I used to wear commercial AFOs, but had constant issues with them breaking.  Then I had to deal with the enormous cost of getting new ones.  I felt a little let down because of that, so I designed these and named them "FIDIM" - (Fine, I'll do it myself.)  This is an evolution of a design that I have been working on for some time.  The older versions used steel hinges that had to be fabricated, making them less accesible for people that need them.  I contacted companies that make hinges for commercial AFOs, but none were interested in doing business with me.  Again, "FIDIM."  This design uses a flexible TPU "hinge" instead of a fabricated steel one. 

I recently tweaked the design of the lowers and the flexihinge, and gave the files the designation "FIDIM 2.1..."  The new lowers no longer require the bumper.  That bumper was intended to reduce noise from the two pieces snapping together when walking, but it wasn't very effective.  Instead, I use adhesive foam rubber strips stuck to the buper area with the new lowers.  You can find those fairly easily at a certain major online retailer.  I also re-designed the flexihinge to make it stronger.  The old version lasts me about 6 months, but the new one lasts a year or longer.  Bear in mind that I am a 100kg man, and I walk frequently on a factory floor. 

I hope that I can help someone else that needs AFOs, but can't get them for whatever reason.  I went without them for years, and they have vastly improved my quality of life now that I have them.  Please do not commercialize this design beyond what it takes to cover the cost of materials.  There are numerous braces already on the market, and I want this one to be free for all that need them.