Arm Or Leg Patents (Class 602/62)
  • Patent number: 7297128
    Abstract: A multi-layer wrap, for providing more comfortable gel treatment to skin while providing orthopedic support having a first layer of gel for contacting the skin and a second layer of an elastic and supportive loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, the wrap allowing for migration of moisture away from the skin. The wrap can be used as part of a suspension sleeve for use during arm surgery or post-operative recovery. The product is economically manufactured in the form of long rolls or as a sheet and is easily cut to any desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Gelzone, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Binder, Edward C. Leicht
  • Patent number: 7273464
    Abstract: A bandage for joints wherein the bandage is made of elastic textile material and is provided with a pad. The pad is covered by an overlay of identical or similar textile material that is attached to the textile material of the bandage. The overlay covering the pad is only provided on its side facing the joint with knobs of anti-slip material thereby exerting a particular pressure on the respective parts of the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Bauerfeind AG
    Inventor: Holger Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 7264605
    Abstract: An adjustable support device for the knee provides in one embodiment a strap, a primary tensioning device positioned on the strap, and a secondary tensioning device carried on the strap. A preferred embodiment of the device includes an elongate bar secured to the strap between first and second ends of the strap by a patch of material, stitching, or any number of known adhesives. The secondary tensioning device may include one or more patches of elastic, or alternatively, inelastic material that provide radially-directed pressure against the knee joint. In another embodiment, the secondary tensioning device provides pairs of ligatures secured to each end of the elongate bar for concentrating radially-directed pressure against the knee joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Medical Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Lee Gaylord
  • Patent number: 7255679
    Abstract: A shoulder brace including a shoulder member mountable to a patient's shoulder, and a positioning device that increases pressure to the shoulder in accordance with the position of the patient's arm. In one embodiment, the shoulder brace includes a shoulder member with an open portion forming substantially rigid first and second arms and a positioning device that varies the spacing of the first and second arms according to the position of the patient's arm. In another embodiment, the positioning device includes a tensioning ring and first and second tension triggering straps that provide anterior and posterior compression of the shoulder joint when the arm is moved into a danger zone. In another embodiment, the shoulder brace includes a first mounting member mountable to the pectoral area, a second mounting member mountable to the upper arm, and a connecting member that connects the first and second mounting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Fountainhead, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce G. Kania, Warren Harding, David L. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7229426
    Abstract: A tennis elbow support comprising a main body having an opening and a tendon pad having a pad base and a raised portion that projects from the pad base. The tendon pad is inserted into the opening so that the raised portion projects outwardly from a bottom surface of the main body. The main body can be releasably secured in a substantially circular configuration so that the support can be placed around the forearm of a user and the tennis elbow support can be tightened around the arm of the user with tendon pad in contact with the arm so that straight-line pressure is applied across the extensor muscle and tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Beiersdorf, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Leonard Weaver, II, Richard Gregory Taylor
  • Patent number: 7226484
    Abstract: Soft, tear resistant gel, gel composites and gel articles for various uses formed from one or a mixture of two or more block copolymers with or without one or more selected other polymers and additives in combination with one or more selected plasticizers being in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Elastomerics, Inc.
