Ankle Patents (Class 602/65)
  • Patent number: 5891073
    Abstract: An ankle brace comprising ankle anchor strap (7) adapted to attach to the ankle of a user above the ankle joint and a heel support (5) adapted to fit under and support the heel of the user. A first bracing strap (11) extends from a point at or adjacent to a rear portion of the heel support (5) to a point at or adjacent a front portion of the ankle anchor strap (7) when each is fitted to the foot of said user. A second bracing strap (11) extends from a point at or adjacent to a front portion of the heel support (5) to a point at or adjacent a rear portion of the ankle anchor strap (7) when each is fitted to the foot of said user said first and second bracing straps (11) extending around an outer side of the user's ankle in use and each adapted, in use, to apply a tensile force to the heel support (5) so as to seek to raise the outer side of the user's heel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventors: Gary Kara Deirmendjian, Eugene Sherry
  • Patent number: 5882324
    Abstract: A protection and treatment device for ankle, heel and elbow prominences of bed ridden patients in the form of a topically applied pressure resilient cushion adapted to be positioned on the skin adjacent the bony prominence in which a pad having a relatively flat surface conformable to the skin area at which it is applied contains a recess essentially to embrace the bony prominence and includes a perimeter section around the recess that abuts the skin around the bony prominence and supports the cushion against the body tissue adjacent the prominence. The cushion includes multiple sections having differing cross-sections and may be provided in self-adhesive and medicated configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Edwin M. Baranowski
  • Patent number: 5853381
    Abstract: An improved ankle support brace (10) is disclosed. The ankle support brace includes a first flexible lateral piece (12) and a second flexible lateral piece (14) attached to and disposed over the first lateral piece (12). The ankle support brace also inlcudes a first flexible medial piece 16) and a second flexible medial piece(18) attached to and disposed over the first medial piece (16). A first plurality of lace loops is disposed along a front edge of the first medial piece (16). Each of the first plurality of lace loops comprises a flexible material strip (56) attached at a plurality of points to the surface of the first medial piece (16). A second plurality of lace loops, each comprising a flexible material strip (50) attached at a plurality of points to a surface of the second medial piece (18), is disposed along a front edge of the second medial piece (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Tecnol Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon Leslie Stevenson, Kimberly Renee Douglas
  • Patent number: 5843010
    Abstract: An appliance for protecting, supporting and cushioning the heel and ankle, to facilitate the recuperation, rehabilitation or other healing of the heel and/or ankle from medical procedures, injuries or other disorders, includes a pliable cupping component which receives and is adjustably secured to the heel portion of the foot and the ankle. The fastening means for securing the cupping component to the heel and ankle provides support for the tendons and tendon sheaths in the heel and ankle. A pair of selectively adjustable support straps extend from the sides of the cupping component to an upper fastening means immediately below the knee. The support straps exert an upward and supportive force on the heel portion of the foot and limit the flexing of the ankle joint without exerting an upward force on the apophysis or growth center of the calcaneus bone which is located at the posterior portion of the calcaneus bone adjacent and below the attachment of the achilles tendon to this bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: E. James Bodmer
  • Patent number: 5833640
    Abstract: An ankle and foot support brace is described which is made of three components; an inner slide-on sleeve, a plantar cushion, and an outer mono-unit strapping system. The sleeve is very thin at a thickness of about one-thirty-seconds of an inch. The sleeve is made of a stretchable resilient material such as Spandex. The plantar cushion may be removable or permanently attached to the brace and can further be personalized in its makeup to form a therapeutic orthotic. The mono-unit strapping system is also thin, made of strong resilient composite, and having a thickness commensurate with the sleeve and includes two heel lock straps, two stirrup straps, and two figure eight straps. The lateral stirrup includes two locking straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Roderick M. Vazquez, Jr., Kenneth W. Bramlett
  • Patent number: 5814002
    Abstract: An adjustable size ankle brace that can be configured to be fitted on feet of differing sizes. The brace includes a base that wraps around the foot and ankle on the sides and rear thereof. The base has forward edges that come toward one another over the front superior foot and ankle region but do not meet. The edges are spaced apart by a gap that is closed by an adjustable closure assembly. Lateral and medial movable flaps are releasable fixed to the sides of the base by means of hook and loop type fastening material. The flaps carry lace eyelets. The eyelets are connected by a common lace. The flaps can be moved on the base to vary the circumference size encompassed by the base and accordingly the size of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5795316
