Abstract: A batter's lower leg protector product, including a lower leg protector for being custom-formed to the shape of a batter's lower leg while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The lower leg protector product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material. A flexible lower leg protector is positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The lower leg protector includes a substrate and a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate, the system remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate to provide cushioning between the substrate and the batter when the lower leg protector is being worn. An outer cover covers the substrate on the side opposite the protective pad.

Abstract: A batter's forearm protector product, including a forearm protector for being custom-formed to the shape of a batter's forearm while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The forearm protector product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material. A flexible forearm protector is positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The forearm protector includes a substrate and a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate, the system remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate to provide cushioning between the substrate and the batter when the forearm protector is being worn. An outer cover covers the substrate on the side opposite the protective pad.

Abstract: A ventilation system is disclosed for a cast of the type which encompasses a limb with a rigid material such that an inside surface of the cast faces the limb while an outside surface of the cast is spaced outwardly from the inside surface. The ventilation system includes a tube insertable through the cast so that one end of the tube is open to the limb while the other end of the tube is open to the outside surface of the cast. A source of pressurized air is then fluidly connected to the other or outside end of the tube thus forcing air flow through the tube and into the area between the inside surface of the cast and the limb.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace having a cuff formed as a single piece from bendable sheet material comprises a generally U-shaped frame having a center segment and two extensions projecting from the ends of the center segment in a common direction. The center segment has a reduced stiffness as compared to the extensions to permit the center segment to be more readily shaped to conform to the body part of a wearer. A molded one-piece covering, such as a thermoplastic material, forms a continuous covering surrounding portions of the cuff. The cuff may be fabricated by stamping it from a sheet of metal, such as aluminum, or a composite material. By forming the sheet such that it has a variable thickness along one edge thereof, the center segment may be formed by the portion of the sheet having reduced thickness, while the extensions may be formed from the remainder of the sheet.

Abstract: A low temperature synthetic splint/orthotic material having affixed thereto a layer of gel-like viscoelastic padding having a compressibility such that upon normal application of the padded splinting material to a body part exhibiting such as bony prominences, that the padding compresses but does not bottom out under normal usage whereby the bony prominence is supported over its extent along with the rest of the body part. In preferred embodiments a cover of fabric, foam or polymeric film is bonded over the viscoelastic padding to isolate body tissue from possible discomfort associated with some properties of the padding material.

Abstract: A carpal tunnel splint for being custom-fitted to a hand and wrist to be supported, and comprising an elongate, narrow flexible inner cushion layer for being placed on and conformed to the shape of the hand and wrist, an initially flexible intermediate layer overlying the inner cushion layer and an intermediate layer comprised of a fabric impregnated with a moisture-curable resin which hardens upon curing to form a rigid structure of the fabric which retains a shape into which it is molded during curing, thereby also holding the flexible inner cushion layer in a conforming shape against the hand and wrist. A flexible protective outer layer overlies the intermediate layer and is attached to the inner cushion layer for enclosing the intermediate layer and forming the inner layer, intermediate layer and outer layer into a single, integrated elongated, narrow splint structure.

Abstract: A thermoplastic apparatus and method of use for immobilization or support of a body part of a human or animal, is formed from a sheet of thermoplastic moldable material that is substantially rigid at ambient temperatures and pliable at higher temperatures. The sheet is pre-cut in a shape that generally conforms to and encircles a preselected human or animal body part with the pre-cut sheet having two opposing edges. A portion of the two opposing edges including a cooperating fastener for fastening the two opposing edges together when the pre-cut sheet encircles the preselected human or animal body part. The fastener is directly attached to the thermoplastic material, so that the fastener allows the thermoplastic apparatus to be removed from and put back on the human or animal body part and to be placed directly into a heat transfer area having a temperature between 50.degree. C. and 100.degree. C. for causing the apparatus to be pliable which allows the apparatus to be molded and shaped.

