Abstract: A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior sides by a frontal plane, and having first and second sides divided by a median plane. The knee brace having a frame, and at least one cross strap that is connected to the frame and extends across over at least a portion of the first and second brace sides. The at least one cross strap is arranged obliquely relative to the median plane. The brace also includes a tightening mechanism that is connected to the frame and is configured to incrementally tension the at least one cross strap at predefined settings and to release tension on the at least one cross strap. A first end of the at least one cross strap engages the tightening mechanism. A dosage meter is connected to the frame, and includes an indication feature representing tension settings of the at least one cross strap.

Abstract: A brace for providing therapeutic pressure to a person's or animal's body part is provided together with a venting device for use with a cast or brace. The brace has a rigid exterior shell which is perforated over a substantial portion of its surface. An interior resilient liner is arranged in the shell and this liner is also perforated. At least a portion of the liner has two inner and outer layers of flexible material and spacer members connecting these layers and forming air passageways. At least the inner layer is porous. The venting device can have two half sections which, when combined together, enclose a body part. Each half section is preformed to closely fit around a curved side of the body part and has spaced-apart inner and outer layers of flexible, material with at least the inner layer being porous. Again, spacer members are arranged between and connect these layers and form air passageways.

Abstract: An ankle support assembly is formed from a flexible wrap body comprising a foot wrap portion and an ankle wrap portion. The wrap body is formed from an elastic material to provide a degree of compression when wrapped around the wearer's foot, ankle and leg. The outer surface of the wrap body is provided with hook and loop fastener material. A closure assembly secures the flexible wrap body about the wearer's foot, ankle and leg. At least one elongated side stay positions along at least one of the medial and lateral side of the ankle and the lower portion of the leg of the wearer. The exterior of the elongated side stay has hook and loop fastener material thereon for releasable engagement with the hook and loop fastener material of the wrap body. A stabilizing body positions along one of the medial and lateral sides of the ankle. A circumferential wrap assembly can be selectively tightened or loosened around the wearer's ankle and lower leg portion.

Abstract: A walking assisting device having leg links connected to a load transfer portion, wherein each leg link is free to bend and stretch at a joint in the middle of the leg link, the leg link being formed to a length such that the joint projects forward of a reference line when a user is standing upright. The reference line is a line connecting a swing fulcrum of the leg link to a joint at the lower end of the leg link. Stability is improved by diminishing a moment in a forward tilting direction when the user is standing upright. The leg links are provided with an overhanging portion and a driving source mounted on the overhanging portion, which helps maintain balance relative to the reference line. The driving force is transmitted to the joint in the middle of the leg link via driving force transmission means.

Abstract: An orthopedic device in the form of a circumferential walker includes a first member (posterior shell) and a second member (dorsal shell) corresponding to the first member. An outsole or plantar shell portion is attached to, or formed on or with the posterior shell. An expansion joint is positioned in the posterior shell or dorsal shell to expand to accommodate larger sized lower legs. The dorsal and posterior shells may include flexible or resilient edge portions to reduce pressure points and to further accommodate users having larger sized lower legs. The dorsal shell also includes a flexible or resilient connecting portion to accommodate users having larger ankles and feet and to reduce or eliminate the formation of a pressure point along the dorsal shell. Quick-connecting buckle assemblies can be provided to allow a user to quickly don and doff the orthopedic device.

