Abstract: A knee brace for a person, particularly an elderly person. The knee brace made up of a generally planar sheet of elastomeric, e.g., a plush fabric-covered neoprene, material and has a pair of adjustment straps secured to it. The sheet has a central portion having a longitudinal axis, a first side disposed laterally from the axis and from which an intermediate mounting tab projects and a second side disposed laterally from the axis opposite the first side and from which an upper and a lower mounting tab project. The upper tab includes a free end portion in the form of a VELCRO.RTM. multi-hook connector. The intermediate tab is similarly constructed, as is the lower tab. The central portion of the brace is arranged to be mounted on the person's knee so that the longitudinal axis is over the person's patella. The upper tab is arranged to be stretched and wrapped around the posterior of the person's thigh so that it's VELCRO.RTM.

Abstract: The present invention provides a forearm-encircling sleeve for attenuating impact-induced shock and for ameliorating the effect of that shock on the elbow joint. The device made in accordance with the present invention provides energy-attenuating viscoelastic means that are positioned distally of the elbow joint and of the common tendon origins of the medial and lateral epicondyle heads of the humerus for attenuating impact-induced shock The energy-attenuating viscoelastic means are placed in force-receiving relationship with the forearm musculature responsible for extension and flexion of the wrist and, preferably, also that responsible for the extension and flexion of the fingers and the pronation and supination of the forearm. Means may be provided for applying a counterforce to these energy-attenuating viscoelastic means.

Abstract: The subject invention is an integral internal sleeve and external cover for use with medical support devices or protective sport pads. It provides an internal sleeve using cotton/elastomeric fabrics to provide a combination of improved comfort, greater shape and location retention. The combination of design and fabric provide improved protection for limbs from contact discomfort occurring with medical support devices and sport pads. An external cover is provided which fits snugly to the contours of the device or pad being covered. Fabrics providing attractive graphics are preferably used to improve the appearance of the device or pad. A simple design incorporating a thumb loop allows a user to attach the device without assistance.

Abstract: An ankle and foot support brace is described which is made of three components; an inner slide-on sleeve, a plantar cushion, and an outer mono-unit strapping system. The sleeve is very thin at a thickness of about one-thirty-seconds of an inch. The sleeve is made of a stretchable resilient material such as Spandex. The plantar cushion may be removable or permanently attached to the brace and can further be personalized in its makeup to form a therapeutic orthotic. The mono-unit strapping system is also thin, made of strong resilient composite, and having a thickness commensurate with the sleeve and includes two heel lock straps, two stirrup straps, and two figure eight straps. The lateral stirrup includes two locking straps.

Abstract: An expandable wrap includes one or more panels with exterior and interior surfaces of a fabric loop-type material. Hook-type fasteners which mate with the fabric loop-type material are used to secure adjoining panels together to form a wrap of an appropriate size to snugly fit around a body area without the need for straps or elastic bands. Preferably, three hook-type fasteners are coupled to a right edge of each panel to provide securing means for securing the panel to an adjoining panel. One or more pockets, capable of holding hot or cold thermo packs, supports and weights, are removably attached to the interior surface of the panels forming a wrap. A surface of the pocket includes hook-type fasteners which will removably secure the pocket to the fabric loop-type material on the interior surface of the panels of the wrap.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support having outer and inner resilient layers wherein the outer resilient layer is comprised of neoprene or another material suitable for surrounding and supporting a portion of the human anatomy through compression and a inner resilient layer generally coextensive with a substantial portion of the outer resilient layer which may be comprised of a material selected to enhance the performance and comfort of the orthopaedic support. The inner and outer resilient layers may be secured together in discrete zones but are otherwise freely stretchable or movable relative to one another. Where desired, the outer resilient layer may be provided with an aperture configured to receive a discrete area of the supported body member such as the knee cap which may be sensitive to pressure. The inner resilient layer of such a support may be provided with a corresponding aperture or, in the alternative, the inner resilient layer may extend across the aperture in the outer resilient layer.