    Abstract: An ankle stabilizing appliance for restricting inversion and eversion of the foot while allowing flexion and dorsiflexion is described. The appliance includes a boot-like body member and a pair of stabilizing straps which extend in opposite directions toward the front of the body member. Each of the stabilizing straps is adapted to extend across and under the foot of the wearer, and then upwardly to a releasable attachment point on the side of the body member. A first fastener of a unidirectional fastener pair is positioned on a lower portion of the body member, in a position where it will be positioned beneath the calcaneus of a wearer when the device is worn. A mating fastener is positioned on a central portion of one of the stabilizing straps so that when the strap is wrapped across and under the foot of the wearer, the mating fasteners are secured together, and the unidirectional fastener protects against relative movement between the body member and the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Medical Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Lee Gaylord
  • Patent number: 5778563
    Abstract: In a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with a reinforcement which partially or entirely encloses the foot below the ankle joints and which extends above the upper ankle joint on one or both sides of the foot, wherein the reinforcement has a stirrup element which at least partially surrounds the foot below the ankle joints and a sleeve element which at least partially surrounds the calf above the upper ankle joint, and wherein the sleeve element is connected with the stirrup element on the inner side of the foot and/or on the outer side of the foot via an articulation in order to transmit at least tractive forces between the stirrup element and the sleeve element, it is proposed that the articulation on the outer side of the foot is arranged so as to be offset toward the front in the longitudinal direction of the shoe relative to a center position between the outer malleolus and the inner malleolus of the upper ankle joint and that the articulation on the inner side of the foot is arranged so as to be offset
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Georg Ahlbaumer
  • Patent number: 5772621
    Abstract: A turf toe brace includes a flexible boot adapted for snugly anchoring the brace to a foot of a user, an elongate generally non stretchable strap releasably joinable in a multiplicity of configurations to the boot by a fastening mechanism and a toe loop. The toe loop is joined to the strap opposite the boot. In use the strap passes under the foot and is connected to at least one side of the boot in such a manner as to pull downwardly on the great toe and help prevent hyper-extension of the great toe, especially during work or athletic events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Cramer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Unruh
  • Patent number: 5769810
    Abstract: To control the reflex response of a muscle or muscular group articulating a joint of a living body, the method and device apply an external pressure to the mechano-receptors guiding the natural reflex mechanism of the muscle or muscular group. The mechano-receptors include skin mechano-receptors and deeper joint mechano-receptors. To increase the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group, a light pressure intensity .ltoreq.200 mmHg is applied to stimulate only the skin mechano-receptors and thereby increase the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group. To inhibit the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group, a high pressure intensity .gtoreq.400 mmHg is applied to stimulate the deeper joint mechano-receptors such as the Golgi tendons to thereby increase the reflex response of the muscle or muscular group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Andre Brossard
  • Patent number: 5762622
    Abstract: A medical boot comprising a relatively soft boot component having a foot portion and a leg portion, and a relatively hard plastic splint formed with a foot portion and a leg portion. The foot portion of the splint is mounted inside the boot and the leg portion of the splint is outside the rear surface of the boot. Releasable fastening means connect the splint to the rear surface of the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: William D. Lamont
  • Patent number: 5755679
    Abstract: Improved apparatus for stabilizing the foot to control gait, wherein a sheet and a strap of limited elasticities are wrapped around the foot in a prescribed manner so that the sheet forms a sleeve around the arch and instep of the foot. The strap ends are attached to the sleeve so as to limit excessive pronation, assist in resupination and enhance retrograde stability to the major joints of the foot. The strap extends at an angle from a location on the sleeve adjacent to the bottom of the foot, up across the instep, over the top of the foot, around the heel, back along the medial side of the foot and can be fastened to the sleeve with a patch of fastening material, resulting in an adjustable fastening location below the first metatarsal of the foot. The patch can fasten intermediate locations of the strap to the sleeve to allow one apparatus to fit different sized feet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventors: Allen J. Selner, Marc D. Selner
  • Patent number: 5743867
    Abstract: A therapeutic wrapping device for a limb, particular the ankle includes a wrapping member cut and sewn from an elastic fabric and defining a central strip portion with an opening for engaging over the heel and two wing portions for wrapping over the top of the ankle. Three separate bags are provided each containing a thermal gel material and each having a hook and loop fastener strip for engaging a cooperating strip on an inside of the wrapping member. The strips on the wrapping member are arranged so that two are at the top of the device spaced either side of a center line and the third is below the opening and arranged across the center line. The bags are placed over the strips so that two are arranged each on a respective side of the Achilles tendon and the third lies under the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Shawn Hickling
