Abstract: The systems and methods provide or use a brace for patient's limb that includes, among other things, a non-inflatable, rigid, lower housing for supporting the sole of a patient's foot, and an inflatable load-bearing upper housing that is affixed to the lower housing. The brace may be adjustable and configured to be fitted to patients having limbs of differing sizes, to allow the patient to obtain a more closely fitted brace.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include systems and methods for applying temperature regulated compression and support to certain injured portions of the human body. In particular, the systems and methods relate to a brace to be fitted around a joint of a human for applying therapeutic temperature regulated compression to the joint and having rigid supports disposed therein to provide support for the limb while a patient recuperates from surgery or other injury.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein include systems and methods for applying temperature regulated compression and support to certain injured portions of the human body. In particular, the systems and methods relate to a brace to be fitted around a joint of a human for applying therapeutic temperature regulated compression to the joint and having rigid supports disposed therein to provide support for the limb while a patient recuperates from surgery or other injury.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide a soft, light-weight brace for a patient's limb that, among other things, provides prophylactic support to a patient while allowing the patient mobility. The brace may be adjustable and configured to be fitted to patients having limbs of differing sizes, to allow the patient to obtain a more closely fitted brace.

Abstract: A walking brace for immobilizing and/or protecting the lower leg of a patient comprises a leg portion adapted to fit substantially around the lower leg of a patient and a sole portion that fits beneath the patient's foot. The sole portion is provided with a dual layer of resilient shock absorbing material disposed along its bottom surface. The dual layer comprises an upper layer of a relatively softer material and a lower layer of a relatively more durable material. The dual layer can provide good shock absorbency but can be made thinner to provide a lower profile. In another aspect of the invention, the walking brace is provided with one or more inflatable air cells to provide adjustable therapeutic pressure to the leg and the leg portion of the brace is in the form of a rigid shell provided with a protruding region for receiving the air cell outlet associated with each air cell such that the air cell outlet is directed toward the front of the walking brace for easy access by the user.

Abstract: A pad for use with an orthopedic device comprises a sealed pre-inflated aircell disposed between a foam pad and the inner surface of a portion of the orthopedic device. The pads that may be employed with orthopedic devices such as braces and supports. In one embodiment, the pads may be removable and replaceable and fit within a brace, typically between the body part being braced and a support structure, such as a plastic shell support.

Abstract: A walking brace is disclosed having enhanced shock absorbing at the patient's heel. A layer of shock-absorbing material disposed along the bottom of the walking brace has a heel portion that extends upwardly through an opening in the sole portion of the walking brace to engage the patient's heel. The bottom of the patient's heel is never engaged, either directly or indirectly by the rigid plastic of the walking brace sole portion.

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.