Sling Patents (Class 602/4)
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Publication number: 20030163069Abstract: An arm sling that allows for parts of a patient's limb to extend from a portion of the sling for either exercise or use of the limb or hand, while the remainder of the limb or shoulder is supported by the sling without increasing pressure on the patient's neck. A support strap portion having a connector is attached to a body portion having wrist, elbow and forearm portions. The body portion also has front and rear panels. An opening in the rear panel allows the wearer's forearm, wrist and hand to pass through while the elbow and shoulder continue to be supported by the sling. In alternate embodiments the support strap may be of variable length, and may have a slidable pad surrounding the support strap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventor: Carol Scudere
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Patent number: 6595936Abstract: An arm support garment with an integral arm sling pouch for comfortably supporting and immobilizing the upper extremity on either the inner or outer surfaces of the front of the garment is disclosed. The sling pouch in the garment of the invention is accessed from the front exterior portion of the garment through vertical slits oriented in the garment material near each end of the pouch. Additional slits may also be provided to aid in ventilation. The pouch is preferably made with an expandable inside layer to allow usage by individuals with different forearm sizes. A separate support pouch of this configuration can also be used with traditional arm slings.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Olarewaju J. Oladipo
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Publication number: 20030135141Abstract: An orthesis for the treatment of injuries to the acromioclavicula joint, especially for the treatment of Tossy I/II/III injuries, has three straps positioned on a shoulder pad. The first strap and the second strap are secured to a forearm holder to be positioned in front of the elbow joint. The first strap can be placed in front of the shoulder and the second strap can be placed behind the shoulder. The third strap is designed to run behind the back to the opposite shoulder and has a loop to be fixed there. Pressure can thus be exerted on the clavicle and at the same time the shoulder can be pulled upwards.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Gunther Berhorst
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Publication number: 20030078527Abstract: A device for support and elevation of a limb. More specifically, the invention is a system for elevating a limb, comprising an adjustable sling assembly that can be attached by a hook to a support member that provides the elevation, which in turn can be inserted into either a freestanding base or a base designed for placement between a mattress and box spring. Thus, the elevator system can be used effectively when a person is in both a sitting and a supine position. The elevator system is vertically adjustable by varying the distance between the hook and the sling or by adjusting the telescoping support sections of the support assembly. The elevator system is lightweight, easily disinfected, and can be disassembled or collapsed for ease in transport and storage. The elevator system is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture and is intended both for hospital and home use.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2001Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventor: Jon C. Gehrke
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Patent number: 6533741Abstract: An articulated upper extremity splint for immobilizing and supporting an injured upper extremity. The splint includes a frame. The frame includes a proximal support section and a distal support section. Interconnecting the confronting ends of the proximal support section and the distal support section is a connector. The connector provides multi-directional movement for the proximal support section and the distal support section, respectively. The proximal support section and the distal support section include respective extensible support rods. The support rods are telescopically received by respective tubes of the proximal support section and the distal support section. The rods are releasably secured to the associate tubes for adjusting, respectively, the length of the proximal support section and the distal support section.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Inventors: Roger W. Lee, Paul J. Martin
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Publication number: 20020183670Abstract: The Breakaway Leg Sling is provided for use with a walker or crutches and suspends a single leg in a below-the-knee cast, shoe, or bandaged foot in a rearward, elevated position and assists the patient with weight avoidance on the suspended leg. The apparatus is prepared for use from a safe sitting position, and the leg is placed into its suspended position during the natural motion of standing. If needed, the apparatus includes a breakaway safety fastener that disengages at an effective, pre-determined force using the muscles of the suspended leg thereby providing the patient with immediate use of the suspended leg to regain balance and prevent a potential fall. If disengaged, the safety fastener is easily restored to operational use. The Breakaway Leg Sling is comprised of a torso harness device, a detachable foot cradle device, a load strap used to engage the torso harness to the foot cradle device, and the breakaway safety fastener incorporated into the length of the load strap.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventor: John Allen Driver
