Abstract: An ankle support (100) is constructed using a molded pad (110) and a rigid shell (112). The pad (110) and the shell (112) may be sealed together to form a bladder-pad cushion for comfort. The internal structure of the pad (110) is molded to include geometrically shaped cells of various size, shape and thickness to provide differing levels of localized comfort to the user of the ankle support (100). The pad may be made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which is spring-like and resists compression sets. The pad may include integrally-molded fingers extending to the shell. The fingers may have different lengths in one or more regions, in order to increase the cushioning effect in a particular region. The pad/shell combination may form a sealed bladder, and a pneumatic pump may be provided in conjunction with the shell so that the user can inflate the bladder.

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.

Abstract: The device for massaging a lower leg comprises a base pad (2) arranged in an area of the sole and a bladder (1) arranged in the region of the lower leg. A tubular connection is provided between the inner spaces of the base pad (2) and of the bladder (1). A frame (8) comprising a base part (12) and at least one side part (13, 7) projects upward from the tubular connection. The frame is mountable inside a shoe with the bladder (1) being fastened to the side part and the bladder (1) being positioned on the frame (8) in such a manner that it comes to lie above the perforating vein in the ankle area. A pressure is exerted by the bladder (1) onto the leg through the body weight applied to the base pad (2) when the foot is loaded.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing movement of the patella in the patellofemoral joint comprises in one embodiment a base having an opening, a buttress secured to the base sheet member, a tensioning member secured to the base sheet member, a pair of tensioning arms secured to the buttress, a pair of tensioning arms secured to the tensioning member, a pair of compression members formed from the base, and a stabilizing member secured to an edge of the base. A method of stabilizing movement of the patella in the patellofemoral joint during physical activities comprises in one embodiment the steps of positioning a support brace having an opening against the knee, extending a portion of the brace against the knee to apply a first force against portions of the knee in the opening, and extending another portion of the brace against the knee to apply a second force against the knee.

Abstract: A knee pad assembly includes a soft body, a top pad and a bottom pad. The body has a pair of straps each provided with a length regulator, a press extending from a connector which is slidable in the length regulator and a clamping finger integrally extending out from the press. The top pad has a first side securely connected to the soft body and a second side detachable from the soft body. The top pad has a first receiving hole to correspond to and receive therein the clamping finger of one of the two straps. The bottom pad has a first side securely connected to the soft body and a second side detachable from the soft body. The bottom pad has a second receiving hole to correspond to and receive therein the clamping finger of the other one of the two straps.

Abstract: A suspension walker having a hard, outer boot shell with upright brace members attached on either side and a soft boot receivable thereon. The soft boot has a main pad in it with a removable, fitting pad or pads on top of the main pad. A cuff member is also provided that is securable to the patient's calf and to the upright brace members. In use, the fitting pad is removed during the initial fitting and subsequent uses to suspend the patient's foot in the walker. The cuff member is also infinitely adjustable along the brace members to vary the fit as desired.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for applying a total contact cast to a patient utilizes a kit of pre-packaged materials containing all of the items necessary. A uniquely designed padding strip pads the bony prominence on either side of the ankle, the top metatarsal area, and the crest of the shinbone in one unitary piece. Special cuts in the padding strip allow it to conform tightly to the bend between the foot and lower leg. The special cuts also allow the connected circular or elliptical flaps to also conform easily to the bony prominence of the ankle. Positioning the padding strip is simpler, easier, faster, and provides greater structural integrity to the overall cast. The unitary design helps prevent the padding strip from shifting when the cast is complete. An enlarged base portion of the walking heel eliminates the need for a separate wood platform for support.

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: A tool for making gentle repetitive movements to the joints between a person's sacrum and ilium which allow for proper pelvic alignment when one or both have become irritated, inflamed, or malaligned, and causes significant pain. Use of the tool generates a lateral and caudal directed force on an affected ilium thereby mobilizing it back into its normal position. The tool also may be used to realign the pubic synthesis.

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: The present invention discloses an ankle and foot immobilizer has a base, a spine perpendicular to the base, and a shoulder perpendicular to both the base and spine. A foot cover is rotatably attached to the shoulder and engageable to the foot so that the sole is either resting upon the base to obtain a top view of the foot or so that the sole is resting against the spine to obtain a side-view of the foot. A vertical leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a vertical fashion. A horizontal leg support that is releasably attached to the spine is provided to secure the leg in a horizontal fashion. The base can have a cassette holder so that a separate cassette holder is not required. The immobilizer has an anchor that can be releasably secured to a standard x-ray table such as a suction cup.

