Abstract: A multi-phase orthopedic system including a moisture-impervious sleeve, a moldable splint including a covered resin-impregnated substrate, an elongate removable wrap for retaining the splint on the limb, and a removable cast for application to the limb during a subsequent treatment phase including a cast body having an interior side and exterior side, and a flap carried by the body and movable between an open position, and a closed position overlying a part of the cast body to be applied to a treatment area of the limb, the flap adapted to cover and retain between the cast body and the flap the splint worn by the patient during the initial treatment phase in the same position as the location of the splint during the initial treatment phase. A method of immobilizing a limb in multiple treatment phases utilizing the multi-phase orthopedic system.

Abstract: A hand-and-wrist brace that includes a body having first and second support members, both having inner and outer surfaces, the first support member having a first position along a wrist support path where the left and right ends are uncoupled and a second position along the wrist support path where the left and right ends are coupled to substantially encapsulate a user's wrist, and the second support member having a proximal end, a distal end, extending outwardly from and coupled to an upper end of the first support member, having a first position along a secondary support path with distal end uncoupled to the first support member, and having a second position along the secondary support path with the distal end being removably-couplable to a plurality of locations on the outer surfaces of both the first support member and the second support member.

Abstract: A wrist support worn by a user can diminish or eliminate pain, stress, or discomfort on the wrist and hand regions while lifting various objects of size and weight in a repetitive or non-repetitive manner. The specification describes embodiments of wrist support devices, including a wrist support device that can inhibit wrist extension and flexion, and ulnar and radial deviation, with a support that transfers forces around the wrist muscles and ligaments onto the larger and stronger muscles of the upper and lower arm.

Abstract: A socket is described for use with a partial prosthesis of the hand. The socket includes a base layer molded to encapsulate and conform to the contours of a natural hand. The base layer has a dorsal portion and a palmar portion. The palmar portion has a distal edge positioned, in use, proximal to the transverse metacarpal arch of a natural hand, and the dorsal portion having a distal edge positioned, in use, along a transverse span along a mid-portion of the dorsum of the natural hand in an area proximal to the area of the second through fifth metacarpals of a natural hand. The palmar portion of the base layer defines a first open area around the hypo-thenar eminence and a second open area surrounding on the palmar portion the thenar eminence and extending to the radial side of the second metacarpal on the dorsal portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a restraining glove that includes a base glove with a mitt portion and a bottom portion, a hook and loop strap with a hook portion and a loop portion and a belt loop disposed on the bottom portion of the base glove. The restraining glove also includes a crease disposed on the hook and loop strap, the crease is accommodated and received by the belt loop when the hook and loop strap is wrapped around the belt strap and a mesh portion that covers the top of the mitt portion of the base glove, the mesh portion provides a high degree of comfort to the user.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a chest band adapted to encircle the torso of a patient after having implant surgery. The chest band couples to an arm cuff by means of an adjustable strap. The arm cuff fits loosely over the patient's arm above the elbow and is adjustable, comprising a single strap material with mating hook and loop fastener devices to allow adjustability for different sized arms. The chest band had a tapered end that over folds a second end and the tapered end includes a hook and loop faster that releasably couples directly to the fabric of the chest band. An adjustable wrist cuff includes a direct means for fastening the cuff to the chest band, or optionally, a second adjustable strap to enable selective coupling of the wrist cuff to the chest band.

Abstract: A compression wrap for providing pressure to an injured portion of a joint of a limb is provided. The compression wrap includes a pocket portion for receiving compression insert. The compression wrap further includes a strap connected to the pocket portion and adjustably securing the compression wrap to the limb. A buckle loop connected to the opposite side of the pocket portion as the strap adjustably receives the strap to adjust the size of the strap. Further, the strap portion and the pocket portion are configured such that when the compression wrap is attached to the limb of a person having an injury proximate the joint, the pocket portion is positionable to apply a load to the location of the injury while the strap portion is spaced away from the crease of the joint.

Abstract: A moisture-resistant multi-phase orthopedic system and method including a single layer, three-dimensional knitted fabric having an open structure for providing enhanced moisture transfer from the skin outwardly into the atmosphere and a flap carried by the body and movable between an open position and a closed position overlying a part of the cast body to be applied to a treatment area of the limb. The flap is adapted to cover and retain between the cast body and the flap the splint worn by the patient during the initial treatment phase in the same position as the location of the splint during the initial treatment phase.