  • Patent number: 5720715
    Abstract: An ankle bandage (1) for supporting an ankle and foot while allowing a relatively unimpeded walk. The ankle bandage has a generally sock-shaped main body enclosing the ankle and instep region of a user. The main body may be opened at a front closure and is made from a flexible, resilient, heat insulating material. A pocket (8,9,10) for containing a stabilizing support body (11) is defined by a separate material sewn on the inside of main body along seams 6 and 7. The supporting body (11) comprises two rail portions (18) extending from a point above the ankle area of the user on each side of the leg, a joining portion (19) coupling the upper ends of the rail portions and a heel support formed by distal tapering portions of the lower ends (20) of the rail portions (18). During use, the tapering portions do not overlap and the heel support is located below the instep area and against the outside of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Rehband Anatomiska AB
    Inventor: Thomas Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5709650
    Abstract: An orthopedic appliance for reinforcing a patient's skeletal anatomy from a rigid shell fitted at the inside to the patient at skin overlying the skeletal anatomy to be reinforced, has an improvement for adhering the rigid shell to the skin of the patient. A strip of flexible tensile tape has a first side for fitting to the skin of a patent and a second side outward exposed for fitting to the inside of the rigid shell. A hypoallergenic non-inflammatory adhesive is coated on one side of the strip of flexible tape for fitting to the skin. Means for removable attachment to the inside of the rigid shell is placed on the second side of the strip of flexible tape for outward exposure and attachment to the rigid shell. Complimentary means for removable attachment is fitted to the inside of the rigid shell. This attachment transfers loading from the skin of the patient to the rigid shell for orthopedically reinforcing the skeletal anatomy of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: John P. Colman
  • Patent number: 5682617
    Abstract: A sock of soft elastic latex material from 0.003 to 0.005 inches in thickness and with a modulus of elasticity of from 450 to 500. It is non-porous and non-permeable and it is used to maintain creams, treatment lotions and moisturizing agents in contact with the skin surface of lower limbs. It is also useful in the prevention of hypothermia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Alfredo Tumas
    Inventor: Alfredo Tumas
  • Patent number: 5681271
    Abstract: An ankle brace includes an outer layer of flexible, inelastic material and an inner layer of elastic material. The outer layer has a plurality of relief openings that are strategically located according to locations of flexure and extension of the foot and ankle, thereby to allow additional extension of the brace to accommodate extension of that portion of the brace, and to alleviate bunching of the material when the portion of the brace is placed in flexure. Relief openings are located on the front superior foot surface on either side of the base and also near the sole of the foot in association with the front edge of the base. A support strap system is provided to protect the foot upon inversion and eversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5620413
    Abstract: A combination ankle brace and wrap is comprised of a compression support sleeve adapted to fit over the foot of the user. A non-elastic strap is secured to the pressure support sleeve and wraps around the plantar of the foot and back around the ankle forming a figure eight configuration. Two pressure release pads are disposed on the compression support sleeve parallel to each other forming a channel along the Achilles tendon of the user to provide a redistribution of the forces from the strap near the Achilles tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Inventor: Donaebill G. Olson
  • Patent number: 5613941
    Abstract: A joint support apparatus for wrapping around a joint to protect and support the joint during sports-like or sports-related activities. The main body of the apparatus being made of at least one sheet of flexible resilient material and constructed to urge the knee-joint to maintain a partially flexed position. The apparatus may also include a specially positioned pad to account for natural curvature of the knee-joint to maintain a more balanced support to the joint particularly during extension. Further the apparatus may also include an inflatable bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Innovative Footwear Corporation
    Inventor: Randall Prengler
  • Patent number: 5609570
    Abstract: A medical boot includes a two piece boot body consisting of a lower flexible panel forming the sole portion of the boot body, and an annular flexible upper body joined to the peripheral edge of the lower panel so as to form a soft flexible protective wall around the toe and heel areas of the wearer's foot. Each panel includes a resilient foam core, an inner fabric covering on one face of the foam core, and an outer fabric covering on the other face of the foam core. The inner fabric covering has a relatively soft short nap surface having wicking properties for capturing perspiration that may accumulate on the wearer's foot. The outer fabric covering is a fibrous fastener material containing repeating contiguous miniature loops capable of interlocking connection with fastener patches carried by two strap formed integrally with the upper panel, such that the straps are enabled to hold the boot on the wearer's foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: LaMed, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Lamont
  • Patent number: 5554107