Abstract: A knee brace (10) consisting of an upper arch (12) positioned, when worn, above the knee and a lower arch (16) positioned, when worn, below the knee, connected to means of constraint for fixing to the limb, a first upright (13) equipped in its central part with a joint (15) consisting of a pair of respective rotating elements comprising toothed wheel portions prevented from reciprocally moving in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the brace, the first upright (13) presenting a first system designed to exert adjustable pressure on the knee joint and a second system designed to compensate the deformation of the first upright (13) in exerting this pressure, the first system consisting of a first micrometric angular hinge (20) positioned on the femoral part of the first upright (13) and a second micrometric angular hinge (21) positioned on the tibial part of the same upright (13), the brace having each of the respective rotating elements rigidly connected to a respective micrometric angular hinge element, a

Abstract: The invention comprises a range of motion device for use between a first member and a second member, rotatable connection between the first member and the second member, a range of motion limiting elements engageable on the first member and acting on the second member to limit the range of rotational movement of the second member relative to the first member.

Abstract: A novelty cushion is disclosed including a plurality of grooves on a first side, a plurality of grooves on a second side, the second side opposite the first side, and wherein the at least two grooves of the plurality of grooves on the first side are substantially perpendicular to one another and wherein at least two grooves of the plurality of grooves on the second side are substantially perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A simple tibial distraction device includes a simple height-adjustable limb support triangle for positioning a patient's knee during surgery. The triangle includes a slidable support plate for carrying a Steinman pin, as well as a foot support strap to apply traction to the patient's lower leg and/or ankle.

Abstract: A custom-made ankle/foot orthosis for the treatment of patients having plantar ulcers is disclosed, which comprises a rigid L-shaped support member and a rigid anterior support shell hingedly articulated to the L-shaped support member. The plantar portion of the L-shaped member further comprises at least one ulcer-protecting hollow spatially located for fitted placement in inferior adjacency to a user's plantar ulcer, thus allowing the user to transfer the user's weight away from the plantar ulcer and facilitating plantar ulcer treatment. The anterior support shell is designed for lateral hinged attachment to the L-shaped member to take advantage of medial tibial flare structure for enhancing the weight-bearing properties of the disclosed orthosis. A flexible, polyethylene hinge member hingedly attaches the anterior support shell to the L-shaped member and securing straps securely attach the anterior support shell in fixed, weight-bearing relation about the proximal, anterior portion of the user's lower leg.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis having a structural frame formed from at least one layer of fabric impregnated with a hardened structural resin. The frame includes at least one anterior support member that extends downwardly from an upper leg engaging portion to define an anterior ankle portion which extends to a medial portion connected to a foot plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic limb covering and an associated method of treating chronic swelling of a limb. The limb covering is uses hydrostatic pressure provided by liquid contained within the covering to apply pressure to the limb. The limb covering comprises a substantially non-distensible flexible outer layer, a distensible flexible inner layer joined together and a liquid tight bladder therebetween. The covering may be adapted for releasable securement about a limb such as an arm or a lower leg and foot of a patient. After placement on the limb, when the bladder is filled with a liquid, such as water, it expands to contact and apply pressure to the limb.

Abstract: An orthopedic splint for a patient having a limb including an upper limb, a lower limb, and a joint therebetween, and being useful for therapeutically stretching the soft tissue of the limb. The orthopedic splint includes a flexible support member having a distal end and a proximal end thereof. A first contact pad is rotatably attached to the proximal end of said flexible support member and is disposed for distributing load to the underside of the upper limb. A second support pad attached to the distal end of said flexible support member is disposed for distributing load to the underside of the lower limb; and, a third support pad is attached to a fulcrum disposed near the center of the flexible support member and being disposed for distributing load to the topside of the upper limb and in close proximity to said joint. Accordingly, the orthopedic splint provides therapeutic traction to the limb while placing the limb in a self-aligning suspension sling arrangement.

