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 sleeping posture of a user is improved by the use of a cotton cushion (10) which is attached to one of the legs of the user by means of an elasticated tubular bandage (11) and fits between the two knees of the user when the user's legs are located one on top of the other.

Abstract: The pneumatic Achilles sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve and at least one strap for fastening the sleeve around the ankle. The sleeve assembly positions an arch cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve under a human foot. The arch cell is fabricated from a flexible material and is in communication with a conduit member. Upon application of external pressure to the arch cell, air is expelled from said air cell through said conduit member. The sleeve assembly also positions a tendon cell which contains a dynamic volume of air within the sleeve against the Achilles tendon. The tendon cell is in communication with the arch cell via the conduit member. The tendon cell is also fabricated from a flexible material. Upon the expelling of air from said arch cell, the air enters through the conduit member into the tendon cell which exerts a greater pressure against the Achilles tendon.

Abstract: A child safety restraining device comprising: (a) an ankle strap having a first end and a second end; (b) means for fastening the first end and the second end of the ankle strap to each other; (c) an anchor strap having a first end and a second end; (d) means for attaching the first end of the anchor strap and the ankle strap to each other; and (e) means for anchoring the second end of the anchor strap to an apparatus, e.g. a shopping cart, in which a child may be seated, at an anchoring point on the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using such a device to restrain seated children and increase their safety.

Abstract: An integrated back pain and back health program incorporating proper posture to achieve joint realignment and muscle relaxation, proper breathing to achieve stress management and muscle relaxation, and an exercise program focused on the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders, abdomen and hips to achieve muscle and joint flexibility and strengthening. By providing instruction on maintaining proper posture, the protocol offers back pain sufferers relief from the stress caused by muscles involuntarily attempting to realign and/or stabilize misaligned joints. The breathing techniques used in the protocol aid in muscle relaxation and, together with proper posture, maximize the benefits of the exercises performed in the procedure. The exercises in the protocol stretch and strengthen the muscles that are commonly implicated in the occurrence of back pain, release spasm in those muscles, and reset those muscles to normal tonus.

Abstract: A padding or cushioning device adapted to be worn with a leg brace includes a cloth body fabricated from soft, supple material. The cloth body is provided with elastic straps so that it may easily be secured to and removed from the leg brace. The cloth body is disposed between the leg and the brace and functions to insulate the skin of the leg from direct contact with the brace, thereby preventing rubbing and/or chafing.

Abstract: The present invention is a wound healing system and method of use to address the healing of wounds found on a foot of a patient. The wound healing system provides an apparatus and method of protecting and healing foot wounds, especially foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The wound healing system can be used on a wound found on almost any area of the bottom of a foot. The wound healing system includes a method of reducing the mechanical load on a wound, allowing the patient to walk while the system is in use, allowing the patient to access and attend to the foot, allowing different methods of treating a foot wound, and providing a kit with which medical personnel can easily fit the patient with the apparatus.

Abstract: A strap attachment assembly for an orthopedic brace has an anchor mounted on an orthopedic brace component and a strap retainer mounted on a strap. The anchor has a retention post and a retention head and the strap retainer has a body and a retention plate. The body includes a chamber and the retention plate includes a retention opening aligned with the chamber. The retention opening is sized to releasably receive the retention head when the retention post is positioned in the chamber. The retention plate is transitionable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. The inner boundary of the retention opening blocks displacement of the retention head therefrom in the locked condition and is clear of the retention head to permit displacement of the retention head therefrom in the unlocked condition.

Abstract: The Leg Assist Device will make future medical procedures and needs safer and more user friendly. With the use of this simple device the medical field will be able to insert urinary foley catheters without the risk of patients bending their legs and contaminating the sterile field, thus cutting down risk for infection significantly. With the use of our device it will also lessen the need for staffing in this procedure since the bar holds the legs in place, thus no need for the two additional staff members to be performing this old job.

Abstract: A method for protecting the ankle against injury, limit subtalar joint motion of the ankle by controlling the motions of segments of the subtalar joint fore and aft of the subtalar joint while permitting motion of the foot about the ankle joint with an improved athletic shoe, ankle orthosis. A supporting structure a part of or connected to the shoe or orthosis is preferably in the form of a heel-sole counter provided about the heel and at least a portion of the foot forward of the subtalar joint which includes a split toe sole extension. The supporting structure has a semi-rigid shape retaining character which is not collapsible vertically and which together with the shoe or orthosis limits torsional movement of the foot about the longitudinal axis of the subtalar joint as seen in a top plan view thereof by an upwardly extending portion thereof which acts as a torsion bar that is, in turn, secured to the lower leg.

