractable panels comprises a main panel area and a retaining panel area, the main panel area of the first retractable panel corresponds to the first part of the first retractable panel that can be removed from the first chamber, and the retaining panel area corresponds to the second part of the first retractable panel that is retained in the first chamber.

10. The rear support system according to claim 9, characterized in that the retention plate area of the first retractable plate includes a first tab portion and a second tab portion, the first tab portion and the second tab portion contact the rod of the rear cover, wherein the rod operates as a stopper to prevent the first retractable plate from being completely removed from the first chamber.

11. The rear support system according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of pulley bases include a first pulley base, the first pulley base includes a first belt groove to which a first belt component is attached, and a second pulley base, the second pulley base includes a second belt groove to which a second belt component is attached, and each of the first belt component and the second belt component includes a mark for determining the inner or outer size of the first belt component and the second belt component.

12. The rear support system according to claim 11, characterized in that the first waist belt component associated with the first pulley base is attached to the first retractable plate, and the first retractable plate includes a mark for aligning the mark to determine the size of the first waist belt component to set the extension and retraction degree of the first retractable plate from the first chamber.

13. The rear support system of claim 11, wherein the pulley cover includes a first hole for receiving a first pulley rope to control the movement of the first pulley base by causing the first waist belt component to retract into the second chamber and causing the first retractable plate of the plurality of retractable plates to retract into the first chamber, wherein the first hole keeps the first pulley rope in the center of the first waist belt component.

14. The rear support system according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the plurality of retractable panels includes a buckle attachment hole for retaining the buckle of the support strap.

15. An orthopedic brace, comprising:

A rear panel;

A rear cover located on a portion of the rear surface of the rear panel and coupled to the rear panel, the rear cover being configured to create a first chamber, the first chamber being partially formed between the front surface of the rear cover and the rear surface of the rear panel, and

A pulley cover disposed on the rear surface of the rear cover and coupled to the rear cover to create a second chamber, the second chamber being formed in part by the forward surface of the pulley cover and the rearward surface of the rear cover

Wherein, the first chamber is configured to accommodate a plurality of retractable plates, each of which is configured to partially extend laterally outward from the first chamber and bend in a concave manner toward the front of the orthotic brace to provide lateral support for the wearer of the orthotic brace.

16. The orthopedic brace according to claim 15, characterized in that the second chamber is configured to accommodate a pulley subsystem, wherein the pulley subsystem includes a plurality of pulley bases.

17. The orthopedic brace according to claim 16, characterized in that the rear surface of the rear cover includes a guide channel formed on the rearward surface of the rear cover, and the guide channel enables: (i) a first pulley base of the plurality of pulley bases between the first opening in the second chamber and the central area of the second chamber, and (ii) a second pulley base of the plurality of pulley bases between the second opening in the second chamber and the central area of the second chamber; to perform lateral movement.

18. The orthopedic brace according to claim 17, characterized in that the first opening of the second chamber is located on the opposite side of the second chamber to serve as the second opening.

19. The orthopedic brace according to claim 17, wherein the first belt component is attached to the first pulley base, and the second belt component is attached to the second pulley base.

20. The orthopedic brace according to claim 19, characterized in that the first waist belt component associated with the first pulley base is attached to a first rigid retractable plate of the plurality of retractable plates so that the first waist belt component moves simultaneously with the first retractable plate.

21. The orthopedic brace according to claim 20, characterized in that when the first retractable plate extends from the first chamber, the first waist belt component extends from the second chamber, and when the first retractable plate retracts from the first chamber, the first waist belt component retracts from the second chamber.

22. The orthopedic brace according to claim 17, characterized in that the first pulley base of the plurality of pulley bases includes a first flange extending toward the first edge of the guide channel, and the first edge of the guide channel includes at least one first stopper, and when the first flange contacts the first stopper, the at least one first stopper prevents the first pulley base from further moving laterally toward the first opening.

