Abstract: A shin pad includes a front pad (21) for protecting a wearer's shin and a rear pad (22) for protecting the wearer's Achilles tendon. The front pad (21) has a bight (23) located between two lobes (24, 25) which each cover one of the two ankle bones which protrude in opposite directions at the wearer's ankle. The rear pad (22) takes the form of a miniature shin pad having a reversed orientation. The lower edge of the rear pad (22) is provided with a bight (33). Located one to either side of the longitudinal axis of the rear pad (22) is one slit of a pair of slits (36). Passing through the slits (36), and a corresponding pair of slits (30) on the front pad (21), is an ankle strap (37) which is provided with a releasable hook and loop VELCRO fastener (38) to enable the two pads to be connected together around the wearers shin.

Abstract: An adjustable strap or band adapted to be circumferentially fitted around the forearm to alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow. The strap is a generally band-shaped device having opposing inwardly protruding means on its forearm contacting surface to direct transaxial compression against the radial extensor, supinator complex and flexor muscles when the band is circumferentially tensioned and fastened in place around the forearm. In its preferred form, the band applies an adjustable pressure principally upon the extensor, supinator and flexor wads permitting unimpeded blood circulation along all other portions of the forearm. The two opposing means for applying transaxial compression are limited in their circumferential extent to those areas of the band immediately overlying the extensor and flexor muscle mass.

Abstract: An elongate bandage that is predominantly stretchable in the longitudinal direction enables readily applied development of an elastic surgical limb sleeve that can be rendered locally inextensible. The bandage features multiple longitudinally spaced rows of transverse slits which are in staggered offsetting interlace, from one to the next-adjacent row, such that when a circumferential wrap of the bandage completes a sleeve, the multiple slits are arrayed parallel to the axis of the limb. The limb sleeve gently conforms to the shape of an affected or injured joint or other body part, and the gentle conformance is operative to convert slits into ventilation openings. One or more strips of relatively inelastic hook material applied to the outer surface of a developed sleeve not only complete the sleeve but, when desired by the surgeon, can exert localized pressure to the injured area either directly or indirectly as in the treatment of swelling or in the control of bleeding.

Abstract: A wearing article with a tapering function for wearing on a human body in pressed relation to a surface of the human body, has a heavily-stretchable portion which has an excellent tightening force and is adapted to be held against a required portion of the human body so as to extend generally along muscle fibers over a region from a tendon to a central portion of the muscle. The remainder of the wearing article is defined by an easily-stretchable portion. With this arrangement, by merely wearing this wearing article on the required portion of the body, the heavily-stretchable portion tightens only a required portion of the body to support the central portion of the relevant muscle, thereby easily achieving a taping function.

Abstract: An improved elastic orthopedic support brace having a plurality of pockets capable of receiving flexible wire members of varying sizes and configurations for providing adjustable lateral support for a joint and adjustable resistance against the flexion of that joint so that the brace may be customized for a patient having a particular injury.

Abstract: A garment for use by a patient after surgery for breast removal which alleviates post-operative pain and discomfort and facilitates normal activities during the recovery period. A padded vest-like garment is adapted for applying comforting pressure to the sites of removal of breast and other tissues and for holding pain relieving packages. A detachable arm support provides further comfort in a similar manner.

Abstract: A static orthosis for application to a human patient at an elbow or a knee includes a unitary body composed of a composite material that includes an aluminum endo-skeleton molded into a closed cell polyethene foam matrix. The unitary body includes a proximal pad, a distal pad, and an elongated spine connecting the proximal pad and the distal pad. The unitary body is sufficiently stiff that it can be deformed only by deliberate application of strong shaping forces but is not deformed by the casual forces imposed by the patient during normal use of the orthosis. The unitary body is mostly covered by a unitary cover that includes pockets into which the proximal pad and the distal pad fit, and the unitary cover also includes laterally-extending straps for applying the orthosis to the patient. Because of its rigidity and its ability to be deliberately altered, the orthosis is ideally suited for accomplishing a progressive extension of the limb to which it is applied.

Abstract: An elongate body extending between opposite ends for wrapping around hand of a person in which one of the opposite ends is resiliently releasably clamped to a wrist of a person. The glove also secures the two opposite ends together at the wrist of a person.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method of forming a low cost, breathable, light weight, soft, disposable elastic structure with surface properties that are characterized by a controlled irregularity of the pleats or shirrs that make up the broad surfaces of the structure. The structure is a layered structure with outer layers of low basis weight breathable material, a central elastic layer, and an adhesive layer that serves to join all the layers together to form a unitary elastic structure.

Abstract: A shoulder brace comprising a resilient shoulder means conformable to the shoulder and upper arm of the wearer. The shoulder brace also includes a plurality of resilient torso straps each having a shoulder end which is attached to the shoulder means and an anchor end, and a plurality of resilient side straps each having a sleeve end which is attached to the shoulder means and a waist end. A waist belt is also provided which includes an overlap means for releasably affixing the waist belt about the waist of the user and a plurality of loop means in spatial relationship about the waist belt for removably securing each of the anchor ends and waist ends to the waist belt.

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 article for use in making a cast on a patient comprising, an elongated strip of porous material having a base portion and a raised edge portion extending from a line of juncture with the base portion.

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: A sleeve with the horizontal seam worn on the medial side of the elbow or knee and a vertical seam worn on the lateral side of the joint disclosed. Placing the seams on opposite sides of the sleeve prevents bunching of material on the medial side opposite the knee or elbow when the limb is bent. The vertical seam on the lateral side of the knee or elbow reduces irritation in the particularly sensitive areas on the medial side which would occur if the vertical seam were on the medial side of the limb. The elbow sleeve is made of a double laminate with an elastomeric material such as neoprene on the outside and a polymer material such as nylon on the inside. The outside surface on the elbow brace is patterned to produce a roughened textured surface so the ball may be carried in the crook of the arm without slippage. The knee brace is made of a triple laminate with elastomeric material such as neoprene sandwiched between two layers of nylon.