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Patent number: 6485445Abstract: A convertible arm supporting apparatus for providing supplemental support for facilitating immobilization of an injured arm includes an elongate suspending member for extending over a shoulder of a user. The suspending member includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. The suspending member also includes connections located on each of the first and second end portions for removably connecting a distal end of the end portion to a location on the end portion toward the intermediate portion to form a loop for receiving a portion of the forearm of the user. The intermediate portion has an aperture therein forming laterally spaced sections of the intermediate portion on lateral sides of the aperture, and the laterally spaced sections are formed of a flexible material such that the sections are adaptable to contours on opposite sides of the shoulder of the user to form a pocket for embracing a portion of the user's shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventor: Debra A. Hiltner
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Publication number: 20020156407Abstract: A garment for supporting the disabled or paralyzed arm of a wearer. The garment has a fabric member with an open bottom, a head opening in its top, and a pair of arm holes, which allow it to be worn like a standard shirt or vest. An arm support pocket is positioned on the front of the garment. The arm support pocket is a sleeve in which the disabled arm is placed to be retained and supported. A utility pocket is also preferably positioned near the bottom of the garment. The utility pocket is preferably divided to keep items in the pocket from migrating to locations where they may be difficult to retrieve. The garment may also have an openable and closeable seam in the back to facilitate dressing and undressing by the wearer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Alberta Sue Estep
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Publication number: 20020156406Abstract: An arm sling assembly is disclosed for supporting at least one of the arms of a patient in an angled orientation against the torso. The assembly includes a sleeveless vest dimensioned to be worn on the torso of the patient. The vest is openable at the front to facilitate donning of the assembly. Moreover, attached to the one or both of the front portions of the vest is an arm support cuff. In particular, the support cuff is stitched to the front left or right portion of the vest along vertically spaced upper and lower attachment zones and is detached from the front portion between the zones so as to define an open-sided arm passageway in which the arm is inserted and supported. An alternative embodiment is also disclosed wherein the arm cuff is adjustably and removably attached to the vest at the upper attachment zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: Kenneth L. Moore, Shirley H. Moore
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Patent number: 6464656Abstract: A sling having a generally rectangular shoulder pad with a cutout for the user's neck and four D-rings attached thereto is disclosed. A chest strap is attached to two of the D-rings, one on each end of the shoulder pad. An arm strap is attached to the two remaining D-rings. Both of the straps are formed of a resilient material to allow the user flexibility and mobility while wearing the sling. In order to create an easily adjusted attachment, each of the straps has a layer of resilient hook material on one side. At each end of each strap is a patch of hook material. The combination of hook and loop material is used to connect each end of the strap to the corresponding D-ring. An alternate embodiment uses two O-rings. Each O-ring attaches one end of both the arm strap and the chest strap to the shoulder pad.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Inventors: Angelo Salvucci, Gary Bradley, Christopher Proctor
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Publication number: 20020138025Abstract: A medical sling made from material that is suitably shaped for use in a medical application has sides, portions of which are smoothed to prevent abrasion of surrounding tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Applicant: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Barry N. Gellman, Jozef Slanda
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Patent number: 6453904Abstract: An arm-sling vest includes sleeveless front and back vest panels defining an opening permitting the panels to fit over a person's head so as to rest upon the shoulders. Lateral edges of the panels include hook and loop fasteners for releasably and adjustably connecting the panels together about a person's torso. A pair of support straps are attached to an outer surface of the front vest panel and include free ends extending therefrom. A corresponding pair of retainer patches are attached to the front vest panel and positioned above the support straps and aligned therewith, respectively. The support straps and retainer patches include complementary fasteners such that the straps may cradle a person's forearm and secured to a respective retainer patch. The support straps are independently operable such that a person's forearm may be cradled in a plurality of orientations.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2002Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Inventors: Greg W. Wilson, Cinda J. Lewis
