Abstract: A wrist brace of the present invention for supporting a wrist of the wearer. The wrist brace includes a sheet of flexible material that overlies and supports a wearer's wrist. Defined in the sheet is an opening between a pair of lateral edges, wherein the opening is sized to accommodate a thumb of a wearer. A thumb strap of the wrist brace is defined by a break extending between a distal edge of the sheet of material and the thumb opening. A fastener on one end of the thumb strap allows the thumb strap to be extended between a thumb and index finger so as to secure the wrist brace. Optionally, the thumb opening can have a non-circular shape, such as a triangular shape, with an axis extending in the proximal-distal direction when the wrist brace is worn to promote a better fit around a base of the thumb.

Abstract: A back brace for supporting a lower back region of a wearer that includes a strapping system that supports a lumbar support panel at the lower back region of the wearer. The lumbar support panel includes an inner surface adjacent to the wearer's back defining a pair of raised support regions that have convexly curved outer surfaces and medial edges spaced apart from each other. Advantageously, the spacing between the medial edges provides clearance for the lower spine of the wearer to prevent discomfort. In addition, the convexly curved medial edges improve the support panel's fit to the contours of the wearer's back and avoid pressure points on the wearer's erector spinae musculature through a relatively even pressure distribution on the musculature. The lumbar support panel also may include a plurality of ventilation holes and may be constructed of “skin-friendly” materials that wick moisture away and allow air in for additional comfort.

Abstract: A reversible wrist brace includes a sheet of flexible material that overlies and supports a wearer's wrist, wherein the sheet of material includes opposing surfaces each having one or more portions of loop material. The flexible sheet has at least one opening in the vicinity of a lateral edge to accommodate at least one fastening strap, such that the strap may slide within the opening. The fastening strap is a continuous loop of sheet material having an outer surface with a hook-bearing portion. The fastener is designed so as to enable a wearer to switch the wrist brace between right and left hands by orienting the hook-bearing portion so that it is coincident with the loop-bearing portion when the wrist brace is worn on either hand. The wrist brace may include a splint that may be inserted within a pocket located on the flexible material to further immobilize the wrist.

Abstract: A tennis elbow support comprising a main body having an opening and a tendon pad having a pad base and a raised portion that projects from the pad base. The tendon pad is inserted into the opening so that the raised portion projects outwardly from a bottom surface of the main body. The main body can be releasably secured in a substantially circular configuration so that the support can be placed around the forearm of a user and the tennis elbow support can be tightened around the arm of the user with tendon pad in contact with the arm so that straight-line pressure is applied across the extensor muscle and tendon.

Abstract: A tennis elbow support comprising a main body having an opening and a tendon pad having a pad base and a raised portion that projects from the pad base. The tendon pad is inserted into the opening so that the raised portion projects outwardly from a bottom surface of the main body. The main body can be releasably secured in a substantially circular configuration so that the support can be placed around the forearm of a user and the tennis elbow support can be tightened around the arm of the user with tendon pad in contact with the arm so that straight-line pressure is applied across the extensor muscle and tendon.

Abstract: An ankle brace for comfortably supporting an ankle of a wearer by inhibiting motion between a foot and lower leg of the wearer. The ankle brace employs a laminated, moisture-wicking material for leg and foot portions that improves wearability during athletic activities. The leg and foot portions are combined with medial and lateral stays that are supported within pockets of the leg portion so as to provide medial and lateral stability for the ankle. A strapping unit is used to further improve stability with a pair of straps that are formed of the same piece of laminate material as the foot portion and extend upwards from the foot portion to cross over the ankle and attach to the leg portion. Advantageously, constructing the straps from the same piece of material as the foot portion eliminates fasteners and overlapping material and allows the ankle brace to be used with off-the-shelf footwear.

Abstract: A tennis elbow support comprising a main body having an opening and a tendon pad having a pad base and a raised portion that projects from the pad base. The tendon pad is inserted into the opening so that the raised portion projects outwardly from a bottom surface of the main body. The main body can be releasably secured in a substantially circular configuration so that the support can be placed around the forearm of a user and the tennis elbow support can be tightened around the arm of the user with tendon pad in contact with the arm so that straight-line pressure is applied across the extensor muscle and tendon.

Abstract: A tennis elbow support comprising a main body having an opening and a tendon pad having a pad base and a raised portion that projects from the pad base. The tendon pad is inserted into the opening so that the raised portion projects outwardly from a bottom surface of the main body. The main body can be releasably secured in a substantially circular configuration so that the support can be placed around the forearm of a user and the tennis elbow support can be tightened around the arm of the user with tendon pad in contact with the arm so that straight-line pressure is applied across the extensor muscle and tendon.

Abstract: A back brace for supporting a lower back region of a wearer that includes a strapping system that supports a lumbar support panel at the lower back region of the wearer. The lumbar support panel includes an inner surface adjacent to the wearer's back defining a pair of raised support regions that have convexly curved outer surfaces and medial edges spaced apart from each other. Advantageously, the spacing between the medial edges provides clearance for the lower spine of the wearer to prevent discomfort. In addition, the convexly curved medial edges improve the support panel's fit to the contours of the wearer's back and avoid pressure points on the wearer's erector spinae musculature through a relatively even pressure distribution on the musculature. The lumbar support panel also may include a plurality of ventilation holes and may be constructed of “skin-friendly” materials that wick moisture away and allow air in for additional comfort.

Abstract: A device, such as an ambulatory bag, comprising a plurality of pockets with means to releasably secure the device to an ambulatory appliance, such as a walker, wheelchair, or motorized mobility scooter. The device can hold and store belongings of a person using the ambulatory appliance and facilitate the placement and retrieval of items to and from the device while the person is engaged with (i.e. using) the ambulatory appliance.

Abstract: An ankle brace for comfortably supporting an ankle of a wearer by inhibiting motion between a foot and lower leg of the wearer. The ankle brace employs a laminated, moisture-wicking material for leg and foot portions that improves wearability during athletic activities. The leg and foot portions are combined with medial and lateral stays that are supported within pockets of the leg portion so as to provide medial and lateral stability for the ankle. A strapping unit is used to further improve stability with a pair of straps that are formed of the same piece of laminate material as the foot portion and extend upwards from the foot portion to cross over the ankle and attach to the leg portion. Advantageously, constructing the straps from the same piece of material as the foot portion eliminates fasteners and overlapping material and allows the ankle brace to be used with off-the-shelf footwear.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for stabilizing the thumb, i.e. a thumb support. The orthopedic device is worn by a user to stabilize the thumb for treatment of hand and thumb injuries. The device is capable of being worn on either the right hand or left hand of a user and has one or more metal stays made from soft metal material and have an ergonomic design to contour to the hand and thumb.