Abstract: A knee brace adapted for placement over at least a posterior side of a leg and comprising a first posterior frame member, a second posterior frame member connected to first frame member, and a posterior resilient hinge device located at or near a first end portion of the first frame member. The hinge device is arranged to urge the first and second frame members into a predetermined alignment. The hinge device can be arranged for selectively locking the second frame member at an angle relative to the first frame member, and permitting rotation of the second frame member relative to first frame member within a range of predetermined angles.

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

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

Abstract: An orthopaedic appliance includes a body, a protrusion extending inwardly from the body, positioned on the body to apply pressure on a proximal portion of the soleus muscle, and means for applying pressure to the protrusion.

Abstract: A compression garment includes a plurality of fabric segments having differing elastic properties arranged to provide the garment with regions of differential compression. The fabric segments define an inner surface of the garment. the inner surface includes at least one region of pile or raised fibers for increased thermal insulation.

Abstract: A support apparatus comprising a waist band, a thigh band, a lateral vertical strap attached to said waist band and two extensions attached to said thigh band, and a medial vertical strap attached to said waist band then wrapping medially down around the thigh and attaching to the thigh band.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is provided with an adjustable support assembly having a support arm, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which slidably receives the support arm. The locking mechanism includes a lock lever which selectively applies a sufficient force to the support arm to prevent slidable displacement of the support arm in the travel track. The orthopedic brace is further provided with a hinge having a first rotation plate, a second rotation plate, a pivotal connector connecting the first and second rotation plates, a rotation limiting mechanism, and a rotation locking mechanism.

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

Abstract: A hybrid compression garment comprises a sleeve adapted for placement on a limb of a person for applying static compression to the limb. A connecting device on the sleeve enables releasable connection of the sleeve to a machine. The machine is independent of the sleeve and operable to transmit, through the connecting device, a force to the sleeve that constricts the sleeve without inflating the sleeve to apply active compression to the limb. The connecting device is adapted for connection of the sleeve to the machine such that the sleeve can be used to apply active compression to the limb and adapted for disconnection of the sleeve from the machine such that the sleeve can be used to apply static compression to the limb. A method of applying compression to a limb of a person is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a prevention and therapeutic/treatment boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. In one form of the invention, a fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place. In a second form of the invention, the stabilization block is permanently affixed to the boot and may include fastener elements for engaging complementary fastener elements on the boot.

Abstract: A material having a stretch axis and adapted to regulate energy by distributing and partially dissipating energy exerted thereon. The material includes a material body elongateable along the stretch axis from a first position to a second position, in which the material body is elongated by a predetermined amount relative to the first position. The material body includes a first elastomer layer defining a material length and a planar support structure disposed within the elastomer layer generally along the stretch axis in an at least partially non linear fashion while the material body is in the first position so that a length of the support structure, as measured along a surface thereof, is greater than the material length of the first elastomer layer.

Abstract: A vibration dampening device includes a strap or band wrapped around a human body part. The strap includes one or more wing sections, either integrally formed or engaged thereto, that extend beyond the nominal width of the strap and have freedom of movement with respect to the strap. The distal ends of step members engaged to the strap may form wing sections. Wing section movement counteracts longitudinal vibrations traveling through soft tissue and musculature to dampen such vibrations. Optionally, a tension limiter may be provided to help maintain wrapping tension at or below a desired level, such as 3 pounds-force or below, which applied at a strap area of 0.093 square inches is about 32 psi.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is provided that is adapted for securing a wrist, hand and thumb. The brace includes a pad having proximal and distal edges, and first and second sides each comprising loop fastening material forming a generally continuous surface extending substantially the entirety of the corresponding side. The brace further includes a strap pod having an attaching portion and at least one strap, the attaching portion being defined by a region of a hook fastening material such that the attaching portion is removably securable to either side of the pad for placing the pad in a closed position. A thumb stay is disposed in a thumb stay pocket formed by the pad. A distal closure member extends from or near the distal edge of the pad, and defines a first extension depending from the pad, and an intermediate flap depending from the first extension. The intermediate flap is configured to extend about the thumb stay, and defines at least one strap securable to the first and second sides of the pad.