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Patent number: 6440094Abstract: An orthopedic method for dynamically enhancing proper posture utilizes an elastic base garment and halter strap system. The base garment is generally collarless and sleeveless, as a stocking-like tube interconnecting a pair of shoulder pads and a waist band, which have hook-fastener securing areas. Correspondingly, the elastic halters have hook-fastener tag ends. The halter's hook fasteners are secured to the base garment's hook-fastener securing areas such that one halter supplies tension between an origin on the right shoulder pad and a termination on the waist band approximately on the left side, as the other halter supplies tension between an origin on the left shoulder pad and another termination on the waist band approximately on the right side, by courses stretching diagonally across the garment's back. Thus the halters provide diagonally-crossing filaments of tension across the patient's back in order to oppose slouching and thereby enhance proper erect posture.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Inventor: Richard D. Maas
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Patent number: 6435185Abstract: An arm support of flexible, knitted fabric that includes a body of material covering the shoulders and both arms with the body extending around the upper back having upper arcuate portions secured by patches of press fasteners such as “VELCRO”. The edges of the body are reenforced with strips of rigid binding around the front and circumferential length around the shoulder. In the rear the flexible binding butts on to the rigid binding strip below the wearer's underarms providing latitude in movement. Optionally a blanket can be attached to the body in a choice of locations.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventor: Marie Elizabeth Schimpl
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Patent number: 6428495Abstract: A hamstring brace for supporting the hamstring muscle either during recovery from an injury or during strenuous activity to prevent an injury includes a waistband, adjustable elastic bands, an adjustable lateral support band, and optionally an adjustable stirrup assembly. Multiple ring pairs are provided on the waistband to permit lateral adjustment of the elastic bands along the waistband. The leg strap assembly also includes a spacer strap and lateral patellar support straps that work in combination with the lateral support band to attach the hamstring brace below the knee without putting direct pressure on the patella. Multiple straps and clips provide maximum adjustability.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Inventor: John P. Lynott
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Publication number: 20020082537Abstract: A therapeutic wrap and method for stabilizing a hip or a shoulder. The wrap comprises an elongated, flexible, relatively thin (⅛ inch) fabric strap that is secured around the hip and stabilized by wrapping and securing around the adjacent upper thigh region of the patient. The wrap having a movable pocket containing a magnet pad for strategically positioning so as to be juxtaposed with the injured hip or shoulder. The wrap is fastened in place by hook and loop closure system as is the movable pocket. The wrap is universal and can be used on either leg or shoulder by merely adjusting the length. The length of the wrap directly proportional to the body size of the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2000Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Doris MacAllister
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Patent number: 6406449Abstract: An arm sling assembly is disclosed for supporting at least one of the arms of a patient in an angled orientation against the torso. The assembly includes a sleeveless vest dimensioned to be worn on the torso of the patient. The vest is openable at the front to facilitate donning of the assembly. Moreover, attached to the one or both of the front portions of the vest is an arm support cuff. In particular, the support cuff is stitched to the front left or right portion of the vest along vertically spaced upper and lower attachment zones and is detached from the front portion between the zones so as to define an open-sided arm passageway in which the arm is inserted and supported.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Inventors: Kenneth L. Moore, Shirley H. Moore
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Publication number: 20020072694Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling, methods of making and using a sling, and kits comprising a sling for treating urinary incontinence. The sling has multiple elongation properties that serve to improve the support of the urethra. The sling may comprise a coated material adapted for urethral suspension. The coated sling has properties that appear to enhance the sling elongation characteristics. The coated sling further includes properties that reduce its susceptibility to bacterial infections. The sling further includes properties to enhance the proper tensioning of the sling.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Eva S. Snitkin, John W. Westrum, James E. Cabak
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Publication number: 20020022792Abstract: A shoulder brace includes a shoulder joint member and a tension trigger which provides compression or relaxation of the joint member such that a patient's shoulder joint is compressed in an anterior-posterior direction when the patient's arm is moved into a danger zone, in order to prevent anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint member is provided with a cushion generally aligned with the humeral head. The shoulder brace includes an alignment strap wrapped around the patient's chest and pivotally attached to the shoulder joint member so that movement of the patient's arm is not inhibited.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: FOUNTAINHEADInventor: Bruce G. Kania