Abstract: A patient with a dislocated hip lies on a planar pad having side rails along which slides a frame having upright members on each side of the pad and a horizontal member connecting the top of the upright members. A first winch mounted on an upright member controls cables connected to a mid-portion of a leg sleeve on the patient to lift the patient's leg. A second winch mounted on the same upright member controls cables connected to a top portion of the leg sleeve to pull the patient's hip outwardly to a normal position in the hip socket.

Abstract: An ankle brace for comfortably supporting an ankle of a wearer by inhibiting motion between a foot and lower leg of the wearer. The ankle brace employs a laminated, moisture-wicking material for leg and foot portions that improves wearability during athletic activities. The leg and foot portions are combined with medial and lateral stays that are supported within pockets of the leg portion so as to provide medial and lateral stability for the ankle. A strapping unit is used to further improve stability with a pair of straps that are formed of the same piece of laminate material as the foot portion and extend upwards from the foot portion to cross over the ankle and attach to the leg portion. Advantageously, constructing the straps from the same piece of material as the foot portion eliminates fasteners and overlapping material and allows the ankle brace to be used with off-the-shelf footwear.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis for relief of a patient from orthopedic dysfunctions comprising, in combination, a shoe and a brace assembly. The brace assembly comprises a leg member and a pair of opposed upright members. The leg member is constructed and arranged such that portions of the inner surface of the leg member complementarily conform to portions of the rear and sides of a patient's lower leg. Each upright member of the pair of upright members is connected to the leg member and extends downwardly from the leg member to a distal end. The support brace further comprises means for resiliently connecting a portion of the support brace to the upper portion of the shoe. In use, at least a portion of the distal ends of the upright members is inserted into a portion of the heel portion of the shoe between sides of the shoe and the patient's foot.

Abstract: A brace for supporting the ankle or foot of a wearer includes: (a) at least two layers, an inner one of the at least two layers being included of an elasticized, close-fitting material, an outer portion of the layers being included of a supportive, yet flexible, protective material; and (b) at least four splints attached to the outer layer portion, with a first, generally L-shaped one of the at least four splints having its longitudinal axis over the wearer's fibula, the first, fibula splint extending along an outside side of the brace; a second, generally L-shaped splint having a longitudinal axis leg portion over the wearer's tibia, the second, tibia splint extending along an inside side of the brace, the inside side of the brace being opposite the outside side of the brace; a third, Achilles tendon splint extending in a generally vertical direction at a rear of the brace over the wearer's Achilles tendon, the rear of the brace being between the inside side and the outside side of the brace; and a fourth

Abstract: An elevation device for resiliently supporting an extremity of a patient that utilizes the packaging for the device to form the finished product. The elevation device includes a support cushion and a planar surface for supporting the support cushion at a desired elevation. At least one guide member is associated with the planar surface for positioning the support cushion on the planar surface.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of use thereof, for storing, transporting and deploying multiple restraint system components is provided. The inventive apparatus consists of two trays composed of flexible materials. The first tray is configured for storing wrist and ankle restraint systems, the second tray, smaller than the first tray, includes a top-mounted compartment for storing a multi-point restraint connection system. The storage compartment of second tray is secured to the tray by releasable connectors, and is at least partially disengaged to receive the various components of the multi-point restraint connection system, and releasably secured thereafter. The connection system is stored in such a manner as to partially display a portion of each system component outside of the storage compartment, with each portion oriented toward its eventual deployment area once the second tray is placed on the structure on which the EDP will be restrained.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable support that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The adjustable support may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not is use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The adjustable support may be used as a traction splint, a walking stick, ski pole, or a crutch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly restraining a person's limbs are disclosed. The inventive apparatus includes a pair of cuff modules, each with three rigid loops positioned on their outer surface, and a cuff interconnect having a flexible elongated body sized and configured to fit through the rigid loops, that is attached to one of the rigid loops on one of the cuff modules. When the cuff modules are applied to the person's limbs, the interconnect body is threaded through the other rigid loops and around the person's midsection, such that the interconnect body surrounds the person's midsection from front and back and forms two tension zones, one at each of the cuff modules to significantly restrict the range of motion of the person's first and second limbs. Optionally, the cuff modules may include releasable connectors to releasable connect to corresponding external stationary restraints.