    Abstract: A footwrap comprising a modified tubular body of elastic material wherein the body has an ankle opening and a plurality of toe openings. The ankle opening is positioned to extend from above the heel forward along both sides of the foot just below the ankle to the top of the foot. The toe openings are positioned forward of the ankle opening so that the body envelops the foot between the ankle opening and the toe openings and exerts a predetermined compressive force to support the arch of the foot. The body is adapted to envelope the heel below the ankle opening to form a heel cup, the heel cup being positioned so that a predetermined compressive force is exerted along the bottom of the foot between the heel and the toes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Donald R. Shannahan
  • Patent number: 5520628
    Abstract: A custom fitted ankle brace (10) and a process for constructing the brace is described. The brace is comprised of anterior and posterior supports (12 and 16) connected together at their distal ends (12B and 16B) by pivot pins (22). The anterior and posterior supports both have arcuate sidewalls (12C and 16C) which form openings (14 and 18). When the brace is in the closed position around the ankle (102), the sidewall of the posterior support overlaps the sidewall of the anterior support and the opening of the anterior support is adjacent the achilles tendon of the ankle. The anterior support has a cushion (26) adjacent the inside surface (12H) to increase the user's comfort. To apply the brace, the proximal ends (12A and 16A) of the supports are pulled apart and the user (100) inserts his foot (104) into the brace and pulls the brace into position around his ankle. The brace is then secured on the ankle by a securing strap ( 28) extending around the proximal end of the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Maxon P. Wehr
  • Patent number: 5507720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a shin and ankle from blows and for supporting the ankle, allowing an athlete to participate in sports with an ankle injury. The device attachable to a shin, ankle and foot for protecting the shin and ankle from blows and for supporting the ankle against inversion and eversion, comprises a body comprising a shin protecting portion connected to an ankle supporting portion, the ankle supporting portion comprising two sides for positioning on the medial and lateral sides of the ankle respectively; means, such as straps, for securing the two sides of the ankle supporting portion of the body to the ankle; and a U-shaped support extending between the two sides of the ankle supporting portion of the body for passing under the foot. Preferably, the body comprises a hard outer shell and an inner pad. The shin protecting portion and the ankle supporting portion may be flexibly connected. The device avoids interference between conventional shin guards and ankle braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: George Lampropoulos
  • Patent number: 5503622
    Abstract: A custom fitted ankle brace (10) and a process for constructing the brace is described. The brace is comprised of anterior and posterior supports (12 and 16) connected together at their distal ends (12B and 16B) by pivot pine (22). The anterior and posterior supports both have arcuate sidewalls (12C and 16C) which form openings (14 and 18). When the brace is in the closed position around the ankle (102), the sidewall of the posterior support overlaps the sidewall of the anterior support and the opening of the anterior support is adjacent the achilles tendon of the ankle. The anterior support has a cushion (26) adjacent the inside surface (12H) to increase the user's comfort. To apply the brace, the proximal ends (12A and 16A) of the supports are pulled apart and the user (100) inserts his foot (104) into the brace and pulls the brace into position around his ankle. The brace is then secured on the ankle by a securing strap ( 28) extending around the proximal end of the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Maxon P. Wehr
  • Patent number: 5501659
    Abstract: An ankle brace to be fitted about the lower leg and ankle of a wearer for inhibiting inversion and eversion of the ankle while accommodating plantar flexion and dorsiflexion is characterized by a rigidifying and unitizing external shell comprising a unitary member made of a rigid material and including a leg encircling portion at least substantially encircling the lower leg of the wearer and ankle stays extending downwardly from the leg encircling portion over the ankle and down to the heel on both the medial and lateral sides of the leg, the leg encircling portion accommodating flexing of the sides of the shell about a vertical axis intermediate the ankle stays for movement of the sides and the stays horizontally into supporting engagement with the medial and lateral sides of the leg and ankle, the shell preventing undesired movement of the ankle stays relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew DonJoy, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Morris, Joe G. Stetman
  • Patent number: 5472414
    Abstract: A one-size-fits-all ankle brace has a base member which is a unitary piece of elastomeric material, e.g., plush fabric covered neoprene, having an upper portion including a pair of mounting straps, and a lower portion including a pair of mounting straps and a pair of short elastic tension straps attached to the lower portion adjacent respective lower mounting straps. The base member can be folded to form a jacket, wherein the upper mounting straps of the base member are wrapped around the ankle and the leg just above the ankle and the lower mounting straps of the base member wrapped around the ankle, arch, and instep. VELCRO.RTM. fastening components hold the mounting straps in place to secure the brace on the ankle. The upper mounting straps overlap each other from opposite directions than the lower mounting straps. The tension straps are criss-crossed across the jacket and are releasably secured to the upper mounting straps by VELCRO.RTM. fastening components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Pro Orthopedic Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael K. Detty