Abstract: In a method of forming a compression sleeve, a wicking layer is provided that is strategically exposed to promote wicking and cooling of the body part acted upon by the sleeve. The wicking layer has a perimeter and a surface area. A bladder segment that defines a bladder has a surface area less than the surface area of the wicking layer. The surface area of the bladder segment is defined by the perimeter of the bladder material, less any openings formed through the bladder material. The wicking layer is secured to the bladder material so that portions of the wicking layer are not overlaid by the bladder material. The bladder segment is welded to the wicking layer along a seamline so that fibers of the wicking layer extend through the seamline and allow fluid wicked by the wicking layer to move through the seamline.

Abstract: A venous closure catheter is disclosed for performing sclerotherapy which includes an elongated catheter body having opposed proximal and distal end portions, a fluid delivery lumen and a guidewire lumen. A plurality of discharge apertures are associated with the distal end portion of the catheter body and communicate with the fluid delivery lumen for delivering a sclerosing solution into the saphenous vein. A circumferential flange is positioned on an exterior surface of the catheter body proximal to the discharge apertures, which has a plurality of projections formed thereon for traumatizing the inner wall of the saphenous vein upon removal of the catheter body therefrom to promote closure of saphenous vein after sclerotherapy. A compression apparatus is disclosed for providing therapeutic pressure subsequent to sclerotherapy. The compression apparatus includes first and second wraps for providing compression of an upper leg, and the lower leg and foot, respectively.

Abstract: A protective skin covering has at least three distinct layers that can be worn on multiple parts of the human body. An inner layer substantially surrounds an area over which a protective skin covering is to be worn, and is constructed of soft, non-abrasive fabric. A middle layer provides padding to protect a wearer against impact with foreign objects. An outer layer is a durable, flexible, material (such as, for example, nylon or other similar material) that protects the middle layer, protects the skin of the wearer, resists wear and tear, and provides a surface for decorative designs or other attractive features.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a body extremity, such as an arm or a leg. The sleeve includes a spacer textile formed into a self-supporting tube for protecting the extremity from pressure, friction, shear, skin tears and bruising. The tube can have a wide end and a narrow end. The extremity slides through the wide end of the tube and the narrow tube end then slides over the foot or hand. Because these tubes are self-supporting, the sleeve can remain coextensive with the extremity while maintaining a loose fit, even during vigorous exercise. The spacer textile provides for both pressure relief and moisture transmission from the skin.

Abstract: A compression garment comprises a plurality of longitudinal yarns arranged to form a fabric having a length and generally parallel to the length, and a plurality of transverse elastomeric yarns connecting adjacent longitudinal yarns and equally spaced about a length of the longitudinal yarns. In a stretched state, the longitudinal yarns are spaced from one another and remain generally parallel to the length.

Abstract: A support for sonographers provides a path of force transmission from an ultrasound probe to the sonographer's upper arm bypassing the wrist, and thus reducing wrist injuries that can come from the need to tightly grip and restrain an ultrasound probe for long periods of time.

Abstract: A veterinary dressing sock for positioning and holding a medical dressing on a wound site located on the foot of a pet providing both protection for the foot as well as breathability and moisture control at the wound site.

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

Abstract: A dressing having a flexible sleeve shaped to accommodate a substantially cylindrical body or plant portion, the sleeve having a lining which is substantially non-adherent to the body or plant part being bandaged and having a peripheral securement means which attaches two peripheral portions to each other without those portions being circumferentially adhered to the sleeve portion.

Abstract: A dynamic foot-arch support device for dynamically supporting the arch and structures of the human foot throughout phases of the biomechanical movement of the foot during weight-bearing activities is provided. A dynamic foot-arch support device for supporting the arch and structures of a foot is provided that includes a support band having an upper end and a lower end, the support band forming a loop at the upper end through which to place a foot and position the loop around or just below an ankle portion of the foot, the lower end configured to wrap from an inside area of the ankle portion of the foot and rotate to an underside of the foot for secure attachment below the underside of the foot, the support band thereby configured to provide a tension to support to an arch area of the foot.

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

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

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing supplemental support to the arm and/or elbow region of an individual. In one exemplary implementation, a brace for a user's arm is provided comprising a rigid element including arm-engaging portions and a strap of flexible material configured to encircle the arm. Moreover, the exemplary rigid element and strap may be further characterized in that the strap comprises an elastic nature or portion that provides a force (such as a compressive or constraining force) to the user's arm, the arm-engaging portions include muscle/tendon-engaging regions that each engage the user's arm along a leading face/edge, with various leading faces/edges corresponding to the muscle/tendon-engaging regions being positioned in relationship with each other to apply a desired pressure or force to the user's arm.