Abstract: An adjustable strap or band adapted to be circumferentially fitted around the forearm to alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow. The strap is a generally band-shaped device having opposing inwardly protruding means on its forearm contacting surface to direct transaxial compression against the radial extensor, supinator complex and flexor muscles when the band is circumferentially tensioned and fastened in place around the forearm. In its preferred form, the band applies an adjustable pressure principally upon the extensor, supinator and flexor wads permitting unimpeded blood circulation along all other portions of the forearm. The two opposing means for applying transaxial compression are limited in their circumferential extent to those areas of the band immediately overlying the extensor and flexor muscle mass.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ready-to-wear pull-on knee support adapted to be placed over the knee, said support comprising a generally cylindrical body comprising a resilient flexible unitary sleeve, which is preferably formed from an elasticized fabric laminate. The elasticized fabric laminate includes an open-cell polymeric foam core, an outer surface comprising an elasticized fabric having a looped structure and an inner surface for wear next to the body, comprising an elasticized cotton fabric. The support includes integral parallel proximal and distal encircling straps adapted to encircle the lower thigh and upper calf, respectively, medial and lateral stabilizing or reinforcing straps and infinitely adjustable proximal and distal posterior closure means. A patella opening can be provided for patella support.

Abstract: This invention relates to knee-support apparatus and to weightlifting accessories, and in particular discloses a support wrap for a weightlifter's knee. The wrap provides elastic support over the entire front and side portions of the knee while enabling easy attachment and detachment from the user's leg. The wrap also provides extra padded support over the periphery of the knee cap to prevent dislocation of the knee cap when the user is lifting heavy loads.

Abstract: The present invention is an Achilles tendon brace which comprises: a wrap holding a multidimensional compressive pad; an anatomically proportioned strapping system; and hook and loop fasteners such as available under the trademark Velcro. The compressive pad contains a raised portion which lays above and perpendicular to the Achilles tendon, providing a compressive conuterforce, relieving strain and dispersing pressure normally transmitted through the tendon. The pad conforms to each individual's Achilles tendon with continued use, providing a customized unit providing multidimensional support and compression of the tendon. The strapping system employs straps which are proportioned to match the contours of the Achilles tendon area of the leg, permitting full range of motion of the ankle and foot. The strapping system permits the wrap to be placed snugly around the Achilles tendon, and, in conjunction with the hook and loop fasteners (e.g.

Abstract: A traction wrap for suspending a patient's hand and arm in a substantially elevated position during a surgical procedure includes a hand wrap for maintaining the patient's hand in a closed fist condition. A flexible panel is draped over a bar and is secured to the hand wrap along substantially the entire length of the patient's fist on both the palm and back sides. When the patient's hand is in closed, the fist defines a substantially conical shape. The lifting force exerted by a traction device is applied to the elongated bar and flexible panel member, which in turn applies the lifting force through the wrap substantially uniformly across the conical surface of the patient's closed fist. In this configuration, the lifting force does not exert excess pressure at a particular position, such as on the patient's wrist as in prior art devices, so that the flow of blood to and from the patient's hand and fingers is not constricted.

Abstract: A garment including a torso portion includes a right and left leg, with the right and left leg including arcuate confronting surfaces. The right confronting surfaces mount wedge-shaped pads therewithin to maintain proper spacing of an individual's upper leg portions for corrective alignment during sleep of an individual. A modification of the invention includes pockets arranged for receiving the wedge-shaped members which may be in the form of pneumatic chamber. Optionally, rheostat heating pad structure is directed within the garment directed coextensively adjacent and in contiguous communication with the right and left pockets.

Abstract: An equine limb bandage comprises a length of at least partially elastic flexible sheet material having at least one zone of loops adapted to engage at least one zone of small plastic hooks. At least one zone of said hooks disposed thereon such that the bandage can be elastically stretched and wrapped around a limb with the loop zones at least partially overlying, and thus engaging, the hook zones to prevent loosening of the bandage. The hook and loop zones are disposed such that, in use, successive wraps of the bandage results in successive overlapping of hooks and loops so that each wrap is secured under tension to an immediately adjacent underlying wrap.

Abstract: A trauma protector for protecting the limb of an infant during a procedure for taking of blood. The trauma protector provided with two pairs of flaps which overlap on the back of the infant's leg and foot to support the foot and ankle and protect the infant's foot and ankle from trauma arising from pressure applied during the procedure to stabilize the ankle of the infant. A support member is removably affixed to the pad in the instep region to further support the foot.

Abstract: An improved orthopedic upper extremity stabilizing device (20) applied as a positioning aid for supporting, restraining and/or immobilizing the limbs or joints of a human's upper extremity by means of a lightweight, formable, enveloping torso-covering device (22) with extremity stabilizing devices (26) that restrict movement during pre-hospital emergency care and transport, definitive care, medical procedures, and/or the recuperation and natural healing periods. The torso-covering device (22) and extremity stabilizing devices (26) are each of single assemblage comprised of one-quarter inch thick open-cell foam flame laminated to engageable-loop material. The torso-covering device is closed with detachable engageable-hook closure straps (24). The extremity stabilizing devices (26) are applied to the torso-covering device by engageable-hook tape strips that are attached to the longitudinal edges of one planter surface of each device.