Abstract: An ankle brace has first and second semi-rigid shell members for extending over the ankle and the lower leg on the inner and outer sides of the ankle. A sealed bladder pad is mounted to each of the shell members on the side of the shell member facing the ankle. Each bladder pad includes three small-interconnected bladders wherein a first larger bladder is mounted at the lower end of the shell, and two side-by-side upper bladders are mounted on an upper portion of the associated shell member. The three bladders having restricted openings permitting limited flow of air between the bladders. When a patient wearing the ankle brace walks, the lower bladder is compressed, and air is directed through the restricted openings to the upper bladders, thereby intermittently varying the pressure on the ankle and lower leg, and promoting circulation.

Abstract: A technique for forming orthopaedic splints or supports includes the steps of impregnating the edges of casting material with non-rigid bonding material and subsequently impregnating the casting material with water hardenable material such as urethane. The edge treatment keeps the edges in a relatively cushioning or non-rigid state to avoid irritation of the skin of the patient. The blanks may be formed using a mold having a groove defining the outline of the casting blank, and a ridge for implementing the impregnation of a bead of bonding material into the casting fabric. The casting blank material may be formed of spacer or double knit type material, or may be formed of several layers of fabric including high strength filaments, and may have padding material as one layer.

Abstract: A technique for forming orthopaedic splints or supports includes the steps of impregnating the edges of casting material with non-rigid bonding material and subsequently impregnating the casting material with water hardenable material such as urethane. The edge treatment keeps the edges in a relatively cushioning or non-rigid state to avoid irritation of the skin of the patient. The blanks may be formed using a mold having a groove defining the outline of the casting blank, and a ridge for implementing the impregnation of a bead of bonding material into the casting fabric. The casting blank material may be formed of spacer or double knit type material, or may be formed of several layers of fabric including high strength filaments, and may have padding material as one layer.

Abstract: An improved ankle brace that is easily adjustable for improved comfort and use. The ankle brace includes a pair of relatively rigid side supports to fit about a lower leg of a patient, and the lower area of the side supports may be adapted to position an assembly of heel straps. The assembly may include at least two straps, which are coupled at the ends and adapted to adjust the effective length of the assembly, so that it may be accommodated for different heel widths of different patients. Alternatively, the assembly may include three pieces, an intermediary member for linking the other two straps. The assembly may be attached to the side supports through a pin mechanism that may be either capped (as by heat staking) or welded at the end to hold it in position. Alternatively, a cap with protruding plastic pin may be molded directly onto the strap, effectively making them one piece to be assembled as such.