Abstract: An item of clothing is adapted to be worn against the skin, and comprises at least one panel adapted to provide targeted compression of at least 20% of the total length of a specific surface vein in the body, or adapted to provide targeted compression of at least 20% of a specific plexus of veins, a specific lymphatic plexus, drainage plexus or a collection of lymphatic vessels. The clothing is useful in a method of reducing recovery time in a human or other mammal, after a period of activity and in a method of enhancing performance, in particular sports performance, in a human or other mammal. It may also improve the conditioning of the skin and aid lymphatic drainage, and can be used in the treatment of certain medical conditions.

Abstract: Postural corrective device including a flexible back support system incorporated into a body suit that trains self-corrective habits through proprioceptive feedback, offering gentle reminders to create awareness of what the wearer's body is doing.

Abstract: A tensioning device for orthoses for supporting and maintaining the function of the human body, particularly body-encompassing back orthoses, allows for an individual, segmental adjustment of the supporting effect through individually, separately designed pulley assemblies which can be attached individually and height-adjustably to a backplate designed as central element.

Abstract: An orthopedic device is arranged for scapulothoracic stabilization, inclusive of features for biomechanical stabilization of the shoulder, scapula and spine, treated alone or in combination with assembly features for supporting an arm or shoulder. The orthopedic device may be arranged in a garment or shoulder harness such that either may include first and second strap systems for extending over first and second shoulders of a user, respectively, and each of the first and second strap systems forms a “Figure 9” shape about the respective shoulder, with a strap section arranged to extend toward a waist stabilizer that may form part of the orthopedic device.

Abstract: The Bishop Traction Splint Device (BTSD) is a traction device for applying traction to a fractured leg. The device includes a frame for securing both legs in order to allow the uninjured leg to help splint the injured leg. A ratchet assembly located on a distal end of the frame is attached to an ankle brace on the injured leg to apply the traction force. Shoulder straps, an abdominal strap, and leg straps are used to secure the patient. A tripod assembly can also be sued to elevate both legs of the patient, placing the patient in a shock position to aid with any drop in blood pressure.

Abstract: An undergarment is provided for discretely altering the outward appearance of a person who has scoliosis or other physical deformity, in order to mask or obscure the deformity. The undergarment includes a main garment, a plurality of garment attachment elements spaced along inside surfaces of the main garment, a shoulder insert, and a torso insert. The shoulder insert has its own attachment element for releasable engagement with at least one of the garment attachment elements located in a shoulder portion of the main garment, and likewise the torso insert has its own attachment elements for releasable engagement with garment attachment elements located in a torso region of the main garment. The torso insert is configured to simultaneously extend along at least one of the garment's side portions (i.e., along a wearer's side) and the front and/or back portion of the garment.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for slowly stretching a three-dimensional hip joint for reposition movement, where a chest-abdomen fastener fixing band (2) is fixed to a back cover (1); a shoulder fastener suspension band (3) is fixed to the back cover (1) and the chest-abdomen fastener fixing band (2); a pair of wing-shaped supporting bars (5) is fixed to the back cover (1); a pair of limb fixing bars (6) is connected to telescopic ends of a pair of hip joint forward-backward movement adjusters (9), and the pair of hip joint forward-backward movement adjusters (9) are fixed to the back cover (1); upward-downward lifting chute screws (4) are connected to hooks of the pair of wing-shaped supporting bars (5) and the limb fixing bars (6); and an inward-outward telescopic screw (8) is connected between the pair of limb fixing bars (6) which are provided with limb fastener fixing bands (7).

Abstract: The underwear with integrated lumbar support pad is an orthopedic device. The underwear with integrated lumbar support pad is an article of loin wear. The underwear with integrated lumbar support pad is adapted for use with a person. The article of loin wear has incorporated into it a back brace that provides lumbar support to the person wearing the underwear with integrated lumbar support pad. The underwear with integrated lumbar support pad adds a belt fastener within the waistband region generally associated with loin wear. Moreover, the belt fastener includes a lumbar support apparatus to accomplish the function of the underwear with integrated lumbar support pad. The underwear with integrated lumbar support pad comprises an article of loin wear and a brace.