Abstract: A limb protection device for protecting a section of a user's limb against contact comprises and enclosure for enclosing the limb section and at least one integral flexible cuff located at a respective limb entry to the enclosure. The cuff is adapted in use for being positioned against that part of the user's limb adjacent thereto to restrict the ingress of matter via the entry into the enclosure.

Abstract: A thigh cuff extension for use with a medical brace. The thigh cuff extension includes a plurality of flexible and conformable body portions releasably and adjustably connectable to one another so as to provide a cuff body adjustably positionable to snugly encircle the thigh of a user, at least one substantially rigid stay member associated with each of the body portions, and an extension member associated with one of the rigid stay members and connectable to the medical brace.

Abstract: An inflatable support shoe for enabling an individual with a broken foot encased within a cast to walk without the use of crutches. The support shoe comprises an inflatable footpad having a selectively inflatable air chamber, and a rubber ring. The footpad has a number of elastic cords extending therefrom having hooks at their ends. In use, the circular ring is selectively attached to the cast just above the ankle region of the cast. The user then positions the bottom of the cast upon the upper surface of the footpad, and engages the circular ring with the hooks at the ends of the cords, in order to firmly attach the footpad to the cast. After the user inflates the air chamber, the footpad cushions the injured foot against harmful impacts, thereby enabling the individual with a broken foot encased within a cast to walk upon the foot without the use of crutches.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved knee brace that is configured to improve comfort to the user and reduce interference with the natural motion of the user's leg. The knee brace has rigid upper and lower frames that are connected together by polycentric hinges. The rigid upper frame is contoured such that no rigid structure is located along the medial superior region of the thigh. The rigid upper and lower frames are secured to the leg using a plurality of straps.

Abstract: A leg support apparatus is herein provided for use in the health care industry for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons having leg injuries. The apparatus includes a vertical support member having a base and a clamp which is slideably positionable on the vertical support member. The clamp is pivotably coupled to at least one cradle having a sling member. The sling member is independently pivotally coupled to the cradle permitting the sling member to tilt in an arc up and down, depending of the need of the patient. The adjustability of the vertical support assembly further provides for greater positioning thereby increasing the general comfort of the patient while providing for the patient's medical needs.

Abstract: A support bandage for a joint between bones includes a small fraction having two opposite first longitudinal sides sewn with two opposite second longitudinal sides of a large fraction. The small fraction is incurved towards the large fraction, and has two arcuate seams on the small fraction. The segment between the two arcuate seams is more incurved than two end segments outside the arcuate seams, and the two arcuate seams are away from a wearer 's joint. Whereby, the support bandage can be tightly abut a knee or an elbow yet have few wrinkles and will not uncomfortably press the wearer.

Abstract: Ankle brace with two arms extending over the ankle bones along the lower leg, said arms being joined under the foot by a flexible connecting member and being provided with cushioning chambers containing a fluid, each arm of the brace being provided with a single cushioning chamber with a longitudinal subdivision, said longitudinal subdivision forming a zone of reduced expandability in the region of the ankle bone and therefore forming opposite the ankle bone a recess which receives the latter, the connecting member being made of a material of such tensile elasticity that, during walking and the accompanying rolling of the foot as well as rhythmic pumping of the cushioning chambers, said connecting member is intermittently lengthened and shortened.

Abstract: A cloth covered, thermally insulated therapeutic boot. Hook and loop fasteners and straps are arrayed about the boot to control the support angle between the foot and calf. Numerous other hook and loop fasteners are fitted to the boot surfaces to secure panels that wrap to define the boot. A contour shaped and vented foam calf support is secured to the boot to support the calf and elevate the heel within the boot, when the boot is supported. Hinge pieces mount between the calf support and a rigid heel cradle. Hook and loop fasteners secure the hinge straps to the calf support. Compressible, flanged hinge pins mount to the hinge straps to permit rotations relative to stops.

Abstract: The D-DAFO (DeRoos-Dynamic Ankle Foot Orthosis) invention is a dynamic support system designed to maintain the correct alignment of the bones in the foot and ankle. The D-DAFO's dynamic stability allows the patient's tibia to rotate forward anteriorly and yet supported, while continuously providing the support to hold the patient in sub-talar neutral, and/or improved alignment for function, while simultaneously maintaining tone and extension synergy.