  • Patent number: 5464384
    Abstract: The Achilles Tendon Support Brace is an improved ankle support and protector of the achilles tendon; wherein two tendon supports are the key in assisting, rehabilitating and relieving pain within the achilles tendon by relieving pressure along the right and left sides of the achilles tendon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Leonardo W. Cromartie
    Inventor: Leonardo W. Cromartie
  • Patent number: 5460601
    Abstract: An elastic footwrap for treating plantar fasciitis by relaxing and shortening the musculatures of the foot. The footwrap is made of elastic material having a body and an arch support. Both the body and the arch support are generally rectangular. The body covers the top and bottom of the foot and has an ankle opening and toe openings. The ends of the body are secured at the heel so that a predetermined compressive force is exerted along the bottom of the foot when the footwrap is in operative position on the foot. The arch support is positioned perpendicular to the body. The ends of the arch support are secured on the top of the foot so that the arch support envelopes and supports the arch when the footwrap is in operative position on the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Donald R. Shannahan
  • Patent number: 5445598
    Abstract: A brace for keeping the socks, soft shoes, booties and moccasins of infants from falling off when being worn. The brace is comprised of an elastic Moobius band. This band is first slipped over the foot to rest around the ankle portion of the footwear being worn. Once positioned there, it is then twisted once to form another loop which is stretched over the foot and released around the arch portion of the footwear. When properly worn, the brace provides three sources (20,22,24) of counter tension to hold the infant footwear snugly yet comfortably intact. This brace can also be fully incorporated into the soft shoe/moccasin/booty itself by constructing in the applicable footwear a casing (26) to hold the elastic band, which when inserted through the casing will form the brace as well as serve as a shoe lace for adjusting the fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Khoi Nguyen-Senderowicz
  • Patent number: 5354260
    Abstract: A one-piece slipper construction, into which an inflatable foot-pump bag or bladder is permanently integrated and wherein a thin reinforcement panel is fully contained and located within a flat-foldable wrap, for selective completion of the circumferential tie that is needed for assurance of stimulated foot-pump action. In the preferred embodiment, the wrap is so further devised as to provide a flexibly reinforced, non-stretch backing reference for a laterally extending portion of the inflatable bag, for active stimulation of the adjacent dorsi-medial region, where further blood accumulates as part of the pool from which venous return flow can be driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Novamedix, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon J. Cook
  • Patent number: 5330419
    Abstract: An orthopedic ankle brace is provided having a pliant boot that surrounds the ankle joint, as well as the foot and lower leg in the region thereof. The boot may incorporate straps for applying compression to the ankle joint. Attached to the boot are a pair of adjustable tension straps vertically disposed about the ankle joint for restricting the mobility thereof. Integral with the boot are a pair of stiffening members positioned about the ankle joint to cooperate with the tension straps in the performance of their mobility restricting function. Further provided integral with the boot are retention members that isolate the malleoli from the stiffening members for the comfort of the wearer. Finally, one or more retention straps are provided to maintain the stability of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Donjoy, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Toronto, Charles A. Bastyr
  • Patent number: 5306229
    Abstract: The articular bandage of elastic bandaging material renders possible a selective transversal friction massage for the speedier rehabilitation of the joint functions of injured joints, such as knee joints, ankle joints, elbow joints, shoulder joints and wrists and, in an applied state, has a pad acting upon the joint which is constructed in the form of a pressure pad (20) which possesses a configuration determined by the bony prominences and tendon attachments of the joint and is constructed in the form of a shaped member from a soft-elastic material, in which at least one friction core of a hard or incompressible material is disposed and is fixed in its position in the material of the shaped member (21 FIG. 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Beiersdorf Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Brandt, Ingeborg Szlema, Hans H. Wetz
  • Patent number: 5277695
    Abstract: An adjustable ankle compress (10) in the shape of a boot (12) with an ankle portion (18) and a foot portion (16) for receiving the ankle and foot and having a sole (14) on the boot (12) that is adjustable in width for varying the size of the boot (12) to accommodate a foot and ankle of various sizes. The boot (12) has a fluid-tight compartment (36) formed therein for substantially surrounding the ankle and the top of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Aircast, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn W. Johnson, Jr., Henry J. McVicker
  • Patent number: 5242379