Abstract: Combination one-piece hand/forearm paddings and shin/foot paddings are disclosed, preferably, for use during martial arts events. The one-piece construction provides for a greater area of protection, and prevents the forearm and shin portions of the paddings from sliding up or down the wearer's arms and legs, respectively.

Abstract: A therapeutic ankle and foot orthosis or brace includes a lower shell and an upper lateral shell which are movably coupled together by a pivot so that the shells accommodate the contour, size and shape of the user's foot and ankle. Cushions are included on the shells to provide comfort and straps with hook and pile fasteners are employed to detachably retain the combined shells on the ankle and foot of the user.

Abstract: A protective and pressure normalizing device including a support member having an exterior wall and an interior wall which define a first chamber, wherein the support member comprises a pressure adjustment section movable between a first position and at least one second position to adjust a pressure of a medium within the first chamber.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis is made integrally from a thin, shaped lightweight material. The orthosis comprises a flat foot-supporting member for extending beneath the sole of a foot of a user, a calf abutment member for abutting the calf of the user, a narrow connecting member extending from the foot-supporting member at a location on one side, preferably the outer side, of the ankle of the user to the calf abutment member so as to interconnect the foot-supporting member and the calf abutment member, and a releasable fastener for fastening the calf abutment member to a leg of the user. The orthosis may be made by a method, in which a thermoplastic material with reinforcing fibers is arranged between opposite plastic films or foils in a desired mutual arrangement. Thereafter, the space defined between the opposite films is sealed, and air or gas is then removed from the sealed space so as to compact the material arranged therein and so as to form a blank.

Abstract: An ankle support (10 ) includes a first portion (11), which is a boot-like member, and an outer member (30). A pre-configured figure eight member comprising a strap (240 ) is positioned around the boot-like member (11). The outer member (30) is secured to the boot-like member (11) and forms a cover to hold the pre-configured figure eight member in place to prevent misalignment of the strap (240).

Abstract: A foot protector to be worn on the foot of a bedridden patient. The foot protector has a fabric body, a top opening for exposing an anterior portion of the patient's foot and lower leg, a strap for partially closing the top opening, a fastener for securing the strap, a bottom opening for exposing the heel, and a toe flap adjacent the top opening for alternately supporting and covering the toes. The foot protector also includes a generally wedge-shaped deformable block enclosed within the fabric body for supporting the calf of the patient. The block has a truncated peak forming a plateau for relieving an Achilles region of the patient's foot and a heel relief area. Further, two lower longitudinal edges of the block are chamfered to allow the foot to be rolled from side to side and to prevent the foot from completely flipping sideways.

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: The present invention is a wound healing system and method of use to address the healing of wounds found on a foot of a patient. The wound healing system provides an apparatus and method of protecting and healing foot wounds, especially foot ulcers of diabetic patients. The wound healing system can be used on a wound found on almost any area of the bottom of a foot. The wound healing system includes a method of reducing the mechanical load on a wound, allowing the patient to walk while the system is in use, allowing the patient to access and attend to the foot, allowing different methods of treating a foot wound, and providing a kit with which medical personnel can easily fit the patient with the apparatus.

Abstract: An ankle brace having a lateral upright limb member and a medial upright limb member to which a footplate/stirrup is pivotably secured. The brace includes a medial sling mechanism including a medial lifting strap secured to the stirrup at the location of the medial arch and arranged to be extended over the wearer's foot for releasable connection to the lateral upright. A lateral sling mechanism is also provided. The lateral sling mechanism includes a lateral lifting strap secured to the stirrup at the location of the lateral arch and slightly posteriorly of the medial sling strap. The lateral lifting strap is arranged to be extended over the wearer's foot to releasable connection to the medial upright. The footplate/stirrup includes a pair or recesses into which portions of respective ones of the lifting straps extend and a cushion pad covering the recesses.

Abstract: Patients on immobilization backboards may be elevated by selective attachment to a separate stand. The stand may be attached to the foot end of the backboard to raise the patient's feet. The stand may be attached to the head end of the backboard to raise a patient's head. The stands are collapsible for convenient storage. Optionally, straps or other mechanisms are provided for selectively attaching a patient's ankle or arms to the backboard while the patient is elevated.

