Abstract: A tennis elbow pad assembly product for relieving the symptoms of lateral epicondylitis is disclosed. The tennis elbow pad assembly product includes an outer pouch formed of a moisture-impervious material. A pad is positioned in the pouch in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The pad is adapted for being positioned against and molded onto a forearm in the region of the elbow for lying in closely-conforming relation against and applying radially-directed pressure to the common tendon attachment and grasping and supination muscles associated with the radial-humeral joint and the lateral epicondyle of a forearm and hardened into a rigid structure for therapeutic use. The pad includes an initially flexible substrate impregnated or coated with a reactive system.

Abstract: Combination one-piece hand/forearm paddings and shin/foot paddings are disclosed, preferably, for use during martial arts events. The one-piece construction provides for a greater area of protection, and prevents the forearm and shin portions of the paddings from sliding up or down the wearer's arms and legs, respectively.

Abstract: A knee strap which includes a main body portion having a first side, a second side, a front, and a back; a first pair of arms extending from and attached to the first side of the main body portion; and a second p air of arms extending from and attached to the second side of the main body portion is disclosed. The first pair of arms includes a top arm and a bottom arm where each arm has a rubber tube enclosed therein. The top arm fits above the kneecap and the bottom arm fits below the kneecap. The tubes apply pressure to the tendons located above and below the kneecap once the strap is secured on a person's knee. The first pair of arms is held in place on a person's knee with hook and loop fasteners which are located on both the first pair of arms and the second pair of arms. The second pair of arms also has a top arm and a bottom arm so that the top arms are secured together and the bottom arms are secured together.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a protective sleeve for garment apparel. The protective sleeve includes an inside material having an arm surface coupled to an inside wall and an outside material having a sterile surface coupled to an outside wall. The inside wall and the outside wall are coupled together to form an interior. Moreover, a fluid is placed within this interior.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elbow support having a C-shaped clasp body with at least one foam compression pad extending into the interior of the body for adjustable compression into the forearm of a wearer. An elongated compression strap is attached to an outer surface of the clasp body and extends around the clasp. The strap has a buckle at one end and a releasable securable device at the other end. The end with the releasable secureable device loops through the buckle and doubles back on itself for releasable attachment. This assists in securing the clasp body on the forearm and providing the adjustable compression. The elbow support is fabricated by an improved method. Pursuant to this method, a clasp body blank is cut from a sheet of thermosetting closed cell foam which is laminated with fabric. The cut clasp body blank is selectively compressed to form a compressed clasp body, from which integrally protrudes at least one compression pad in a substantially uncompressed form.

Abstract: An articulated device for protecting the knee as well as above-the-knee and below-the-knee leg portions comprises a first part shaped and dimensioned to cup the knee and cradle a small section of the leg above it. A second part forming a greave for the below-the-knee portion of the leg is slidingly connected to a longitudinal plate which is hinged at its top to the lower edge of the first part. An adjustable elastomeric strap biases the second part away from the first part, allowing the two parts to move axially in relation to one another during flexion and extension of the knee, while keeping the device tautly against the leg and knee at all times.

Abstract: An anchoring system for supporting an arm in a cast including Velcro™ formations on an elongated strap that depends around the neck of the wearer, the formations adjustably interact to support the arm at the appropriate level. Other components having Velcro™ formations can interact with the strap. The strap has releasable buckles or snaps along its length.

Abstract: The orthosis (1) is designed to apply degressive compression to all or part of the leg starting from the ankle. The orthosis has a knitted compressive tubular portion (2) of varying section formed by a leg portion of an elastic stocking that does not have a foot or a heel, said compressive-tubular portion being extended at its bottom end by a knitted non-compressive tubular portion (3) suitable for covering at least a portion of the foot, without compressing it, and made for example using a stitch of the plain moss type.

Abstract: The orthosis (1) is designed to apply degressive compression to all or part of the leg starting from the ankle The orthosis has a knitted compressive tubular portion (2) of varying section formed by a leg portion of an elastic stocking that does not have a foot or a heel, said compressive tubular portion being extended at its bottom end by a knitted non-compressive tubular portion (3) suitable for covering at least a portion of the foot, without compressing it, and made for example using a stitch of the plain moss type.