    Inventor: John Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 7207960
    Abstract: An orthotic device for restoring range of motion to a patient's limb, includes a first device cuff configured for attaching the device to an upper region of a patient's limb above a limb joint, a second device cuff configured for attaching the device to a lower region of the patient's limb below the limb joint, and a spring attached between the first and second cuffs for bending in a manner counteracting muscle contraction of the limb to which the device is attached, the spring having spring characteristics whereby a counteracting spring force of the spring increases during an initial flexing of the spring through a first angle range, then remains peaked during a subsequent flexing of the spring through a second angle range and finally decreases with a subsequent flexing of the spring through a third angle range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: NeuroFlex Orthotics, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Kenney
  • Patent number: 7198190
    Abstract: An identification band for attachment to an individual or object includes an at least partially non-transparent elongated hollow body having first and second opposite ends. The body also includes a substantially flat intermediate portion with top and bottom surfaces and semi-circular edges, and a pair of fastening openings formed respectively at the first and second ends. A connector is configured for interference fit reception into the fastening openings for removably attaching the first and second ends of the body. The connector is removable from the fastening openings and adapted for subsequent assembly and re-use with a replacement body. A machine readable radio frequency identification chip is associated with the body, and an antenna is operatively connected to the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventors: Dodge Juhan, Dean D. Peterson, Charles E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7192411
    Abstract: The orthosis comprises a leg portion and a foot portion. The leg portion which extends upwards from the ankle serves to apply therapeutic compression to the leg once the orthosis has been put on. The foot portion which extends from the malleolar region to the toes and covers the instep is a shaped portion that envelops the foot elastically. The dimensioning and the mesh structure of the foot portion are such that 0<Px<Pm<Pb once the orthosis has been put on, Px being the pressure applied to the instep region, Pm being the pressure applied to the malleolar region, and Pb being the therapeutic compression applied to the ankle region. Preferably, Px=5 mmHg±25% and Pm=0.5(Pb+Px)±25%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Innothera Topic International
    Inventors: Arnaud Gobet, Francois Cros
  • Patent number: 7179242
    Abstract: A method of treating deep vein thrombosis in a limb of user includes applying a deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve onto the limb of the user so that portions of the user's limb extend from opposite open ends of the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve; allowing the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve to conform to the limb and adhere to the limb over the area of the user's limb where the deep vein thrombosis resides through negligible compression suction adhesion; heating up the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve with a user's body heat so that the user barely notices the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve on the user's limb; and treating the deep vein thrombosis with the deep vein thrombosis treatment sleeve on the limb of the user over the area of the user's limb where the deep vein thrombosis resides. The treatment sleeve may also be used for treating a ligament or muscle injury in a joint of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Hugues C. Belzidsky
  • Patent number: 7179241
    Abstract: A protective sling adapted to support a cast or brace extending adjacent a forearm and wrist, and to selectively simultaneously support a hand of a patient. The sling being made of a flexible material having a first portion extending a predetermined length, and a second portion partially overlying the length of the first portion and forming an opening into a sleeve, the sleeve disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The sleeve having a closed end opposite to and spaced from the opening between the first and second portions forming the sleeve. A strap assembly is attached to the closed end and to an opposite end of the protective sling, the strap assembly adapted to extend adjacent the neck and shoulder of the patient, suspending the protective sling adjacent the body of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Laura Hollister
  • Patent number: 7173161
    Abstract: Bandage 100 for relief of the musculature, comprising an essentially rectangular central portion 1 on whose transverse edges 11, 12 a total of four tensioning straps 21, 22, 23, 24 are secured, the central portion 1 being smoothed on opposite the injured site in the muscle tissue of the limb, the two proximal tensioning straps 21, 22 being guided in a diagonal movement in the distal direction and the two distal tensioning straps 23, 24 being guided in a diagonal movement in the proximal direction in such a way that the two proximal tensioning straps 21, 22 cross each other proximally of the injured site, the two distal tensioning straps 23, 24 cross each other distally of the injured site, and in each case one proximal tensioner 21, 22 and one distal tensioner 23, 24 cross each other laterally of the injured site, so that the injured site is left free, with the ends 31, 32, 33, 34 of the tensioning straps 21, 22, 23, 24 being secured on the bandage 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Beiersdorf AG
    Inventor: Olaf Kandt
  • Patent number: 7172566