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: An orthotic device for limiting abduction of the legs of a wearer includes first and second flexible bands (10, 12) for attachment to the legs of the wearer. A fastener (14) slidably fastens the bands together and includes first and second straps (30, 32) each having first and second portions (34, 36, 38, 40) connected to the anterior and posterior aspects of the respective band. The straps form adjustable loops that are slidably connected to a ring (50). The straps are adjustable (42, 44) to adjust the limit of abduction, and the sliding connection of the fastener permits adduction, differential rotation, extension and flexion.

Abstract: A heel elevating device is adapted for being applied to the lower leg of a reclined patient to elevate the heel of the patient above a supporting surface. The heel elevating device includes a generally U-shaped lower leg support having a base and first and second opposed extensions. The extensions define an opening therebetween for receiving and supporting the lower leg of the patient. A comfort liner is secured to an interior of the lower leg support for cushioning the lower leg and providing a soft, protective surface against the skin of the patient. Adjustable fitting straps are provided for adjustably fitting the lower leg support to the lower leg of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is a removable semi-elastic brace which may alleviate heel and arch pain. The present invention provides support to the heel and arch of the foot to aid in the treatment of plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome, calcaneal apophysitis, and Achilles tendinitis and tibialis posterior dysfunction. The device is adjustable to accommodate small changes in foot size. The device may also be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities including night or rest splints and custom-molded orthotics.

Abstract: An orthopedic device of a therapeutic nature which includes an air bladder and an overlying gel bladder. The air and gel bladders are joined and are secured within a retainer which is adapted to be placed about a body part of a patient with the air or gel bladder being positioned next to the body part.

Abstract: An orthosis is provided which is mountable on a knee having a femoral head and patella. The orthosis has upper and lower arms positionable about the knee and a hinge assembly positioned between the upper and lower arms at the knee to one side of the patella. A compression member is positioned at the femoral head adjacent to the patella on the opposite side of the patella from the hinge assembly. The compression member includes a tracking guide engaging the knee and a compression place in overlying engagement with the tracking guide. A tension strap is connected to the hinge assembly at an offset connection point by means of a tension strap mount. The tension strap applies a tension force to the compression member which increases when the upper and lower arms rotatably transition from the flexion position to the extension position and decreases when the upper and lower arms rotatably transition from the extension position to the flexion position.

Abstract: A metatarsal fracture neutralizer including a pair of brace elements secured with one another in sandwiching relation about a foot containing a fractured metatarsal, and a plurality of neutralization pads secured to the brace elements in confronting relation with one another. Two of the neutralization pads engage and immobilize the fractured metatarsal and the remaining neutralization pads engage and immobilize the remaining metatarsals so as to prevent movement of the fractured metatarsal due to muscle interconnection between metatarsals, while also permitting a full range of motion at the ankle joint connected to the metatarsals in order to aid comprehensive rehabilitation of the foot.

Abstract: The sleep support 10 of the present invention is a pillow-like device that includes a first rest plane 11, and second rest plane 13, such that the first rest plane 11 and the second rest plane 13 intersect. Associated with the first rest plane 11 is a thickness t1 and associated with the second rest plane 13 is a thickness t2, such that t1 and t2 are different. The sleep support 10 further defines a long axis 17 and a short axis 18. The long axis 17 is approximately parallel to the second rest plane 13 and the short axis 18 is approximately parallel to the first rest plane 11. The short axis 18 thus defines the orientation of the first rest plane 11 and the long axis 17 thus defines the orientation of the second rest plane 13. The long axis 17 forms an internal angle &THgr; that, preferably, is nominally a right angle with the short axis 18, where the long axis 17 and the short axis 18 intersect. Thus, the sleep support 10 is generally “L-shaped”.

Abstract: A clamp device for use with an external skeletal fixator for being coupled to a patient's limb, and strap structure having a first end for being coupled to a patient's extremity and having a second end. The clamp device includes an elongated clamp rod; a first connection structure for adjustably attaching the clamp rod to a fixator rod of the external fixator; and a second connection structure for adjustably attaching the second end of the strap structure to the clamp rod.

Abstract: An article of plastic mesh fabric legging apparel worn by equines on their front and back legs to prevent flies from biting or laying Botfly eggs on their legs. Staves are utilized to prevent sagging. A fully opening vertical seam of hook and loop fasteners is used to attach the apparel on the animal. A bottom placed strap of hook and loop going around the animal's lowermost leg is used to adjust for different sized animals.