Abstract: An elastic waistband comprises at least a main portion (A) made of an elastic fabric, a first end portion (B) in the form of two triangle-shaped tails (B1, B2) joined together to said main portion (A) and having at their free ends with Velcro® fasteners (V1, V2) and a second end portion (C) having anchoring felt pads (P) for the Velcro® Fasteners (V1, V2). The elastic main portion (A) is composed of a first central portion (A1) of a fabric (1) of greater elasticity than the elasticity of a fabric (2) of two side portions (A2, A3), joined together along transverse sewing lines (A1-2), A1-3). Transverse stiffening inserts (S1, S2, S3, S4) are disposed in correspondence of the transverse sewing lines joining together the first central portion (A1), the side portions (A2, A3) and the first and second end portions (B, C).

Abstract: A compression device for exerting pressure on an arm, shoulder, and/or trunk of a patient in need thereof (for example, a patient with hyperalgia or recovering from surgery in which the lymphatic system is affected), including an arm compression hose, a shoulder part for exerting pressure on the shoulder and trunk area, and a band-shaped fastening means for positioning the shoulder part and exerting pressure on the shoulder part. The arm compression hose exerts a pressure that decreases from a maximum pressure at the wrist or hand to a minimum pressure near the shoulder end of the arm, where the minimum pressure is approximately 70% of the maximum pressure. One or more lining pockets can be constructed on the inner lining of the compression device, where each lining pocket can hold one or more compression pads to increase tissue pressure in one or more body areas in need thereof. The compression pads each can have a shape that approximately conforms to the shape of the body part to which it is applied.

Abstract: A device is provided for compression of objects such as parts of the body. The device has the form of a band that can be shaped like a sleeve, wrap or garment that is sized to encircle the body part or other compressible object and having a component or components made of an elastic material. Indicia such as tick marks or scales are printed on the device. The stretch of the elastic material as the device is tensioned around the body part causes increased separation of the indicia or movement of a free end of the band with respect to the indicia. A system measures the separation of the indicia and converts it to compression as a function of the circumference of the body part. The system may be a card having edges with measurement scales or the scales may be printed on the device and the displacement of a free end of a band or sub-band of the device with respect to the scales indicates the compression for particular circumferences of the body part.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a therapeutic device and related methods for treating arthritis of the knee. The therapeutic device comprises a stretchable band having a predetermined length, a flexible and resilient body installed in the longitudinal middle of the stretchable band with a substantially triangular cross-section whose height is greater at one side of the stretchable band than at the other, such that the higher portion of the flexible and resilient body is applied to the sole at a position nearer to the inner or outer side thereof, and the stretchable band may be used to wrap and fix the ankle.

Abstract: Ankle support having a lateral side and a medial side, at least comprising

Abstract: A device for treating pain in an injured body member includes a wrap having an interior section which can loaded with medicament. The wrap also includes at least one inwardly extending nodule adapted to exert pressure on and compress a specific area of the injured member, having acupressure like effect in producing pain relief. The wrap has adjustable means for fastening the wrap around the body member, thereby enabling the wearer to exert a specific amount of pressure sufficient to dispense medicament from the interior pad and to adjust the pressure on the nodule to achieve the desired results. The combination of restricted movement imparted by the wrap along with the medicament and acupressure, affords the wearer more rapid pain relief than any of the treatments combined.

Abstract: A rehabilitative shoulder support comprising a supple sleeve component having a pair of elastically adjustable shoulder straps and a pair of downwardly depending elastic straps, a circumferential belt having a pair of shoulder strap circumferential belt loops, the circumferential belt loops being attached to elastically adjustable shoulder straps, the pair of downwardly depending elastic straps being permanently attached to the circumferential belt.

Abstract: A protective guard particularly intended for soccer players in which the participant wears the protective guard below the wearer's knees to protect the wearer's shins, calves, ankles and Achilles tendon from possible impact.