    Abstract: A tennis elbow support comprising a main body having an opening and a tendon pad having a pad base and a raised portion that projects from the pad base. The tendon pad is inserted into the opening so that the raised portion projects outwardly from a bottom surface of the main body. The main body can be releasably secured in a substantially circular configuration so that the support can be placed around the forearm of a user and the tennis elbow support can be tightened around the arm of the user with tendon pad in contact with the arm so that straight-line pressure is applied across the extensor muscle and tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Beiersdorf, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Leonard Weaver, II, Richard Gregory Taylor
  • Patent number: 7169122
    Abstract: The surgical stocking made by knitting a knitting yarn together with an extensible weft yarn is a placebo type stocking suitable for exerting compressive pressure at the ankle of less than 8 mmHg, and preferably less than 5 mmHg. It is intended for double blind tests versus placebo using a product having the same structure, the same visual appearance, and the same feel as an active stocking but compression that is negligible and thigh/ankle degressivity that is close to unity. The weft yarn presents mass per unit length lying in the range 250 dtex to 600 dtex, preferably in the range 350 dtex to 500 dtex, with the proportion of elastic material being less than 25% and preferably less than 20% of the total weight of the thread. Its elongation capacity lies in the range 200% to 350%, preferably in the range 200% to 300%, but its springiness (II) is very different from that of an elastic stocking (I).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Innothera Topic International
    Inventors: Eric GrosJean, Joel Mathieu, Christian Gardon-Mollard
  • Patent number: 7166083
    Abstract: A positioning system used to limit movement of the leg, such as when required after hip surgery. In at least one embodiment, a boot, which extends around the foot and lower leg, is secured around each foot. As such, the boots can be used to cushion the feet while applying traction to the leg during surgery. After surgery, the boots are secured together in a side-by-side relationship. In addition, a leg strap is preferably used in conjunction with the boots to help hold the legs together. The leg strap preferably has a cushion that is positioned between the knees with a strap that is secured around each leg. Consequently, the positioning kit restricts certain motion of the affected hip while not restricting movement of the hips and knee and ankle joints unnecessarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Medical Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary R. Bledsoe
  • Patent number: 7166760
    Abstract: An ankle brace includes a single strap made of a substantially inelastic and flexible, non-adhesive material of sufficient length to be wrapped in a figure-eight configuration at least once about the ankle and foot, with one loop of the figure-eight passing around the back of the ankle, one loop passing under the foot in front of the heel, and the strap crossing above the foot. Hook and look fasteners secure one free end of the strap to the other end portion thereof to maintain tension in the strap and to retain the brace on the foot and ankle. The ankle brace can be worn under or over a stocking with equal support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Meldon L. Talbot
  • Patent number: 7141032
    Abstract: Protective devices, to protect a body part having a bony portion with a soft tissue layer between the bony portion and an outer skin layer, have an inner surface which conforms to the body part to be protected and are applied to the body part to reduce pressure exhibited at the interface between the bony portion and the soft tissue layer, across the soft tissue and outer skin layers and at the interface between the outer skin layer and a support surface. The protective devices may be made of any material suitable for distributing the weight of the body part over an extended area and volume and may include a mushy material, a hard shell, a hydro absorptive material, and a wound dressing with medication. The body part to be protected includes at least one of the heel, trochanter, knee, sacrum, coccyx, ischium, scapula, elbow, ankle, buttocks and occiput; The protective devices may be secured to the body part directly or via a garment or any other suitable securing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventors: Eric Flam, Oliver Bodine, Henry I. Schanzer
  • Patent number: 7122016
    Abstract: An adjustable knee brace for immobilization of a patient's knee in multiple adjustment angular inclinations for use in therapeutic applications. The knee brace has a sheet of cushion material which is adapted to be wrapped about and secured to the patient's leg by a pair of interconnected rigid upper and lower leg engagement plates and associated straps. The leg engagement plates are determined to be registerably engaged against the medial aspect of the leg above and below the knee and have adjustable articulated locking interconnecting hinge and pivot fitting assemblies extending therebetween for both saggital and frontal plane brace adjustment. An independent knee engagement pad provides knee stabilization in cooperation with leg engagement plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Anatomical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: William DeToro, Brian Perala
  • Patent number: 7118544
    Abstract: An elevation device for resiliently supporting an extremity of a patient that utilizes the packaging for the device to form the finished product. The elevation device includes a support cushion and a planar surface for supporting the support cushion at a desired elevation. At least one guide member is associated with the planar surface for positioning the support cushion on the planar surface. An orthopedic block comprising an upright foot block is removeably positioned on the support cushion and is held in place by buckling opposed ends of a web belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Scott L. Murray
