Abstract: A bandage for wrapping an amputee's stump to reduce the potential for swelling and deformation of the stump after amputation. The bandage includes an elongate wrap, at least one strip attached to the wrap and means for releasably fastening the wrap around the stump. The wrap has a length sufficient to wrap around the stump and a resilience sufficient to retain the bandage adjacent an end of the stump when the wrap is stretched around the stump. The strip extends laterally outward from the wrap. The strip has a width generally equal to the diameter of the stump and a length sufficient to wrap around the end of the stump when the wrap is wrapped around the stump adjacent the end of the stump. The strip is sufficiently resilient to compress the stump to reduce the potential for swelling and deformation of the stump when the strip is stretched around the end of the stump.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying force to a patient's upper torso and cervical region, and method for using the same, comprising a pair of panels adapted to fit under the arms of a patient and to cover the patient's chest and back. The panels have edges defining lateral extremities of the panels at the patient's chest and back. A pair of sleeves is provided having tubular portions adapted for receiving the patient's arms therein. The tubular portions have a slit and are adapted for adjustable fitting about the patient's distal biceps. Straps are used for maintaining the panels against the patient's chest. A bulbous disk is provided for contacting the rear of the patient's lower neck and upper back and for applying a spreading force over the patient's neck and back. Straps are connected to front surfaces of the sleeve upper portions and adapted for applying force to the disk and hence to the patient's neck, back, shoulder girdles, and upper extremities.

Abstract: An elbow brace of the present invention is adapted to provide stability to the elbow joint. The elbow brace is comprised of an elastic sleeve and an elastic strap. After the sleeve is placed over the arm of a person, the elastic strap is attached to the sleeve by Velcro fasteners and wrapped in a figure eight configuration. The elastic strap is secured to the sleeve in different ways depending on the part of the elbow joint that needs to be supported. The elbow brace of the present invention can be used either to alleviate pain of an existing injury or as a preventative device to prevent injury. The brace can be used to modify various biomechanical actions that take place in the arm including extension or hyper-extension of the elbow, hyper-pronation of the hand, and/or hyper-supination of the hand.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An automatic feedback and adjustment setup is integrally connected to a body joint support. The support may be of the flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid type. The support contains one or more inflatable/deflatable bladders, each bladder individually controlled by a hydraulic pump. Sensors embedded in the support monitor muscle activity (EMG) and transmit those electronic measurements to a microprocessor which processes the measurements according to one of a variety of prestored algorithms. The result of this processing is compared to preset minimum and maximum levels. The inflation level of each bladder is then automatically adjusted by activating the hydraulic pumps to keep the calculated level between these preset minimum and maximum. The combination of support, bladders, sensors, microprocessor, comparison device, and hydraulic pumps creates a closed-looped biofeedback system for controlling the degree of joint stress the person is experiencing while wearing the support.

Abstract: An expandable wrap includes one or more panels with exterior and interior surfaces of a fabric loop-type material. Hook-type fasteners which mate with the fabric loop-type material are used to secure adjoining panels together to form a wrap of an appropriate size to snugly fit around a body area without the need for straps or elastic bands. Preferably, three hook-type fasteners are coupled to a right edge of each panel to provide securing means for securing the panel to an adjoining panel. One or more pockets, capable of holding hot or cold thermo packs, supports and weights, are removably attached to the interior surface of the panels forming a wrap. A surface of the pocket includes hook-type fasteners which will removably secure the pocket to the fabric loop-type material on the interior surface of the panels of the wrap.

Abstract: A medical dressing system consists of top and bottom protective sheets sealed around the peripheral edges thereof, and a medical dressing disposed between the top bottom sheets. The medical dressing is arranged between the sheets in a face-up manner such that the dressing is presented for application to a predetermined body part when the top sheet is removed. The top sheet includes line markings which outline the predetermined body part onto which the enclosed dressing is to be applied, and the dressing is aligned with the line markings so that the dressing is properly positioned for application onto the predetermined body part when the dressing system is positioned beneath the predetermined body part. The top sheet further includes a longitudinal centered perforation for sequentially removing first and second halves of the top sheet to expose the enclosed dressing.

