Abstract: A cloth body having a central knee hole wrapped around a patient's knee to treat knee flexion contractures. Hook and loop straps secure the cloth body to the patient's knee. Longitudinally extending pockets on opposite sides of the knee hole contain a longitudinal support element and an air bladder. Inflation of the air bladder supports the patient's knee in a rigid position. Latitudinally extending pockets surrounding the posterior portion of the thigh and calf contain a flexible support element.

Abstract: The cervical traction/stretch device comprises a hollow inflatable body made of an elastically expandable material and includes a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows portion which is integrally formed with the head portion and to the shoulder portion. The bellows portion, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a user's neck. Pumping structure is connected to the body for pumping air into the body and for relieving or releasing air out of the body and the head portion. The bellows portion and the shoulder portion have an un-inflated condition, a first inflated condition and a second inflated condition where the bellows portion acts against and between the head portion and the shoulder portion.

Abstract: A protective medical boot for treating or avoiding decubitus ulcers has an outer leg covering formed with a pair of cover panels having their seams hot-stamped together to provide a soft edge. An orthotic splint has a leg portion that is supported adjacent the back of the patient's leg, and a foot portion that supports the sole of the patient's foot. A heel device connects the leg portion to the foot portion at a selected angle with respect to the leg portion. A pneumatically-operated bladder is disposed between the foot portion and the patient's foot to provide a very fine adjustment of the angle of the patient's foot to his leg to assist in preventing or treating contracture of the patient's foot.

Abstract: An air inflatable belt worn by a person for support in the lumbar and sacral regions of the body has an inner wall, which faces the body of the person, provided with one or more permanent magnet arrangements producing magnetic fields directed toward the person's body. The permanent magnet arrangements may be provided by one or more flexible magnetic sheets received in a pocket or pockets on the inner wall of the belt, or by permanent magnet particles embedded in the inner wall of the belt and magnetized to provide desired magnetic field patterns. The belt includes an inflatable bladder or bladders which may be removably supported on the belt.

Abstract: A joint support apparatus for wrapping around a joint to protect and support the joint during sports-like or sports-related activities. The main body of the apparatus being made of at least one sheet of flexible resilient material and constructed to urge the knee-joint to maintain a partially flexed position. The apparatus may also include a specially positioned pad to account for natural curvature of the knee-joint to maintain a more balanced support to the joint particularly during extension. Further the apparatus may also include an inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A medical device is provided for applying compressive pressures against a patient's foot. The device comprises first and second panels of flexible material secured to one another to form an inflatable bag to be fitted upon the foot. The bag has first and second separate fluid bladders. The first fluid bladder is adapted to engage a first portion of the foot and the second fluid bladder is adapted to engage a second portion of the foot. A boot is provided for holding the inflatable bag to the foot. A fluid supply is provided for applying pressurized fluid to the first and second fluid bladders such that the first fluid bladder applies a first compressive pressure upon the first portion of the foot and the second fluid bladder applies a second compressive pressure upon the second portion of the foot.

Abstract: The cervical traction device comprises: a body including a shoulder portion, a head portion and a bellows which extends substantially across the width and height of the body between and connected to the head portion and to the shoulder portion and acting against and between substantially the full inner end surface of the head portion and the full inner end surface of the shoulder portion. The bellows, the shoulder portion and the head portion have aligned U-shaped openings therein adapted to receive a patient's neck. A hand operated air pump is connected to the bellows for pumping air into the bellows and for relieving or pumping air out of the bellows.

Abstract: A wrist splint (10) is disclosed, comprising a splint platform (20), at least one bladder receptacle member (16, 18) slidingly engaged with the splint platform (20) and at least one air bladder (12, 14), each air bladder (12, 14) coupled to one of the bladder receptacle members (16, 18). Other devices, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A support is disclosed comprising a belt which encircles a wearer's waist. The belt which is inflatable has an on-board inflation pump and may be used for weight lifting. The inflatable weight lifting belt includes a bladder defined by a single chamber having inflation and deflation mechanisms which allow the wearer to selectively adjust the amount of air in the bladder. The bladder has an oblong portion which is positioned on the belt so that when the belt is worn, the oblong portion is positioned adjacent to the wearer's lower back for support. An elongated portion of the bladder extending through the aperture of the belt is integrally formed with inflation and deflation mechanisms on the other side of the belt. In the preferred embodiment, the inflation mechanism comprises a pump and a one-way valve and the deflation mechanism comprises an exhaust valve.