Abstract: A system that can monitor motion and establish haptic feedback to promote rehabilitation and/or strength training is provided. The innovation can be applied at any point along a rehabilitative progression continuum to provide computer-regulated (e.g., virtual, remote) training and/or coaching. For example, the innovation can be employed to actively drive a limb, provide force feedback to promote wellness, passively monitor motion of a limb or even to establish resistance to encourage strength training. The modular components of the system promote adaptability to users of all shapes and sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposition on appendage, such as an arm or leg, is capable of encircling and applying opposing forces selectively thereto. A C-shaped component receives one side of the appendage, a second C-shaped component receives the other side of the appendage, and a tensioning system draws the two components together for selective application of pressure to the appendage. Outriggers and pressure applicators may be used to apply pressure to extended areas of the appendage that otherwise would not be engaged by the C-shaped components. Side-to-side tissue compression thereby is provided for deflection of muscle forces, functional shortening of muscle length, and the maintenance of neurovascular channels. Circumferential forces may be minimized based on semirigid characteristics of the components. Elbow and shoulder braces apply side-to-side tissue compression to arms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pivotal disc is pivotally coupled to a first brace and a second brace. The pivotal disc has a motion-limit member and a positioning member limiting the angle by which the second brace rotates with respect to the first brace with the pivotal disc being the axis and fixing the angle between the first and second braces. The present invention is characterized in that the motion-limit member uses a range-adjust member to push a slide block and determine the range that a block portion of the second brace is blocked by the slide block, and that the positioning member uses a switch knob actuates on end of a positioning rod to engage with or depart from a positioning notch on the pivotal disc, and that the pivotal disc has two limit elements to define the maximum movement range of the first brace and the second brace.

Abstract: A brace hosiery apparatus including a hollow, cylindrical brace covering disposed about at least a portion of an orthotic brace and a first connector that when removably connected to a second connector secures the brace covering to the orthotic brace.

Abstract: An orthotic device that minimizes weight bearing on certain areas of a shoe being worn by a diabetic suffering from a diabetic foot ulcer, the device allows patients to live active lifestyles while being treated for diabetic foot ulcerations. The orthotic device purposely establishes three points of contact between the device and a shoe. The present device is used in conjunction with a shoe having a sole that defines a cutaway wherein an ulcerous foot wound would lie. The orthotic device comprises a shoe cartridge, the shoe cartridge has a first, second and third section, each section has a left and a right side, at least five L-shaped docks attached to the shoe cartridge, a support attached to the shoe cartridge, and at least five securing means, each securing means is attached to each L-shaped dock.

Abstract: An orthopedic support for supporting a joint of a wearer is provided and includes a sheet of flexible material having a proximal edge and a distal edge configured to extend at least partially around a portion of a wearer's anatomy and a pair of opposing lateral edges configured to at least partially enclose the portion of the wearer's anatomy. The support also includes at least one strap attached to the sheet of material and configured to extend over one of the lateral edges. In addition, the support includes at least one fastener tab secured to a free end of a respective strap, wherein the fastener tab supports fastening material that is configured to attach to at least one of the strap and sheet of material to secure the sheet of material about the portion of the wearer's anatomy.

Abstract: A brace for dynamically correcting the bending of the joints of the lower limb includes a thigh grip (1), a leg grip (2), connection elements between the thigh grip and the leg grip, wherein the connection elements include at least two flat flexible profiles (3?, 3?) that work in extension, elastically opposing the bending of the knee, and the brace includes a foot grip (7) and further flexible elements (6, 3?a, 3?a) arranged for connecting the leg grip (2) to the foot grip (7), which work in extension elastically opposing the bending of the ankle.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis that comprises: an elastic structure (50) formed of contiguous first (52) and second (54) tubular members, the second tubular member being set at an angle to the first tubular member to define, at least in use, a generally L-shaped cavity (56) configured to accept and fit closely about the foot and ankle of a patient; and a rib (58) which is permanently bonded or otherwise permanently affixed to a region of the structure which overlies the dorsum of the patient's foot in use, said the rib being formed of a flexible material that has a resilience appropriate for resisting the particular degree of plantarflexion experienced by the patient.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods of securing an orthopedic brace on a wearer such that the brace is unlikely to migrate. In preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes a band that extends entirely around the wearer, making contact with the entire circumference of the wearer. In certain embodiments, a strap secured to the brace threads through loops on the band, thereby operably connecting the brace and the band. In certain other embodiments, the apparatus further includes a belt that overlaps the band. Suspenders operably connect the brace to the band/belt. Because the band makes contact with the entire circumference of the wearer, the apparatus comfortably secures the brace to the wearer while effectively preventing migration of the brace and without hindering the intended function of the brace.