Abstract: An orthosis including a proximal portion consisting of an armband and a strap around the forearm as well as a distal portion consisting of a palm support and a strap around the hand. The support is pivotable relative to the armband about a transverse pivot axis which substantially coincides with the flexion/extension axis of the user's wrist joint when the orthosis is being worn by a user. The orthosis further comprises pivotal locking means for use in a desired angular position.

Abstract: A wrist assisting apparatus can smoothly bend and stretch a joint even if a turning shaft of a joint and a rotation shaft of a wearing tool are deviated from each other. Also, an excessive load is not applied to a user. The wrist assisting apparatus of the present invention includes a palm support member for supporting a hand, angle changing members connected to sides of the palm support member, a front arm wearing tool disposed along the front arm, and joint members for forming a rotation shaft of the angle changing member with respect to the front arm wearing tool, wherein the angle changing members are provided on both sides of the palm support member, the joint members are provided on the angle changing members, respectively, and the joint members are located on both sides of a wrist.

Abstract: The invention provides, in various embodiments, braces that are capable of stabilizing an injured limb, particularly an injured wrist. An exemplary brace fits across the injury in contact with the user's limb and has an adjustable casing and compressible material.

Abstract: An arm elevation device for lymphedema patients suffering from upper limb swelling. The arm elevation device includes a first and a second base, either of which can be selected by the user for elevating the arm in the proper manner depending on the position of the user's body. A top channel includes a concave and arcuate surface for accommodating the arm of a user. The top channel is straight in order to maintain the arm in a straight orientation and without any bends at the elbow and with minimal bending at the armpit. The arm elevation device includes a foam core surrounded by a fabric cover.

Abstract: A compression device to be wrapped around the distal extremity of a patient for use in moderate to severe swelling/lymphedema. The device includes a flexible planar compression material of preferably short-stretch compression material. Fasteners are attached to the first and second band portions. The compression material in preferred embodiment contains short-stretch compression material with 20%-60% stretch. The device is designed such that it may be used to augment compression to the hand when used in conjunction with compression to the fingers and arm. The device is designed to be applied easier with one hand.

Abstract: A brace may include a flexible sheet, a rigid panel and an outer strap. The flexible sheet may include a first side and a second side. The first side may receive at least portions of a user's wrist and hand. The rigid panel may be attached to the flexible sheet at a location that corresponds to a dorsal side of the user's wrist and hand. The rigid panel may cooperate with the flexible sheet to restrict movement of the wrist. The outer strap may be slidably received in a sleeve of the flexible sheet. The outer strap may include a first portion and a second portion. The second portion may be adapted to adjustably engage the first portion. The first portion may be adapted to removably engage the flexible sheet.

Abstract: A support system for treatment of repetitive stress injuries. The support system uses a support layer formed from a thin, flexible, stretch resistant material. An adhesive is used that has a high shear strength to prevent the support layer from slipping when applied to the patient. The adhesive loses considerable adhesion as temperatures approach 125 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the support system to be easily removed at temperatures within the comfort range of the user by soaking in hot water or use of a hair dryer. The system is applied to a wrist or other injury by securing around the wrist. A second portion of the support layer extends up to a portion of the back of the wrist. The user is able to move and flex the wrist through the full range of motion, however with a dampening effect which promotes neutral wrist postures and minimizes accumulative irridation to the median nerve.

Abstract: A universal wrist brace is arranged for both right and left handed use. The wrist brace has a main body panel defining symmetrical first and second sides. Each of the first and second sides has a wing located at a distal end flaring outwardly from longitudinal side portions of the main body panel in a transverse direction of the main body panel and parallel to an upper edge portion. The main body panel defines an opening located between the first and second sides, proximate and adjacent to the upper edge portion. A main securing device is anchored to the first side of the main body panel and detachably attaches to the second side of the main body panel.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a flexible main body panel having first and second opposed sides, and first and second opposed surfaces having sections of hook receivable material. A securing device is arranged to removably secure to each of the opposed sides to join the two sides together. The securing device is a unitary strip having a plurality of hook elements located along a first surface thereof, and has first and second portions arranged to secure to the first and second opposed sides, respectively. The first portion includes first and second anchor tabs arranged to clamp onto the first and second surfaces, respectively, on the first side of the main body panel, and the second portion includes a tab head securing onto the first surface of the second side of the main body panel.