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Patent number: 6306111Abstract: A rehabilitative shoulder support comprising a supple sleeve component having a pair of elastically adjustable shoulder straps and a pair of downwardly depending elastic straps, a circumferential belt having a pair of shoulder strap circumferential belt loops, the circumferential belt loops being attached to elastically adjustable shoulder straps, the pair of downwardly depending elastic straps being permanently attached to the circumferential belt.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Inventor: Joetta G. Dean
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Patent number: 6190340Abstract: A harness that fully supports the user's back, shoulders, and arms while working in a seated position. The harness provides support without restricting the user's freedom of movement. It is fully adjustable and conforms to a wide variety of user body types. Finally, it provides a safe, comfortable, and economic means of supporting the user's back, arms, and shoulders, allowing them to work more comfortably and possibly more efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Phillip and Joanne BorellInventor: Jan Borell
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Patent number: 6152891Abstract: The improved shoulder brace of the present invention includes a support having a cup-shaped central portion adapted to receive and support a human shoulder, a front portion adapted to extend over the chest area of a person wearing the brace, a lower portion depending below the central portion and adapted to encircle and support the upper portion of the arm adjacent the shoulder, and a rear portion adapted to extend over the scapular area adjacent the shoulder. The support can be a single piece of flexible sheet material, with or without padding, and preferably is porous, or can be separate pieces interconnected to form a unitary whole. Preferably, the support is of a porous mesh material or an elastomeric material with spaced openings.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Inventor: Greg Carlson
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Patent number: 6146346Abstract: A shoulder brace consists of a figure "8" strap tensioned between a lower loop anchored around a thigh and a collar or sleeve worn on an opposite upper arm corresponding to an injured shoulder so as to extend the upper loop diagonally across the torso, thereby immobilizing the upper arm to prevent shoulder abduction and external rotation after, for example, shoulder dislocation. The upper and lower loops crossover adjacent the hip, with lower loop snugged under the crotch so as to allow relatively unrestricted movement of the thigh, for example, during exercise. The shoulder brace is thus well adapted for use as a sports brace.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Inventor: Andrew Godwin
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Patent number: 6110133Abstract: The present invention provides an acromioclavicular stabilizer including a waist band, a shoulder strap, a pad carried by the strap for positioning in the location of the acromioclavicular joint and an elbow cuff removably coupled to the waist band or shoulder strap. The present invention is adapted for non-surgical or post-operative care for reducing anatomically deforming forces present in AC separations or dislocations, and is convertible from a sling and stabilizer configuration to a stabilizer only configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Hockey Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Graham Douglas Ritts
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Patent number: 6106493Abstract: A brace for supporting a wearer's shoulder joint during movement is made of elastic material and comprises a torso strap, a shoulder strap, upper and lower stabilizing straps and a vertical support strap. The torso strap is securable around the torso of the wearer generally across the lower end of the rib cage. The shoulder strap is secured at a first end to the torso strap on a side opposite the shoulder to be supported. The shoulder strap extends across the front of the wearer, over and around the shoulder to be supported and across the back of the wearer and is removably securable at a second end to the torso strap along the side opposite the supported shoulder. The shoulder strap is secured to the torso strap under tension to provide the desired support to the shoulder. The upper and lower stabilizing straps cooperate with the shoulder strap to form a shoulder receiving pocket in the shoulder strap and help hold the shoulder strap in place.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventor: Michael David Rozell
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Patent number: 6102877Abstract: A longitudinally symmetric arm sling for supporting a forearm of a person has first and second substantially identical panel sections, made of one piece or sewn together from two panel halves so that the sections define a trough with a closed aft end and an open front end into which the arm can be placed. A strap has a first end attached to the aft end of the panel sections and a second end attached to the front end of the panel sections so that portions of the strap and of the panel sections adjacent the front end define opposing loops into which a thumb or the four fingers of a patient's hand can be extended irrespective of whether the sling is worn on a right arm or a left arm. The strip is relatively wide and sewn to the panel sections so that wide sides of the strip are parallel to the panel sections. The sling and the strap are constructed of a relatively soft, stretchable material.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Fancastic Products, Inc.Inventor: Marianne Joslin