Abstract: Lower back braces and materials for braces having an elastic base and inelastic strands or tightening mechanism(s) are provided. An elastic base material could be made effectively inelastic by tightening an inelastic cord that extends across the elastic base material. Additionally or alternatively, an elastic base material could include one or more inelastic strands that define one or more inelastic compression zones in an otherwise elastic base.

Abstract: A cervical collar has a front component formed from a compressible foam material and defines a recess constituting part of a tracheal opening. The collar also has a height adjustment mechanism secured to the front component which forms a substantially rigid border about the tracheal opening, and a sternum pad formed from a compressible foam material. The height adjustment mechanism selectively connects the front component to the sternum pad at a permanently locked position among a plurality of predefined distances.

Abstract: Treatment of a spinal lateral translation may be carried out by tensioning a cable that is set around a subject at the approximate height of the lateral translation. A tensioner may tension the cable, thereby directing a lateral corrective force from one or more anchor points toward the spinal deformity. Tension may be applied to the cable by a tensioning assembly such as one having a ratcheting device. A frame can maintain the anchor point(s), cable(s), and tensioning assembly(ies) at desired vertical and/or lateral positions. A device comprising the foregoing components may be wearable by the subject.

Abstract: A posture alignment system improves posture by posture modification and spinal alignment. A back plate for positioning along a user's back provides a rigid structural foundation. A separation plate hingedly couples to the posture alignment system. A spinal mold mechanism includes a spinal mold positioned on the spinal mold plate for interfacing and providing posture modifying support and alignment force to the user's spine. The spinal mold includes posture alignment guide rails for guiding posture modification and spinal alignment according to a posture alignment goal. A pneumatic force generating mechanism controllably generates pneumatic force for forcibly and controllably interfacing the spinal mold mechanism and the neck aligning mechanism with the user's spine and neck, and, thereby guide posture modification and spinal alignment of the user according to the posture alignment goal.

Abstract: Tightening systems for braces and other objects are provided. One or more housings can be provided, each of which includes a top surface, a set of lobes positioned on and along the top surface, and a set of sheaves that are sized and dimensioned to be rotatably secured between the top surface and the set of lobes.

Abstract: A wearable posture enhancement device triggers muscles in the body to act to enhance posture of the body. The posture enhancement device is not a brace and does not apply any forces to the body sufficient to force the body to move to any position or hold any position. The posture enhancement device includes a torso strap, arm straps, and a posture signaling panel. The torso strap is configured to hold the posture enhancement device to a human body at a first pressure level. The posture signaling panel extends from a front of the torso strap to a back of the torso strap. The posture signaling panel is configured to provide a second pressure level to the human body, and the second pressure level signals muscles to correct posture of the human body. The second pressure level is less than the first pressure level.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system and/or method may include an external spinal brace system. The system may include a plurality of support mechanisms including at least first and second support mechanisms. The first support mechanism may be coupled, during use, to the second support mechanism such that the first and second support mechanisms are inhibited from decoupling. In some embodiments, the system may include a coupling system. The coupling system may couple the plurality of support mechanisms to a subject such that the plurality of support mechanisms are positioned, during use, along at least a portion of the subject's spine. In some embodiments, the external brace system applies a posterior distraction force to the subject.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis includes a rear panel, and first and second belt members securing to the rear panel. The first and second belt members each define a first end secured to a first side of the rear panel and a second end having a foldable portion adapted to fold over a first surface of the first and second belt members and secure to the first surface to reduce a length of the first and second belt members. First and second front closures are secured to the second ends of the first and second belt members, respectively, and arranged for removably securing to one another to form a continuously circumferential loop with the rear panel and the first and second belt members. A kit or method may be provided for sizing the belt members with a sizing device for forming a predetermined distance between the first and second belt members.

Abstract: An adjustable lumbar support system with independent lacer guides and a hinged portion. An adjustable lumbar support system having phase change material and/or removable stays. An adjustable lumbar support system having one or more panels, with or without perforations, to provide for improved adjustability for patient comfort and compliance. An adjustable lumbar support system having a pleated or quilted central portion.

Abstract: A compression belt encircles a selected portion of a patient's body and provides temporary compression of the selected portion. The compression belt comprises an elongated belt having first and second free ends free, a tensioning cord, a handle attached to the end of the tensioning cord, closing mechanism providing a mechanical advantage, a one-way tension mechanism and a selective release mechanism. Pulling the handle causes the closing mechanism to pull the first and second free ends closer together so as to compress the selected portion of the patient's body, the one-way tension mechanism maintains compression of the patient's body, even in the absence of continued pulling of the handle, unless the selective release mechanism is activated, and activating the selected release mechanism releases the compression of the patient's body.