  • Patent number: 7096507
    Abstract: A lower leg appliance provides padding and cushion support for the knee, ankle and hip joints in the leg, by providing a hard surfaced knee pad, a hard surfaced ankle pad and a soft surface calf and thigh pad positioned between the calf and thigh, held in place by at least three adjustable straps having a closure means, the three pads working in conjunction to provide relief and support to a persons knees, ankles and hips while squatting or kneeling during chores, activities or labor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Ira Bolden
  • Patent number: 7083583
    Abstract: The invention relates to an orthesis comprising a first bar (2) and a second bar (3) joined to the latter in an articulated manner, in addition to at least one click-stop dial (14, 15), for adjusting the pivoting-range stops in an extensional or flexional direction. The invention is also provided with a fixing device, which comprises a locking disc (16) that is mounted in a rotationally fixed manner in relation to the first bar (2) and can be displaced in the direction of the pivoting axis (102), for blocking the click-stop dial (14, 15). The locking disc (16) can be moved by being displaced between a position that blocks the click-stop dial (14, 15) by radial impingement, in which the locking disc (16) engages with the click-stop dial (14, 15) in a locking positive fit and a release position, in which the locking disc (16) is disengaged from said click-stop dial (14, 15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Albrecht GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Opahle, Erich Albrecht
  • Patent number: 7074202
    Abstract: An arm brace comprising an elongated relatively stiff support configured for application adjacent the inner side of the arm and for nesting adjacent the obtusely angled inner side zone of the partly bent arm opposite the elbow; retainer straps carried by the support near opposite ends thereof, to be independently tightened about the arm at retention locations spaced from a shallow angle shaped mid-section of the support, whereby the user's arm is maintained in shallowly bent condition by the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Weber Orthopedic Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Weber, David Auerbach
  • Patent number: 7056299
    Abstract: An orthotic device for absorption of heel shock, treating edema and swelling and for lessening pain. It is comprised of an elastic sleeve adapted to fit over the foot and heel of a person. The sleeve includes a shock absorbing heel pad inside of the sleeve in a position to be disposed under the heel when the sleeve is worn around the heel. The sleeve is of elastomeric material providing compression to treat edema and swelling. The pad may be a polymeric plastisol material which can be cooled to provide cold therapy and positioned under the heel to provide cushioning and shock absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Brown Medical Industries
    Inventors: Ivan E. Brown, Ronald S. Krivosha
  • Patent number: 7033332
    Abstract: A wrist support brace for patients with contractured wrists utilizes an adjustable strap to physically force the contractured wrist into a non-contractured position, thereby allowing the wrist to heal in a normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Busuttil
  • Patent number: 7018352
    Abstract: A modular ankle-foot orthosis includes a lower leg and ankle support and a plantar foot support. The two components may be secured together to provide more complete support for a patient, as required. The two supports may be attached in various ways, such as a bottom heel clip extending from the foot support component, which secures through a passage in the heel of the lower leg and ankle support component. A tongue extends from the foot support clip, to capture the material at the edge of the lower leg and ankle support passage between the tongue and the foot support plate. The two components are quickly and easily assembled together and disassembled as required, to provide more versatile treatment for the patient. The complete structure, or any components thereof, is sufficiently thin to allow wear within a conventional walking shoe or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventors: Martin M. Pressman, Michael Burns
  • Patent number: 7011641
    Abstract: An adjustable knee brace for immobilization of a patient's knee in multiple adjustment angular inclinations for use in therapeutic applications. The knee brace has a sheet of cushion material which is adapted to be wrapped about and secured to the patient's leg by a pair of interconnected rigid upper and lower leg engagement plates and associated straps. The leg engagement plates are determined to be registerably engaged against the medial aspect of the leg above and below the knee and have an adjustable articulated locking interconnecting hinge assembly extending there between. An independent knee engagement pad provides knee stabilization in cooperation with leg engagement plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Anatomical Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: William DeToro, Brian Perala, Robert Lin
  • Patent number: 7004919
    Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing movement of the patella in the patellofemoral joint comprises in one embodiment a base having an opening, a buttress secured to the base sheet member, a tensioning member secured to the base sheet member, a pair of tensioning arms secured to the buttress, a pair of tensioning arms secured to the tensioning member, a pair of compression members formed from the base, and a stabilizing member secured to an edge of the base. A method of stabilizing movement of the patella in the patellofemoral joint during physical activities comprises in one embodiment the steps of positioning a support brace having an opening against the knee, extending a portion of the brace against the knee to apply a first force against portions of the knee in the opening, and extending another portion of the brace against the knee to apply a second force against the knee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Medical Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lee Gaylord, Robert Scott Gaylord
  • Patent number: 6988999
    Abstract: A knee pad assembly includes a soft body, a top pad and a bottom pad. The body has a pair of straps each provided with a length regulator, a press extending from a connector which is slidable in the length regulator and a clamping finger integrally extending out from the press. The top pad has a first side securely connected to the soft body and a second side detachable from the soft body. The top pad has a first receiving hole to correspond to and receive therein the clamping finger of one of the two straps. The bottom pad has a first side securely connected to the soft body and a second side detachable from the soft body. The bottom pad has a second receiving hole to correspond to and receive therein the clamping finger of the other one of the two straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Henkel Lin
  • Patent number: 6982358
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ark Therapeutics, Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen George Edward Barker
  • Patent number: 6974433
    Abstract: A tubular compression bandage of elastic textile material includes a plurality of tightening straps adjacently encompassing the bandage. The tightening straps are fastened by their starting portions to a starting longitudinal strip connected to the outer surface of the bandage and are guided circumferentially in pairs at an oblique angle of up to 30° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the bandage to their terminating portions of the side opposite the starting longitudinal strip to pairs of securing eyes arranged in herringbone-like manner and are folded back therein to form Velcro™ fasteners on the bandage, the degree of oblique guiding being adjustable through selectble fixing of the starting and/or terminating portions of the tightening straps in the longitudinal direction of the bandage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Bauerfeind AG
    Inventor: Heinrich Hess
  • Patent number: 6971996
    Abstract: Power packs for use with bicentric hinges and methods for operating hinges are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the invention, a power pack has a housing with a cavity and a piston disposed at least partially within the cavity. The housing has an attachment mechanism configured to attach the housing to a hinge. The piston has a head and an arm configured to be connected to the head and one of the hinge members. In one embodiment, the head is moveable about a first axis of rotation along a circular path through the cavity. An embodiment for operating the hinge includes rotating the first hinge member coupled to the piston about the first axis of rotation, displacing a fluid from the cavity to a fluid passageway as the piston rotates, and pivoting the second hinge member about a second axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Thuasne
    Inventor: Guy M. Houser
  • Patent number: 6945944
    Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic limb covering and an associated method of treating chronic swelling of a limb. The limb covering is uses hydrostatic pressure provided by liquid contained within the covering to apply pressure to the limb. The limb covering comprises a substantially non-distensible flexible outer layer, a distensible flexible inner layer joined together and a liquid tight bladder therebetween. The covering may be adapted for releasable securement about a limb such as an arm or a lower leg and foot of a patient. After placement on the limb, when the bladder is filled with a liquid, such as water, it expands to contact and apply pressure to the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Incappe, LLC
    Inventors: Hendrik Klaas Kuiper, Bobby E. Reed, Danny Earl Ellis
  • Patent number: 6936020
    Abstract: An orthopedic splint for a patient having a limb including an upper limb, a lower limb, and a joint therebetween, and being useful for therapeutically stretching the soft tissue of the limb. The orthopedic splint includes a flexible support member having a distal end and a proximal end thereof. A first contact pad is rotatably attached to the proximal end of said flexible support member and is disposed for distributing load to the underside of the upper limb. A second support pad attached to the distal end of said flexible support member is disposed for distributing load to the underside of the lower limb; and, a third support pad is attached to a fulcrum disposed near the center of the flexible support member and being disposed for distributing load to the topside of the upper limb and in close proximity to said joint. Accordingly, the orthopedic splint provides therapeutic traction to the limb while placing the limb in a self-aligning suspension sling arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Perry H. Davis
  • Patent number: 6926688
    Abstract: The forearm support band with direct pressure monitoring provides the ability for patients to optimize treatment of medial or lateral epicondylitis (golfer's elbow or tennis elbow, respectively) with the use of optimal pressure application. Unlike previous forearm support bands, this band allows patients to directly read the pressure of application and appropriately adjust the band's tightness. This results in the correct amount of pressure to the forearm musculature, thereby minimizing risks and gaining optimal therapeutic benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Nicholas Joseph Meyer