Abstract: An ankle orthotic of substantially resilient material is provided comprised of a heel portion, an ankle support portion, and a talofibular support portion. The heel portion is substantially rigid and form fitting, preventing excessive inversion forces from being generated at the subtalar joint. The ankle support portion is relatively resilient and extends vertically from the heel portion, with the medial aspect extending higher than the lateral aspect. This form results in creating a three-point pressure system, which resists inversion forces from displacing the ankle mortise. The proximal end of the ankle support portion is enclosed via a fastening strap to customize fit. The talofibular support portion extends laterally and distally from the heel portion and reinforces the relatively vulnerable anterior talofibular ligament, providing stabilization and decreasing injury to the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopedic casting article comprising an apertured, extruded sheet. The present invention also provides a method of enclosing a body member, comprising the steps of: heating an apertured, extruded sheet comprising a low temperature thermoplastic polymer having a softening or melting temperature less than about 90.degree. C.; wrapping the article about the body member; and molding the wrapped article about the body member such that the article is used as an orthopedic casting material and has a sufficient number of apertures after application to the patient to allow moisture vapors produced by the skin to freely escape through the cast or splint.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the surroundive fixation of extremities in which a double-walled cuff-forming cushion is used which can be deformed into a sleeve, which can be made vacuum-tight and which is provided with a evacuation valve. A plurality of loose particulate filling bodies is provided in the inner space of the cuff-forming cushion between the two walls and the cushion can be consolidated by evacuation into a stiff stable structure.

Abstract: A portable exerciser has a generally planar base for receiving a user's foot to be exercised and at least one resilient fastening member for flexibly fastening the user's foot to the base. The attachment member comprises a bar for attaching the resilient fastening member to at least one location on the base. When the resilient fastening member is attached to the base, it provides resistive force in opposition to movement of the user's foot and permits all of dorsiflexion, inversion and eversion exercise. The exercise apparatus can also include a force-bearing portion of the base so that a user can steady the base against movement with a non-exercising foot.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conformable ankle brace constructed of a heat moldable thermoplastic material that can be formed in place around a patient's injured ankle. The moldable thermoplastic material is shaped in a manner that produces medial and lateral extensions for covering the medial and lateral malleoli of a patient's foot. A concave recess is formed between the medial and lateral extensions to improve strength and reduce cracking of the thermoplastic brace. A non-stretchable strap holds the conformable ankle brace in position against the ankle and leg. A stretchable strap secures the medial and lateral extensions or splints in place over the medial and lateral malleoli. Strategically placed pads of hook-textured material, that mate with loop-type material on the fastening straps hold them in place on the ankle brace. Optionally, the moldable custom-fitted ankle brace can beheld in place with athletic tape.

Abstract: A splint to splint injured parts of a body. The splint includes three rigid members one pair of which are joined together by a hinged joint and a second pair of which are joined by a pivot joint. The hinge joint and the pivot joint each include a locking mechanism that allows the user to select from plurality of numerous positions and thereafter lock each of the joints in a selected position. The splint is used to fix a particular body part in a selected position which may require the members to be hinged with respect to each other, pivoted with respect to each other, or both.

Abstract: Articles and methods for forming splints for body parts of an animal are disclosed. A splint includes a splint core formed of one or more layers of knit fabric impregnated with a water-curable hardenable resin. The opposite faces of the splint core are covered by nonwoven fibrous fabric covers which bond to the core by contact with the resin. A securement member or strap is partially or completely encircled about the splint, and flexible hooks on the strap grasp the fabric covers to hold the splint on the body part being treated. For a small animal, the splint core is a die-cut article having notches in its side edges which permit the core to be bent to form a foot-supporting platform without substantial bunching at the side edges.

Abstract: A device for supporting newly cropped ears of dogs includes an outer member elongated upon a straight axis and fabricated as a monolithic piece of closed cell polymer foam material bounded by concave interior and convex exterior cylindric surfaces. A protective piece of thin plastic material is adhered to the interior surface in a manner to preserve its concave contour. The upper and lower extremities of the device are easily trimmable so as to cause the device to conform to ears of different size and varied upper tip contour.

Abstract: With a medical splint (1) for securing and immobilizing movable body parts, in particular extremities of a human or an animal, along a splint axis (6), where said splint (1) comprises a sheet metal (2) that can be shaped plastically by hand and is covered on both sides with a cover layer (3, 4), a high shapability and stiffness at the same time are achieved by the fact that the sheet metal (2) is designed with corrugations in at least some areas, where the peaks and valleys of the corrugations (42) run essentially across the splint axis (6).