Abstract: A system for supporting and protecting wounds, incisions, transdermal procedural sites, and associated medical equipment from moisture and other contaminants is disclosed. The invention is an assembly of a waterproof outer cover, at least one water absorbent dam, and an equipment support sleeve deployable around a limb or extremity. The waterproof outer cover is a limp tube or sleeve with at least one waterproof closure providing an annular seal around a user's extremity. The water absorbent dam is detachably deployed just inside the seal around the extremity to absorb any moisture which breaches the seal during water exposure and to catch any retained moisture as the waterproof sleeve is removed. The support sleeve secures equipment to the extremity within the waterproof cover.

Abstract: A stocking for use in positioning a pulsatile bladder about a portion of a user's body is described. The stocking is desirably circularly knit to have an inner sleeve, and an outer sleeve extending concentrically over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve desirably is knit to provide a graduated degree of compression along the underlying portion of a person's body when the stocking is positioned on a wearer's limb. The outer sleeve is preferably relatively less elastic than the inner sleeve, so as to prevent a bladder positioned within the stocking from pressing uncomfortably into a wearer's flesh. The outer sleeve also desirably includes first and second spaced-apart openings, one for bladder insertion and the other for allowing the exit of tubing typically associated with pulsatile bladders. The stocking is preferably integrally knit on a circular knitting machine such that it comes off of the machine in finished form.

Abstract: A device adapted to be worn by a user to protect an elongated portion of the user's body. The device comprises a support member positionable on a user's body adjacent to the elongated portion of the user's body to be protected. A pair of anatomically linear load-bearing members are included. The load-bearing members are coupled in laterally spaced relationship with respect to the support to define an elongated space therebetween. The load-bearing members and space therebetween are essentially parallel with each other and parallel with the elongated portion of the user's body to be protected. Further included are retention means to maintain the support member in position on the user's body with the space between the load-bearing members overlying the elongated portion of the user's body to be protected.

Abstract: A dynamic patella brace having a first knee enveloping member with an aperture adapted to expose the patella, and a device for applying medial pressure to the patella. A mounting system for substantially freely floatingly mounting the device for applying medial pressure on the knee enveloping member laterally of the aperture so that the device for applying medial pressure moves relative to the knee enveloping member in vertical and horizontal directions and automatically tracks vertical movements of said patella throughout the physiological range of flexion and extension of the knee while applying medial pressure to the patella, the mounting accommodating horizontal excursions; thereby allowing more controlled horizontal medial pressure and tracking vertical movements of the patella. Preferably, the device for applying medial pressure includes a patella pad, and the knee enveloping member is an elastomeric sleeve.

Abstract: A foot supporter body is formed into a cylindrical shape using cloth having excellent elasticity and it has an approximately X-shaped acupressure projection on its inner side including first to fourth linear ribs extending in four directions from the center. The acupressure projection is formed in a symmetrical shape on the right and left sides of the center. When this foot supporter is fitted on the foot in the region somewhat back from the base region of the toes, the acupressure projection stimulates the surface of the foot to produce the effect of treating hallux valgus and the like and reducing the pain in the sole of foot caused by the this problem.

Abstract: A turf toe brace includes a flexible boot adapted for snugly anchoring the brace to a foot of a user, an elongate generally non stretchable strap releasably joinable in a multiplicity of configurations to the boot by a fastening mechanism and a toe loop. The toe loop is joined to the strap opposite the boot. In use the strap passes under the foot and is connected to at least one side of the boot in such a manner as to pull downwardly on the great toe and help prevent hyper-extension of the great toe, especially during work or athletic events.