Abstract: A tear and fatigue resistant gels, gel composites, and gel articles including collapsible articles having two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel of said article having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning, cushioning composites, cushioning gel liners, cushioning composite gel liners, and other uses of selected shape gels, gel composites, and articles.

Abstract: A pediatric digital wrap comprising a flexible T-shaped base member having a first end adapted to fold over and substantially cover a finger tip of a patient's injured digit. A removable insert comprising a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive with a non-adhesive center pad provides protection and padding for the injured digit. The removable insert is secured to the first side of the base member so that the insert is placed directly over the wound of the patient's digit when the first end is folded over the patient's finger tip. A finger strap wraps around the periphery of the patient's injured digit below the patient's finger tip and serves to secure the first end of the base member over the finger tip of the injured digit. A wrist strap is disposed perpendicular to the first end of the base member and adapted to wrap around a patient's wrist.

Abstract: An orthopedic brace is adaptable for either left or right sided use. The brace includes a softgood pad having a distal edge, a proximal edge opposite the distal edge, a dorsal edge, and a radial edge opposite the dorsal edge. A strap retainer is disposed on the radial or ulnar edge, and a strap pod is removably attachable to the pad in a left or right sided closure position. The strap pod cooperates with the strap retainer to secure the pad closed about a left limb, when the strap pod is attached in the left sided closure position, or about a right limb, when the strap pod is attached in the right sided closure position. A distal retention strap extends from the pad proximate to the distal and radial edges, and a reversible fastening member is coupled to the distal retention strap.

Abstract: A device which comprises an enclosure of a plastics material, having an opening at an end thereof with fastening means to enable the opening to be closed around a limb or stump with an affected part contained within the enclosure, and including a fluid-absorbent material within the enclosure. The device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of leg ulcers.

Abstract: A joint is created by stretching stretchable material and detachably/re-attachably attaching the stretched material to an attachment means such as a piece of hook-type fastener. The joint can be used in wraps for wounds, with or without supports.

Abstract: A compression hose adapted to be worn to cover at least the calf and foot of a leg of an individual, and a method for medically treating the individual with the compression hose. The compression hose includes connected leg and foot portions formed of an elastic fabric material and adapted to cover, respectively, the calf and foot of the individual. A heel opening is located between the leg and foot portions so as to be located in the compression hose to coincide with the heel of the leg of the individual. The heel opening has a perimeter defined by a stitch that limits stretching and expansion of the heel opening relative to stretching and expansion of the leg and foot portions of the compression hose.

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

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

Abstract: A wrap apparatus and method of wrapping a body part with a wrap apparatus includes an elongated elastic fabric material having a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first end and second end. A loop is integral with the first end of the elongated elastic fabric material. A retention device is located proximate to the second end of the elongated elastic fabric material, wherein the retention device is removably fixable to the middle portion of the elongated elastic fabric material.

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

Abstract: A unitary flexible body having an anchor portion wrapping about the wrist to secure the body there, the anchor portion freely offset from the thumb, palm and dorsum of the hand, the body having a support extension extending distally from the anchor portion in supporting relation with the Thenar Emminence of the palm, and extending part way about the thumb via the web space between the thumb and forefinger, and having terminal attachment to said anchor portion.

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

Abstract: Various embodiments of an orthopedic appliance for bracing and supporting a joint are described herein. The orthopedic appliance includes a first support portion and a second support portion with surfaces partially facing one another, and a force application element. In use, the first and second support portions are located on opposing sides of an outer portion of the joint and, in conjunction with the force application element, apply partially opposing forces to the joint.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to heat cells that are suitable for incorporation into disposable heating wraps. The heat cells comprise an exothermic composition comprising an absorbent gelling material, wherein the absorbent gelling material provides for improved heat application in the relief of temporary or chronic body aches and pains.

Abstract: An adjustable compression garment comprises a first fabric portion that is moveable relative to a second fabric portion. At least the first fabric portion is comprised of a stretchable material that provides a degree of compression to a human body. A fastening arrangement includes a first fastener device connected to the first fabric portion and a second fastening device connected to the second fabric portion. The fastening device provides an adjustable connection between first fabric portion and the second fabric portion. The fastening device is configured such that the degree of compression provided by the first fabric portion may be increased without disconnecting the first fastener device from the second fastener device.