Abstract: An inflatable garment applies compression to a limb for the treatment of vascular disorders. The garment is made with an inflatable chamber formed from a blank of superimposed layers of sheet material. Side portions of the blank are joined together in the garment to encompass the foot. An inflatable tongue is located to lie under the foot. The side portions of the blank and the tongue form intercommunicating inflatable sacs. The tongue itself is not laterally joined to the side portions of the blank. The resulting inflatable garment is more comfortable to wear and more effective therapeutically.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing a human shoulder, and for supporting the wrist of the arm associated with that shoulder, comprises three inflatable bladders joined together to form a triangular wedge. The wedge is positioned underneath the patient's arm such that one bladder is positioned along the patient's side, and such that the patient's arm rests on another of the bladders. The bladder that supports the patient's arm is provided with an inverted cup joined to an elongate step which supports the patient's hand and wrist.

Abstract: A hinged knee brace has a system of inflatable pads mounted thereon to adjustably provide secure and comfortable support for the brace against the leg. Each pad is a pneumatic bladder having a valve enabling selective inflation or deflation of the bladder with a fluid to systematically adjust the fit of the brace to the leg in accordance with the needs of the user.

Abstract: The brace includes one or more air inflatable bladders equipped with an automatic, regulated, and removable air pressure regulation valve, where different valves have different release settings. In addition, a removable, thermally responsive material for hot and cold therapy may be placed in a pocket between the outer and inner material for the brace. The inside surface of the brace is comprised of an absorbent material that absorbs body perspiration, and then releases it to the atmosphere. The brace is placed around the injured area of the patient so that the air bladder(s) lies against the injured area. Air is then introduced into the air bladder via an air inlet valve, forming a compressive force on the body part in contact. In another embodiment of the brace, pneumatic compression is obtained by the use of two or more overlapping air inflatable bladders, each having an air regulation valve with a different pressure release level, wherein the pressure is higher distally and lower ventrally.

Abstract: A pressure sock for the ambulatory treatment of venous ulcers about the ankle and lower portion of the leg of a patient. The sock has a lamina provided with a network of spaced apart, interconnected chambers which can be inflated by the introduction of fluid to exert pressure on the foot and lower leg. The sock has and an inner lining of a relatively soft, non-allergenic material and a non-distensible outer jacket.

Abstract: A cervical traction collar capable of ambulatory use by a patient comprises a pair of elongated overlying semi-rigid flexible upper and lower support members secured at their ends to encircle the neck, with releasable attachment means such as Velcro fasteners securing the overlying upper and lower support members for adjusting the height of the collar. A tubular, flexible, air-inflatable bladder is secured to the collar so as to project downwardly away from a bottom edge of the lower support member continuously around the bottom of the collar. The bladder is filled with air under pressure from a manually operated air pump to inflate the bladder so that it presses downwardly against the shoulder region of the patient continuously around the lower neck region.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating fractures in extremities and regions of extremities which is in particular provided for the treatment of extremity fractures in the region of the lower leg, thigh, lower arm and upper arm has at least two shell parts which can be clamped relative to one another which enclose the extremity to be surrounded. Deformable and evacuatable vacuum-tight cushions having at least one valve and in which there are located a plurality of filling bodies, which are movable relative to one another, in particular small grained filling bodies, are provided between the shell parts and the extremity.

Abstract: After body surgery a patient has at her or his command the ability to create a suitable binding pressure in the locale of her or his body wound. An inflatable cushion, also referred to as an air bladder, is located over and beyond the wound. This positioning of the inflatable cushion is maintained by a strong netting which surrounds the body portion, and passes directly on and over the inflatable cushion. This surrounding netting is comfortably sized by the adjustment of selected spaced fasteners. The air pressure may be increased by the patient, or a person aiding the patient, by hand squeezing sequences of a hand gripping air bulb pump.