    Abstract: An ankle brace for limiting flexing and pivoting movement of the ankle joint. The brace includes a soft resilient sock and a pair of brace panels positioned and retained over the sock on opposite sides of the ankle and foot. Each panel is formed by a pair of brace sections hinged together by a floating pivot axis hinge. The hinge includes a pair of juxtaposed hinge plates adapted to pivot and slide with respect to each other. One of the plates is secured to the ankle section of the brace and the other is secured to the foot section of the brace. Each plate defines a pivot face, with a concave groove defined in each face. The concave grooves are normally positioned at right angles with respect to each other when the pivot faces are juxtaposed. A single pivot bearing ball is positioned between the opposed pivot faces and retained in the concave grooves. A spring resiliently biases the hinge plates together against the ball pivot bearing. A second spring biases the plates for relative sliding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Exoflex, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Harris, Michael E. Berkeley
  • Patent number: 5217431
    Abstract: An orthopedic ankle brace is provided having a pliant boot that surrounds the ankle joint, as well as the foot and lower leg in the region thereof. The boot may incorporate means of applying compression to the ankle joint. Attached to the boot are a pair of adjustable tension straps vertically disposed about the ankle joint for restricting the mobility thereof. Integral with the boot are pair of stiffening members positioned about the ankle joint to cooperate with the tension straps in the performance of their mobility restricting function Further provided integral with the boot are retention members that isolate the malleoli from the stiffening members for the comfort of the wearer. Finally, one or more retention straps are provided to maintain the stability of the brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew Donjoy, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell A. Toronto, Charles A. Bastyr
  • Patent number: 5185000
    Abstract: Apart from an intermittent massage on the soft tissue surrounding the medial and lateral malleolus, the ankle joint bandage renders possible a deep-acting transverse friction on the attachment of the Achilles tendon; it consists of an anatomically configured tubular body (11) which is provided with a lower section (16) forming an outsole (16a) and which, in the applied state, embraces half the foot and extends to the calf, while, within the area of the outsole (16a), half a heel (18) is knitted in and which is provided with two anatomically asymmetrically constructed pressure pads (20) located above the paraachillory soft tissue and which, at the medial and at the lateral malleolus, cover the region above Bisgaard's link, each pressure pad being constructed in the form of a shaped member (21) having a lateral rounded-off indentation (27) for accommodating the bony prominence of the ankle, which consists of a soft or soft-elastic material, in which, within the shaped member (21), a rod-shaped friction core (30
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Beiersdorf AG
    Inventors: Dieter Brandt, Ingeborg Szlema, Hans H. Wetz
  • Patent number: 5176624
    Abstract: A shoe bandage adapted to be worn over foot bandages, foot injuries or foot wounds. The shoe bandage includes a sole part provided with hook and loop fastening surrounding an outer peripheral edge of the sole part. A one-piece unwindable upper material piece forming an upper shoe part is provided along a lower edge with hook and loop fastening material for enabling an fastening between the lower edge of the upper shoe part and the sole part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: Heinz-Peter Kuehnreich
  • Patent number: 5162041
    Abstract: A article of footwear for receiving and holding an orthopedic apparatus such as a heel lift or arch support which enables the user of such apparatus to wear it without wearing conventional shoes. The article of footwear has receiving means for receiving and holding an orthopedic apparatus and securing means for securing said article of footwear to about the ankle and heel of the wearer leaving the forefoot and toes unencumbered by the footwear. The article of footwear is preferably formed by sewing together elastic straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Patricia P. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5152082
    Abstract: A shoe is provided with an ankle support member to reduce the risk of ankle injury. The ankle support member is a stiff resilient piece of bendable sheet material including a base portion, and a plurality of lateral and medial strips which are inclined upwardly and rearwardly. The base portion has a U-shaped horizontal cross section which extends into and is bonded to the shoe sole. Some lateral strips are connected to medial strips to form inverted support loops behind the wearer's heel. Other lateral and medial strips have free upper ends which are curved toward each other in a transverse direction, and their stiffness deters lateral movement of the ankle to reduce a risk of ankle injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventor: Thomas C. Culpepper
  • Patent number: 5139479
    Abstract: There is disclosed a ready-to-wear ankle support adapted to be pulled over the foot and positioned about the ankle area. The ankle support is prepared from a resilient flexible material which is preferably elasticized fabric laminate having a low moisture-absorbent elasticized fabric inner (next to the skin) liner and a moisture-absorbant outer layer comprising an elasticized fabric having a brushed looped texture. The support includes an infinitely adjustable tibia closure and an integral wrap strap which is provided with hook fastening means for releasable attachment to the loop fastening means of the outer surface. The wrap strap is drawn about the support in a figure 8 wrap to provide a desired level of compression to the affected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Camp International, Inc.