  • Patent number: 6895971
    Abstract: A limb protection device for protecting a section of a user's limb against contact comprises and enclosure for enclosing the limb section and at least one integral flexible cuff located at a respective limb entry to the enclosure. The cuff is adapted in use for being positioned against that part of the user's limb adjacent thereto to restrict the ingress of matter via the entry into the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Hydroskin Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Andrew James Evans
  • Patent number: 6880347
    Abstract: A shoulder pad accessory arm pad, to protect the upper arm of a wearer from injury. The arm pad includes a tapered padded member which attaches to the shoulder pad and arm of the wearer. The arm pad remains in place during athletic activity, and does not limit the effective range of motion of the upper arm of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Douglas M. Stam
  • Patent number: 6878125
    Abstract: An inflatable support shoe for enabling an individual with a broken foot encased within a cast to walk without the use of crutches. The support shoe comprises an inflatable footpad having a selectively inflatable air chamber, and a rubber ring. The footpad has a number of elastic cords extending therefrom having hooks at their ends. In use, the circular ring is selectively attached to the cast just above the ankle region of the cast. The user then positions the bottom of the cast upon the upper surface of the footpad, and engages the circular ring with the hooks at the ends of the cords, in order to firmly attach the footpad to the cast. After the user inflates the air chamber, the footpad cushions the injured foot against harmful impacts, thereby enabling the individual with a broken foot encased within a cast to walk upon the foot without the use of crutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Bentivegna
  • Patent number: 6863657
    Abstract: A device for providing support, compression, and warmth to the patellar tendon of a knee, the device including an elastic sleeve, a compressible tubular member secured along the circumferential length of the sleeve; first and second straps secured adjacent the exterior of the sleeve and generally diametrically across the sleeve from the tubular member; and first and second strap closure members for securing the straps in a tensioned state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventors: Keith Clements, Allison Leigh Wedding Lay, Peggy Sue Ensley
  • Patent number: 6857133
    Abstract: A water resistant covering covers a part of the body, prevents water from penetrating the covering, and can be emplaced on the body with a single hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: David V. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6852088
    Abstract: An adjustable support device for the knee, including a strap having at least one elastic portion and first and second ends. A primary tensioning device is positioned on the strap for securing the strap around the knee and positioning the strap in a primary tensioned position relative to the patella, knee joint, and attachment sites of the connective tissues of the knee joint. A secondary tensioning device is also carried by the strap and includes an elastic element and at least one attachment member for being placed in a secondary tensioned position relative to the strap for increasing the tension of the strap and applying concentrated radially-directed support pressure to, the knee joint, attachment sites of the connective tissues of the knee joint, and an anterior aspect of the patella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Medical Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Lee Gaylord
  • Patent number: 6852121
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thermal treatment pack that includes a tubular body having a first opening, a second opening, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first opening, the inner surface and the second opening cooperate to define a passage through the tubular body for the limb. The inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body are defined by a continuous film of flexible material such as a copolymer of polyester and polyurethane. A temperature-retaining fluid such as a water-based gel is received between the inner surface and the outer surface. Optionally, a thermal pack according to the invention can be covered with a fabric layer to provide insulation between the continuous film of flexible material and a user's skin. The diameter of the passage through the thermal treatment pack is preferably smaller than or equal to the diameter of the injured limb, which causes the inner surface of the thermal treatment pack to make contact the limb or an insulating wrap placed over the limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Wendell-Alan, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alan Wilson, Jonathan Wendell Flick
  • Patent number: 6849057
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive tape for fixing a joint portion includes a support of a generally rectangular shape having a longer side and a shorter side and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on one side of the support in at least a portion thereof. The support is provided with a non-adherent portion or a weakly adherent portion. The tape has a cut line extending from an end of the shorter side to near the non-adherent or weakly adherent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Satou, Masayuki Konno, Kodo Kishida, Yoshitada Morikawa, Osamu Oohira, Seishi Suzuki, Yuichi Inoue
  • Patent number: 6824569