Abstract: A garment that includes at least one inflatable chamber for applying compression to a limb for assisting venous return, and an elevation member to elevate the limb. The elevation member may comprise an inflatable chamber, and the garment may be configured for compressive therapy of the leg while elevating the heel, eliminating or otherwise reducing or mitigating pressure on an individual's heel while the leg is in an extended position and undergoing compressive therapy.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting limb includes a body attachment, a link for upper leg, and a knee joint unit, a link for lower leg, a lower limb attachment, a drive unit and a knee joint actuator. The body attachment is attached to a trunk of a user. The link for upper leg is placed alongside with an upper leg of the user and coupled with the body attachment. The link for lower leg is placed alongside with a lower leg of the user and coupled with the link for the upper leg via the knee joint unit. The lower limb attachment is attached to one of the lower leg and a foot of the user, and coupled with the link for lower leg. The knee joint actuator is placed in the body attachment so as to apply rotational torque to the knee joint unit via the drive unit.

Abstract: An osteoarthritis knee brace includes at least one vertical strut with upper and lower portions, at least one pivoting hinge intermediately disposed there between, a shin cuff attached to the vertical strut lower portion and positioned below the hinge and a thigh cuff attached to the vertical strut upper portion and positioned above the hinge. The brace further includes at least one inflatable bladder system for applying a corrective and therapeutic force to the osteoarthritis damaged knee joint and the surrounding areas thereof, and which is removeably positionable thereabout. Still further, the brace includes at least one insert enclosed within the inflatable bladder system for equally distributing the corrective and therapeutic force at each point at which the inflatable bladder system applies a corrective and therapeutic force.

Abstract: A patella stabilization system having a unitary patella stabilizer sleeve extending at both ends into a plurality of straps for securing the patella stabilizer sleeve around a knee region and an upper inner strap extending from a first upper end of the patella stabilizer sleeve and an upper outer strap extending from a second upper end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the upper outer strap comprising a fastener at a distal end of the upper outer strap. The system further includes a lower inner strap extending from a first lower end of the patella stabilizer sleeve and a lower outer strap extending from a second lower end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the lower outer strap comprising a fastener at a distal end of the lower outer strap, a plurality of slots around a patella opening, and a buttress comprising a plurality of straps adapted to be adjustably positioned on an inside surface of the patella stabilizer band around a location on a circumferential edge of the patella opening.

Abstract: A lightweight, flexible, aerating, compressive, thermal material. Perforations allow the treatment area to aerate. Thermal capacity of the invention allows for hot or cold treatment in a manner that compressively supports the object undergoing thermal treatment while maintaining maximum mobility. The material is made from an elastomer such as polyurethane with the addition of silicon and vegetable oil. Resin is used to color the product.

Abstract: An elongate flexible strap is adapted to be wrapped about a wearer's leg and pelvic region. The strap applies a torque to the leg, rotating the leg into a desired degree of external rotation. In a leg having an improperly aligned patella, it is believed that the external rotation improves lower extremity mechanics by aligning the patella within the trochlear groove.

Abstract: The garment proprioceptively treats a patient and comprises a sleeve having an anchor strap and a viscoelastic pad. The sleeve defines inner and outer sleeve surfaces and is configured to envelop a portion of the patient's body. The anchor strap is circumferentially wrappable about the outer sleeve surface and defines an inner strap surface. The anchor strap has an intermediate anchor portion disposed on the inner strap surface between opposing end anchor portions that are releasably securable to the outer sleeve surface such that tension in the anchor strap may be selectively adjusted. The garment includes an elastic band extending along the inner strap surface. The viscoelastic pad is securable on the inner sleeve surface generally opposite to the elastic band when the anchor strap is extended over the outer sleeve surface.