Abstract: A wrist support band for use in the treatment of wrist ailments. The wrist support band provides support to the wrist while at the same time allows mobility of the wrist. The wrist support band includes an elastic sleeve that contains a flexible mold support. The mold support incorporates two elongated protuberances and a central recess intermediate the protuberances. The sleeve is slid over the hand and wrist until the elongated protuberances are proximate the wrist's proximal carpal row. At least one strap is wrapped about the sleeve to hold the sleeve and mold support in position firmly against the wrist. The interior of the sleeve may also be equipped with an anti-slip patch to prevent the sleeve from sliding up and down the wrist or forearm.

Abstract: A tubular bandage for parts of the human body, the bandage comprising: an elastic part, a significantly less elastic part, and straps which are of significantly less elastic longitudinal extensibility, or are nonelastic in the longitudinal direction, wherein the elastic part of the bandage comprises at least one insert incorporated with the significantly less elastic part to form a tubular configuration, wherein the straps are fixable to the significantly less elastic part across the elastic part such that when the straps are fixed the elasticity of the at least one insert is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A soft tissue support particularly suited for the treatment of muscle injuries. The support is constructed of a thin highly elastic material having a four-way stretch capability. The material has outer layers of a nylon like material bonded to a thin inner layer of polyurethane material. The nylon like material provides for comfort and adds to the strength of the material. The inner layer is highly resilient and retains its elasticity. The support being of highly elastic, thin material readily conforms to the body portion to which it is fitted and applies a uniform compressive force to the body portion as the body portion changes in dimension due to muscle flexing. The support retains therapeutic body heat while still allowing breathability (air flow), due to its porosity to reduce perspiration build up.

Abstract: A knee orthosis for conservative treatment of ligament injuries and post-rative support of the joint function, in particular for joint ligament-conserving damping of movement in the region of extreme flexion and/or extension positions. The joint orthosis has a bandage which is elastic at least region-by-region, envelops the joint, and rigidly encloses and thus fixes the movement apparatus in the region of the joint. The bandage exhibits in specific orthotic sections an integrated pocket or chamber system with which the joint orthosis can also be stabilized, optionally in interaction with pull or pressure stabilizer's of the bandage that are provided at suitable points, following attachment to the joint and following stiffening of the pockets, in such a manner that the joint can be moved beyond a specific angle of flexion and/or extension only if the joint orthosis absorbs the force.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular piece of flexible web having a first end and a second end and an elastic portion therebetween stretchable along a longitudinal axis of the piece of flexible web. The piece of flexible web has a length great enough to encircle a user's knee such that the first and second ends overlap. The first end has a reclosable fastening system for attaching the first end to the piece of flexible web near the second end in order to hold the piece of flexible web around the user's knee when the piece of web is stretched. The piece of flexible web also has an aperture therein. The aperture is aligned with the user's patella to establish a convenient locating point for wrapping the knee wrap around the user's knee. The piece of flexible web further includes a means for extending the piece of flexible web transverse to said longitudinal axis at the aperture in order to accommodate bending of the user's knee.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular piece of flexible web having a first end and a second end and an elastic portion therebetween stretchable along a longitudinal axis of the piece of flexible Web. The piece of flexible web has a length great enough to encircle a user's knee such that the first and second ends overlap. The first end has a reclosable fastening system for attaching the first end to the piece of flexible web near the second end in order to hold the piece of flexible web around the user's knee when the piece of web is stretched. The piece of flexible web also has an aperture therein. The aperture is aligned with the user's patella to establish a convenient locating point for wrapping the knee wrap around the user's knee. The piece of flexible web further includes a slit to enable stretching the piece of flexible web transverse to said longitudinal axis at the aperture in order to accommodate bending of the user's knee.

Abstract: A liner for being positioned between a person's body and a body support having a support surface for being positioned adjacent the person's body includes a fabric body configured for being coupled to the body support adjacent the body support. The fabric body is stretchable and resilient in a plurality of directions and is configured so as to wrap about and resiliently grasp the body support to maintain the body support in the shape of the body support adjacent the support surface.