Abstract: A custom conformable device that supports and cushions a user's anatomical part, such the foot. The device is self-inflating, conforms to the shape of the user's foot, utilizes an inflatable bladder with a valve, and contains an expandable material such as an open cell foam. When the valve is open the expandable material expands, causing the bladder to inflate and to conform to the shape of the user's anatomical part. Once the desired shape is achieved, the valve is closed, sealing the bladder. Once the bladder is sealed, the expandable material retains the shape of the user's anatomical part. The user may open the valve to adjust the level of support provided by the device by allowing more fluid to enter the bladder, or by forcing fluid to exit the bladder.

Abstract: A body joint liner including at least one divergent channel such that when in use on a persons body, tissue fluid flow is encouraged. A body joint liner including a first pressure gradient for tissue fluid flow when in use on a persons body. A body joint liner including a pressure gradient including a pattern of projections with a spacing that increases along the length of the liner.

Abstract: The Breakaway Leg Sling is provided for use with a walker or crutches and suspends a single leg in a below-the-knee cast, shoe, or bandaged foot in a rearward, elevated position and assists the patient with weight avoidance on the suspended leg. The apparatus is prepared for use from a safe sitting position, and the leg is placed into its suspended position during the natural motion of standing. If needed, the apparatus includes a breakaway safety fastener that disengages at an effective, pre-determined force using the muscles of the suspended leg thereby providing the patient with immediate use of the suspended leg to regain balance and prevent a potential fall. If disengaged, the safety fastener is easily restored to operational use. The Breakaway Leg Sling is comprised of a torso harness device, a detachable foot cradle device, a load strap used to engage the torso harness to the foot cradle device, and the breakaway safety fastener incorporated into the length of the load strap.

Abstract: A device for exercising a patient's leg, including rehabilitating a patient's knee joint following knee surgery is disclosed. The device comprises an elongated member with a handle at one end, a harness for holding the patient's foot attached to the other end, and an adjustable slider assembly that can be positioned at a variety of locations along the elongated member. A fulcrum, which is attached to the slider assembly rests on the top of the patient's leg, either above or below the knee, while the harness holds the patient's foot. The device is operated by the patient pulling on the handle, thereby straightening the leg, which increases the range of motion of the knee joint following knee surgery. The device is adjustable to accommodate patients of varying heights and leg lengths and also to provide greater leverage in operating the device.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace having length adjustable supports is provided. The brace comprises upper and lower supports rotatably connected by a hinge. Each of the supports comprises an elongate portion having a channel along part of its length, and a sliding upright that nests within the channel. The upright is incrementally longitudinally translatable within the channel so that the length of the support is adjustable. Flanges are provided along the edges of the channel to prevent lateral separation of the upright from the stationary portion. A spring-biased button protrudes from an upper surface of the channel. The button cooperates with one of a plurality of holes in the upright, providing a positive lock to retain the upright in one of a number of predetermined positions within the channel. The upright is also completely removable from the channel. Removal of the upright from the channel shortens the brace. Straps cooperate with brackets on the supports and/or uprights to secure the brace to a patient's leg.

Abstract: A wrapping system for wrapping an injured joint, the joint having recessed areas and prominent areas. The system includes stackable resilient sections that are joined to one another by scored areas, the scored areas allowing seperation of each of the resilient section into sections adapted fit in the recessed areas. Each of the resilient section should have an adhesive portion for attaching, in a stacked manner, one resilient section to another resilient section, so that the resulting stacked resilient sections nest in the recessed areas of the injured joint. An elastic wrap strap is used to secure and urge the resilient sections over the injured joint.

Abstract: A toe guard is made of a flexible sheet of plastic, is U-shaped in longitudinal cross-section, is open in the back and both sides, and is contoured on its upper and lower surfaces to fit the top and bottom of a foot comfortably. The front of the toe guard is solid and is spaced from the toes when attached to the foot. The toe guard is attached by means of a wide strip of adhesive tape wrapped around the tongue and base of the guard in the vicinity of the instep and ball of the foot. The tape prevents the toe guard from slipping longitudinally on the foot. The toe guard protects the toes from a frontal impact and from blows from the top, bottom, and sides of the toe guard. The toe guard is initially wider than the foot for which it is designed and can be trimmed to fit the intended user's foot. Being flexible, it spreads to fit on the ball and instep, generally conforms to the shape of the foot, and bends with the foot when walking.