Abstract: A wrist rotation controller for a bowler is attached to the arm and thumb of the bowler to restrict or enhance wrist rotation during release of a bowling ball. The controller includes an adjustable band adapted to extend around the arm of the bowler at a position just below the elbow. An elongated non-stretchable strap has an upper end portion for removable and adjustable attachment to the band and a lower end portion having a non-stretchable loop for extending around the thumb of the bowler. When properly positioned on the arm and thumb of the bowler, the controller restricts or enhances rotation of the wrist and ball during release of the ball. The band and the strap have hook and loop fasteners commonly sold under the trademark VELCRO to provide the adjustment of the band on the arm and the strap on the band.

Abstract: A rehabilitation glove includes flexible glove-shaped inner and outer layers and at least five rigid support strips. The inner and outer layers are stitched at a portion between thumb and index finger, a portion below thumb, and a portion below little finger in such a manner that reduced entry openings are formed to thereby define channels, into which the rigid support strips are insertable to support and be substantially in registration with fingers. An elongate fabric band is attached to the rehabilitation glove for selectively wrapping around an outer circumference of the rehabilitation glove. The elongate fabric band has a free end to which a fastening structure in attached, whereby the elongate fabric band can wrap around the outer circumference of the rehabilitation glove and the fastening structure can then fix the elongate fabric band and the rehabilitation glove, the rigid support strips, and palm together.

Abstract: The glove includes a base portion having a palm side and a back side adapted to cover a hand, the base portion having integral finger segments and also including detachable finger segments to extend from the base portion. The base portion includes base mounts encircling finger openings on an interior side and the detachable finger segments include finger mounts encircling the detachable finger segments on an exterior side. The detachable finger segments extend through finger openings of the base portion and the finger mounts interlock with the base mounts to secure the detachable finger segments to the base portion. The mounts, when in the connected state, are located on an interior side of the base portion to restrict visibility of the mounts and also restrict accidental engagement with foreign objects. The mounts each comprise a halved ring-structure having elastic elements connecting opposing halves for diametric adjustment of the mounts.

Abstract: Rotation mechanism for a forearm which includes a moving stay (2) which supports a wrist, which includes at least one guide track in the form of an arc of a circle, a fixed stay (4) which supports the rear end of a forearm, rods (12) that are rigid lengthwise which link the moving stay (2) and the fixed stay (4) and which allow the moving stay (2) and fixed stay (4) to rotate around a longitudinal axis (Z), by means of articulated links which can rotate (14), and a strut (6) rigidly linked at one of its ends to the fixed stay (4), and linked at its other end to a roller-bearing, whose rollers are in rolling contact with the guide track of the moving stay (2), and which cause the moving stay (2) to pivot around a longitudinal axis (Z), where the direction of said longitudinal axis (Z) passes through the centre of the arc of the circle of the guide track and through the centre of a circle defined by the ends of rods linked to the fixed stay.

Abstract: The DRUJ brace is donned circumferentially around the distal radioulnar joint and provides adjustable compression of the proximal portion of the distal radioulnar joint that is independent of adjustable compression of the distal portion of the distal radioulnar joint, without compression of the ulnar styloid. Compression is maintained by hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A hand orthosis supporting a patient's thumb and fingers spaced apart and separated from contact with the palm of the hand, including an elongated body having a palm surface, a thumb portion, and a finger support portion. The elongated body includes a plurality of unequal cross-sectional areas spaced along the axial length between a distal end and a base end. A plurality of finger concavities are angled in helical orientation along the orthosis, including spaced apart concavities for each finger and the patient's thumb. Each finger and thumb concavity is angled non-perpendicular relative to the orthosis axial length to retain the fingers and thumb spaced apart, curved in a relaxed orientation, and apart from the palm of the hand during extended periods of time without impeding hand or wrist motion. A method of extended use for the hand orthosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A splint, in particular for the wrist, includes a substantially rectangular main band adapted to be closed in a tubular shape around the part of the body to be protected, a plurality of laces having an end integral with one side of the main band, at least one gripping element joined to the other end of the laces and adapted to be fastened on the upper surface of the main band. The splint further includes a comb-shaped insert, provided with teeth spaced apart from each other so as to form gaps wherein the laces can be inserted. A fastening strip is connected to the teeth of the insert and is adapted to be fastened on the upper surface of the main band.