Abstract: A sock of soft elastic latex material from 0.003 to 0.005 inches in thickness and with a modulus of elasticity of from 450 to 500. It is non-porous and non-permeable and it is used to maintain creams, treatment lotions and moisturizing agents in contact with the skin surface of lower limbs. It is also useful in the prevention of hypothermia.

Abstract: A body shielding device having an elongate tube constructed of flexible, water-resistant sheet material. The tube has a diameter large enough to allow a limb to be inserted through the tube. The tube preferably has a permanent crease running along the length of the tube so as to allow a sidewall of the tube to be easily folded over itself as needed to accomodate varying limb sizes. Fastening strips are provided on the outer surface of the tube to provide convenient means by which to secure the tube tightly around the limb in the folded-over position.

Abstract: An improved liner and method is taught for use in protecting a wearer's skin from moisture retention when worn with prosthetic devices and other substantially non-breathable shells. The liner is form fitted to attach to a wearer without bunching or other pressure points which can cause skin irritation. Preferably, the liner comprises a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene coated on its interior surface with a polyurethane material to aid in moisture isolation and to protect the liner from compromise due to oils and other contaminants found in perspiration. The liner is effective at shielding a wearer's skin from moisture even when worn with no separate absorbent layer.

Abstract: An adjustable knee support is formed from a single piece of a resilient, flexible laminate, preferably a layer of neoprene bonded to a nylon outer casing and a nylon inner lining. A central portion of the support overlies the patella. Upper and lower fasteners are integral with the central portion above and below the knee. Each fastener includes at least one strap that extends laterally and a strap extension that wraps around the leg. The upper and lower fasteners extend in opposite directions. The central portion has a separate pair of fastening straps which extend transversely from both sides and meet behind the knee cap. Tabs carrying an array of hook-type fastenings are secured to the free end of each strap and strap extension. The upper and lower straps and their extensions are separated from the central fastener by a cutout portion of sufficient vertical height to allow the support to flex without the buckling or rubbing the back of the leg.

Abstract: A lower limb prosthetic assembly for immediate post-operative amputation applications includes a temporary weight-bearing prosthetic device and an independent removable, replaceable, size-adjustable dressing adapted for immediate post-operative placement around the patient's amputation stump. The temporary weight-bearing prosthetic device includes an adjustable support member, and an open ended quadrilateral thigh socket having a padded ischial weight-bearing shelf for supporting the patient without contact to the stump wound. The dressing provides mild, uniform circumferential pressure to the amputation stump and suppresses edema of the stump. The dressing is dimensioned to leave the portion of the gluteus maximus over the ischial tuberosity free for engagement with and support by the ischial shelf of the prosthetic device. The support member includes lockable knee joints, and a cable release for unlocking the knee joints.

Abstract: A protective garment for protecting portions of an extremity of the body includes a longitudinally openable, modified tubular-like body with a cuff connected to each end of the body. One of the two cuffs is circumferentially closed and the other cuff of the two cuffs is circumferentially openable. A pull is provided, on the closed cuff, for manupilating the open garment. A zipper connected along the longitudinal opening of the body and the opening in the circumference of the openable cuff is provided so that the body and the openable cuff may be closed. Each cuff is fabricated from a stretchable material for securing the garment to the extremity.

Abstract: The novel portable knee and elbow joint apparatus is comprised of a unit that is designed to allow the individual using the apparatus a self determined amount of support pressure by the apparatus in those joints. The apparatus has a bladder chamber that channels air in the bladder in such a manner that optimizes the support shape around the elbow and knee joints. A plastic spring check valve attached to a flexible bulb directs the air into the bladder and maintains the air therein. The apparatus is composed of flexible material that wraps around the joint and positions the open bladder around joint. A fiber mesh covers the top of the bladder. Reinforcement stays are positioned vertically at each side of the brace apparatus in order to maintain the shape of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic bandage for medical use. A base part of the bandage is made of pure cotton cloth or other fabric with a cloth cover on a transverse side in which a drainage aperture is defined. On opposite transverse sides of the base part there are respectively provided two outlying parts of the bandage with a drainage aperture in each of them. On opposite transverse sides of the base part there are respectively two safety bands and two suspenders on a longitudinal side of base part. The safety bands and the outlying parts are fastened together with fasteners.