Abstract: A muscular strength assisting apparatus may include: a wearing unit configured to enclose a part of a user's body; a tightening unit configured to pull the wearing unit in one or both directions; and/or a control unit configured to drive the tightening unit to tighten the part of the user's body on which the wearing unit is located, when it is determined that muscular contraction occurs at the part of the user's body on which the wearing unit is located. A method of controlling a muscular strength assisting apparatus may include: determining whether muscular contraction occurs at a part of a user's body that is enclosed by a wearing unit; and/or driving a tightening unit pulling the wearing unit in one direction or both directions to tighten the part of the user's body on which the wearing unit is located when it is determined that the muscular contraction occurs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a neuromuscular training device and methods of use. The device and methods are useful for enhancing the alignment of the upper torso of a user. The device preferably includes a scapular stabilization brace combined with a waist member anchored to the lower torso. The device is preferably configured specifically to provide scapular retraction and stabilization, while providing static and dynamic neuromuscular training.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a pillow system (40), in particular a pillow system that surrounds the subject's head. In some embodiments, the pillow system provides sound suppression. In some embodiments used with positive airways pressure (“PAP”) systems, the pillow system includes a tube that delivers breathable gas to a mask.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis includes: a pair of waist mounting members (2) fixed to both side surfaces of the waist; and a chest pressing member (3) installed to each waist mounting member. The chest pressing member includes: an arched arm (4) pivotally supported by pivots provided on both side surfaces of the waist mounting members and capable of swinging; a chest pressing body (4a) provided at an upper end portion of the arm; a pressing force giving portion (5, 6) provided at a middle part of the arm and giving a pressing force for pressing the chest pressing body to a chest.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for formulating a wearable posture advisory system will be described. A three dimensional body model of at least a part of a body of a user is obtained. A model for 3D printing a wearable posture advisory system is generated based on the 3D body model. The system model models one or more sensors that are arranged to help determine a posture of a user and one or more actuators that are arranged to help instruct the user to adjust his or her posture. The system model is provided to a 3D printer so that the 3D printer can print the wearable posture advisory system. Various embodiments relate to devices, arrangements and executable computer code that are associated with the above method.

Abstract: A back plate of a waist support includes a supporting section and two wings. The supporting section has a valley portion for receiving a wearer's spine. The two wings are symmetrically connected to the supporting section from two widthwise opposite sides thereof and each have plural lengthwise grooves, for making the wings of the back plate bendable. Thereby, the waist support is endurable and supportive and can effectively distribute the load that is focused on of the wearer's lumbar vertebrae.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly includes a bone anchor, a receiver member for receiving a spinal fixation element to be coupled to the bone anchor, a compression member positioned within the receiver member, and a closure mechanism including an outer set screw and an inner set screw. The outer set screw delivers a distal force to the compression member to fix the bone anchor relative to the receiver member. The proximal surface of the compression member has a shape configured to restrict deformation of the compression member arms including motion of the compression member arms relative to each other. The distal surface of the outer set screw has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the proximal surface of the compression member.

Abstract: A lumbo-sacral orthosis having a main body member sized to wrap substantially around a body of a wearer at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An outer holds the main body member at the wearer's lumbar and sacral region. An inner belt is cinched to compresses the wearer's body at the waist groove. A lumbar panel with an independently movable flexible element may be supported by the main body member. Side panels may also be supported by the main body member along with an abdominal panel which may include an independently movable lower element.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus regarding a Rotation & Abduction Device (“RAD”) for shoulder immobilization in treating shoulder instability, wherein the ability to maintain particular degrees of shoulder rotation and abduction is desired or necessary. An exemplary RAD shoulder immobilization system may include: a frame; a harness connected to the frame and including a waist support and a neck/shoulder strap; a sling connected to the frame and the harness; and a lining covering parts of the frame, the harness, and/or the sling. A method of treating a shoulder disorder may include: providing a shoulder immobilization system capable of shoulder rotation positioning adjustment and capable of shoulder abduction-adduction positioning adjustment; putting the shoulder immobilization system on a wearer; adjusting the shoulder immobilization system for shoulder rotation positioning; and adjusting the shoulder immobilization system for shoulder abduction-adduction positioning. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a loadbearing device known by the Applicants' as the “Central Osteoarticular Relief and Performance Structured Load Distribution System” (“CORPS-LDS”), which is worn by a user to help distribute the weight of a load being carried or borne by the user. More specifically, the weight is substantially shifted from the user's shoulders to their hips while not overly inhibiting the user's range of motion. Furthermore, it is an aspect of the CORPS-LDS to distribute the weight being carried in a manner that reduces the strain on the spine and back while lessening the metabolic expenditure of the user. Moreover, the present invention is a protective vest system that utilizes the present invention's CORPS-LDS.