Abstract: A method of applying therapeutic compression to a patient's body limb, by: (a) measuring the dimensions of a patient's body limb; (b) determining a desired compression profile for the patient's body limb; and (c) forming a compression device comprising a plurality of tension bands dimensioned to be wrapped around the patient's limb, wherein different tension bands have different widths such that applying an equal tension to the bands results in different compressions being applied along the length of the patient's limb such that the desired compression profile is applied to the patient's limb.

Abstract: An improved equine wrap comprises a bandage/wrap material, a clue-mark, and an improved fastener. The bandage/wrap material can be any suitable material used, or yet to be used, in the art. Examples include neoprene, elastic bandages known as “Ace bandages,” etc. The present invention provides a clue-mark on the initiating end of a wrap in order to assist the wrapper in applying the wrap in the correct direction. The wrapper need only determine whether the leg to be wrapped is a right leg or a left leg and then follow the instructions given by the clue-mark. The improved fastener comprises a double-sided tab and a double-sided attachment point. Therefore, after application of the wrap, the improved fastener can be utilized regardless of which side of the wrap the wrapper initially chose to face outwards.

Abstract: The proposed device includes two segments adapted to enclose a body part in a form-fitting manner. Each segment contains an electroactive-material-based actuator, which is adapted to receive an electrical control signal and in response thereto adjust the actuator's morphology, so as to cause the segment to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part. A pressure transition is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments. A control signal in respect of the first segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least part of the second portion of the body part, and vice versa, a control signal in respect of the second segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.

Abstract: In a thumb wrap, the combination comprising a user's hand and wrist flexible wrap, a generally tubular portion to receive the user's thumb, said tubular portion being integral with the hand and wrap, a securing strap endwise seamlessly integral with the hand and wrist wrap, and extending with elongation to be wrapped over the hand and wrist wrap palmwise and endwise of the tubular portion and then to be wrapped between the user's thumb and forefinger, and then back over the hand and wrist wrap for tensioned tightening and for the effecting thumb positively supported securement.

Abstract: Provided is a therapeutic compression apparatus that includes a compression material. In one example, the apparatus includes a large surface area of a single sheet of compression material. The apparatus may include indicia that allow it to be trimmed to fit a patient.

Abstract: A garment with localized compression effect for performing a sport, the garment being obtained by assembling first pieces of basic elasticity and second pieces that present a compression effect. The garment includes a plurality of types of second piece suitable for producing different compression effects, each type acting in a determined compression range; each second piece is arranged so as to produce a compression effect that is either longitudinal or transverse; and the second pieces of the various types are arranged in the assembly so as to surround certain transverse sections of at least one limb and/or the torso in full or in part and so as to exert a non-uniform compression effect with a pressure gradient that decreases towards the heart. In a variant, the second pieces are selected from three types, having compression ranges that correspond to compression effects that are respectively weak, medium, and strong.

Abstract: A forelimb brace device suitable for use by snowboarders, skiers, in-line skaters and others protects against hyperextension and other injuries, by maintaining a selected orientation of the fingers, hand, wrist and forearm within a substantially rigid shell assembly having a palmar arch grip element and tensioning elements for maintaining a selected tension of the palmer element across the users' hand and forearm. The forelimb is maintained in a flexed position, while an extension stop prevents hyperextension of the phalanges, and a thumb portion prevents abduction or opposition injuries to the thumb.

Abstract: A flexible foot relief pad that is wrapped about and secured to the individual's foot in order to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, restless arms, and foot and leg cramps includes a pliable cloth wrap having a foot engaging portion joined to a securing portion by a fold, with the foot engaging portion enclosing a cavity for holding therein a layered raised pressure application pad that applies pressure to select areas of the inner side and sole of the foot with the layered pad configured so that a portion of the pad extends transverse to the sole of the foot and a raised portion extends along the inner side of the foot for applying pressure to the specific muscle groups involved in restless leg syndrome.

Abstract: One embodiment of an orthopedic support for supporting a joint of a wearer includes a sheet of flexible material having a proximal edge and a distal edge configured to extend at least partially around a portion of a wearer's anatomy and a pair of opposing lateral edges configured to at least partially enclose the portion of the wearer's anatomy. The support also includes a plurality of stays each secured to the sheet of material and configured to be positioned adjacent to a portion of the wearer's anatomy. In addition, the support includes at least one slotted connector interconnecting at least a pair of the stays, wherein each of the stays is configured to pivot and slide within the slotted connector.