Abstract: The present invention provides a silicate-containing composition for use in an orthopedic support material. The silicate-containing composition includes a water-soluble silicate, wherein at least about 1 part of the water-soluble silicate is soluble in about 6 parts water at 25.degree. C. Preferably, the water-soluble silicate has the formula SiO.sub.2 /M.sub.2 O wherein M is Li, Na, K, or NR.sub.4, wherein each R is independently hydrogen or a (C.sub.1 -C.sub.10)organic group.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an orthopedic support having a flexible inner member and an exo-skeleton that is molded directly onto the flexible inner member. In one particular embodiment, a versatile, multi-medium orthopedic ankle support assembly has an inner fabric support for extending at least partially around an injured part of the anatomy and for providing basic support for the injury. A plastic exo-support is injection molded into said fabric support and supplies supplemental support for resisting motion of the injured part in undesired directions. The fabric support has a main body portion for extending at least part way around the injured part of the anatomy and has edges to be secured together after the fabric support is fitted to the injured part. The invention is not limited to ankle braces, of course, as the general principle of molding an exo-skeleton onto a flexible inner member may be used in conjunction with numerous different supports.

Abstract: An ankle splint product includes an ankle splint for being custom-formed to the shape of an ankle while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The ankle splint product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material, and first and second flexible ankle splint segments positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. Each of the first and second ankle splint segments includes an elongate substrate and a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate. The system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. An elongate, flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the ankle splint is in use.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support or product is formed of a doubleknit type fabric material with spaced interwoven layers formed of high strength materials and an open-work matrix of filaments or threads interconnecting the layers. The fabric may be impregnated with water hardenable urethane. Hydroxy propyl methyl-cellulose (HPMC) will also be applied to the doubleknit type material or other casting fabric in sufficient amount to reduce the stickiness of the water hardenable urethane. The HPMC may be mixed in with the water hardenable urethane prior to impregnation, or may be applied to at least one of the outer surfaces of the doubleknit type material. The orthopaedic support or product is packaged in a water-vapor impermeable package; and is opened and water is supplied to the fabric when it is applied to the part of the anatomy requiring support. The fabric may be included in a soft goods support including a water distribution network and straps to hold the support in place.

Abstract: A mouldable product such as a pad which can be selectively transformed between pliable and rigid states is formed of a sealed plastic container which houses a metastable compound such as sodium acetate tri-hydrate, a trigger device for initiating the nucleating process in the compound to render it rigid, and a reinforcing open micro-porous material. The material may be fibrous, e.g., cotton, and stabilizes the product in its rigid state for a comparatively long time.

Abstract: An orthotic device is disclosed which is useful for extending the range of angular movement between adjacent first and second skeletal body parts which are and have been drawn to and involuntarily held in an immobile angular position relative to one another by contraction of muscles and connective tissue due to immobility. The orthotic device comprises first and second orthotic device portions which are interconnected for permitting pivotal angular motion therebetween for establishing an initial angle therebetween.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting article containing a fibrous backing stabilized with a water soluble binder and having a hardenable material applied thereto is described. Methods of making and using such orthopedic casting articles are also described.

Abstract: A heel support apparatus (10) has a substantially flat base portion (12) for resting on a bed surface. An inclined top region (14) of the support apparatus (10) slopes in the upward direction toward the distal region (15) of the support apparatus. The heel support apparatus (10) further includes a central downwardly extending well area (16) for receiving the heel of a patient's foot. A downwardly concaving trough (18) extends from the proximal portion (20) of the support apparatus (10) to intersect the well (16) for receiving the back of the patient's lower leg up to the Achilles tendon region, just above the heel. Substantially the entire length of the patient's lower leg is supported by the downwardly concaving trough (18) while the patient's heel is suspended above the bottom of the well (16), preventing the heel from having to bear the weight of the lower leg.

Abstract: A leg brace is provided including an upper support for engaging an upper portion of a shin of a user. An intermediate frame includes a plurality of generally vertically oriented rods coupled to the upper support and depending therefrom. Coupled to bottom ends of the rods of the intermediate frame is a lower support for supporting a foot of the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lubricant-impregnated porous substrate. The lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be used to deliver lubricant as needed to gloves or other surface contacting a tacky resin material during molding or forming of the tacky material. In particular, the lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be used to lubricate gloves during molding and forming of orthopedic casting materials. The lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be packaged one or more in a container, and the lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may also be packaged as a kit with the orthopedic casting material. The orthopedic casting material preferably comprises a tape or sheet impregnated with a tacky material wrapped around a core, with the core having multiple projections extending radially outward from a central cylinder to hold the sheet away from the surface of the inner cylinder.

Abstract: An ankle splint product including an ankle splint for being custom-formed to the shape of an ankle while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The ankle splint product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material and first and second flexible ankle splint segments positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed against entry of moisture until use.