Abstract: A brace for protecting a pivoting joint situated between a first and second limb structure. The brace includes upper and lower frame members linked by a joint member, with each frame member having a cuff for encompassing a portion of each limb structure. Brace retention is accomplished with respective upper and lower securement members each including a medial piece and a lateral piece each attached at respective outside edges thereof to an elastomeric central piece disposed there behind. Respective inside edges of the medial and lateral pieces have a tightening member for drawing the edges toward each other. The respective outside edges of the medial and lateral pieces are releasably attached to respectively adjacent frame and cuff sites with quick-release connectors releasable substantially without increased pressure on the limb structure. Such quick-connect and quick-disconnect operability provides proper brace placement without awkward, and potentially incorrect, brace orientation.

Abstract: A leg restraint and alignment device for use with ankle and foot orthotic braces used in support and immobilization of a patient's ankle and foot. The device is of a contoured L-shaped configuration with a curved leg engagement portion extending from a bifurcated attachment portion. A leg pad is removably attached to the leg portion with an adjustable fabric strap fastener extending in oppositely disposed relation thereto about the patient's leg.

Abstract: A high-top shoe having an integrated internal ankle brace allows substantial forward and rearward movement of an ankle while substantially constraining side-to-side motion of the ankle. The ankle brace includes a semi-rigid orthotic plate shaped to receive a wearer's ankle thereon and a rear support portion. A longitudinally extending blade element is fixedly attached to the rear support portion at a proximal end thereof and substantially fixed relative to a leg of the wearer by at least one support member at a distal end thereof. The support member may be the shoe upper itself, or a separate element. The blade element has an axial length, a thickness T and a width W. The ratio of T to W is selected so that the distal end is free to flex about the proximal end in the fore/aft direction and the blade element is substantially constrained from flexure in the width direction.

Abstract: A foot lifter orthosis including a dorsal leg shell, extending over the rear foot, which can be fixed by a strapping means to the calf of the orthosis wearer and which has a forefoot shell section constructed in one piece which extends to a point below the foot sole region, wherein the leg shell exhibits a low resistance in dorsal foot bending and a high resistance compensating for the foot and shoe mass in plantar foot bending with at least one resilient inlay, which extends approximately parallel to and at a short distance from an edge of the leg shell from the calf region thereof to a point below the forefoot shell section. An associated method of formation is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ankle support for protecting an injured or uninjured ankle which includes lateral support members having a flexion region operable to limit plantar and dorsal flexion to 40 degrees. Lateral support members are connected with lower-leg supports which together act to limit rotation to 15 degrees and medial and lateral bending to 10 degrees. Ankle support is preferably contoured with a low component-profile such that ankle support can be worn within a shoe to provide user with support and stabilization during rigorous activity. Adjustable straps are utilized to firmly engage ankle support with user's lower leg which operably reduces or minimizes load to the foot. Ankle support component parts are preferably formed from a low melting temperature thermo-forming polymer, polymer alloy, or composite material which provides the user with an advantageous ankle support and method for maintaining ankle supports fit to the lower leg.

Abstract: The improved longitudinal support structure is used in combination with a leg brace that provides support to a wearer's leg. The improved longitudinal support structure for longitudinally supporting the leg brace provides a pivot post attached to the outer lower portion of the leg brace. A support member extends from the outer lower portion of the leg brace. The support member has apertures through it to provide longitudinal adjustment and is rotatably connected to the pivot post through one of the apertures so that an end can rotate about the pivot post. A stop post limits the rotation of the support member to a predetermined range. A rigid cross member attached to the end of the support member positioned adjacent the wearer's ankle rests atop the wearer's foot and is shaped to accept the wearer's ankle. Means for securing the rigid cross member about the wearer's ankle is provided.

Abstract: An adjustable elastomeric leg support for knee, calf or thigh formed or a central body, interdigitating straps and terminal end tabs, secured by means of Velcro hook fasteners adjustably attachable to its elastomeric fabric exterior having a rubberized inner neoprene surface affording comfortable skin adherence that offers the capacity of fitting a variety of sizes and either leg while possessed of a unique leg brace design of interdigitating straps and opening passages to quickly and securely position, loosen or to readjust the brace while affording the capacity to simultaneously tension and bias the brace support system and patella with the use of inner buttresses if so desired.