Abstract: A leg guard and method that protect the area around an incision that is placed into the leg during heart by-pass surgery. The leg guard has a generally concave body member that has a central section and a pair of outer sections located on either side of the central section. The radius of curvature of the outer sections is greater than the radius of curvature of the central section. A strap extends between the outer sections for encompassing a user's leg and holding the body member thereonto. The body member is made from a hypoallergenic material and has at least one aeration hole therethrough. A resilient member may be attached to the outer periphery of each outer section.

Abstract: A ligament loading device (50) is used in conjunction with an MRI apparatus to image damaged ligaments in the knee. The leg of a patient is strapped into a thigh harness (70) and a lower leg harness (74) with the knee lying over a point (72) in the imaging region of the imager. The thigh harness (70) is fixed, but the lower leg harness (74) rotates about a central pivot point (72) to select an angle for the leg. Pressure devices (84a, 84b) such as sacs or bellows apply pressure to the thigh in one direction transverse to the thigh. Pressure devices (100a, 100b) apply pressure to the lower leg in an opposing direction transverse to the lower leg in order to move the bones of the knee apart to facilitate imaging of the ligaments. It is also possible to inspect and measure the movement of the bones using the device in conjunction with an MRI apparatus. A switch (108) selects between two pressure applying modes, both of which move the bones of the knee apart, but in opposite directions.

Abstract: In the healthcare field there are specific wounds generally referred to as “pressure ulcers” or “decubitus ulcers”. These wounds are generally caused by: direct constant pressure to body tissues; internal disease or disorders which surfaces on the skin; urine or fecal material constantly in contact with skin causing breakdown; lack of proper nutrition; or, a combination of all these factors. These wounds occur mostly on “bed-ridden patients” whose debilitation is such that they cannot react to their body's neurological signals for them to adjust their position. Most of these patients are prone and lay on standard mattresses. These “pressure ulcers” can occur in any area of the body but are predominantly found in the shoulders, coccyx, hip, legs, and heels. Actually, any “bony-prominence” is a candidate for breakdown if pressure is allowed to be against it constantly.

Abstract: Calf supporting device includes a U-shaped or O-shaped support and, within the support, and attached to its inner surface, sealed bags at least partly filled with cushioning material to suspend a user's heel. The device also includes a foot pad at the end from which a user's foot protrudes for placement against, and support of the sole of a user's protruding foot.

Abstract: A device for treating conditions associated with excessive pronation of the subtalar joint of a human foot, including a substantially T-shaped strap member having an elongate leg section and a head section substantially transverse to the leg section. The head section is configured so as to be positionable to substantially wrap around a toe of the human foot, such as the big toe.

Abstract: A foot support system for actively and passively supporting a foot of an individual suffering from drop foot. The foot support system includes an upper support removably attachable to the leg, a lower support removably attachable to the foot, and an elastic member attached between the upper support and the lower support for applying an upward force upon the distal portion of the foot. The upper support and the lower support preferably include an upper loop and a lower loop respectively for catchably receiving the elastic member. The elastic member may include an engaging member attached to a first end and a hook member attached to a second end thereof for selectively engaging one another.

Abstract: An ankle support and method for providing ankle support over a user's foot. The ankle support includes a stiff stirrup and ankle strap having an elongated, generally straight shin portion and terminating in an elongated, generally straight stirrup portion, the stirrup portion being at an obtuse angle to the shin portion. Additionally, a flexible ankle strap attached to the stirrup and ankle strap and extending from the stirrup portion of the stirrup and ankle strap, away from the shin portion of the stirrup and ankle strap. A flexible shin strap attached the shin portion of the stirrup and ankle strap, so that the flexible ankle strap extends from underneath the wearer's foot, so that it is then wrapped around the ankle area and over the wearer's foot, while the shin strap is wrapped around the wearer's lower leg area behind the shin.

Abstract: A custom ankle brace which is made to compensate for debilitating conditions of an individual patient's ankle area. The brace is custom made by creating a negative cast of the patient's foot/ankle/lower-leg; and then prescribed markings are included on the negative cast by the castmaker to indicate the desired geometry of support. The markings are transferable to a positive cast to inform the bracemaker. The custom brace has inner and outer material layers with a stiffening element within, all fitted to the shape of a built-up positive cast, the stiffening element having a unitary horizontal partial sole portion and vertical back-and-sides-of-leg portion. The stiffening element, made from a thin polymeric sheet, is vacuum and heat fitted to the built-up-positive cast.

Abstract: Massage and relief bandage device for persons vulnerable to bedsores (decuibitus ulcer), having a bag device of a flexible material, particularly cloth, which is filled with foamed plastic beads. The cloth material is a porous material, permeable to air, and the bag device has a plurality of chambers divided by non-filled parts that extend to the edges of the bandage device. The amount of filling material in the chambers is low to allow displacement of the granular material without particular outside pressure.