Abstract: The ulnar support splint is formed of a continuous spiral having a first end, a midpoint and a second end. The splint can be made of a semi-rigid material being molded to the user's hand. The splint provides lateral support to a user's fingers through at least three points of contact, including the ulnar medial side of at least one finger, the web space between the user's thumb and metacarpophalangeal joint of the user's index finger and the user's wrist distal the user's ulnar styloid. A method for providing lateral support to the fingers using the splint applies pressure at the least three points creating counterbalancing pressure points.

Abstract: An ankle splint product includes an ankle splint for being custom-formed to the shape of an ankle while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The ankle splint product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material, and first and second flexible ankle splint segments positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. Each of the first and second ankle splint segments includes an elongate substrate and a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto the substrate. The system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. An elongate, flexible protective pad is positioned on one side of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the substrate and the skin of a patient when the ankle splint is in use.

Abstract: A field splinting device that can also be used instead of a fiberglass or cardboard cast for injured limbs, particularly severe sprains and fractures is proposed. The device is waterproof and is radiotranslucent. The device utilizes two sets of multi-layer formable materials, such as fiberglass shims located in pouches in first and second members having re-sealable bladders or sheaths to provide structural support on each side of the limb. Pressurizable-bladders are located to the inside of the formable materials to provide cushioning for the limb, and may be inflated by attaching a small inflation bulb to an inlet/outlet port located at each end of the bladder. Each bladder can be independently inflated or deflated to a desired inflation level. A further embodiment is shown having a single sheet of formable material and a single bladder.

Abstract: A wound covering material is provided which can smoothly accelerate repair of a skin defect and which can be readily removed without causing the repaired skin to be removed together therewith. The wound covering material includes a film containing a non-crystalline fibroin.

Abstract: A polyurethane casting tape with controlled tack is disclosed. The tackiness of the polyurethane is controlled by the addition of combinations of Kurrol salts, potassium metaphosphate and a sodium salt.

Abstract: A paraseptal splint for use in surgical nasal septoplasties and septovalvuloplasties. The splint comprises a laminar body made of biocompatible material which has a posterior portion meant to be arranged paraseptally in the nasal fossa and, in the medioposterior septal region, and an anterior wing meant to be arranged in the vestibular region, in the valvular region and in the anterior septal portion of the nose. The anterior wing has an anterosuperior portion which is pre-folded, or meant to be folded, with respect to the plane of arrangement of the remaining part of the laminar body, at an angle which corresponds to the anatomical angle between the septal cartilage and the triangular cartilage in the valvular region of the nose.

Abstract: The invention is directed to orthopedic casting tapes including the combination of a knit tape and a hardenable liquid resin coated onto the knit tape. The knit tape includes alternating thick and thin portions extending transversely across the tape. Such casting tapes have been found to be capable of improving cast strength.

Abstract: A veterinary medical leg splint for an animal. The leg splint includes a body having an elongated body portion. One end of the body portion is open to support the digital and metacarpal pads of the animal's foot therein. The other end of the elongated body portion is partially closed by an upstanding portion which is shaped to conform to the configuration of the animal's leg in the area of the elbow joint. The leg and splint are wrapped together to restrain the leg of the animal in the splint.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lubricant-impregnated porous substrate. The lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be used to deliver lubricant as needed to gloves or other surface contacting a tacky resin material during molding or forming of the tacky material. In particular, the lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be used to lubricate gloves during molding and forming of orthopedic casting materials. The lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may be packaged one or more in a container, and the lubricant-impregnated porous substrate may also be packaged as a kit with the orthopedic casting material.

Abstract: An orthopedic device, particularly suited for treating mallet deformities, which has a strip of material having a body portion and a first, second, and third strap that are preferably connected to the body portion; and a splint having a first and second end portion. The splint is secured to a top side of the body portion of the strip of material so that when the strip of material is wrapped around an injured appendage, or finger, the first strap engages the first end of the splint and the second strap engages the second end of the splint. The third strap is also wrapped around the injured appendage and provides additional support to the orthopedic device of the present invention. It is also preferred that the splint be bent between the first and second end portions so that the appendage will be held in a hyperextended position once attached to the appendage by the first and second straps.

Abstract: The orthopedic airflow and waterproof cast padding material of this invention consists of an elongated pad with a top surface, a bottom surface, an inside edge having an overlap region and an outside edge. The pad is made with a water and air impermeable material, such as a thermal foam closed cell polyethylene. The elongated pad can be helically wrapped around a fractured limb to form a cast pad and an immobilizing waterproof cast when wrapped with an air and water permeable waterproof casting tape. The overlap region overlaps a previous wrap as the elongated pad is helically wrapped around a limb or area to be casted. A plurality of cushions project outward from the top surface of the elongated pad between the outside edge and the overlap region. The cushions are placed against the skin as the elongated pad is helically wrapped around a limb. A plurality of air channels between the cushions allow airflow across the top surface of the elongated pad and across the skin of the limb.