Abstract: An orthosis for stretching tissue around a joint of a patient between first and second relatively pivotable body portions. The orthosis includes a first arm member affixable to the first body portion and including a first extension member extending therefrom. A second arm member affixable to the second body portion is also included and has a second extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom. A third arm member including a third extension member having an arcuate shape extending therefrom is interposed between the first and second arm members. The third arm member is operatively connected to the first and second arm members, such that the first and third arm members travel along an arcuate path defined by the second extension member when the third arm member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the second arm member.

Abstract: A device for promoting proper walking-related muscle development is disclosed. In various embodiments, the device can be worn on the foot of a patient undergoing walking therapy. The device includes a toe section that can be secured to the foot, and provides a relatively slidable surface that allows relatively easy sliding of the toe section on the floor. Such a configuration facilitates easier execution of a step movement that promotes walking-related muscle development. The device can also include one or more attachments configured to allow a therapist to assist and/or guide the steps of the patient. In one embodiment, the attachment can be a loop attached to the toe section so that the therapist can insert his/her foot and guide/assist the patient's steps.

Abstract: An orthopaedic aid for an extremity includes at least one adjustable element for positioning the orthopaedic aid relative to the extremity. The detector arrangement includes a plurality of indicators for indicating torques generated by the detector arrangement. The detector arrangement is positionable such that a section of the detector arrangement is torque-free. The detector arrangement generates torques arising in two opposite directions in a measuring plane in response to deviations from a stable load position.

Abstract: An orthopedic retractor is provided made of polymer gel shaped to be inserted into an interdigital space, having two complementary parts made of polymer gel, each part having a flat face shaped to be assembled to the flat face of the other part, such that together the two parts form the retractor, the flat faces once assembled forming a junction resistant to shearing forces while remaining separable from each other. Advantages: simplification of manufacturing and packaging methods.

Abstract: A lower extremity exoskeleton, configurable to be coupled to a person, comprises two leg supports configurable to be coupled to the person's lower limbs and configured to rest on the ground during their stance phases. Each leg support comprises a thigh link, a shank link, and two knee joints. Each knee joint is configured to allow flexion and extension between the respective shank link and the respective thigh link. The lower extremity exoskeleton also comprises an exoskeleton trunk configurable to be coupled to the person's upper body. The exoskeleton trunk is rotatably connectable to the thigh links of the leg supports allowing for the flexion and extension between the leg supports and the exoskeleton trunk. In this exemplary embodiment, the energy required for flexion and extension movement between the shank link and the respective thigh link of a leg support over a cyclic knee motion is provided by the person.

Abstract: A joint protecting brace includes a cuff member. The cuff member includes a pair of upper lateral and lower lateral tightening portions positioned on opposed sides of a cuff longitudinal axis. The cuff member further includes a liner disposed between and coupled to the upper lateral tightening portions and lower lateral tightening portions and extending along the cuff longitudinal axis. The cuff member further includes a connector coupled to a latitudinal strap. The cuff member further includes a first adjuster coupled to the upper lateral tightening portions and the connector. The cuff member further includes a second adjuster coupled to the lower lateral tightening portions and the connector. The first and second adjusters are disposed in tension for adjusting a distance between the upper and lower lateral tightening portions respectively. The first and second adjusters are communicable via the connector.

Abstract: An intraoperative leg stabilizing system has a platform with a slidable brace received in a longitudinal groove. The slidable brace supports the patient's foot. The platform also has an outrigger that pivots about a base in the platform. The outrigger can pivot up to a desired orientation. The longitudinal position of the slidable brace and the orientation of the outrigger can be fixed through locking mechanisms. The system includes a support belt that can be wrapped around the patient's thigh and then connected to the outrigger. The combination of components allows the patient's leg to be stabilized in a desired position and degree of flexion during knee arthroplasty, and to be easily released when desired for evaluation of the patient's leg in extension.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying pressure to a body part includes one or more bands of compressible or non-compressible material.