Abstract: A sacroiliac belt with a non-elastic inner belt to wrap around the user's hips and an elastic outer belt to wrap from the back to opposite sides of the inner belt. Non-cinchable hook and loop fastener construction is used to secure the inner and outer belts in position. The inner belt includes an inside elastomeric foam layer with open-cell frictional gripping surface, a non-elastic outside layer of loop material, and a hook tab for engaging the loop material to close the belt. The inner belt may be established with a non-elastic composite foam-fabric structure comprising a bi-laminate of the foam and elastic fabric, and a strip of loop material secured lengthwise onto the fabric side of the bi-laminate. The outer belt includes an elastic strip and hook tabs for connecting to the strip of loop material. The non-elastic composite foam-fabric may be used in other orthopedic braces and supports.

Abstract: A segmented lumbosacral orthosis with two side members conjoined by a cord threaded through an array of seamless tubes that are independently mounted and swivel from an axis point proximal to the end points of each tube. Each tube array is housed in a mounting bracket made from a continuous piece of material folded over to form a gap in between two sides. Each mounting bracket is attached to a side member by sliding a pin along the folded edge of the bracket through knuckles (or loops) attached to the side member similar to a hinge. A removable posterior member is connected to each posterior end of the side members using an elastic material that expands and contracts in parity with the mechanical advantage closure system. The removable posterior panel is designed to hold a rigid or semi-rigid insert stored in three separate sections: one in a center compartment juxtaposed by one on each side that sway along a vertical axis.

Abstract: An adjustable lordosis orthopedic insert and method of adjusting the lordosis orthopedic insert for an anatomy of a patient has a first support member configured to support a lordosis of a user's spine and a second adjustable member permanently connected to the first support member. The second adjustable member also has a relatively movable other end with a plurality of lordotic position settings to match corresponding first support member lordotic attachment positions to enable the first support member to conform to a desired setting angle. Fasteners extend through the first support member and the second adjustable member to permanently fix one of the plurality of lordotic position settings to configure the first support member at the desired lordosis setting angle. When appropriately adjusted to a setting angle, the lordosis orthopedic insert can be mounted within the flexible padded covering member for fixation to an appropriate back.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis is provided that includes a cervical section, a lumbar section, a thoracic section and a tensioner. The cervical section has one or more pads configured for placement at a clavicle of a wearer. The lumbar section is connected to the cervical section and has an abdominal Para-umbilical buttress configured for an anterior region of a lumbar spine. The buttress is further configured to provide compression and gripping of the spine. The lumbar section includes one or more digits with a gripping portion at around ribs and/or iliac crest of the wearer. The thoracic section is connected to the cervical section. The tensioner connects the lumbar section to the thoracic section.

Abstract: An improved back brace apparatus employs sensors to automatically change the support provided to the back of a human torso. The sensors can detect the user changing position from a standing position to a bending position and the back brace apparatus automatically responds by increasing the support provided to the back of the user's torso. As the user returns to a standing position, the sensors detect the change and the back brace responds by automatically reducing the support provided to the back of the user's torso.

Abstract: A flexible load bearing system includes a plurality of vertebrae. Each vertebra has a first portion, a second portion, and a socket formed in it. A plurality of links each has a ball at a first end and at a second end. At least one of the plurality of balls is disposed in one of the plurality of sockets, thus forming a column. A tension mechanism is mated to the first portion and to the second portion and configured to pull or push the first portion and the second portion together or apart, respectively.