Abstract: A wearable wrist support comprising: an elongated strap, where the elongated strap wraps around a wrist of a user; a pocket positioned within a central portion of the elongated strap, where the pocket includes an opening at an end; a support member inserted within the pocket, where the support member comforts and elevates the wrist of the user; and a fastening means attached to an end of the elongated strap, wherein the fastening means secures the elongated strap around the wrist. The support member may be filled with a material that cushions the user's wrist. Alternatively, the support member may be filled with a material that may be heated or chilled to provide a therapeutic quality to the wearable wrist support.

Abstract: An orthopedic support device of the type worn on a wrist and a palm of a wearer. The device has a sleeve with an open upper end for receiving the fingers of the wearer, a thumb opening, and an open lower end for receiving the wrist of the wearer. A portion of the sleeve covering the palm of the wearer has a curved configuration. The device also includes, a first strap, designed to be wrapped and secured about a portion of the sleeve covering a palm of the wearer, a second strap designed to be removably wrapped and secured about a portion of the sleeve covering a distal forearm of the wearer, and a third strap, designed to be removably wrapped and secured about a portion of the sleeve covering the wrist of the wearer.

Abstract: A functional exercise glove includes a dorsal-side layer having in-plane resistance to stretch in the longitudinal direction of the glove that is greater than its in-plane resistance to stretch transverse to the longitudinal direction. At least one fingertip member transfers an extension/flexion force from a user's finger to the dorsal-side layer upon flexion of the finger. The glove is configured to react the extension/flexion force from the dorsal-side layer into at least one of the heel of the user's hand or the user's wrist. The dorsal-side layer resists extension from flexion of the fingers thereby working finger, hand, wrist, forearm muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and nerves specific to natural movement patterns. The exercise glove can be used during a job function, regular activity, and while playing a sport like golf, tennis, etc.

Abstract: A flexible support including a body configured to provide anatomical support to a user's appendage, and an insert extending along at least a portion of an edge of the flexible support to reduce irritation and fitment discomfort to the user's appendage from the edge.

Abstract: A reversible toe manipulation device comprising a separator for inserting between two toes of the human foot, the separator including a duality of shaped openings, each shaped opening adapted for receiving at least one toe and the shaped openings being from 0.25 to 2.0? in depth, at least one of the shaped openings fully attaching around one or more toes so that the separator is attached to the feet and toes, the separator further comprising an adjustable stretch width section that can be altered using a removable stretch width section to the width desired by the wearer, said adjustable stretch width section interposed between the shaped openings, the separator spreading the toes between 0.25 to 2.0? in width, such that when the toes are inserted into the shaped openings the toes are contactless.

Abstract: A modular splint system having a base for securing to the limb, with various intervening components for joint positioning, with outriggers for mounting various tensioning devices and secured to the base with reclosable fasteners for precise alignment of forces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a padded glove, used where irritation and injury to the median and/or ulnar nerves in the hand is a common problem. A method and apparatus for protecting nerve regions while bicycling is provided according to various embodiments. The glove padding is located over boney pillars of the palmar-side of the hand in order to direct pressure and/or force caused by the handlebar while cycling or gripping to one or more boney pillars of the hand, rather than over the entire hand and/or over the nerves. The glove padding is located at discrete positions and not broadly over large swaths of the palm.

Abstract: A dynamic hand splint includes as elements thereof: a forearm support section and a hand support section that are configured to be releasably attached to a forearm; and one or more finger tensioners that are releasably attached to the hand support section and that are configured to be releasably attached to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position. A method includes: attaching a forearm support section and a hand support section to a forearm; attaching finger tensioners to the hand support section; and attaching each of the finger tensioners to a respective finger such that, when the finger is flexed from an extended position toward a flexed position, the finger is urged by the finger tensioner toward an extended position.