Abstract: A structural element having a crescent-shaped side support with a D-shaped cross-section and a hemisphere at its ends; its sloping-edge shape and the visco-elastic material of which it is made allow it, once it has been arranged laterally to the patella and subjected to adequate medial traction, to adapt to the anatomical shape of the patella. Two belts of inelastic material are structurally integrated with the support at its ends and can be orientated through an arc of 45°, allowing to apply a direct and adjustable traction to the support, thus producing medializing forces on the patella which is functional to correct the different patterns of patellar instability. In order to keep the orthesis in place whilst it is being worn and avoid the loss of alignment with the patella during use, a strip of viscous material has been applied to the upper edge of the internal wall of the invention; the material, when rested on the skin, has a non-slip effect even with intense perspiration.

Abstract: A joint protector used for protecting an extremity of a person. The protector is predominantly used as a knee and elbow protector. The protector comprises a generally cylindrical elastic member having an outer surface, an inner surface, an upper opening and a lower opening. The elastic member is of a size such that when the extremity is slipped through the upper and lower openings the elastic member snugly encloses the extremity and joint and is held firmly in place thereon. A pocket enclosure is provided that is located intermediate the outer surface and the inner surface at a location in the elastic member that overlies the joint when the elastic member is slipped over the extremity. A cushioning assembly is provided for cushioning the joint upon impact. The cushioning assembly is located and secured in the pocket enclosure, the pocket enclosure substantially conforming to the shape of the cushioning assembly.

Abstract: Medical bandages which are adapted to the shape of the body part on which they are applied, and which are characterized in that the soft and adaptable material has been thermally deformed.

Abstract: An elastic hose-shaped bandage for pulling over a human joint having a front side and a bending side wherein the front side is approximate to the joint and bending side is approximate to the hollow of the joint. The bending side has a twin-layer knitted spacer fabric for conducting moisture away from the patient's skin. The spacer fabric comprises two spaced layers and connecting threads.

Abstract: An elastic elbow brace for the prevention and treatment of tennis elbow, the brace having an elastic outer sleeve and a concentric inner sleeve. Interposed between the concentric sleeves is a pair of longitudinally extending resilient pads arranged parallel to each other and spaced along their longitudinal edges.

Abstract: An elbow protection device for an elbow of a bed patient includes a body having a base, first and second elevation pads connected to the base, respectively, and a strap connected to the device and configured to secure the body to the elbow. A covering is connected to an outer surface of the body, the covering including a friction reducing material for permitting free sliding movement of the device over the bed surface with minimal resistance. The elbow protection device is made of a flexible, compressible, breathable foam material, the body including an inner surface having a plurality of flat areas spaced apart from each other in two dimensions by a plurality of dimples extending into the body from the flat areas, and a strap connected to the body and configured to secure the body to the elbow.

Abstract: To address the problem of continuing work while suffering from possibly debilitating carpal; tunnel syndrome, a working wrist splint is provided to restrain the wrist joint to a therapeutically advantageous neutral position, yet allowing sufficient movement of the thumb and fingers to enable keyboard functioning. The form of the splint is a stretch fabric sleeve with a thumb opening, a finger aperture, a resiliently deformable wrist support ball at the bottom of the splint and a stiffening batten in a pocket at the top over the back of the wearer's hand.

Abstract: A hip brace that dramatically reduces the pain and discomfort associate with hip degeneration. In one embodiment, the hip brace includes a girdle adapted to be wrapped around the user's waist, and a support member including an upper portion connected to the girdle and a lower portion adapted to provide lateral and upward support to the user's buttock. The lower portion is thicker (e.g., at least three times thicker) than said upper portion to facilitate support of the user's buttock. In order to provide additional support, the hip brace can further include a formed spring support connected to the support member. Preferably, the hip brace further includes at least two support straps connecting the lower portion with the girdle. In a preferred embodiment, the support member includes an inflatable member and an inflater connected to the inflatable member.