Abstract: A modular sling and pillow system for setting an appropriate abduction angle and external rotation angle in a shoulder joint. The patient's forearm is secured in a sling. An abduction pillow is fastened to the patient's side, just above the waist and facing the elbow contained within the sling. An appropriate external rotation wedge is then attached to the abduction pillow. The external rotation wedge is preferably fastened to the abduction pillow using VELCRO fasteners so that it can be easily removed and replaced. The abduction pillow pivots the upper arm outward. The external rotation wedge rotates the upper arm by moving the wrist out away from the body. The sling is attached to the external rotation wedge so that an integral brace comprising the sling, the external rotation wedge, and the abduction pillow is created.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a fall-protection safety harness having breathable padding structures located at harness pressure points, including dorsal and shoulder regions, the lumbar region, and leg regions. The padding structures may be constructed to provide air-flow both through and around comfort pads. To provide air-flow through the comfort pads, the padding structures may be made of a sandwich of breathable materials. For example, the padding structures may be made by sandwiching reticulated foam pads between mesh fabric materials. The foam pads may be captured by the two mesh fabrics by a circumferential stitching. Circumferential stitching may permit the reticulated foam to retain its uncompressed form which may facilitate airflow therethrough. Separate and symmetric pads may be located on both sides of a wearer's spine, both at the lumbar region and at the dorsal region of the back, permitting airflow between pads and along the wearer's spine.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a resilient portion configured to apply a force in one or more predetermined directions to assist or restrict movement of a part of a wearer's body, and a rigid portion configured to restrict movement of the body part. The rigid portion is removably-couplable to the resilient portion so that it can be removed from, and coupled to, the resilient portion while the device is being worn.

Abstract: An inflatable personal protection apparatus for preventing or substantially reducing injury to a wearer of the apparatus from a hazard, the personal protection apparatus includes a wearable support structure associated with an inflatable apparatus, the inflatable apparatus includes a bladder including a low-elasticity flexible material expanding to the substantially fixed volume, the bladder configured to receive a volume of pressurized gas, an inflator connected to the bladder configured to inflate the bladder with a volume of pressurized gas, and an activation mechanism system sensing ambient conditions, and in response to an ambient condition exceeding a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period of time, the activation mechanism system activates the inflator to generate a volume of pressurized gas into the bladder, the bladder expanding to the substantially fixed volume of the bladder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a muscle toning garment with force dampening resistance elements, which may be fluid filled rotary dampers. The garment provides resistance training throughout an angular range of motion. The garment may be low profile, and worn by a wearer as a primary garment or beneath conventional clothing. Toning may thereby be accomplished throughout the wearer's normal daily activities, without the need for access to conventional exercise equipment. Alternatively, the device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during conventional training techniques.

Abstract: A posture correction girdle comprises a body wrapping shell, a plurality of pockets and a plurality of paddings is disclosed. The paddings are configured to be inserted into pockets at predetermined positions. Thereby, when the posture correction girdle is worn by the user, pressure is exerted onto a corresponding predetermined section of the user's spine for posture correction purpose. The posture correction girdle further comprises a pair of elastic shoulder straps, an elastic waist strap and a plurality of elongated bones to provide additional support to the user's spine. A micro-system comprising a processor, an output device and a plurality of sensors can also be embedded into the posture correction girdle to provide information regarding the efficiency of the posture correction girdle and the progression of the treatment. Such information is provided to the users using the output device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a abdominal splinting device to stabilize and support a woman's abdomen during pregnancy and to be used in treatment of diastasis recti in postnatal women. The abdominal splinting device has a back support panel with a central region and opposing first and second side regions, and arms extending from the side regions, where the arms each have a length sufficient to contact the opposite side region when wrapped about a human's trunk region. Also disclosed is a method of treating diastasis recti using the abdominal splinting device. The method includes the steps of providing a abdominal splinting device, centering the abdominal splinting device about a user's torso, applying manual traction to the user's rectus abdominis to bring the two opposing halves of the rectus abdominis near to each other, affixing the arms to the back support panel, and instructing the user to perform abdominal strengthening exercises.