Abstract: A dynamic splint for the positioning and functional exercise of a neurologically impaired upper extremity, including the wrist, hand and fingers, made up of a forearm support and hand support linked by a first connector. Fingertip caps are connected to finger tension leads that extend rearwardly to connect to a finger tensioner attached to the forearm support. The hand support includes adjustable tension lead guides for directing the finger tension leads to the fingertip caps. The dynamic splint also includes a thumb splint assembly made up of a thumb-tip cap connected to a thumb tension lead that extends rearwardly to a thumb tensioner attached to the forearm support. The thumb splint assembly further includes a thumb tension lead guide for directing the thumb tension lead to the thumb-tip cap.

Abstract: A Modular Upper Extremity Support System (MUESS) improves hand function by optimizing the balance of flexion and extension at the wrist and stabilizing thumb abduction. This is accomplished through a basic support unit of a forearm cuff, a wrist extensor strap, and a web spacer strap. Various components and inserts can be attached to the basic support unit. The MUESS has several interchangeable components, inserts, and attachments, which allow the hand therapist and other caregivers to make adjustments to the orthotic in real time to support various hand functions that are critical to activities of daily living such as grasping.

Abstract: A therapeutic glove of elastic synthetic fabric to which gold-coated self-expanding ring devices are affixed at selective locations adjacent the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the fingers of the hand without restricting movement of those joints. The affixing of rings on the interior of the glove along the MCP joints induces optimal gold abrasion therapy of joints that are afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis. The high purity gold-coating on the rings, combined with the snugness of the glove, increases the natural abrasion and absorption of the gold into the joint, which has the therapeutic effect of delaying joint erosion with daily wear.

Abstract: A hand joint supporter which can reduce the load on hand joints includes a first anchor section for tightening the wearer's forearm with a tubular knitted fabric, a second anchor section for tightening the palm and back of the wearer's hand with the fabric and a hole anchor section formed as a roughly circular through-hole in the vicinity of the second anchor section. A supporting section extends lengthwise in the fabric across the part covering the caprometacarpal joint and is joined to the first anchor section and the hole anchor section so as to support the wearer's hand joints. Stretch resistance, in the circumferential direction of the fabric of the first anchor part is larger than that of a base fabric section, and stretch resistance, in the length width direction of the fabric, of the supporting section is larger than that of the base fabric section.

Abstract: A disposable wrist support includes a body formed of a flexible impervious elastomer material and configured to be worn about a wearer's wrist. At least one support device is attached to the body. The support device is configured to provide support to the wearer's wrist.

Abstract: An apparatus for sanitizing the skin area beneath a worn medical cast includes a thin elongate and flexible member made from a highly pliable material, the member including a distal end having at least one cleaning pad secured thereon. The thin elongate member is sized to be fitted between the skin of a cast wearer and the inner surface of a worn cast. In one version, disposable cleaning pads are releasably secured to the distal end of the elongate member.

Abstract: An arm cradle for holding and stabilizing an arm of a post-operative shoulder surgery patient is provided. The arm cradle has a cradle body having a first concave section adapted to accept at least a portion of an upper arm of a patient and a second concave section adapted to accept at least a portion of a lower arm of the patient. The first concave section and the second concave section may be arranged at an obtuse angle with respect to one another. A fabric cover may be provided for the cradle body. One or more straps may be affixed to one of the cradle body or the fabric cover and used to secure the arm cradle to the patient and/or to secure the arm of the patient in the arm cradle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a splint for splinting a digit, preferably a finger, thumb or toe, rings for use in a splint, dorsal bars for use in the splint, a method for splinting a digit using the splint described herein, and a kit comprising components of the splint and, optionally, related items such as one or more ring sizers, cutting tools, adhesive, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reinforced support device suitable for the protection of a body part against overextension. In particular, this invention relates to a device comprising at least one reinforcement spine used to protect a body part against overextension and a plate disposed below a portion of the spine used to provide additional support and comfort. The reinforcement spine can flex in direction of the body part's natural movement and is substantially inflexible in the direction of overextension. Together, the reinforcement spine and plate prevent overextension of the protected body part and disperse the incident forces by transferring those forces from the reinforcement spine to the plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand brace for immobilizing and adjustably positioning one or more digits of the hand, and more specifically, to a brace having a flexible sheet member for application to a wrist and hand, at least one adjustable stabilizing member extending the length of the sheet member that is sufficiently rigid to maintain joints at a desired angle of flexion, a semi-rigid member positioned against the flexible sheet member for protecting and supporting joints of the hand and defining an opening for relieving pressure on a joint, and straps for adjustably securing the invention to the hand. Advantageously the invention immobilizes the hand such that the fourth and fifth metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand are positioned at a desired angle of flexion and fourth and fifth interphalangeal joints of the hand are positioned at a desired angle of extension.