Abstract: A stirrup-type ankle brace having an outer shell member, the shell member having a lateral elongated, substantially rigid, support member with a corresponding supporting cushion thereon substantially coextensive therewith and an opposed medial support member with a corresponding cushion thereon. The lateral supporting cushion has a pre-inflated flap extending the anterior margin of its distal end with enough width to cover the area over and surrounding the anterior talofibular ligament. The flap is compressed against the ATF by a strap of elastic hook-and-loop compatible material. A tab of hook material is attached to the anterior end of the elastic strap so that it can engage the opposite end at any length. The strap is retained between the lateral shell and supporting cushion in the preferred embodiment so as to overlap the flap and compress the ATF ligament and medial malleolus when wrapped around the ankle.

Abstract: A cloth body having a central knee hole wrapped around a patient's knee to treat knee flexion contractures. Hook and loop straps secure the cloth body to the patient's knee. Longitudinally extending pockets on opposite sides of the knee hole contain a longitudinal support element and an air bladder. Inflation of the air bladder supports the patient's knee in a rigid position.

Abstract: An inflatable hand orthosis promotes a functional positioning of the fingers and thumb. An inflatable air bladder is formed by two vinyl sheets bonded together and inflated and deflated by a pump bulb and deflation valve, respectively, which are fixed to the vinyl sheets and communicatingly interconnected with the air bladder. The bladder is sewn into a soft cloth covering in order to form a wearable device which may be used either alone or in conjunction with hand, wrist, and finger orthosis. The hand device is placed on the palm and under the patient's fingers while deflated. Then the bladder is inflated to align and extend the fingers and to abduct the thumb.

Abstract: The novel air pressure knee brace apparatus is comprised of a unit that is capable of allowing the user to provide the amount of support pressure that he or she desires for the knee joint. The apparatus is comprised of a flexible material wrap that is designed to fit around the knee of an individual. The rear portion of the wrap can be made of a mesh material that permits a cooling of the leg area. The frontal portion of the material contains an air bladder retained in position by a mesh perimeter and overlay and contains an air valve that can be inflated as desired to provide the needed support for the knee joint and, at the same time, allow for freedom of motion of the knee joint. Adjustment units are attached to the apparatus to permit tightening or loosening of the entire apparatus around the leg.

Abstract: A device adapted to support the head of a seated user relative to a generally upstanding portion of a seat, stroller, or the like, has a strap adapted to encircle the head of the user and the generally upstanding portion. The strap contains a plurality of inflatable balloons having generally flat rear surfaces and expandable frontal surfaces, whereby upon inflation the generally flat rear surfaces of the balloons remain flat, and the frontal surfaces bulge outwardly from the rear surfaces to contact and support the user's head.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward providing a method and a brace for supporting a joint of the body to permit movement of the joint in a first selected direction and to restrain movement in a second selected direction. The brace comprises a flexible sheet and an enclosed inflatable chamber contained in the flexible sheet. The chamber is formed of a material which is light and flexible when uninflated but is relatively rigid when inflated. The inflated chamber supports the joint and prevents unwanted movement of the portion to be restrained from movement. However, the material has sufficient flexibility and when coupled with the flexible sheet serves to prevent abrasion of the sensitive areas of the joint being confined. The flexible sheet, while very flexible, also protects the transmission of shock to the joint.

Abstract: Various embodiments of pressure bandages use a balloon for applying pressure to a wound through a pad. A cover that is attached to the body by any of several different means holds the balloon against the body, and it contains an open space, or window, providing access to the wound area for wound inspection, pad replacement, observation of bleeding, etc. The window can be closed by a door.

Abstract: A therapeutic wrap is securable in an operative orientation around the forearm for relieving stress of the myofascial structures caused by repetitive motion and vibration trauma, such as "tennis elbow". The wrap has a circumference sufficient to encircle the forearm of a user and includes a pocket for accommodating a pressure pad having plural parallel aligned elongate chambers. The parallel aligned chambers of the pressure pad extend lengthwise in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the forearm when the appliance is secured in the operative orientation. The pressure pad may be formed of an air bladder having plural parallel air chambers and a valve mechanism for allowing the user to increase an air pressure contained within the air bladder chambers.

