Abstract: A tape is used for the wrapping of ankles or other joints having a inelastic back in tension and a hypo-allergenic elastic for placement to the skin. Examples of the inelastic back can include tapes with metal or carbon fiber backings which essentially have no appreciable elasticity and deformation when applied over the skin at the ankle. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the inelastic backing of the tape has a Young's modulus of elasticity exceeding 5 and is not subject to substantial elongation as placed over the ankle. Wrapping of the ankle with such tapes utilizing hypo-allergenic adhesives is disclosed with the tape being removable and reusable even by the athlete utilizing the ankle wrapping.

Abstract: An orthopedic appliance for reinforcing a patient's skeletal anatomy from a rigid shell fitted at the inside to the patient at skin overlying the skeletal anatomy to be reinforced, has an improvement for adhering the rigid shell to the skin of the patient. A strip of flexible tensile tape has a first side for fitting to the skin of a patent and a second side outward exposed for fitting to the inside of the rigid shell. A hypoallergenic non-inflammatory adhesive is coated on one side of the strip of flexible tape for fitting to the skin. Means for removable attachment to the inside of the rigid shell is placed on the second side of the strip of flexible tape for outward exposure and attachment to the rigid shell. Complimentary means for removable attachment is fitted to the inside of the rigid shell. This attachment transfers loading from the skin of the patient to the rigid shell for orthopedically reinforcing the skeletal anatomy of the patient.