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Patent number: 6099489Abstract: Medical arm bandage which surrounds and guides the forearm and the upper arm and shoulder.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Beiersdorf AGInventors: Thorsten Herzberg, Thorsten Stradt, Andreas Albrod, Harald Votsch, Oliver Reichert, Arthur-Hugh Andrews, Brigitte Rosenbaum
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Patent number: 6095993Abstract: A universal adjustable arm sling consisting of a sling pad with an adjustable attachment strap. An adjustable support strap extends from the attachment strap over the shoulder of the user and diagonally across the back and around the opposite side of the user's body. The adjustable support strap is engageable with the adjustable attachment strap of the sling for support strap length adjustment for the sling pad.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Inventor: Kevin Hawkins
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Patent number: 6083182Abstract: Support arrangement for supporting the arm of a patient in a bent position of the upper arm relative to the lower arm. The support arrangement includes a holding bag, which on an upper side is attachable in a hanging manner to a support. The holding bag forms a bottom side configured for the upper arm and forms a first side configured for the underside of the bent lower arm. The holding bag is made exclusively of textile-like material and consists of a flat cut, folded and sewn up on the upper and lower sides. A second side of the holding bag facing the upper arm is formed so as to be closeable, and at least one cord for closing the second side and at least one fastening cord for fastening the holding sack at its upper side are provided. The holding bag may be formed tapered at its width at least on the upper side. The holding bag may be formed open in the tapered region both on the side facing the upper arm and on the side turned away from the upper arm.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventor: Horst Fries
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Patent number: 6030354Abstract: An enhanced sling device is adapted to be worn on the torso, upper extremities, and shoulders of a wearer to thereby support, immobilize, and elevate either the right or left injured upper extremity or full shoulder of the wearer. The device features a panel of flexible material of one piece construction with smoothly contoured perimeter. The panel is flat, with a front surface and a back surface, but flexible enough to contour to the convex and concave surfaces of the upper extremities, shoulders, chest and back of the wearer. The flexible panel has a one piece "T" configuration with a horizontal segment and a vertical segment which is shorter in overall length than the length of the horizontal segment.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: Ronald J. Lakusiewicz
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Patent number: 6010447Abstract: A sling device for implant in a human body as a bladder support includes a rectangular, flexible strip of cloth with stiffening members extending across each of the two shorter sides. The stiffening members at each end include a pair of spaced, parallel beams, integrally connected at their ends. Marginal end portions of the flexible strip are passed through the space between the beam around one of the beams, and folded back upon and affixed to the opposing surface of the flexible strip. A flexible suture is attached to a loop at the midpoint of the other beam.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Inventor: Paul M. Kardjian
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Patent number: 5911696Abstract: An integral strap handling device for a casted foot includes an instep strap extending from one side of the ankle to the other over a casted foot, a heel strap extending from one side of the ankle to the other around the heel, and a sole strap extending from one side of the ankle to the other under a casted foot. The instep, heel, and sole straps are connected to each other via rings to allow movement of the straps so as to provide a secure fit for the integral strap when placed over cast. Another connector attaches an assist strap to the instep strap to provide for increased mobility of the casted foot.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Inventor: Irvin Coates
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Patent number: 5882321Abstract: The sling of the instant invention is carried or supported by an abdominal belt, such that the weight of the leg of the user is carried by the hips and/or back of the user. The foot is supported in a portion along the vertical line of the body or forward of the vertical line of the body, relative to the body line when the user is not walking. In use, the person will support the body on the good leg, swing the crutches forward and the move the upper body forward until the body is supported by the crutches. The sling is essentially, a U-shaped member, with the bottom of the U forming a cradle for the foot. The upper ends of the sling, that is, the elongated legs of the U, are attached to the abdominal belt. The attachment mechanism can also consist of looping the free ends of the sling over the abdominal belt and securing the ends of the sling to a midsection or lower section of the sling legs, by fastening means, such as VELCRO brand hook and loop fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Inventor: Mary J. Fisk
