Abstract: A shin guard comprises an elastic generally tubular member adapted to tightly surround the lower leg of a wearer in the vicinity of the shin, and an elongated substantially rigid member which is tapered toward the lower end thereof and being generally shaped to substantially conform to the contour of the shin of the wearer. The elastic tubular member has a first retaining means for retaining the substantially rigid member in a predetermined position between the elastic tubular member and the shin of the wearer. A second retaining means extends from the elastic tubular member for retaining the elastic tubular member in the longitudinal direction thereof substantially at a predetermined position on the leg of the wearer.

Abstract: A fully adjustable lower torso support appliance which includes an elastic portion extending around the back of a wearer, and a removable inelastic front panel which is adjustably connected to the ends of the elastic member, the front panel being adapted to lie against the abdominal portion of the wearer. The front panel may be contoured to the general shape of the abdomen, and in some embodiments, to the abdominal shape of a pregnant woman. The elastic portion may carry a heat deformable, substantially rigid, back support member.

Abstract: A fully adjustable maternity brace which includes an elastic portion carrying a heat-deformable, substantially rigid, back support member, and a removable front panel which is adjustably connected to the ends of the elastic member, the front panel being adapted to lie against the abdominal portion of a pregnant woman. Preferably, the front panel is contoured to the general shape of the abdomen of a pregnant woman.

Abstract: An improved reusable ankle wrap for effectively bracing an ankle without unduly restricting the ankle from walking and running motions and other athletic movements is provided. The ankle wrap includes an elongated elastic panel having a first fastening member secured to a first end portion thereof. A second fastening member is carried by the panel at a position spaced apart from the first fastening member to releasably engage the first fastening member when the portion of the elongated panel between said first and second fastening members is wrapped around the medial aspect of the longitudinal arch of a foot, the panel including further fastening members disposed at the other end portion thereof for releasably securably fastening the panel about an ankle and arch after the panel has been alternately wrapped about the ankle and medial aspect of the longitudinal arch in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A weight-redistribution orthopedic appliance adapted to be attached to the sole of a shoe is provided. The orthopedic appliance is a non-resilient pad that is attached to the sole of a shoe forward of the break line of the sole, the pad being sufficiently flexible to be readily contoured to the sole's surface.

Abstract: An appliance for supporting and/or protecting body portions comprises a pair of substantially rigid sheet-like members adapted to engage against predetermined spaced portions of the body of a wearer. The sheet-like members are coupled together at one end by means of a relatively large expanse of elastic material and are detachably connected together at the other end also by means of elastic material, the resulting structure encircling a body portion. This construction permits substantial contraction and expansion of the encircled body portion without substantially restraining the encircled body portion from expansion.