Abstract: A device for inducing a user's motion in a rhythm responsive to a motion rhythm after the user's motion rhythm changes suddenly. The walking assist device generates a first oscillator which attains mutual entrainment with a user's hip joint angular velocity to reflect a natural angular velocity. On the other hand, a new natural angular velocity is set based on the phase difference between the hip joint angular velocity and the first oscillator. A second oscillator which oscillates in rhythm reflecting the natural angular velocity is generated. An inducing oscillator is generated based on the second oscillator, and a torque responsive to the inducing oscillator acts on the user's body. If the magnitude of a periodic variation in the hip joint angular velocity exceeds a threshold value, a second oscillator which oscillates in rhythm reflecting the angular velocity of the first oscillator instead of the natural angular velocity is generated.

Abstract: A guide mechanism 100 is equipped with a guiding body 31 including a guiding trajectory, and a movable body 32 guided so as to move along the guiding trajectory. The guide mechanism 100 is further equipped with an elastic body 102 of a coil shape with one end thereof being connected to the movable body 32 and extends along the guiding body 31 from the one end thereof, and a first supporting body 106 and a second supporting body 108 which supports the elastic body 102 along the guiding body 31. An electric wiring W for connecting electric equipments together is inserted into the elastic body 102.

Abstract: An orthopedic or prosthetic support device is arranged to conform and secure to a limb of a wearer. The device includes a resilient support member adapted to extend about a limb, and a tensioning element associated with the support member. An adjustment system is connected to the support member and engages the tensioning element. The adjustment system is arranged to incrementally adjust and retain the tensioning element relative to the support member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anchored ankle brace including an anchor strap that connects an anchor member and ankle support member creating an increased resistance to lateral roll at the ankle. The ankle support member includes an ankle surround that surrounds and encloses at least a portion of the foot and an anchor member for positioning about the circumference above a midpoint of the lower leg characterized by a girth that is increasing as a distance from the ankle joint decreases. The anchored ankle brace also includes an anchor strap attached at a first end to the ankle support member and at a second end to the anchor member. The anchored ankle brace stabilizes the ankle joint increasing resistance to ankle sprain characterized by excessive inversion with planter flexion also known as “rolling the ankle”.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for imitating one or more muscle members of a human user during physical therapy, wherein the apparatus is configured to be used in conjunction with the human user having a waist and a leg having a knee. The apparatus includes an adjustable waist belt configured to be secured around the human user's waist and a lower leg support configured to encircle the human user's leg in a vicinity of the knee. The apparatus further includes an elastic member configured to provide an adjustable tensile resistance between the waist belt and the lower leg support.

Abstract: A supportive orthotic device is described herein for supporting the hip, groin, and/or thigh of a user. The device has a waist region sized to extend around the waist of the user. The device also has a first surface and a second surface coupled to the waist region. A thigh strap has a first end extending from the first surface of the device and a second end selectively coupled to the second surface and wraps around the user's thigh in a fastened configuration. A groin strap has a first end extending from the first surface of the device and a second end selectively coupled to the second surface and wraps around the user's groin area in a fastened configuration.

Abstract: A knee brace having a hinge assembly comprising an upper segment; a lower segment; a middle linking segment coupled to the upper and lower segments to permit pivotal movement of the upper segment relative to the lower segment; and one or more biasing members anchored to the upper and middle linking segments to resiliently bias the upper and middle segments toward a predetermined alignment. A series of straps connected to the hinge assembly allow attachment of the knee brace to the wearer's leg.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an articulation prosthetic implement includes the steps of previously manufacturing a on-way clutch covered and fitted with a metal bush, the metal bush covered and fitted with a synthetic resin bush, and the synthetic resin bush covered and fitted with a brake bush; covering and fitting a rotary shaft of an outer member with flanges at either end, having a rotary shaft at the inner side and an annular depression around the rotary shaft, with the one-way clutch having the three bushes; fitting a cylindrical projection of an inner member having flanges at either end into the annular depression of the outer member located outside the brake bush; screwing or bolting a stopper for controlling the range of rotary shaft rotation to an inner projection of the rotary shaft; fitting one articulation protecting member of the articulation prosthetic implement to the flange of the inner member from the surface side of the inner member; and fitting the other articulation protecting member of the