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Patent number: 5857990Abstract: An orthopedic base garment and strap system is provided for treating pathologies of the scapula, shoulder girdle, or upper trunk or quadrant or else which affects posture. The system includes an elastic base garment that has at least one upper arm encircling portion, a torso encircling portion, and an arm-and-shoulder portion spanning between and interconnecting the upper arm encircling and torso encircling portions. The base garment has diverse inner and outer surfaces such that the inner surface is adapted for high friction contact with the patient's skin or else with a thin undergarment worn by the patient, whereas the outer surface is provided with hook-fastener securing areas. The torso encircling portion is configured as opposite belt straps, one of which belt straps has hook fasteners. That way, the belt straps allow releasable formation of a belt around the patient's torso underneath and clear of the breasts.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventor: Richard D. Maas
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Patent number: 5830165Abstract: The present invention is a sling-like swathe of flexible material capable of being wrapped around the body of the wearer. The invention includes a first looped end opposite a free end. The looped end accommodates an appendage such as an arm, wrist, hand or the like and the remaining length of the invention is configured to enable the wearer to wrap the invention around his body and effectively immobilize the appendage placed in the looped end by constraining the movement of the appendage against the body of the wearer. The preferred material of the present invention is a tricot-backed, brushed nylon laminate and incorporates hook and loop material spaced at various locations to enable cooperating fixation with a side of the flexible material.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventors: Denis O. Rowe, John Hutson, Buddy Taylor
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Patent number: 5792083Abstract: A longitudinally symmetric arm sling for supporting a forearm of a person has first and second substantially identical panel sections which are sewn to each other so that the sections define a trough with a closed aft end and an open front end into which the arm can be placed. A single strap has a first end attached to the aft end of the panel sections and a second end attached to the front end of the panel sections so that portions of the strap and of the panel sections adjacent the front end define opposing openings into which a thumb can be extended irrespective of whether the sling is worn on a right arm or a left arm. The strip is relatively wide and sewn to the panel sections so that wide sides of the strip are parallel to the panel sections. The sling and the strap are constructed of a relatively soft, stretchable material. A buckle can be provided to make the strap length adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Inventor: Marianne Joslin
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Patent number: 5788659Abstract: A device for relocating dislocated shoulders, providing in-line humeral traction, wherein there is provided an arm isolation component for isolating the elbow area of the arm adjoining the shoulder to which traction is to be applied, the present invention further including a second strap placed about the chest of the patient, under the arm of the afflicted shoulder, for countertraction. The arm isolation component is of a unique design and includes an upper, generally wedge-configured upper isolation component, having a base configured to engage the underside of the upper (humeral) area of arm, the base further including first and second, somewhat aligned, cushion members emanating in generally lateral fashion from opposing sides of the base, the cushion members configured to each engage an opposing side of the upper arm when applied to the base, enveloping that portion of the arm with the application of a first strap which secures the base and cushion members about the arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventor: Michael John Haas
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Patent number: 5772617Abstract: An arm sling comprises a sling pouch in which a retaining strap or belt is secured to a back panel of the sling pouch intermediate the ends of the sling pouch. The restraining strap is secured to the back panel intermediate the ends of the restraining strap and preferably at two points or along two sets of stitches. Opposite ends of the restraining strap are removably securable together by a fastener such that the restraining strap may be readily secured around the torso of the wearer with the sling pouch and the arm therein being held against the wearer's abdomen without pulling on the ends of the sling pouch. The restraining strap is preferably secured to the back panel at a slight angle, approximately five degrees, relative to a bottom edge thereof and from a wrist end to an elbow end of the sling pouch to support the wrist in a slightly elevated orientation relative to the elbow when the sling is donned.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: A&B Stablizer, Inc.Inventor: Bonnita S. Lay
