Abstract: The vacuum orthopedic brace and method include the use of an inner sleeve or liner, and at least one rigid member. The rigid member includes a fabric liner or other porous material to act as a wick, and a gasket surrounding the wick material. A valve is preferably provided in the rigid member for drawing air from between the rigid member and the liner, i.e. to create a vacuum. Furthermore, an external, internal or integrated chamber or rigid reservoir is preferably included, and is in communication with the wick filled area between the rigid member and liner, to hold a vacuum.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 13, 2006
Publication date:
July 13, 2006
Applicant:
Vacuity, Inc.
Inventors:
William Patterson, Robert Gailey, Augusto Sarmiento, Maitland MacKenzie, Roy McMurray
Abstract: The vacuum orthopedic brace and method include the use of an inner sleeve or liner, first and second cuffs, and a hinge connecting the cuffs. The cuffs includes a fabric liner or other porous material to act as a wick, and a gasket surrounding the wick material. A valve is preferably provided in the cuff for drawing air from between the cuff and the liner, i.e. to create a vacuum. Furthermore, an external, internal or integrated chamber or rigid reservoir is preferably included, and in communication with the wick filled area between the cuff and liner, to hold a vacuum.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 23, 2004
Date of Patent:
March 14, 2006
Assignee:
Vacuity, Inc.
Inventors:
William S. Patterson, Robert Gailey, Augusto Sarmiento, Maitland C. MacKenzie, Roy P. McMurray