Abstract: A low profile dynamic extension splint for biasing a person's fingers and/or a thumb in an open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wrist orthosis with a cuff, which is open for passage of the thumb and which is provided with stabilizing rods and with at least one tightening strap for fixing the orthosis on the wrist. The cuff has two adjacent thumb openings for receiving either the left or right thumb, wherein a central stabilizing rod extends between the thumb openings, and a lateral stabilizing rod extends along the outer side of each said opening in such a manner that the thumb openings are each located between the central stabilizing rod and the relevant lateral stabilizing rod.

Abstract: An orthosis to be placed on the hand of a user, including a supporting member having the general shape of a horse saddle and having an inner flange and an outer flange, to be placed at the thumb-index commissure with the inner flange against the palm and the outer wing against the back surface of the hand, in order to enable a spacing to be maintained between the thumb and the index finger. The orthosis includes a strap to be placed around the hand and the supporting member so as to retain said supporting member such that the metacarpal bone of the thumb is trapped inside the orthosis between the strap and supporting member.

Abstract: A wrist support sleeve is adapted to extend over a wearer's hand and wrist from a location below the ends of the fingers tip to a position just past the wrist region. The sleeve has an opening for receiving the wearer's thumb. A first portion of the sleeve extends around the lower part and opposite sides of a wearer's hand and wrist and has spaced side edges located in an upper region of the sleeve. An insert panel of a different material to the first sleeve portion is secured between spaced side edges of the first portion, so as to extend across the tipper portion of a wearer's hand and wrist when the device is worn. The insert panel material is a strong elastic material which has a higher stiffness than the rest of the sleeve.

Abstract: An orthotic for mounting on a user's arm comprises an upper cuff that is removeably attachable to the user's arm at a point above the elbow joint. A lower cuff is removeably attachable to the user's arm at a point below the elbow joint, and is rotationally fixed to the forearm. At least one flexible elongated member having a first end that is releasably coupled to the upper cuff and an opposite second end that is releasably coupled to the lower cuff. The upper cuff and the lower cuff are configured to move in more than one plane with respect to one another.

Abstract: A wrist protector includes a protector body having a flexible base member defining therein an accommodation chamber and a fastening structure adapted for fastening the flexible base member to a user's wrist, and a hard support plate detachably set in the accommodation chamber of the flexible base member to give support to the user's wrist. The hard support plate is orthopedically engineered, having opposing first positioning portion and second positioning portion and a high-rise portion connected between the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion and defining a high-rise space therebelow. Different heights of hard support plates can be selectively used with the protector body to fit different users, enabling the user to operate a computer keyboard or mouse comfortably for a long period of time without causing pain.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient's hand, wrist, and at least a portion of the forearm in order to expose the radial artery to receive an arterial line. The apparatus including a substantially flexible, unitary body adapted to underlie the posterior of the patient's hand, wrist and forearm. The unitary body including a forward portion having an upturned cutout portion for receiving finger portions of a patient's hand. The forward portion configured for mating engagement with the posterior surface of the hand. The unitary body further including a rear portion sloping downward from the forward portion and having an upturned cutout portion for receiving a forearm portion of a patient.

Abstract: A body support for spanning a hinge joint of the body comprises an elastically stretchable framework. The framework includes an integrally molded network of interconnected elastomeric segments. A first subset of the interconnected, elastomeric segments extends along a perimeter of the framework, and a second subset of the interconnected, elastomeric segments located within the perimeter of the framework bounds and defines an alignment opening. None of the interconnected, elastomeric segments of the first subset are part of the second subset.