Abstract: A limb wound treatment device is described having a first end, a second end and an interior therebetween for accommodating a treatment gas. The device can include a flexible housing that can be inflated or a rigid housing. The first end can include an inflatable cuff seal for hermetically sealing against the limb being treated. The second end can include a closed end or an access port that is releasably sealed with a clamping mechanism. Further, the device can include a controller that can inflate that housing, inflate the cuff seal and provide treatment gas to the interior, in response to pressures within the cuff seal and the housing. Further, the device can accommodate different types of wound treatments, such as hyperbaric therapy, compression therapy or negative pressure therapy.

Abstract: A knee brace is provided with semi-pliable inserts affixed to inner sides of femoral links of the brace at two points with a bottom portion of the insert left free to move inward toward a facing side of the leg. Anterior and posterior straps that are tightenable by the wearer are attached to the semi pliable inserts in a manner enabling pulling on the straps to cause the inserts to dynamically move inward and compress against the thigh so as improve comfort by diffusing and transferring pressure away from a relatively boney side of the knee of the wearer to a softer thigh area of the wearer. The inserts are also adapted to move inward and press into femoral hollows just proximal to the knee joint of the wearer so as to provide support against movement of the brace along the length of the leg of the wearer.

Abstract: Support devices for joints of the human body are disclosed. A support device for an ankle includes a main body having a medial portion and a lateral portion disposed about the ankle, and an interior surface; at least one of a medial support member disposed in a cavity in the medial portion of said main body and a lateral support member disposed in a cavity in the lateral portion of said main body; a strap disposed on a proximal portion of said main body, said strap having fastening means adapted to create a first level of pressure in the front of the lower leg immediately proximal to the ankle and a second level of pressure in the rear of the lower leg immediately proximal to the ankle; and one or more proprioceptive members disposed on the interior surface of said main body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating or otherwise reducing or mitigating pressure on an individual's heel while the leg is in an extended position, while allowing for ambulation without completely removing the device. An apparatus comprises a support member configured to be attached to a lower leg portion of an individual between the calf and heel region, the support member having an inner surface portion to be disposed facing the leg when attached thereto, and having an opposite outer surface; and a reconfigurable elevation member configured (i) to be disposed at the outer surface of the support member such that when the support member is attached to the lower leg portion of the individual the elevation member is selectively capable of providing elevation of the heel from an underlying surface in the event that the lower leg portion is extended above the underlying surface, and (ii) to be reconfigured for ambulation without removing said support member from the lower leg.

Abstract: A device and method is provided wherein a non-extendable strap is attached to the interior of an athletic, or other type of shoe, commencing on the instep side, extending below the user's foot, and ankle, which has been previously fitted with a commercial brace or wrap or taped, which is inserted within the shoe, and the strap is attached within the shoe again on the outstep upper side. The strap element is drawn tight about the user's ankle when the shoe is laced, strapped, or otherwise secured about the user's foot. The strap element extends above the user's ankle, and is pulled taut and affixed to the brace, or wrap, or separately taped, at a position on the outside of the user's lower leg. The device and method of attachment allows the shoe and brace or wrap to act together, as an integrated system, to limit active ankle inversion.

Abstract: A waist support frame for a detachment type waist protecting belt to hold the vertebra region of a vertebra related patient is provided. The frame is comprised of two back rest frames, two Y-shape hinges, two power modules, two pullers, two sets of strings each of them are engaged and connects on one part (upper- or lower-part) of the two power modules, and two set of broad bands. Each power module is equipped with twelve pair of pulling code conveying mini rollers. String arrangement through these twelve pair of rollers enables the inventor to provide a waist support frame that can be used by a user whose one hand is not available without rotating the frame around the user's body with only one hand.