Abstract: A wrist brace includes a sleeve and a preformed member where the preformed member includes one or more raised contact portions extending longitudinally along the preformed member. When secured to a user's hand, wrist, and distal forearm, the raised contact portions abut portions of the hand, wrist, and distal forearm and prevents pressure from being applied to the median nerve against the carpal tunnel of the user.

Abstract: An elastic textile implement to be tightly worn over an articulation or part of the body to be protected and/or aided in its mechanical action is made in a geometrically flat form foldable to shape, substantially of a single size. The implement is made in the form of a planar made of an elastic fabric comprising an elastomeric yam and substantially non-elastic yarns, conformable around said part or articulation and tautingly fixed thereon by "Velcro" .RTM. fasteners, the fabric comprising at least a third substantially non-elastic yarn of a material selected from the group composed of nylon, polyester and mylar, interwoven with at least a first and a second non-elastic yarns and with said elastomeric yam and forming a dense population of loops (M) projecting for a determined height out of one face of the fabric. "Velcro" .RTM.

Abstract: A limb protective pad fabrication method, which includes the steps of (a) bonding a fabric front panel, a foamed lining panel and a fabric back panel to form a blank pad, (b) cutting the blank pad into a shaped pad subject to a predetermined shaped, (c) injection-molding a shield on the front panel of the shaped pad from a plastic material having a melting point at least 30.degree. C. below the melting point of the material for the front panel of the shaped pad, and (d) edging the border area of the shaped pad by stitches, enabling binding straps to be fastened to the shaped pad when stitching.

Abstract: A compression device for applying a predetermined compression to a limb including a pliable non-extensible sheet, co-operating fastening parts and a mechanism for indicating changes in compression.

Abstract: A tennis elbow band with a body having an end tab at one end, a strap portion, a thermal packet pocket secured to the strap at a position remote from the end tab, and a combination leverage loop and shield at the far end remote from the end tab to give mechanical assistance in tightening the band prior to securement by the end tab overlapping a portion of the strap. The thermal packet pocket is positioned immediately at the leverage loop at the end of the strap and removably receives a thermal packet. The method of the present invention is directed primarily to determining the condition of the patient, and thereafter removing the thermal packet and conditioning it to the desired temperature of either cold or heat and thereafter inserting the same into the band pocket.

Abstract: The bandage (10) for overload symptoms, femoropatellar pain syndromes and the patella point syndrome of an elastic bandage cloth in tubular form with a circumferentially extending insert (30) of a wavy knitted fabric (40) posesses in the front bandage portion (12) a pressure pad (50) or an annular pressure pad located within the area above the patella when the bandage is applied, which is open towards the top and leaves the quadriceps tenson uncovered (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A lightweight orthopedic brace having no rigid structural elements is constructed from flexible material and is designed primarily to provide for restriction of rotational movement and translation about the targeted joint by providing flexible bracing members which wind in a circumferentially spiraling manner about a target joint to provide active resistance to axial rotation and translation in the joint. The bracing members are adjustable to selectively increase the amount of resistance to axial rotation. The device may further comprise an undersleeve and/or an oversleeve to provide additional compression to the joint and to facilitate the circumferential winding of the bracing members. Construction of the orthopedic brace is such that resistance to rotation is achieved in both the internal and/or external directions. The orthopedic device has a multiplicity of uses, including, but not restricted to prophylactic, post-injury/surgery, as well as proprioceptive and retraining functions.

Abstract: A compression hose having a extremity covering portion and an injured area covering portion. The injured area covering portion further includes an opening that is positioned over the patient's injured area. A number of fastening straps are fixedly attached to one side of the opening and are sized to extend across the opening and secured to a fastener receiver. A locking strap having a longer length than inner fastening straps is positioned at the outer edge of the hose and is sized to extend across the opening and lock the hose in place on the patient's extremity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an athletic brace in which the brace and a protective attachment are secured together as a single, unitary piece without stitching or glue. The protective attachment can have an intricate shape to fit around a moving body part, thereby permitting the therapeutic and protective use of braces that could not be achieved before. The protective attachment is anatomically secured in relation to a selected body part, and may provide control to an unstable joint, decrease stress to an over-worked tendon, provide pain relief to a sore muscle, and pad the area against impact that could cause further damage. An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides for a cushioned protective attachment on the brace to be protected by a protective shell brace.