Abstract: An orthosis including a splint, a sole member detachably connectable to a surface of the splint, a fastener extending from the surface of the splint, an aperture extending through the sole member for receiving the fastener, a projection extending from the surface of the splint and spaced apart from the fastener, and a receptacle defined on the sole member for receiving the projection in a snap-fit relationship when the sole member is installed on the splint.

Abstract: A tightening and elastic tautness adjustment device for a garment or sanitary protection or alike implement to be tightly worn comprises: at least a first elastic textile band formed of a plurality of parallel elastic strips (2) extending from a first edge of said garment or sanitary protection, their free ends being sewn onto a first strip (8) of hooked “Velcro” material, and at least a second elastic textile band similarly formed of a plurality of parallel elastic strips (2′) extending from a second edge of said garment or sanitary protection opposed to the first edge, and interlaced with the parallel strips (2) of the first band, their free ends being sewn onto a second strip of hooked “Velcro” material.

Abstract: A protective foot covering for preventing blisters and sores while running or walking. The protective foot covering includes a sleeve being adapted to fit about a foot of a user; and also includes an insert retaining member being securely disposed in the sleeve; and further includes a first padded insert member being securely and removably retained in the sleeve; and also includes a second padded insert member being securely and removably retained in the sleeve.

Abstract: Combination one-piece hand/forearm paddings and shin/foot paddings are disclosed, preferably, for use during martial arts events. The one-piece construction provides for a greater area of protection, and prevents the forearm and shin portions of the paddings from sliding up or down the wearer's arms and legs, respectively.

Abstract: A leg support device for assisting the muscles of the leg used to straighten the leg. The leg support device includes a pair of coupling members for positioning around a leg. A first of the coupling members is positionable on the leg above the knee and a second of the coupling members is positionable below the knee. A pair of biasing members biases the first coupling member away from the second coupling member. Each of the biasing members is securely attached to and extends between one of the first and second coupling members such that each of the biasing members is positioned adjacent to one of the lateral sides of the leg when the coupling members are positioned on the leg.

Abstract: A unitary boot-type ankle brace is provided having the capability of stabilizing an ankle against inversion and eversion without limiting normal plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle and while simultaneously providing focal compression of the anterior talofibular ligament. The brace is preferably constructed of a flexible material and includes a medial side portion dimensioned and configured to extend along a medial side of a user's leg and foot, and having a lateral side portion dimensioned and configured to extend along a lateral side of the leg and foot. The side portions are joined to a forwardly extending forefoot sleeve portion and to a base portion. In a primary aspect of the invention the side portions define a rear opening for insertion of the foot with a strap for selectively connecting the side portions adjacent the user's heel.

Abstract: A protective foot covering for preventing blisters and sores while running or walking. The protective foot covering includes a sleeve being adapted to fit about a foot of a user; and also includes an insert retaining member being securely disposed in the sleeve; and further includes a first padded insert member being securely and removably retained in the sleeve; and also includes a second padded insert member being securely and removably retained in the sleeve.

Abstract: An articulated device for protecting the knee as well as above-the-knee and below-the-knee leg portions comprises a first part shaped and dimensioned to cup the knee and cradle a small section of the leg above it. A second part forming a greave for the below-the-knee portion of the leg is slidingly connected to a longitudinal plate which is hinged at its top to the lower edge of the first part. An adjustable elastomeric strap biases the second part away from the first part, allowing the two parts to move axially in relation to one another during flexion and extension of the knee, while keeping the device tautly against the leg and knee at all times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective and pressure normalizing device for a body extremity, having a topside, an underside and two other sides. The device has, at a minimum, an support member and a joint aperture. In each embodiment, the support member has a lower portion, an intermediate portion, and an upper portion. The lower, intermediate, and upper portions, each contact at least a part of the body extremity, except the joint of the body extremity.

Abstract: A posterior ankle splint shaper apparatus is provided forming a shoe having an upper surface opposite a lower surface and including a pair of ankle straps, a pair of foot straps, and a pair of linearly elongated maintenance straps.

Abstract: The universal walking splint movably attachable to the lower leg and foot to substantially immobilize the lower leg and foot. It has a posterior shell for holding a sole insert pad, and a movable and removable arch support attachable to the sole insert pad to allow selective arch support at the proper location under either a right foot or a left foot.