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Patent number: 5665058Abstract: An improved orthosis provides mobilization of the shoulder joint and arm in a wide variety of clinically useful positions and also optional controlled movement of the forearm over a selectable range in the vertical plane. The orthosis has waist securing and harness means for securing it to the human body. A rise and fall mount attached to a waistband supports a pivoting slide and a forearm support assembly which includes a hand support. An arrangement of slides and adjustable securing means is so disposed as to allow the shoulder orthosis to be configured rapidly, easily and in a continuously variable manner for rigid, stable immobilization following injury or surgery.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1995Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Innovative Care LimitedInventor: David Ernest Young
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Patent number: 5651143Abstract: An arm sling for supporting an arm holding a baby. The arm sling includes a shoulder loop and an arm strap extending from the shoulder loop. The end of the arm strap is detachably fastened to the front of the shoulder loop with Velcro to make an arm support loop having an adjustable length for supporting the arm holding the baby. When not in use, the arm sling may be folded and squeezed into a compact bundle and stowed in a pants pocket.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1995Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Inventor: Raymond E. Zehrung
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Patent number: 5628725Abstract: A shoulder stabilizer system having a chest portion extending around the chest of the athlete, at least one shoulder portion, and an arm portion proximate the shoulder portion for substantially coveting the axilla and the upper arm of the injured shoulder. The garment has an inside surface constructed of a rubberized material for gripping the skin of the athlete and an outside surface constructed of a loop material for engaging with the hook portion of the hook and loop fastener. One or more elastic straps are strategically attached to the garment for limiting or assisting the movement of the shoulder joint. A bifurcated elastic strap may be used for generating complementary forces relative to a single anchor point.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1995Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: The Saunders Group, Inc.Inventor: Doak Ostergard
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Patent number: 5609569Abstract: A dressing is described for covering the axilla and upper torso areas of a patient. The dressing is formed of a sheet of conformable material and includes a rear back portion which covers at least part of the patient's back. The rear back portion forms a first sleeve portion. At least one front chest portion is provided which covers at least a part of the patient's chest, the front chest portion also forming a second sleeve portion. The first and second sleeve portions together form a generally fitted body dressing which includes at least a partial length of sleeve to receive an arm of the patient. Hook and loop fastener tapes, which are preferably color coded, are used to releasably secure the first and second sleeve portions and for selectively opening the sleeve to expose the shoulder, axilla and upper torso of the patient. In this manner, the dressing can be quickly and safely placed on and removed from the patient with minimal inconvenience and trauma to the injuries sustained by the patient.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Exu-Dry Wound Care Products, Inc.Inventor: Colin O'D. Offenhartz
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Patent number: 5569172Abstract: An orthopedic pillow device for supporting and immobilizing a patient's arm relative to a patient's shoulder is disclosed comprising a portable, L-shaped, reversible, pillow and a plurality of straps for attaching and securing the pillow to both the patient's upper torso and arm. The pillow is selectively attached to one of the patient's right arm and left arm and the patient's upper torso, for providing support and cushioning for both a lower and upper portion of the arm selected for support and for providing abduction of the arm selected for support with respect to the upper torso for reducing shoulder joint stress. The securing means is comprised of a removable shoulder strap, waist strap, forearm band, and upper arm strap.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1995Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Inventors: John Padden, Michael A. Steingard
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Patent number: 5558626Abstract: An improved sling for maintaining a patient's hand in an elevated position while permitting substantially unrestrained mobility of the patient's shoulder consists essentially of an arm strap wrappable about the patient's upper arm and lower arm to form a loop with overlapping end portions having surfaces which face each other. These overlapping, facing surfaces are provided with removable adhesive material, such as hook-and-loop material so as to form (when the elbow is bent) an arm loop of adjustable length to establish the bend of the patient's elbow and elevation of the patient's hand. A palm band (or hand loop) for receiving and locating the patient's hand in predetermined position is fixed to one end portion of the arm strap, the latter having a length and width matched to the size of the patient's arm.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1994Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Inventors: Elizabeth Holtzman, Lynn Bassini, Mukund R. Patel