Abstract: A colored orthopedic splinting material comprising a glass fiber substrate and a hardenable resin wherein the individual filaments making up the substrate are colored.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis made of a carbon fiber reinforced material having low weight is carried on the front of the lower leg, extending over the lateral ankle and preventing plantar flexion. The orthosis may be worn under ordinary clothes and shoes and promotes a more natural gait pattern. The ankle-foot orthosis comprises a frame of thin flexible material extending over the front of the lower leg, anterior of the lateral ankle and beneath the sole of the foot and a supporting portion of rigid material extending over a narrow part of the front of the lower leg, anterior of the lateral ankle and beneath the part of the sole of the foot. The orthosis also comprises a fastening means for fastening the orthosis to the leg.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting material is disclosed comprising a water-curable, isocyanate-functional prepolymer. The prepolymer comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a polyol having an HLB number per hydroxy group less than zero.

Abstract: Cast padding materials and padding and lining materials for other orthopedic devices are made from three dimensional fiber networks which are semi-rigid and dimensionally stable. The fiber networks are made from textile fabrics that have projections and optional depressions which are compressible and return to their original shape after being compressed. The fiber networks are made by the thermo-mechanical deformation of textile fabrics that are in turn made from thermoplastic fibers.

Abstract: An athletic ankle brace is custom-formed to the shape of a wearer's ankle. The ankle brace includes a hardenable brace panel adapted for being molded while flexible to the medial and lateral aspects of the lower leg and ankle of the wearer. Upon hardening, the molded brace panel provides a rigid custom fit for restricting inversion and eversion of the foot during wear. The brace panel defines an integrally-formed hardenable posterior heel tongue adapted for being molded while flexible to the heel of the wearer and extending under the heel to further support the ankle upon hardening.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting material having strength and porosity characteristics which heretofore have been associated only with high modulus fibers, while using casting material comprising a fabric made from a multi-filament, low modulus fiber. The fabric is impregnated with a reactive resin which hardens by wetting with a curing agent. A method for making an orthopedic cast and the resulting cast product are also disclosed, as is coloring of the cast product in a variety of desired colors and patterns.

Abstract: Nasal bones are fixed in place after surgery or injury by the placement of a casting material over the outer surface of the nose, precut to conform to the dimensions of the nose. The casting material is a resin-impregnated fibrous sheet, the resin being curable to a hardened form upon exposure to atmospheric moisture. The resin-impregnated fibrous sheet is similar in chemical composition to casting tapes used for long-bone fractures where the tapes are wrapped around a limb that has been encased in a padding material.

Abstract: An ankle orthotic of substantially resilient material is provided comprised of a heel portion, an ankle support portion, and a talofibular support portion. The heel portion is substantially rigid and form fitting, preventing excessive inversion forces from being generated at the subtalar joint. The ankle support portion is relatively resilient and extends vertically from the heel portion, with the medial aspect extending higher than the lateral aspect. This form results in creating a three-point pressure system, which resists inversion forces from displacing the ankle mortise. The proximal end of the ankle support portion is enclosed via a fastening strap to customize fit. The talofibular support portion extends laterally and distally from the heel portion and reinforces the relatively vulnerable anterior talofibular ligament, providing stabilization and decreasing injury to the lateral ligamentous complex of the ankle.

Abstract: A medical bandaging material, for example, for use as a wound dressing, soft-tissue support bandage, brace or orthopaedic splinting bandage, comprises two superposed layers of, for example, a woven, knitted or non-woven material spaced apart by strands of mono-filamentary or fibrous layers. The interstitial spaces may be filled with a hardenable resin and/or pharmacologically active agent.

Abstract: A cast having a predetermined space between a sole of a foot held in the cast and a bottom of the cast. The foot can be moved slightly so that a pushing-up action by the bottom of the cast toward the sole of the foot can be prevented, thereby providing a load removing effect. If the thickness of the space is changed, the load removing effect may be controlled.

Abstract: A cranial remodeling orthosis is shaped to extend across the top of the head with depending regions closely confining the temporal bone regions and the mastoid process regions of the cranium. The orthosis is self-suspending and preferably includes an elastic band for imparting ear-to-ear rigidity to the device.