23. The orthopedic brace according to claim 22, characterized in that the first pulley base of the plurality of pulley bases further comprises a second flange extending toward the second edge of the guide channel, and the second edge of the guide channel comprises at least one second stopper aligned with the first stopper, so that when the first flange contacts the first stopper and the second flange contacts the second stopper, the at least one second stopper prevents the first pulley base from further lateral movement toward the first opening.

24. The orthopedic brace according to claim 16 is characterized in that each of the plurality of retractable panels comprises a main panel area and a retention panel area, the main panel area of the first retractable panel corresponds to the first part of the first retractable panel that can be removed from the first chamber, and the retention panel area corresponds to the second part of the first retractable panel that is retained in the first chamber.

25. The orthopedic brace of claim 24, wherein the retention plate region of the first retractable plate comprises a first tab portion and a second tab portion, the first tab portion and the second tab portion contacting a rod of the rear cover, wherein the rod operates as a stopper to prevent the first retractable plate from being completely removed from the first chamber.

26. The orthopedic brace according to claim 16, characterized in that the plurality of pulley bases include a first pulley base, the first pulley base includes a first belt groove to which a first belt component is attached, and a second pulley base, the second pulley base includes a second belt groove to which a second belt component is attached, and each of the first belt component and the second belt component includes a mark for determining the inner or outer size of the first belt component and the second belt component.

27. An orthopedic brace according to claim 26, characterized in that the first waist belt component associated with the first pulley base is attached to the first retractable plate, and the first retractable plate includes a mark for aligning the mark to determine the size of the first waist belt component to set the extension and retraction degree of the first retractable plate from the first chamber.

28. The orthopedic brace of claim 24, wherein the pulley cover includes a first hole for receiving a first pulley rope to control the movement of a first pulley base of the plurality of pulley bases by causing the first waist belt component to retract into the second chamber and causing a first retractable plate of the plurality of retractable plates to retract into the first chamber, wherein the first hole enables the first pulley rope to remain in the center of the first waist belt component.

29. A posterior support system deployed as part of an orthopedic brace comprising:

A rear panel;

A rear cover coupled to the rear panel and including a forward-facing surface and a rearward-facing surface, the rearward-facing surface including a guide channel, the rear cover being configured to create a first chamber, the first chamber being formed in part by the forward-facing surface of the rear cover and the rearward-facing surface of the rear panel, wherein the first chamber is configured to accommodate a plurality of rigid retractable panels, each retractable panel being arranged to extend laterally outward from the first chamber; and

A pulley cover coupled to a rear cover to create a second chamber, the second chamber being formed in part by a forward surface of the pulley cover and a guide channel of the rear cover, wherein the second chamber is configured to accommodate a pulley subsystem and provide lateral movement of a plurality of pulley bases, including (i) a first pulley base located in the guide channel between a first opening in the second chamber and a central region of the second chamber, and (ii) a second pulley base located in the guide channel between a second opening in the second chamber and a central region of the second chamber.

Claims (29)

1. A posterior support system for deployment as part of an orthopedic brace, comprising:

a rear panel;

a rear cover coupled to the rear panel, the rear cover configured to form a first chamber formed in part by a forward surface of the rear cover and a rearward surface of the rear panel; and

A pulley cover coupled with the rear cover to form a second chamber, the second chamber being formed in part by a forward facing surface of the pulley cover and a rearward facing surface of the rear cover,

Wherein the first chamber is configured to receive a plurality of telescoping plates, each telescoping plate disposed to extend laterally outward from the first chamber, and the second chamber is configured to receive a pulley subsystem comprising a plurality of pulley mounts.

2. The rear support system of claim 1 wherein the rearward surface of the rear cover includes a guide channel formed on the rearward surface of the rear cover, the guide channel causing: (i) A first pulley mount of the plurality of pulley mounts between the first opening in the second chamber and the central region of the second chamber, and (ii) a second pulley mount of the plurality of pulley mounts between the second opening in the second chamber and the central region of the second chamber; a lateral movement is performed.