Abstract: The double pull body brace comprises a one-piece panel which engages around the torso and overlaps at the front. At the overlap, it is attached to itself by means of a hook-and-loop fastener so that a wide range of adjustment is possible. In the back, spaced cord guides are mounted on said panel. Each cord guide carries a plurality of cord guide lobes. An upper cord is engaged around the upper cord guide lobes, and a lower cord is engaged around the lower cord guide lobes. These cords are separately attached to pull tabs. When donned, the user pulls on the pull tabs to separately adjust upper and lower closure tension of the body brace. When in correct adjustment, the pull tabs are attached in place by hook-and-loop fasteners.

Abstract: A wearable spinal support system having an upper body adapter engaging the head and/or torso of a wearer and a lower body adapter engaging the hips/pelvis, the upper and lower body adapters joined by an articulated structural column. The structural column is made up of stacked vertebral elements each having an aperture provided there through such that a tendon can be fed through the aligned apertures of the vertebral elements. The tendons are fixed at one end and each engaged to mechanical control element at the other end such that the tension/payout in each tendon is independently variable under direction of a controller receiving sensor feedback in order to support the loaded upper body of the wearer and position it relative to the lower body when desirable according to the controller.

Abstract: A spinal orthosis has an elongate spinal frame defining upper, middle and lower portions, and a lumbar assembly including a lumbar belt connected to the lower portion of the spinal frame. A middle bracket assembly is pivotally connected to the middle portion of the spinal frame, and a strap has a first end secured to the upper portion of the spinal frame. The strap extends from the upper portion of the frame to the middle bracket assembly with the strap redirecting from the middle bracket assembly and the second end of the strap securing to the lumbar belt.

Abstract: A linked waist support for a waist belt is provided. The waist belt is formed by two strip-like woven fabrics which are connected by a fastening strap, and includes a first end link unit and a second link unit at two ends thereof. The linked waist support is disposed between and partially overlapped by the first end link unit and the second end link unit. The linked waist support comprises a base plate, a first side link unit disposed on the base plate and correspondingly linked to the first end link unit via a first linking cable, and a second side link unit disposed adjacently to the first side link unit on the base plate and correspondingly linked to the second end link unit via a second linking cable. Thus, without unfastening the waist belt, tightening force of the waist belt can be adjusted and changed with ease.

Abstract: A sacroiliac belt with a non-elastic inner belt to wrap around the user's hips and an elastic outer belt to wrap from the back to opposite sides of the inner belt. Non-cinchable hook and loop fastener construction is used to secure the inner and outer belts in position. The inner belt includes an inside elastomeric foam layer with open-cell frictional gripping surface, a non-elastic outside layer of loop material, and a hook tab for engaging the loop material to close the belt. The inner belt may be established with a non-elastic composite foam-fabric structure comprising a bi-laminate of the foam and elastic fabric, and a strip of loop material secured lengthwise onto the fabric side of the bi-laminate. The outer belt includes an elastic strip and hook tabs for connecting to the strip of loop material. The non-elastic composite foam-fabric may be used in other orthopedic braces and supports.

Abstract: A body transport apparatus including an inflatable air mattress with a plurality of air exit holes on the bottom to provide an air cushion when the mattress is inflated and a cover portion connected to the mattress adjacent a perimeter to define an enclosed volume. The cover portion may include a selectively closeable passageway. A flap may be defined in the cover portion that is movable between open and closed configurations. A plurality of hollows may be defined in the cover portion when inflated to define a body contact area that is less than a surface area of the top surface.

Abstract: A novel tightening device for orthoses for supporting and preserving the function of the human body, and more particularly for back orthoses surrounding the body, allows individual, segmental adjustment of the supporting action by way of individual, separate tackle assemblies.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has first and second elongate struts each having a strap coupling member, and a flexible strap securing to the first and second struts by the strap coupling members. A semi-rigid and resiliently bendable expander is connected to and spans a predetermined length between the struts. The expander provides two main configurations for the orthopedic device including maintaining the first and second struts in a generally flat configuration relative to one another and a curved configuration upon application of a load on the first and second struts. The expander reverts to a flat configuration upon removal of a load or from the first and second struts.

Abstract: A hip harness for supporting upper body armor. The harness includes a hip belt, a frame, and a coupler. The hip belt is securable about the hips of a user of the body armor. The frame provides flexible support and has a lower end secured to the rear portion of the hip belt. The coupler is adjustably securable to the upper end of the frame. It has strips that fit through attachment loops on the back of the body armor to secure the harness to the armor.