Abstract: A protective garment for the hip, including the hip joint, that comprises a pair of loose fitting or form-fitting shorts having an upper right lateral section, a lower right lateral section, an upper left lateral section, a lower left lateral section and a lower back section. The garment fruther comprises protective padding in combination with one or more of these section. The padding in combination with the upper right lateral section is separated from the padding in combination with the lower right lateral section by a first gap, and the padding in combination with the upper left lateral section is separated from the padding in combination with the lower left lateral section by a second gap. The first and second gaps comprise substantially unpadded flexible material thereby allowing substantially unhindered flexion and abduction of the hip joint. The padding can be compartmentalized or noncompartmentalized and can be in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: A therapeutic wrapping device for a limb, particular the ankle includes a wrapping member cut and sewn from an elastic fabric and defining a central strip portion with an opening for engaging over the heel and two wing portions for wrapping over the top of the ankle. Three separate bags are provided each containing a thermal gel material and each having a hook and loop fastener strip for engaging a cooperating strip on an inside of the wrapping member. The strips on the wrapping member are arranged so that two are at the top of the device spaced either side of a center line and the third is below the opening and arranged across the center line. The bags are placed over the strips so that two are arranged each on a respective side of the Achilles tendon and the third lies under the foot.

Abstract: A stress transfer garment for an individual in a low gravity environment to minimize bone deconditioning and the migration of fluids to the torso. The garment includes members made of elastic or resilient material which cover the torso and multiple limbs. The members extend down the long axis of the body, with each member interlaced with the member on each side at least once to form a mesh-like structure. The garment is fitted for an individual in a first position, preferably the fetal position. Any movement by a part of the body covered by the members from the fetal position, stretches those members. The stretched members deliver a physical strain along the long axis of the body to the underlying bone structure. The garment may also be designed to deliver a physical strain across the short axis of the body which is greater across the torso than the limbs and is sufficient to prevent body fluids from the limbs from migrating to the torso. The garment may be formed as a one-piece or two-piece garment.

Abstract: A decubitus pad system includes a peripheral padding positionable about a decubitus ulcer. The padding has an interior layer and an exterior layer. The interior layer has a plurality of foam supports secured thereto. The padding has a plurality of openings formed through the interior layer and the exterior layer adjacent to the foam supports whereby the plurality of foam supports surrounding each of the plurality of openings whereby the plurality of openings are positioned over a bedsore of a patient.

Abstract: A protective garment for the hip, including the hip joint, that comprises a pair of loose fitting or form-fitting shorts having an upper right lateral section, a lower right lateral section, an upper left lateral section, a lower left lateral section and a lower back section. The garment fruther comprises protective padding in combination with one or more of these section. The padding in combination with the upper right lateral section is separated from the padding in combination with the lower right lateral section by a first gap, and the padding in combination with the upper left lateral section is separated from the padding in combination with the lower left lateral section by a second gap. The first and second gaps comprise substantially unpadded flexible material thereby allowing substantially unhindered flexion and abduction of the hip joint. The padding can be compartmentalized or noncompartmentalized and can be in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a male urethral closure pad or clamp device that is designed to stop or minimize the involuntary loss of urine in men. The male urethral closure pad or clamp device of the present invention consists of a first strap and a second strap. The first strap includes a first end and a second end. Centrally located on the inside surface of the first strap is an inclusion pad. The second pad is fabricated from an elastic like material and is secured to the outside surface of the first strap. Utilization of the device occurs when the inclusion pad is placed under the urethra canal. This will enable the first end and the second end to wrap around the penis to render for the first end to overlap the second end. The second strap is wrapped completely around and is secured to the first strap via a securing member.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A garment, in one embodiment of the invention, reduces the risk of bone fracture of a human or animal subject due to impact forces on a vulnerable region having a bone part near the skin surface when the vulnerable region is proximate to a soft tissue region lacking a bone part near the skin surface. The garment has an arrangement for shunting a substantial portion of the impact energy from the vulnerable region to the soft tissue region, where such energy may be safely absorbed and/or dissipated. In a further embodiment, there is utilized a dilatent material that is relatively stiff near the time of impact and relatively fluid at other times. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A garment, in one embodiment of the invention, reduces the risk of bone fracture of a human or animal subject due to impact forces on a vulnerable region having a bone part near the skin surface when the vulnerable region is proximate to a soft tissue region lacking a bone part near the skin surface. The garment has an arrangement for shunting a substantial portion of the impact energy from the vulnerable region to the soft tissue region, where such energy may be safely absorbed and/or dissipated. In a further embodiment, there is utilized a dilatent material that is relatively stiff near the time of impact and relatively fluid at other times. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical chest dressing is constructed of a band of stretchable material having a pair of panels of non-stretchable material attached thereto, the non-stretchable panels biasing the side and breast tissue of a patient inwardly toward a sutured incision in the center of a patient's chest to support and substantially immobilize the patient's side and breast tissue and to minimize stress on the sutured incision.