Abstract: A medical appliance is disclosed employing multiple inflatable components which cooperate to apply compressive pressure to each leg of a person. The appliance includes physically separate upper and lower leg components each having individual chambers joined together with flexible straps for attachment to the wearer. The appliance can further include a physically separate inflatable bladder elements for attachment to the wearer's pelvic region.

Abstract: An ankle brace for protecting and exercising an injured ankle includes a heel portion, inner and outer pivot legs, and padding which lies between the wearer's leg and the brace.

Abstract: An equine athletic boot includes a panel of shock absorbing material that is wrapped around the lower leg of a horse above and below the fetlock. The panel is shaped in such a way that when so wrapped, the lower end of the boot is higher on the front side of the leg to allow full forward extension of the pastern, and slants down and below the fetlock for full protection thereof. Carried by the panel is an inflatable U-shaped tubular bladder. When the boot is properly positioned on the leg, the two vertical portions of the bladder align with the indentations formed between the flexor tendons and canon bone. When inflated, the bladder fills the forementioned indentations resulting in substantially uniform pressure around the full circumference of the leg. In addition, the closed end of the U-shaped bladder is disposed underneath the fetlock providing support and protection of the seismoid bones.

Abstract: A removable rigid support brace for supporting a user's limb at a joint thereof comprises a rigid sheath member having an inner surface and sized to extend about and embrace the limb at the joint area. Hinging means disposed centrally in the sheath member enable the ends of the sheath member to pivot relative to each other and in concert with the joint movement. An array of individually adjustable and inflatable fluid filled chambers is mounted upon the inner surface of the sheath member to form a contained volume within said array for receiving the limb. The chambers are operable to customize a secure and comfortable fit of the rigid support brace to the contours of the limb and joint area.

Abstract: A one-piece slipper construction, into which an inflatable foot-pump bag or bladder is permanently integrated and wherein a thin reinforcement panel is fully contained and located within a flat-foldable wrap, for selective completion of the circumferential tie that is needed for assurance of stimulated foot-pump action. In the preferred embodiment, the wrap is so further devised as to provide a flexibly reinforced, non-stretch backing reference for a laterally extending portion of the inflatable bag, for active stimulation of the adjacent dorsi-medial region, where further blood accumulates as part of the pool from which venous return flow can be driven.

Abstract: A pneumatic ankle brace having a pair of relatively rigid side supports with inflatable main bladders attached to their inside surfaces. The inflatable main bladders are coupled to an interconnected foot pump. Additional support and back-up bladders may be placed distally upon the main bladders to provide further cushioning and support. The foot pump is activated through normal use, such as walking or running, whereby entrapped fluid is displaced back and forth between the main bladders and the pump. This creates a pulsing action which provides a massaging compression effect which helps reduce swelling and increase venous and lymphatic return.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support includes a sheet of foam material that has been compression molded in specific areas. These areas have a thickness and density that is different from other areas of the support and serve to better fit the support to the body. The support may include compression molded grooves or cavities to accommodate straps, struts, gel-filled pads, inflatable bladders, pumps, and other accessories. The support may be compression molded into a shape that conforms to the general contour of the part of the human anatomy that it supports. The support may also include compression molded grooves that reduce bunching when the support is bent, and may include molded edges to minimize skin irritation during activity.