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Patent number: 5545197Abstract: A reusable heat or cold chemical therapy pack (10) is provided that has two pairs of compartments (12a and 14a; 12b and 14b). One pair of compartments (12a, 14a) is located on one side of the pack (10) and the other pair (12b, 14b) is located on the opposite side. Each pair of compartments is separated by a rupturable seam (16a, 16b). Each compartment contains a chemical reactant. One compartment in each pair (12a, 12b) is filled with a liquid reactant, and the other compartment in each pair (14a, 14b) is filled with solid beads (15) of reactant material. The compartments proximate those of the opposite pair contain different reactant materials. Therefore, since the solid reactant material (15) will not transfer pressure to the rupturable seam (16a, 16b), only one side of the pack (10) can be activated at a time by pressing on the respective compartment (12a, 12b) containing the liquid reactant.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1995Date of Patent: August 13, 1996Assignee: Tecnol Medical Products, Inc.Inventor: Michael L. Bowen
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Patent number: 5466204Abstract: The exercise apparatus is for supportively aiding a patient's therapeutic upper limb movements and rehabilitation of those corresponding muscles. A skeletal frame has two exercise assemblies mounted on it. Each exercise assembly has a substantially horizontal boom, a first weight resistance assembly in depending relationship to the rearward end of said boom, a flexible connecting line extending from the first weight assembly and then along the boom to a sling for a patient's upper limb, and a depending leg to which the boom is pivotally mounted at its rearward end for pivot swinging adduction and abduction movement of the boom. An adjustable stop system is associated with the boom pivot mounting and permits step-wise setting of stop limits for the adduction and abduction pivot swinging movement of the boom. The flexible connecting line does not extend across the axis for the pivot of the boom. Color coded connecting lines for different slings and weight assemblies are used.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1994Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Activeaid, Inc.Inventor: Charles H. Nearing
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Patent number: 5464383Abstract: An orthopedic pillow device for supporting and immobilizing patient's arm relative to a patient's shoulder is disclosed comprising a portable, L-shaped, reversible, pillow and a plurality of straps for attaching and securing the pillow to both the patient's upper torso and arm. The pillow is selectively attached to one of the patient's right arm and left arm and the patient's upper torso, for providing support and cushioning for both a lower and upper portion of the arm selected for support and for providing abduction of the arm selected for support with respect to the upper torso for reducing shoulder joint stress. The securing means is comprised of a removable shoulder strap, waist strap, forearm strap and upper arm strap.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1994Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Inventors: John Padden, Michael A. Steingard
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Patent number: 5413552Abstract: The present invention is an arm sling with humeral stabilizer which includes a shoulder strap anchorage which connects to a torso belt. A first strap is attached at one end to the wrist portion of a sling or arm cast, passes through a loop on the shoulder anchorage, and attaches to the elbow portion of the sling or cast. A second strap is adapted to connect at one end to a torso belt, pass through a loop on the shoulder anchorage, and connect at the strap's other end to the torso belt. The utilization of the shoulder anchorage arrangement causes the weight of the supported arm to be borne by the shoulder rather than the neck.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1994Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Inventor: Gloria D. Iwuala
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Patent number: 5403268Abstract: An arm support comprises a shoulder saddle and an arm cuff for suspending the arm with a plurality of suspension straps extending between the cuff and saddle for unloading the weight of the arm from the shoulder joint while the plurality of straps permit a wide range of motion of the shoulder joint and positive support for the arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Med-Techna, Inc.Inventor: Richard Clement
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Patent number: 5393300Abstract: Shoulder joint bandage with a tubular section which envelops the upper arm and a shoulder top piece connecting thereto to whose edge on the neck side retaining straps are fastened of which one--in the form of a back strap--traverses the back diagonally and envelops the hip under the armpit of the shoulder which is opposite to the shoulder top piece whereas the other is led at least partially--in the form of a chest strap--over the side of the chest to this hip where the back strap and chest strap cross and continue in their direction, in each case, on the other side of the body into the other half of the body. The two continuation belts at the upper arm located near the hip in question envelop this in the opposite direction from the hip side whereby the end of each continuation belt is attached, in each case, to the same continuation belt after enveloping the upper arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1993Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: Bauerfeind GmbH & Co.Inventors: Hans B. Bauerfeind, Rainer Scheuermann