Abstract: A method for fastening pads to medical bandages, stockings and the like, wherein the pad is welded by thermal action or by cementing between two support materials of film, fabric, knit material or fleece, of which at least one consists of a thermoplastic material, is shaped substantially to its contour, and is fastened to the bandage by thermal action by means of the thermoplastic material which faces the side of the bandage. Preferably, the pad welded between the two support materials is punched out, cut out or the like according to its contour with an overhanging margin and fastened by means of the latter to the bandage.

Abstract: An anti-embolism stocking used to inhibit the development of thrombophlebitis. The present invention is directed to a system and method for applying compressive forces to parts of the body to stimulate fluid flow through the parts of the body. In particular the present invention relates to a stocking that is capable of being placed on a portion of the body and then having a stimulus applied thereto to stimulate blood flow within the region of the body upon which the stocking is placed. The stocking includes polymer materials which, when a selected stimulus is applied thereto, causes constriction of the polymer, thereby causing the compressive forces. The stocking may be designed such that the compressive forces may be generated sequentially along the length of the stocking to gradually stimulate fluid flow, such as blood, to and from the preselected body portion.

Abstract: A brace apparatus for applying tension to the fore portion and the upper portion of a human limb about a limb joint in a direction of limb closure about the joint for joint therapy includes a limb fore portion engaging structure; a limb upper portion engaging structure; an elastic strip interconnecting the limb fore portion and the limb upper portion for creating a range of tension levels between the limb fore portion and the limb upper portion over which the limb fore portion and the limb upper portion move relative to each other; and a mechanism for adjusting the range of tension in the elastic strip.

Abstract: The wrist band with retaining lanyard of this invention is a wrist band and a retaining lanyard specifically attached to the inside of the wrist band. The wrist band is generally an elongated tubular band having an opening for insertion of a hand therethrough. Most commonly, the wrist band will be made with some type of elastic/cotton blended material that will easily stretch over the hand and fit snugly on the wrist. The wrist band also functions as a sweat band for the wrist. The lanyard has a first end, central length and a second end. In one embodiment, a first loop on the first end of the lanyard is circumferentially attached on the inside of the wrist band at a central location. This provision allows the first loop to close about the wrist if tension is applied to the lanyard concurrently with the wrist band being closed. This provides a cushion to the wrist and security from the lanyard slipping off the wrist.

Abstract: A brace for supporting a wearer's shoulder joint during movement is made of elastic material and comprises a torso strap, a shoulder strap, upper and lower stabilizing straps and a vertical support strap. The torso strap is securable around the torso of the wearer generally across the lower end of the rib cage. The shoulder strap is secured at a first end to the torso strap on a side opposite the shoulder to be supported. The shoulder strap extends across the front of the wearer, over and around the shoulder to be supported and across the back of the wearer and is removably securable at a second end to the torso strap along the side opposite the supported shoulder. The shoulder strap is secured to the torso strap under tension to provide the desired support to the shoulder. The upper and lower stabilizing straps cooperate with the shoulder strap to form a shoulder receiving pocket in the shoulder strap and help hold the shoulder strap in place.

Abstract: A longitudinally symmetric arm sling for supporting a forearm of a person has first and second substantially identical panel sections, made of one piece or sewn together from two panel halves so that the sections define a trough with a closed aft end and an open front end into which the arm can be placed. A strap has a first end attached to the aft end of the panel sections and a second end attached to the front end of the panel sections so that portions of the strap and of the panel sections adjacent the front end define opposing loops into which a thumb or the four fingers of a patient's hand can be extended irrespective of whether the sling is worn on a right arm or a left arm. The strip is relatively wide and sewn to the panel sections so that wide sides of the strip are parallel to the panel sections. The sling and the strap are constructed of a relatively soft, stretchable material.

Abstract: Medical arm bandage which surrounds and guides the forearm and the upper arm and shoulder.