Abstract: An orthopedic walker for mounting on the lower leg of a patient includes a walker base having a central area for receiving the foot of a patient and a spaced lower surface including an outer sole, and a pair of struts connected to the walker base. Each of the struts has a frame member of high strength material secured to the first end of the walker base and a supporting component integrally secured and adjacent to the frame member. The supporting component defines laterally extending side wings generally corresponding to the second end of the frame member, and is constructed from a material less rigid than the high strength material of the frame member. The supporting component has a main body and a border portion that are integrally secured and contiguous with one another. The border portion is formed from a material having a lower hardness than the material forming the main body.

Abstract: An ankle support that is adapted to securely hold the lower leg, ankle and foot of a wearer so as to provide reparative support thereof and an associated method of fabrication thereof. The ankle support includes an outer shell formed of a rigid material that conforms substantially to the configuration of the wearer and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot; an inner liner formed of a flexible and conformable material and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot and an interlocking mechanism including cooperating and interlocking members of the respective outer shell and inner liner that assist in retaining the inner liner within the outer shell.

Abstract: A knee brace having a frame with separate proximal and distal portions extending across an anterior side of the brace. The brace also includes a ventilated spacer element connected to the frame, and generally corresponding in size to the proximal and distal frame portions. The spacer element has a compressible core and a frictional feature disposed over the core. The frictional feature is arranged to prevent rotation of the brace on a leg of a wearer of the brace.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace designed to immobilize the knee by preventing flexion/extension and limiting medial/lateral movement. The brace includes a main support structure embodied in a unitary, rigid stay member with slidable, semi-rigid cuffs at one or both ends to provide length adjustability. The stay member has no popliteal articulation in order to immobilize the knee joint, and further provides attachment for a Velcro strapping system for easy application to the posterior of the leg. A breathable foam softgood insulates the leg and knee from the main support structure and strapping system yet is completely detachable from the brace so it can be trimmed to any desired length or width, and washed as necessary.

Abstract: An ingenious calf, shin and ankle rehabilitation and exerciser apparatus for engagement with the lower leg muscles and ankle comprising of a rigid sole plate member (12) having a sole plate protective pad 40 and affixed fastening sole straps (52) for securing foot to sole plate member (12), an attachable fulcrum heel ball member (18) for attaching to the bottom of heel section (16). Sole plate member (12) is pivotally attached to a rigid cross brace member (20) which is comprised of a fastening shin straps (50) affixed to a shin protective pad member (36) to secure the lower leg to a rigid pivoting back support member (22) that is pivotally engaged to cross brace member (20). Cross brace (20) engages the toe section (14) of sole plate member (12) via an engaging biasing resistance means (48) that provides posterior and anterior resistance not limited to isotonic and isometric for the flexing of the foot and ankle not limited to dorsi-flexion, plantar-flexion, inversion or eversion.

Abstract: A sleep-aiding device for restricting stretching of a wearer's legs to full extension to reduce leg muscle cramping during sleep includes an adjustable belt worn about a wearer's waist during sleep, with leg members extending between the belt at the wearer's waist and attachment at lower portions of the wearer's legs, generally below the wearer's knees, e.g. in a particular implementation by engagement of the wearer's feet through end loops positioned midway between the toes and ankle. The leg members have predetermined lengths between the belt and attachment at the lower portions of the wearer's legs that are adjustably selected to restrict stretching of the wearer's legs to full extension during sleep.

Abstract: A method for applying pressure to a person's body includes the steps of: (a) positioning a collar such that, (i) the appendage axially extends into and out of the collar on opposite axial ends of the collar, and (ii) a first collar portion surrounds at least a first side of a person's body and a second collar portion surrounds at least a second, opposite side of the person's body; and (b) drawing together the first collar portion and the second collar portion using a tensioning system such that a portion of the person's body is compressed between the first collar portion and the second collar portion. The tensioning system includes a rotary closure device operable to selectively draw together the first collar portion and the second collar portion.