Abstract: A substantially pillow-shaped, inflatable second cushion that is separable and removably interconnected together with the first cushion maintains proper foot flexion when the body is in the supine position, and is removable to allow ambulation while the foot and lower leg remain cradled in the first cushion. A substantially pillow-shaped, inflatable third cushion is pivotally attached to the bottommost compartments of the first cushion and is pivotally positionable either directly under the Achilles' heel area, or directly under the heel area, or tucked forward of the heel area to provide light compression of the ankle, foot and heel areas. An integral shoe spoon attached to the first cushion prevents the foot cushion from catching bed clothing. A rigid base is provided for rigidly fixing the first inflatable cushion in position to prevent contraction of the feet of comatose patients, for example.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is provided having one or more pads mounted thereon to provide secure and comfortable support for the brace when positioned against the body of a user. Each pad includes at least one pneumatic bladder, formed from a flexible skin permanently sealed to enclose a volume of gas therein. In a first embodiment, the brace has a point pad mounted thereon which is configured to conform to a surface of the body overlying a skeletal protrusion. The point pad contains a bladder having a substantially closed-loop configuration circumscribing the skeletal protrusion and having an interior opening to receive the protrusion. In a second embodiment, the brace has an areal pad mounted thereon which is configured to conform to a surface of the body overlying a curved, but relatively level, skeletal structure or soft tissue. The areal pad is a plurality of interconnected gas-inflated chambers that are maintained in fluid isolation from one another by flexible seams positioned between adjacent chambers.

Abstract: A therapeutic bandage provides a removable bandage article that can be readily wrapped and fastened around an injured joint. The bandage includes an internal air bladder that can be selectively inflated to provide compression to the injury, and an internal coolant bladder that can be selectively chilled to provide cooling therapy to the injury.

Abstract: An inflatable flexible bladder is mounted on the surface of a weightlifter's bench to provide support to the spinal region. A pressure device activatable by the hand or foot of the weightlifter is employed to provide desired supporting internal pressure to the bladder. In an alternative embodiment, the inflatable bladder is mounted on an axially traversing carriage so that its longitudinal position on the weightlifting bench may be adjusted to comfortably fit weightlifters of varying size. A locking assembly is provided to fix the carriage in place after adjustment.

Abstract: This invention relates to splints and the method of manufacturing these splints for first aid or emergency rescue use, and has particular reference to an improved hinge and pivot splint having angular adjustment and securing devices.

Abstract: A device for use as a cast for orthopedic leg injuries is disclosed which has a plurality of inflatable, adjustable pressure air chambers contained within a resilient outer support casing which may easily be installed around a patient's lower extremity to control tissue edema and minor undisplaced fractures, acute sprains, and ruptures of supporting ligaments. The cast apparatus of the present invention uses three sets of air chambers to support the lower leg, the ankle, and the lower foot, respectively, of a patient. The ankle portion of the cast apparatus has special support apparatus designed to provide excellent ankle support in a unique manner. Splint members may also be used in conjunction with the cast apparatus of the present invention, with a variety of techniques being used to mount the splint members onto the cast apparatus. The device can also readily be used as a cast for upper extremities.

Abstract: A garment for use by a patient after surgery for breast removal which alleviates post-operative pain and discomfort and facilitates normal activities during the recovery period. A padded vest-like garment is adapted for applying comforting pressure to the sites of removal of breast and other tissues and for holding pain relieving packages. A detachable arm support provides further comfort in a similar manner.

Abstract: A device for elevating a limb of a patient which comprises an inflatable member that is adjustable between a deflated state and an inflated state and a harness for attaching the device to the body of a patient. The member is placed between a support surface and the limb of the patient, thus elevating the limb.

Abstract: An orthopedic knee brace which includes a thigh cuff and which also includes a pair of inflatable air pillows interposed between the thigh cuff and the thigh of the wearer to prevent slippage. The air pillows are mounted on the cuff to be located on the opposite sides of the femur of the wearer within the medial femoral hollows in position to engage the femoral condyles. A unique miniature pump is also provided for inflating the air pillows.

Abstract: A device and method are provided the purpose of increasing arterial blood flow to the lower leg, calf, ankle and foot. The device is a compression boot, or cast, and consists of a mono-compartment bladder enclosed in a non-elastic outer envelope connected to an air compressor with regulator valve, providing fast inflation to pressures over 80 mm Hg, within 0.5 seconds. This high pressure compression phase is sustained for 2 seconds. Decompression occurs rapidly, within 0.5 seconds, by venting a large valve to the atmosphere. During the resulting low pressure phase (pressure 0-30 mm Hg), which lasts between 8-14 seconds, there is a marked increase in arterial blood flow.