Abstract: A joint support apparatus for wrapping around a joint to protect and support the joint during sports-like or sports-related activities. The main body of the apparatus being made of at least one sheet of flexible resilient material and constructed to urge the knee-joint to maintain a partially flexed position. The apparatus may also include a specially positioned pad to account for natural curvature of the knee-joint to maintain a more balanced support to the joint particularly during extension. Further the apparatus may also include an inflatable bladder.

Abstract: An elastomeric sleeve, for retaining and attaching a prosthesis to a stump of an amputee. Typically, the sleeve is made of polyurethane, soft elastomer reinforced with a nylon or polyurethane mesh. This reinforcement, among other things, eliminates the possibility of support failure caused by a small tear or cut. The polyurethane elastomer is selected to have a resilience, load bearing capability and energy and impact absorption similar or close to that of the enclosed limb adjacent to the sleeve to reduce pressure points. The elastomer is also selected to be able to stretch up to 700% to 1,600% an original dimension but return to within five percent or less of the original dimension. These stretch characteristics are modified by a special mesh pattern, which permits a greater amount of stretch around the limb circumferentially than along the limb.

Abstract: A dressing holder for a patient with an abdominal dressing, has a back panel made of at least partly elastic material such as LYCRA material. The panel extends around the back and along the flanks of the patients, leaving an exposed abdominal area. The area is spanned by elastic straps leaving at least some of the abdomen exposed for the passage of drains or for the exposure of ostomies and the like. Hook and loop tape is used at the edges of the back panel and at the ends of the straps to hold the straps to the back panel.

Abstract: A plurality of layers of a bandage can be jointed together at edges thereof to provide a casting bandage, which can then be coated/impregnated with a resin.Desirably the layers are formed from tubular members which are edge-stitched together.

Abstract: A bandage for use to apply pressure to the wound area of a patient who has undergone a mastectomy includes a main body panel formed from a fabric that is non-elastic and breathable. The bandage is secured adjacent the side of the body of the patient to avoid the formation of a seam adjacent the wound area, yet allow application and removal of the bandage by the patient without assistance and with minimal pain and discomfort. An elastic member enables adjustment of the bandage for proper fit around the torso of the patient and ensures the application of adequate pressure. The bandage is configured so that the material that contacts the person's skin is non-elastic and breathable for increased comfort.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable apparatus and method of use thereof for protecting an incised wound from exposure to bacterial and other harmful contaminants. A pair of resilient O-rings is connected to opposite ends of an impermeable pliable sleeve. One of the O-rings is formed to engage the inner edge of the wound with a portion of the sleeve above the wound capable of being rolled onto the other ring to draw the remaining sleeve portion contiguous with the sides of the wound. Flat surfaces on the other ring provide a gripping surface to turn the ring about its annular axis.

Abstract: A multi-angle knee support comprising an upper adjustment sleeve fabricated of a flexible elastic plastic material, the upper sleeve being fabricated in a loop configuration with free ends, pile fasteners secured to the free ends of the upper sleeve; a lower adjustment sleeve fabricated of an flexible elastic plastic material, the lower sleeve being fabricated in a loop configuration with free ends, pile fasteners secured to the free ends of the lower sleeve; and a plurality of ligament imitation strips coupled between the upper and lower sleeves.