Abstract: A bandage for use to apply pressure to the wound area of a patient who has undergone a mastectomy includes a main body panel formed from a fabric that is non-elastic and breathable. The bandage is secured adjacent the side of the body of the patient to avoid the formation of a seam adjacent the wound area, yet allow application and removal of the bandage by the patient without assistance and with minimal pain and discomfort. An elastic member enables adjustment of the bandage for proper fit around the torso of the patient and ensures the application of adequate pressure. The bandage is configured so that the material that contacts the person's skin is non-elastic and breathable for increased comfort.

Abstract: A splint-type sexual aid for a body member, such as a penis, is shown. A soft, elastic support is provided with a semi-rigid stiffener. The support is wrapped around the member and adhered thereto with a pressure sensitive adhesive on the support. A condom is applied over the member and sexual aid. The support is disposable and can be cut to size prior to use.

Abstract: A flexible removable dressing for immediate post-operative application around a patient's amputation stump comprises a flexible cylindrical member enclosing a patient's amputation stump and a semi-rigid cup portion detachably connected to the bottom end of the cylindrical portion to fit upon the bottom portion of the amputation stump. Padding of a soft resilient material is positioned within the cup portion. The diameter of the cylindrical portion is adjustable in size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a post-surgical, drainage accomodating, compression dressing and garment intended to be worn by a man or woman after chest wall surgery to cover and compress at least one surgical incision site on the upper torso. The dressing is formed at least in part by deformable elastomeric material for the generation of compression forces over the surgical incision and over the surrounding upper torso areas. This improved garment provides for the presence of a surgical drain for the collection of fluids, the drain extending from the surgical incision site into the external ambient environment; and can also provide a support for a drainage collection bulb which is often present as part of the surgical drainage system.

Abstract: A soft tissue support is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a two-ply garment adapted to provide support for hip and shoulder wounds. The garment itself comprises a suspension portion and a tissue support wrap portion adapted to encircle the traumatized parts, and further provides support for the buttocks and the deltoid.

Abstract: Bleeding from a wound created as a consequence of catheterization of a vessel proximate the groin is prevented by a balloon that is secured by means of a wrap around the abdomen and thigh, and inflated. Several embodiments are disclosed. In one, the balloon has an edge proximate to and parallel with the groin line; in another, there are two such balloons on opposite sides of the groin line; in a third, a third balloon wedges the first two. The balloons may be attached to the insides of shorts. Electrodes placed over the area can detect bleeding.

Abstract: Described is a fabric produced from textile threads, more particularly a knitted fabric, for use within the flexion area of articulated bandages. The knitted fabric is incorporated into the articulated bandage (2) in the form of an insert (8). In order to eliminate the formation of creases within the flexion area of the articular bandage, a transverse wave structure is formed on at least one side, which, by the use of an elastic thread arrangement which is incorporated or located underneath a top structure, is elastically pretensioned and stabilized and is connected to the top structure at predetermined intervals or according to a specific rule.

Abstract: Various support devices have one or more balloons that are strapped around a portion of the body with a soft layer between them and the body. In some devices, the balloons are separably mounted a strap that encircles a portion of the body. Various forms of balloons are disclosed. In other devices, the balloon has an open area that is disposed over a bony prominence or ulcerated area. An insert for applying medicine may be disposed within the open area. Certain devices are for body joints and therefore have multiple parts that can move toward and away from each other as the joint flexes.