3. The rear support system of claim 2 wherein the first opening of the second chamber is located on an opposite side of the second chamber as the second opening.

4. The rear support system of claim 2 wherein the first belt member is attached to the first pulley chassis and the second belt member is attached to the second pulley chassis.

5. The rear support system of claim 4, wherein the first waistband member associated with the first pulley mount is attached to a first telescoping plate of the plurality of telescoping plates such that the first waistband member moves simultaneously with the first telescoping plate.

6. The rear support system of claim 4 wherein the first waistband member extends from the second chamber when the first telescoping panel extends from the first chamber and wherein the first waistband member retracts from the second chamber when the first telescoping panel retracts from the first chamber.

7. The rear support system of claim 2 wherein the first pulley mount of the plurality of pulley mounts includes a first flange extending toward a first edge of the guide channel, the first edge of the guide channel including at least one first stop that prevents further lateral movement of the first pulley mount toward the first opening when the first flange is in contact with the first stop.

8. The rear support system of claim 7, wherein the first pulley mount of the plurality of pulley mounts further comprises a second flange extending toward a second edge of the guide channel, the second edge of the guide channel comprising at least one second stop aligned with the first stop such that the at least one second stop prevents further lateral movement of the first pulley mount toward the first opening when the first flange is in contact with the first stop and the second flange is in contact with the second stop.

9. The rear support system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of telescoping panels includes a main panel region corresponding to a first portion of the first telescoping panel detachable from the first chamber and a retention panel region corresponding to a second portion of the first telescoping panel retained within the first chamber.

10. The rear support system of claim 9, wherein the retention plate region of the first telescoping plate includes a first tab portion and a second tab portion, the first tab portion and the second tab portion being in contact with the stem of the rear cover, wherein the stem operates as a stop to prevent complete removal of the first telescoping plate from the first chamber.

11. The rear support system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pulley mounts comprises a first pulley mount comprising a first belt race to which a first belt member is attached, and a second pulley mount comprising a second belt race to which a second belt member is attached, each of the first belt member and the second belt member comprising indicia for determining an inner or outer dimension of the first belt member and the second belt member.

12. The rear support system of claim 11 wherein the first waistband member associated with the first pulley chassis is attached to the first telescoping plate, the first telescoping plate including indicia for aligning the indicia to determine the size of the first waistband member to set the extent of extension and retraction of the first telescoping plate from the first chamber.

13. The rear support system of claim 11 wherein the pulley cover includes a first aperture for receiving a first pulley cord to control movement of the first pulley base by causing the first waistband member to retract into the second chamber and causing a first retractable plate of the plurality of retractable plates to retract into the first chamber, wherein the first aperture retains the first pulley cord in the center of the first waistband member.

14. The rear support system of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of telescoping panels includes a snap attachment hole for retaining a snap of the support strap.

15. An orthopedic brace, comprising:

a rear panel;

A rear cover positioned on a portion of the rear surface of the rear panel and coupled thereto, the rear cover configured to create a first cavity formed in part between the forward surface of the rear cover and the rearward surface of the rear panel,

Wherein the first chamber is configured to receive a plurality of rigid retractable plates, each rigid retractable plate being disposed partially laterally outwardly from the first chamber and curving in a concave manner toward the front of the orthopedic brace to provide lateral support to a wearer of the orthopedic brace.

16. The orthopedic brace of claim 15, further comprising:

A pulley cover disposed on a rear surface of the rear cover and coupled thereto to create a second chamber formed in part by a forward facing surface of the pulley cover and a rearward facing surface of the rear cover,

Wherein the second chamber is configured to house a pulley subsystem, wherein the pulley subsystem comprises a plurality of pulley mounts.

17. The orthopedic brace of claim 16, wherein the posterior surface of the posterior cover comprises a guide channel formed on a posterior surface of the posterior cover, the guide channel enabling: (i) A first pulley mount of the plurality of pulley mounts between the first opening in the second chamber and the central region of the second chamber, and (ii) a second pulley mount of the plurality of pulley mounts between the second opening in the second chamber and the central region of the second chamber; a lateral movement is performed.