Abstract: A flexible removable dressing for immediate post-operative application around a patient's amputation stump comprises a flexible cylindrical member enclosing a patient's amputation stump and a semi-rigid cup portion detachably connected to the bottom end of the cylindrical portion to fit upon the bottom portion of the amputation stump. Padding of a soft resilient material is positioned within the cup portion. The diameter of the cylindrical portion is adjustable in size.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remedial support appliance for medical use, comprising an elasticated knit main portion for compressing a leg or an arm in order to treat venous or lymphatic insufficiency. According to the invention, the main portion is extended upwards by an elasticated garter band constituted by an elasticated lace or braid covered on the inside with a pattern made of an antislip material, the fibers constituting the braid or the lace of said band being selected in such a manner that the band presents an elongation characteristic of shallow slope and simultaneously exerts pressure on the limb concerned that is less than the pressure exerted thereon by the main portion of the appliance in the vicinity of said band.

Abstract: An improved liner and method is taught for use in protecting a wearer's skin from moisture retention when worn with prosthetic devices and other substantially non-breathable shells. The liner is form fitted to attach to a wearer without bunching or other pressure points which can cause skin irritation. Preferably, the liner comprises a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene coated on its interior surface with a polyurethane material to aid in moisture isolation and to protect the liner from compromise due to oils and other contaminants found in perspiration. The liner is effective at shielding a wearer's skin from moisture even when worn with no separate absorbent layer.

Abstract: A tubular support for positioning about a body joint is made of closed-cell neoprene and has an opening with an insert therein of a thinner elastic material to provide breathability and avoid bunching when flexing the joint. The thinner material of the insert is preferably attached to a frame that is then secured in the opening prior to forming the panel into the tubular shape.

Abstract: A tubular undercast padding for a body immobilising cast comprises a conformable, elastically extensible material which material comprises a lofted non-woven fabric. The lofted non-woven fabric may be rendered extensible by forming as a folded or creped layer on a supporting layer of an elastically extensible material.

Abstract: The Achilles Tendon Support Brace is an improved ankle support and protector of the achilles tendon; wherein two tendon supports are the key in assisting, rehabilitating and relieving pain within the achilles tendon by relieving pressure along the right and left sides of the achilles tendon.

Abstract: A traction mechanism utilizing a tube of flexible material possessing an inner chamber which includes a dimension that is reducible in size upon the application of tension to the tube. Likewise, the tube chamber dimension is expandable in size upon the application of compression on the tube. The first end portion of the tube extends from a closure and terminates in a second open end portion. A tube may be formed of flexible material and possess a dual wall construction. A line extends from the first end portion of the tube to the second end portion thereof for attachment at that point. Pulling the line compresses the tube and thus increases the dimension of the same, releasing items held thereby in traction.

Abstract: A multisection composite material useful in forming compression braces for orthopedic support of a body part includes a user contacting fabric section, an outermost fabric section formed from bonding two dissimilar fabrics and an intermediate section formed from a closed cell foam. The user contacting fabric section is a fabric having multidimensional stretch properties formed from hydrophobic fibers and bonded to a surface of the intermediate foam section. The outermost section includes a first fabric layer having multidimensional stretch properties formed from hydrophilic fibers and a second fabric layer having multidimensional stretch properties formed from hydrophobic fibers. The intermediate foam section has a first surface and a second surface and a multiplicity of perforations therethrough from the first surface to the second surface. The foam has multidimensional elastic properties sufficient for providing compressive strain useful for supporting the body part.

Abstract: A medical dressing for covering a wound, lesion, burn or similar injury is disclosed. The dressing comprises a material having at least three layers comprising: (a) a first inner layer which comprises a porous polyethylene film which enables moisture to be wicked away from the injury; (b) a second middle layer comprising an absorbent material for absorbing the moisture from the first layer; and (c) a third outer layer comprising a flexible, water-proof and breathable material.

Abstract: Various support devices have one or more balloons that are strapped around a portion of the body with a soft layer between them and the body. In some devices, the balloons are separably mounted a strap that encircles a portion of the body. Various forms of balloons are disclosed. In other devices, the balloon has an open area that is disposed over a bony prominence or ulcerated area. An insert for applying medicine may be disposed within the open area. Certain devices are for body joints and therefore have multiple parts that can move toward and away from each other as the joint flexes.