Abstract: A padded glove providing improved protection and positioning of the hand of a wearer by anatomically cushioning the pathways of the Ulnar and Median nerves, providing increased thickness of padding in the cushion positioned over the Ulnar and Median nerves, changing the hand position while bicycle riding to decrease the stretch on the nerves, and cushioning the medial aspect on the hand for road-type handlebars is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for the delivery of low amplitude vibration to limbs comprises a flexible sleeve adaptable to fit circumferentially around the limb of a living being; means for mounting the sleeve about the limb; means for generating a low amplitude vibration, carried by said sleeve; and means for transmitting the vibrations to said limb. A method for the treatment of repetitive trauma syndrome comprises affixing a device providing a flexible sleeve circumferentially about the limb affected and transmitting a low amplitude vibration from the device to the limb.

Abstract: An anklet for a foot orthosis has a one-piece member having a sole portion, opposite side portions each terminating in a flap element, a heel portion and a fastening strap. The sole portion has a pocket to receive the foot portion of the orthosis. A soft liner is attached to the interior surface of the anklet. The fastening strap extends over the overlapped flap elements to reinforce the engaged fastening elements on the interior surface of the straps.

Abstract: A forearm crutch cushion system that includes an arm cradle cushion assembly and a hand grip cushion assembly. The arm cradle cushion assembly including a rectangular shaped, padded forearm contact section, left and right rectangular top fold-over securing sections formed along a top edge of the padded forearm contact section, left and right rectangular bottom fold-over securing sections formed along a bottom edge of the padded forearm contact section, and rectangular, left and right cradle end cover sections formed respectively in connection with left and right side edges of the padded forearm contact section.

Abstract: A patella strap which the patella strap has a forward patella press which optionally includes a horse shoe shaped gel. Laterally of the patella press on both sides, buckles are provided which assist in securing the tension of the strap, provision is made for an angulated tension control which permits the patella strap to be used in the inferior or superior position with equal facility. The elasticized patella press allows individual tension control. The elastic patella press also provides the pocket for securing the viscoelastic insert. The band which engages the laterally positioned buckles optionally, but desirably, has an underlying leather like strap which prevents the buckle from contacting the skin of the body. The rear mounting body strap is inserted at both ends into the guide of the buckle, opposing the opening to receive the elasticized patella press which holds the patella engaging portion in place.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a protective device for the upper arm and forearm of a person, particularly of an athlete, with an upper arm part (3) and a forearm guard (2) in which to ensure the protection of the zone between the upper arm and the forearm without any impediment to the person, the upper arm part (3) and/or the forearm guard (2) possess(es) a tongue-like extension (31, 21).

Abstract: A patella strap which the patella strap has a forward patella press which optionally includes a horse shoe shaped gel. Laterally of the patella press on both sides, buckles are provided which assist in securing the tension of the strap, provision is made for an angulated tension control which permits the patella strap to be used in the inferior or superior position with equal facility. The elasticized patella press allows individual tension control. The elastic patella press also provides the pocket for securing the viscoelastic insert. The band which engages the laterally positioned buckles optionally, but desirably, has an underlying leather like strap which prevents the buckle from contacting the skin of the body. The rear mounting body strap is inserted at both ends into the guide of the buckle, opposing the opening to receive the elasticized patella press which holds the patella engaging portion in place.

Abstract: A device adapted to be circumferentially fitted around the forearm to alleviate symptoms of overuse injuries, such as tennis elbow. The device is an elongate band composed of two elongate arcuate compression plates detachably and adjustably linked end to end by flexible straps. Each of the compression plates has an inwardly concave skin contacting surface which, in operation, are in circumferent opposition on the forearm to compress the skin overlying the radial extensor and flexor muscles within the forearm transaxially disposed therebetween. When the band is circumferentially tensioned and fastened to encircle the forearm, only the discrete, anatomically opposed skin contacting surfaces of the compression plates press against the skin. The skin contacting surfaces of the two compression plates are positioned by the user to immediately overlie the extensor and flexor muscle mass respectively.

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.