Abstract: An orthosis comprises a first portion which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of first fibres, and a second portion which is disposed around at least a section of a peripheral edge of the orthosis which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of second fibres. The first portion has a higher tensile strength and is harder than the second portion.

Abstract: An orthosis comprises a first portion which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of first fibres, and a second portion which is disposed around at least a section of a peripheral edge of the orthosis which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of second fibres. The first portion has a higher tensile strength and is harder than the second portion.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a tubular compression item, having at least one leg part, one foot tip, one heel and one foot, comprising a first step for knitting the leg part and the foot with at least one knitting yarn on a double cylinder knitting machine during which an elastic weft yarn is inserted between two rows of ribbed stitches (n)*(p) and (n?)*(p?) every 1/1 to 1/5 rows of stitches of the leg part and of the foot, on at least 50% by number of the number (m) of needles without forming any tuck stitch or loop stitch.

Abstract: An orthosis comprises a first portion which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of first fibres, and a second portion which is disposed around at least a section of a peripheral edge of the orthosis which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of second fibres. The first portion has a higher tensile strength and is harder than the second portion.

Abstract: An orthosis comprises a first portion which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of first fibres, and a second portion which is disposed around at least a section of a peripheral edge of the orthosis which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of second fibres. The first portion has a higher tensile strength and is harder than the second portion.

Abstract: A device (1) includes a first web of soft material (5), a projecting structure integral with the web and including multiple discrete projecting elements. The projecting elements include pieces of foam (3) spaced apart form one another and integral with the first web (5). The pieces of foam are compressed between the first web (5) and a second web (7) of soft material, the two webs mutually adhering between the projecting elements. The device is useful for treating various types of edemas and excessive tissue infiltration, as well as for repairing sports injury.

Abstract: A device (1) includes a first web of soft material (5), a projecting structure integral with the web and including multiple discrete projecting elements. The projecting elements include pieces of foam (3) spaced apart form one another and integral with the first web (5). The pieces of foam are compressed between the first web (5) and a second web (7) of soft material, the two webs mutually adhering between the projecting elements. The device is useful for treating various types of edemas and excessive tissue infiltration, as well as for repairing sports injury.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular compressive orthosis having an upper edge defining a first knitted compression zone, and comprising, close to said upper edge, at least one grip element facilitating the process of putting on the orthosis. Characteristically, the grip element is a second knitted gripping zone arranged beneath the upper edge and having a mesh density higher than the mesh density of the first compression zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support device, in particular for giving lumbar support, which device comprises an elastic belt provided, at its ends, with complementary closure means, and at least one elongate side reinforcing element that is fastened over the height of the belt. In characteristic manner, over a fraction of its length, the belt has elasticity that varies over the height thereof, so that extending the belt longitudinally causes the elongate reinforcing element to shift angularly towards a respective one of the ends of the belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular compressive orthosis having an upper edge defining a first knitted compression zone, and comprising, close to said upper edge, at least one grip element facilitating the process of putting on the orthosis. Characteristically, the grip element is a second knitted gripping zone arranged beneath the upper edge and having a mesh density higher than the mesh density of the first compression zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support device, in particular for giving lumbar support, which device comprises an elastic belt provided, at its ends, with complementary closure means, and at least one elongate side reinforcing element that is fastened over the height of the belt. In characteristic manner, over a fraction of its length, the belt has elasticity that varies over the height thereof, so that extending the belt longitudinally causes the elongate reinforcing element to shift angularly towards a respective one of the ends of the belt.

Abstract: Braces for applying dynamic forces and methods for applying dynamic forces on limbs are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a brace has an upper frame, a lower frame, a hinge coupling the upper frame to the lower frame, a hydraulic pump, and a bladder. The upper frame is moveable relative to the lower frame. The hydraulic pump is coupled to the hinge, the upper frame or the lower frame. The hydraulic pump generates a fluid flow that flows into and expands the bladder. The bladder is positioned to apply a force to the limb as it expands.

Abstract: Power packs for use with bicentric hinges and methods for operating hinges are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, a power pack has a housing with a cavity and a piston disposed at least partially within the cavity. The housing has an attachment mechanism configured to attach the housing to a hinge. The piston has a head and an arm configured to be connected to the head and one of the hinge members. In one embodiment, the head is moveable about a first axis of rotation along a circular path through the cavity. An embodiment for operating the hinge includes rotating the first hinge member coupled to the piston about the first axis of rotation, displacing a fluid from the cavity to a fluid passageway as the piston rotates, and pivoting the second hinge member about a second axis of rotation.

Abstract: Bicentric hinges for use in braces and methods for operating knee braces and other types of braces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a hinge includes a plate and first and second members rotatably coupled to the plate. The first member is rotatable about a first axis of rotation between a first position and a second position. The second member is rotatable about a second axis of rotation between a third position and a fourth position independent of the rotation of the first member about the first axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. The first and second members are configured to be attachable to a frame.

Abstract: Bicentric hinges for use in braces and methods for operating knee braces and other types of braces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a hinge includes a plate, first and second members pivotally coupled to the plate, and a rocker coupled to the plate. The first member is pivotable about a first axis of rotation, and the second member is pivotable about a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation. The second member is not directly engaged with the first member, and the first member may not be connected to a return mechanism that urges the first member to pivot about the first axis of rotation. The first member has a first recess, and the second member has a second recess. The rocker includes a head at least partially receivable in the first recess and/or the second recess to restrict rotation of one of the first and second members until the other has rotated.

Abstract: Material for manufacturing articles for supporting the head or members of persons or animals, and articles manufactured from such material. The material is characterized in that it consists of a layered panel formed by the assembly of a plastic material layer in the form of hard foam, a preferably non elastic metal sheet, a plastic material layer in the form of a flexible foam, and a smooth and flexible protective inner sheet.