Abstract: An adhesive bandage, wound dressing, suture-like mechanism, or surgical drape for use over a wound is made from a laminate structure of flexible rubber, a hydrophilic hydrogel polymer bonded to one side of the flexible rubber, and an adhesive bonded to the hydrophilic hydrogel polymer along at least a first section of the adhesive bandage, wound dressing, suture-like mechanism, or surgical drape. The adhesive is preferably a hydrogel adhesive with a cellulosic, polyurethane or polyacrylate base, while the flexible rubber is preferably rubber which is pretreated with hydrogel polymer prior to curing. A medicament such as CPC or BAK can be bonded to the hydrophilic hydrogel polymer along the non-adhesive portion of the adhesive bandage, wound dressing or surgical drape to provide slow release medication, and if desired, removable plastic may be provided to cover the adhesive portions. The bandage, wound dressing, suture-like mechanism, or surgical drape may take various shapes, sizes, and arrangements.

Abstract: A therapeutic stocking for applying compressive force to the wearer's leg having an integrally knit anti-slip feature on the foot portion. The anti-slip feature being knit of bare and covered elastomeric yarns. The anti-slip feature further having an instep portion and a sole portion having greater frictional characteristics than the instep portion. The sole portion being knit in a repeating pattern having courses of knit and float stitches of a covered elastomeric yarn and jersey courses of a bare elastomeric yarn. The bare elastomeric yarn being substantially on the exterior surface of the sole portion yielding a friction surface which is located to contact the floor beneath the wearer's foot and minimize slippage thereon.

Abstract: An elastic knee joint bandage is in tubular form with an elastic profile insert encircling the knee cap in an opening. The areas of the profile insert adjacent to the poles of the knee cap are connected by a flexible, unstretchable tension member placed around the knee cap in a curve in the profile insert on the side of the fibula, so that when the distance between these areas is increased by flexing the knee joint, the distance of the curve from the line joining the poles of the knee cap is reduced, and the edge of the opening of the profiled insert in question on the adjacent side of the knee cap presses it medially with a shifting and centering effect.

Abstract: An adjustable knee support is formed from a single piece of a resilient, flexible laminate, preferably a layer of neoprene bonded to a nylon outer casing and a nylon inner lining. A central portion of the support overlies the patella. Upper and lower fasteners are integral with the central portion above and below the knee. Each fastener includes at least one strap that extends laterally and a strap extension that wraps around the leg. The upper and lower fasteners extend in opposite directions. The central portion has a separate pair of fastening straps which extend transversely from both sides and meet behind the knee cap. Tabs carrying an array of hook-type fastenings are secured to the free end of each strap and strap extension. The upper and lower straps and their extensions are separated from the central fastener by a cutout portion of sufficient vertical height to allow the support to flex without the buckling or rubbing the back of the leg.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic bandage for medical use. A base part of the bandage is made of pure cotton cloth or other fabric with a cloth cover on a transverse side in which a drainage aperture is defined. On opposite transverse sides of the base part there are respectively provided two outlying parts of the bandage with a drainage aperture in each of them. On opposite transverse sides of the base part there are respectively two safety bands and two suspenders on a longitudinal side of base part. The safety bands and the outlying parts are fastened together with fasteners.

Abstract: A warp knitted textile spacer fabric, a process for producing same, and articles utilizing same are disclosed. The spacer fabric is of an at least six-bar Raschel construction produced on a double needle bar Raschel knitting machine by knitting front and back stretchable fabric substructures of respective sets of ground and elastic yarns interknitted with one another in a stretchable resilient stitch construction while simultaneously knitting at least two sets of monofilament pile yarns in a pile substructure integrated with and extending between the fabric substructures to form pile segments extending transversely between the fabric substructures in differing angular orientations to the widthwise and lengthwise dimensions of the fabric, producing a pyramidal truss-like system of pile segments which maintain the fabric substructures in spaced parallel relation yet are resiliently compressible and resist relative shear movements of the fabric substructures.