    Inventor: Helena Peters
  • Patent number: 5135473
    Abstract: The present invention is an Achilles tendon brace which comprises: a wrap holding a multidimensional compressive pad; an anatomically proportioned strapping system; and hook and loop fasteners such as available under the trademark Velcro. The compressive pad contains a raised portion which lays above and perpendicular to the Achilles tendon, providing a compressive conuterforce, relieving strain and dispersing pressure normally transmitted through the tendon. The pad conforms to each individual's Achilles tendon with continued use, providing a customized unit providing multidimensional support and compression of the tendon. The strapping system employs straps which are proportioned to match the contours of the Achilles tendon area of the leg, permitting full range of motion of the ankle and foot. The strapping system permits the wrap to be placed snugly around the Achilles tendon, and, in conjunction with the hook and loop fasteners (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventors: Marcia Epler, Paul Krajewski
  • Patent number: 5099860
    Abstract: An improved orthotic device for treating torn or sprained ankle ligaments has a leggings-type bandage formed of medial, lateral, and plantar textile cloth sections closable upon one another by closing bands, medial and lateral splints insertable within splint-mounting bands which are carried by the medial and lateral textile cloth sections, and a separate eversion wedge which can be adjustably applied to the bandage. The eversion wedge has two walls formed approximately perpendicular to one another, with the plantar wall decreasing in a wedge-shaped manner away from the lateral wall thereof. An anti-plantar flexion band formed from a curved strip can be fastened so as to extend away from the lateral side and under the plantar portion of the bandage and terminates at its two ends in adhesion strips, both of which can be adhered to the medial splint-mounting band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: Max Amrein
  • Patent number: 5097825
    Abstract: A trauma protector for protecting the limb of an infant during a procedure for taking of blood. The trauma protector provided with two pairs of flaps which overlap on the back of the infant's leg and foot to support the foot and ankle and protect the infant's foot and ankle from trauma arising from pressure applied during the procedure to stabilize the ankle of the infant. A support member is removably affixed to the pad in the instep region to further support the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: Marilyn M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 5092318
    Abstract: An improved wrist brace is described wherein the improvement comprises the brace being formed generally from one piece of fabric having uniform elasticity, the fabric being folded and sewn in such a manner to provide tension in the carpal ligament area which is greater than the tension over other areas and provides an angled compression tube of 32.degree.. An alternative embodiment illustrates an orthopedic support apparatus constructed of two way stretch fabric having a ravel-free severed end portion joined flatly to and abutting another portion of the fabric and stitched thereto. The process of the invention describes an improved method of manufacturing orthopedic supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: K. T. Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcos A. More, Paul B. Gamm
  • Patent number: 5090404
    Abstract: An ankle support is disclosed which includes an underliner extending about the wearer's leg at a point above the ankle joint and forming a main body for the ankle support. An upper strap extends about the underliner at a point above the ankle joint and is adjustable in tension. An upright strap is secured to the underliner and this upright strap extends downwardly on the medial side of the wearer's leg, under his arch and upwardly along the lateral side of the wearer's leg, where it is secured to the upper strap. A diagonal strap is secured to the upright strap and the underliner on the medial side of the wearer's leg and extends upwardly and forwardly across the wearer's ankle, and around the lateral side of the wearer's leg to be joined to the upper strap. This construction not only supports the ankle joint against inversion sprains, but provides support for the arch and the plantar fascia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Charles Kallassy