Abstract: The dynamic support (1) comprises means (3) for the cyclic inflation and deflation of an air chamber (2). The air chamber (2) is divided into two half-chambers (2A) having a common rigid laminar element (4) to be positioned on a seat back. When the half-chambers (2A) are inflated they press mainly against the muscular tissue of the lumbar region of the user's back, with the exception of his vertebrae and ribs.

Abstract: An adjustable strap or band adapted to be circumferentially fitted around the forearm to alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow. The strap is a generally band-shaped device having opposing inwardly protruding means on its forearm contacting surface to direct transaxial compression against the radial extensor, supinator complex and flexor muscles when the band is circumferentially tensioned and fastened in place around the forearm. In its preferred form, the band applies an adjustable pressure principally upon the extensor, supinator and flexor wads permitting unimpeded blood circulation along all other portions of the forearm. The two opposing means for applying transaxial compression are limited in their circumferential extent to those areas of the band immediately overlying the extensor and flexor muscle mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand splint which is formed of a bladder adapted to fit in the palm of a patient's hand between the thumb and fingers and two pairs of straps for securing the splint to the hand. The bladder is selectively inflatable and deflatable to fit the need of the patient.

Abstract: A medical appliance worn about a patient's lower leg for treating venous insufficiency of the leg includes foot and leg portions having a hollow interior area extending therebetween for inflation into conformity with the patient's leg. When the patient is at rest, internal air pressure causes the stocking to function as an elastic stocking, but when the patient stands and walks, the force placed on the foot forces inflating air from the foot portion into the leg portion to increase the compressive action in the nature of a compression boot.

Abstract: A pneumatic brace comprising at least one outer shell member and at least first and second pressurizable chambers juxtaposed therewith in an overlapping manner for providing a supporting cushion between said outer shell member and a body part or limb. One of said chambers is coextensive with substantially the entire inner surface of said one outer shell member for engagement with a corresponding portion of said body part or limb, while the other of said chambers is coextensive with a portion of said first chamber. In one preferred embodiment, the first and second chambers comprise separate inflatable airbags of different size disposed on said outer shell member with the smaller airbag positioned coextensively with the bottom portion of the larger airbag and between said larger airbag and said inner surface of said outer shell member.

Abstract: A garment including a torso portion includes a right and left leg, with the right and left leg including arcuate confronting surfaces. The right confronting surfaces mount wedge-shaped pads therewithin to maintain proper spacing of an individual's upper leg portions for corrective alignment during sleep of an individual. A modification of the invention includes pockets arranged for receiving the wedge-shaped members which may be in the form of pneumatic chamber. Optionally, rheostat heating pad structure is directed within the garment directed coextensively adjacent and in contiguous communication with the right and left pockets.

Abstract: An ankle brace designed to be worn under the shoe has a first bladder which is filled with the high viscosity gel resistant to rapid deformation to apply pressure to the ankle and conform to its shape to provide support to the ankle. A second bladder inflatable with air is juxtaposed the first bladder to provide a uniform compressive force upon the bladder filled with the gel. A canvas ankle brace holds a pair of air and gel bladders along each of its sidewalls and is wrapped about the lower extremity and snugly fit thereto. Once the brace is in position, air is introduced into the second bladder to press the first bladder against the ankle and to conform to the shape thereof. Broad elastic straps may be secured to the lower rear of the brace to extend over the front of the ankle and the instep in a cruciate configuration.

Abstract: The back support is constructed from a back brace of elastic material which carries a gel pad and an air bladder. The brace supports the pad against lower back of the user in firm engagement. The air bladder is juxtaposed and generally co-extensive with the pattern containing the gel-like material. The air bladder has three individually inflatable chambers, including left, right, and overall areas, so that the user may adjust the pressure exerted on the pad and hence the support of the lower back. The gel pad may also contain an adjustable heating element to electrically heat the gel-like material. The main .[.portion.]. .Iadd.body member .Iaddend.of the back brace has two wide belt portions which extend forewardly and upwardly from the main lower back support area, and which are secured together by overlapping Velcro members at the lower stomach area; and the centerlines of these two wide belt portions may make an angle of about 30 degrees to 60 degrees with one-another.