18. The orthopedic brace of claim 17, wherein the first opening of the second chamber is located on an opposite side of the second chamber as the second opening.

19. The orthopedic brace of claim 17, wherein a first waistband component is attached to the first pulley chassis and a second waistband component is attached to the second pulley chassis.

20. The orthopedic brace of claim 19, wherein the first waistband component associated with the first pulley mount is attached to a first telescoping plate of the plurality of telescoping plates such that the first waistband component moves simultaneously with the first telescoping plate.

21. The orthopedic brace of claim 19, wherein the first waistband member extends from the second chamber when the first telescoping plate extends from the first chamber and wherein the first waistband member contracts from the second chamber when the first telescoping plate contracts from the first chamber.

22. The orthopedic brace of claim 16, wherein a first pulley mount of the plurality of pulley mounts comprises a first flange extending toward a first edge of the guide channel, the first edge of the guide channel comprising at least one first stop that prevents the first pulley mount from further lateral movement toward the first opening when the first flange is in contact with the first stop.

23. The orthopedic brace of claim 22, wherein a first pulley mount of the plurality of pulley mounts further comprises a second flange extending toward a second edge of the guide channel, the second edge of the guide channel comprising at least one second stop aligned with the first stop such that the at least one second stop prevents further lateral movement of the first pulley mount toward the first opening when the first flange is in contact with the first stop and the second flange is in contact with the second stop.

24. The orthopedic brace of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of telescoping panels comprises a main panel region corresponding to a first portion of the first telescoping panel detachable from the first chamber and a retention panel region corresponding to a second portion of the first telescoping panel retained within the first chamber.

25. The orthopedic brace of claim 24, wherein the retention panel region of the first telescoping panel comprises a first tab portion and a second tab portion, the first tab portion and the second tab portion being in contact with a stem of the posterior cover, wherein the stem operates as a stop to prevent complete removal of the first telescoping panel from the first chamber.

26. The orthopedic brace of claim 16, wherein the plurality of pulley mounts comprises a first pulley mount comprising a first belt groove to which a first belt component is attached, and a second pulley mount comprising a second belt groove to which a second belt component is attached, each of the first and second belt components comprising indicia for determining an inner or outer dimension of the first and second belt components.

27. The orthopedic brace of claim 26, wherein the first waistband component associated with the first pulley mount is attached to the first telescoping plate, the first telescoping plate comprising indicia for aligning the indicia to determine a size of the first waistband component to set a degree of extension and retraction of the first telescoping plate from the first chamber.

28. The orthopedic brace of claim 24, wherein the pulley cover comprises a first aperture for receiving a first pulley cord to control movement of a first pulley base by causing the first waistband component to retract into the second chamber and causing a first telescoping plate of the plurality of telescoping plates to retract into the first chamber, wherein the first aperture retains the first pulley cord in the center of the first waistband component.

29. A posterior support system for deployment as part of an orthopedic brace, comprising:

a rear panel;

A rear cover coupled to the rear panel and comprising a forward facing surface and a rearward facing surface, the rearward facing surface comprising a guide channel, the rear cover configured to create a first cavity formed in part by the forward facing surface of the rear cover and the rearward facing surface of the rear panel, wherein the first cavity is configured to receive a plurality of rigid retractable panels, each retractable panel configured to extend laterally outwardly from the first cavity; and

A pulley cover coupled to the rear cover to create a second chamber formed in part by the forward facing surface of the pulley cover and the guide channel of the rear cover, wherein the second chamber is configured to receive a pulley subsystem and provide lateral movement of the plurality of pulley mounts, including (i) a first pulley mount located in the guide channel between the first opening in the second chamber and the central region of the second chamber, and (ii) a second pulley mount located in the guide channel between the second opening in the second chamber and the central region of the second chamber.