    Abstract: A reciprocal gait apparatus for use as an orthotic or prosthetic is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a torso vest securable about the torso of a patient, a leg support securable on a leg of a patient and a hip joint coupled to and disposed between the torso vest and leg support, and two resilient members respectively disposed substantially anterior and posterior about the hip joint and coupled to the torso vest and leg support. A first resilient member flexes the leg support in a forward direction in response to lifting of said leg support. A second resilient member moves the leg support in a backward direction once the leg support has been substantially flexed in the forward direction along a range of motion for said leg support. Another embodiment of the reciprocal gait apparatus comprise a gear assembly and two belts for implementing reciprocal gait.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Adeola Okediji
  • Publication number: 20040199095
    Abstract: A knee band is composed of a band of an elastic fabric (1), the whole external face (3) of which has a dense population of tiny loops of a suitable non elastic thread, interwoven with other elastic and non elastic threads that constitute the fabric, that extends perpendicularly to the surface such to provide for an anchor surface to the hooks of a Velcro®* fastener portion (2d). The band is tightened essentially around the lower portion of the articulation of the knee, without being wrapped around the whole articulation. A preformed shell (5) shaped for adapting to and shielding the front and side portions of the knee is superimposed externally to the elastic band (1) and is fixed on the outer surface of the latter by means of Velcro®* fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Giampietro Frangi
  • Publication number: 20040199096
    Abstract: A bandaging system for use in the treatment of a patient with a venous leg ulcer comprising as an inner layer in the system a highly absorbent bandage which bandage comprises at least 5% by weight of a highly absorbent fibre and as a further layer in the system an elastic bandage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew D. Court, Douglas Oueen
  • Patent number: 6792700
    Abstract: A high-top shoe having an integrated internal ankle brace allows substantial forward and rearward movement of an ankle while substantially constraining side-to-side motion of the ankle. The ankle brace includes a semi-rigid orthotic plate shaped to receive a wearer's ankle thereon and a rear support portion. A longitudinally extending blade element is fixedly attached to the rear support portion at a proximal end thereof and substantially fixed relative to a leg of the wearer by at least one support member at a distal end thereof. The support member may be the shoe upper itself, or a separate element. The blade element has an axial length, a thickness T and a width W. The ratio of T to W is selected so that the distal end is free to flex about the proximal end in the fore/aft direction and the blade element is substantially constrained from flexure in the width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Z-Coil
    Inventor: Alvaro Gallegos
  • Patent number: 6790238
    Abstract: Ultra low friction sheath for facilitating donning and wearing of a prosthesis on a residual limb. The sheath is configured to remain between the residual limb and the prosthesis during normal use of the prosthesis for its intended purpose. A low friction sheath can also be used to help don a shoe on a prosthetic foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Knit-Rite, Inc.
    Inventor: James Jay Martin
  • Patent number: 6780163
    Abstract: A device for treating pain in a shin of a user, including a first substantially elastic strap member having a pair of opposite ends and an inner and outer surface and conformable to be wrapped in a state of tension around the shin of the user and securable in the state of tension and wrapped configuration by a first fastener operatively associated with one of the ends of the first strap member, a second substantially elastic strap member having a first end securable adjacent the outer surface of the first strap member and a plurality of fingers extending outwardly from the first end and conformable to be tensioned about the outer surface of the first strap member, and one or more second fasteners for securing the tensioned fingers to the outer surface of the first strap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: John H. Krusenklaus
  • Patent number: 6776769
    Abstract: An anatomically configured tubular body or ribbon of woven or knitted elastomeric yarn having concentrated pressure support means at one or more areas along said device for pressure support of an ankle, elbow, knee or wrist (hereinafter also “articulating appendage”). The device of this invention can include an anatomically configured tubular composite, comprising an essentially uniform sleeve of elastomeric yarn and a pressure concentrating means corresponding to one or more areas of said articulating appendage (hereafter also “pressure points”), so as to focus or concentrate pressure support at said pressure points. The device thus provides for both ease of attachment to the appendage and of application of differential (increased or focused) pressures to a pressure point of the affected appendage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Smith
  • Patent number: 6773411
    Abstract: A flexible knee brace that provides support to the knee, meniscus, ligaments, and muscles of the leg, and assists with the rehabilitation of the knee when injured, pre-surgery, and post-surgery. The knee brace is made of an elasticized sleeve worn over the leg and spanning the knee. The sleeve has a plurality of channels running vertically on each side of the patella, nearly the full length of the sleeve. The channels house flexible elongated strips that may be removed or added to adjust the bending resistance of the knee brace. The knee brace is secured in place by an elastic strap sewn onto the sleeve and running laterally above the patella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Innovations Beyond Limitations, Inc.
    Inventor: Lazaro Alvarez