Abstract: A wearable therapeutic brace having strategically located pockets that receive and contain reusable, alternatively insertable hot and cold pods which can be tailored to a specific injury management program of use. The brace body portion which may be a hand/wrist, neck/cervical collar, knee/elbow/ankle brace has a main section of elasticized material construction with adjustable fastening means and fitted pockets formed from breathable, four way stretch nylon (LYCRA) spandex for receiving the hot or cold gel filled reusable pods to be held adjacent the appropriate body part area.

Abstract: A one-part bandage for the clavicle, with a back strap extending crosswise over the back, to which shoulder straps are connected which cross under the armpits and extend over a clavicle. The straps cross in the region of the middle of the back strap at the crossing place, and run out over the hips to the abdomen into connecting end parts, whereby the end parts are joined together by means of an adhesive seal. This configuration is made of non-elastic strap material. The shoulder straps are applied at places that are distanced from one another on the back strap on its side turned away from the back, whereby support places are each formed by an adhesive seal, whose adhesive part is introduced on the back strap and whose coating part completely covering the respective adhesive part is formed by the respective shoulder strap.

Abstract: A finger-mounted moisture-absorbing device for use by individuals undergoing aerobic exercise such as long-distance running for wiping perspiration from the eyes. It is generally tubular in shape and formed preferably of a synthetic chamois sold under the trade name PLAS CHAMOIS. The tubular shape is formed from a generally rectangular sheet of moisture-absorbing material that is rolled to form substantially a circle with opposed outer ends of the rectangle in adjacent relationship. The opposed outer ends are either sewn together or are attached by an elastic strip or strips to allow the device to fit various sized fingers. The tubular member maybe enclosed at one end and opened at the other for insertion of a finger so as to enclose the entire finger.

Abstract: A shirt, to be worn on the upper torso of an individual having a waist and waist circumference and a chest and chest circumference, having an upper portion corresponding to the chest area and an upper portion circumference and a lower portion corresponding to the waist area and lower portion circumference wherein the upper portion circumference of the shirt is substantially less than the chest circumference of the wearer and the lower portion circumference is substantially the same as the waist circumference of the wearer. Reinforcement members and panels can be affixed to the shirt to provide additional strength. The shirt can be made of stretchable material and used in weightlifting or for medical rehabilitation.

Abstract: In an orthopedic support pad with semi-permanent relief zones, an airtight bladder is filled with a material which retains its shape when air is evacuated from the bladder during the formation process. The afflicted areas of an appendage are temporarily covered with padding and the support pad is then conformed to the wearer's particular anatomy. When the padding is subsequently removed, areas of pressure relief for the afflicted areas are maintained in the support pad.

Abstract: A flexible stump sock member is arranged to receive an amputated leg portion therewithin for cushioning the leg portion when positioned within an artificial limb cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus, along with a method for constructing and using the apparatus, which includes an absorbent dressing assembly wrapped around an elastic strap device which extends around a patient's head to secure the absorbent dressing assembly under the patient's nose to absorb nasal drainage. The elastic strap device includes two strap ends which define hollow openings for receipt of opposing ends of a coupling device having circular barbs for adjusting the distance between the strap ends, thus adjusting the size of a loop formed by the elastic strap device. The absorbent dressing assembly includes an absorbent dressing and a fastening hook patch affixed to the absorbent dressing to secure the absorbent dressing in a wrapped position around the strap device. The strap device further includes a restraining hook patch affixed to the strap device to releasably prevent the absorbent dressing from sliding relative to the strap device.

Abstract: The articular bandage of elastic bandaging material renders possible a selective transversal friction massage for the speedier rehabilitation of the joint functions of injured joints, such as knee joints, ankle joints, elbow joints, shoulder joints and wrists and, in an applied state, has a pad acting upon the joint which is constructed in the form of a pressure pad (20) which possesses a configuration determined by the bony prominences and tendon attachments of the joint and is constructed in the form of a shaped member from a soft-elastic material, in which at least one friction core of a hard or incompressible material is disposed and is fixed in its position in the material of the shaped member (21 FIG. 1).

