Abstract: A system and method for exchanging fluid between a body compress and a fluid source. In the preferred embodiment, an air pump is used to compress the fluid in the container and force it into the compress. When the motor is turned off, the fluid flows back from the container to the compress. By cycling the motor between "on" and "off" conditions, a circulation of fluid occurs between the compress and the container.

Abstract: A check value for controlling fluid flow comprises two sleeves connected to one another in fluid-tight engagement and a flexible membrane disposed across an interior cross-section of the engaged sleeves. The flexible membrane is secured to the sleeves along less than the membrane's full circumference, so that the unsecured portion of the membrane can flex to allow fluid to flow through the sleeves in one direction. The membrane resists fluid flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A stirrup-type ankle brace having an outer shell member, the shell member having a lateral elongated, substantially rigid, support member with a corresponding supporting cushion thereon substantially coextensive therewith and an opposed medial support member with a corresponding cushion thereon. The lateral supporting cushion has a pre-inflated flap extending the anterior margin of its distal end with enough width to cover the area over and surrounding the anterior talofibular ligament. The flap is compressed against the ATF by a strap of elastic hook-and-loop compatible material. A tab of hook material is attached to the anterior end of the elastic strap so that it can engage the opposite end at any length. The strap is retained between the lateral shell and supporting cushion in the preferred embodiment so as to overlap the flap and compress the ATF ligament and medial malleolus when wrapped around the ankle.

Abstract: An injection-molded thermoplastic device having a field of injection-molded hooks integrally formed in predetermined areas on the device during the injection-molding of the device for releasable attachment to a strap with loops.

Abstract: A thermal compress cuff for treating an injured knee has a fluid impervious chamber of flexible material with an upper transverse portion and depending arms extending from the transverse portion. The transverse portion is adapted to encompass a portion of the limb above the knee and the depending arms are adapted to encompass the limb along the sides of the knee and a portion of the limb below the knee while exposing the patella of the knee. The chamber preferably is divided into inner and outer compartments with thermal fluid received by and contained in the inner compartment for abutting contact with the encompassed portion of the limb. An open-cell urethane foam material is contained in the outer compartment for insulating the underlying inner compartment and for enhancing uniform conformance to the limb.

Abstract: An adjustable ankle compress (10) in the shape of a boot (12) with an ankle portion (18) and a foot portion (16) for receiving the ankle and foot and having a sole (14) on the boot (12) that is adjustable in width for varying the size of the boot (12) to accommodate a foot and ankle of various sizes. The boot (12) has a fluid-tight compartment (36) formed therein for substantially surrounding the ankle and the top of the foot.

Abstract: A thermal compress cuff for treating an injured knee has a fluid impervious chamber of flexible material with an upper transverse portion and depending arms extending from the transverse portion. The transverse portion encompasses a portion of the limb above the knee and the depending arms encompass the limb along the sides of the knee and a portion of the limb below the knee while exposing the patella. The chamber is intended to contain a thermal fluid for abutting contact with the encompassed portion of the limb. The chamber preferably is divided into inner and outer compartments with the thermal fluid contained in the inner compartment. An open call urethane foam material is contained in the outer compartment for insulating and underlying inner compartment and for enhancing uniform conformance to the limb.

Abstract: A prophylactic ankle brace for protecting the ankle of paratroopers and which fits on the outside of the paratrooper boot. It includes lateral and medial side walls extending longitudinally upwardly to encompass the ankle and lower extremity of the leg above the ankle with a substantially U-shaped member connecting the spaced apart side walls for extending substantially around and conforming to the back of the shoe to hold the side walls in fixed relationship to each other and to the shoe. Straps are provided for removably attaching the connected side walls to the shoe and to the lower extremities of the leg in fixed relationship.