Abstract: A shoulder-joint bandage having an elastic sleeve receiving the upper arm of the patient and a cap passing over the shoulder, has extension belts wound in opposite helical senses along the sleeve and cap and forming a crossover point at the apex of the cap from which the belts extend diagonally downwardly across the back and chest of the patient to a lower crossover point below the armpit of the opposite arm at which the belts are stitched together and have frontal and dorsal connecting segments passing around the back and chest of the patient to be joined by a connecting element at their ends.

Abstract: An elastic garment and method of using same are disclosed for providing therapeutic results as well as improved endurance and stamina. The garment includes six component parts which can be used in various combinations. Each component part is made of an elastic material so as to act in a compressive manner on the body part which it surrounds. A pant-like portion of the garment extends from the waist downwardly through two leg segments to a location beneath the knee joints. A pair of tubular leg portions extend from the feet upwardly beyond the knee joints so as to form an overlap with the leg sections of the pant-like portion. In a similar manner, a coat-like portion is worn around the upper torso or chest and includes depending sleeves which extend beyond the elbow joints. Tubular arm portions extend from the wrists upwardly beyond the elbow joint to form an overlap with the sleeves.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a mastectomy compression surgical brassiere having as a component a mastectomy brassiere having a pair of camisole shoulder straps and lined brassiere cups, a rectangular compression pad sewn to the inside of the front of the brassiere at substantially its mid point, the rectangular compression pad is covered with a soft porous VELCRO pile looped structure on its external surface lined with a soft fabric, and has an elastic return force band having a portion of a VELCRO hook fabric fastener fabric secured on the side of said return force band away from the body of said compression pad adapted to engage the loops of the VELCRO pile structure cover on said compression pad to retain surgical gauze pads against the incision between the body and the compression pad, and wherein a loop fabric type hook and fastener fabric is secured to the elastic return force band positioned to attach the VELCRO hooks on the return force band to said brassiere to retain the compression pad of

Abstract: A supporter for mounting on a limb in position to cover an affected body portion to predeterminedly constrain and limit movement thereof comprising a tubular stretchable elastic material forming a main body and having adhered to at least one portion of the main body a reinforcing member comprising an interlining laminated to a surface member which acts to restrict the elongation of said interlining, wherein the reinforcing member has a modulus of elasticity capable of restricting movement of an affected body part within a defined motion area.

Abstract: A surgical dressing is constructed of a chest encircling flexible band formed primarily of a stretchable material with free overlapping ends that engage each other between the breasts of a person about which the dressing has been wrapped. The band includes differential support structure to provide more support for the sides of the user as compared with the remainder of the person about which the band has been wrapped.

Abstract: A disposable protective bandage for protecting an animal's abdominal or leg surgical incisions or sutures or injuries from licking or scratching. An elongated, strong, chew-resistant, elasticized fabric mesh sheet is adapted to be wrapped around the torso or a leg of an animal after injury or surgery. The sheet is sufficiently elastic to closely and snugly conform to the shape of the animal's body to be protected. The ends of the sheet are secured together, preferably by a hook-and-loop fastening means. Where the torso is wrapped, the fastener should be at the top of the back where it cannot be easily chewed or scratched. When wrapped around a leg, excess material can be trimmed away, providing a smooth surface difficult to chew or scratch. A plurality of soft plastic stays are secured to the sheet, transverse to the length of the sheet. Two or more rows of stays may be provided where a leg is wrapped to provide for joint flexing.

Abstract: A compression band including male and female connectors and a length of compression band integrally connected to one of the connectors so that the compression band can be quickly and easily applied and removed by preassembling the male and female connectors so that the preassembled compression band can be encompassed about a body, limb or object and fastened in place by adhering inner fastening surfaces of the preassembled connectors to the outer fastening surface of the compression band. The desired tension can then be applied by separating free ends of the connectors, tensioning the band and reapplying the free ends against the outer fastening surface of the band.