Abstract: A custom mouldable orthopaedic device (1) adapted, in use, to be volumetrically variable, includes a first member (2), adapted to be conformable around a body part comprising a sheet of thermoplastic material e.g. a polycaprolactone polymer, having first (3) and second (4) opposed edge regions and a second member (21) comprising a layer of an extensible material, e.g. a hydrophilic spacer fabric, bonded to one surface of the first member and adapted to form an interposing layer between the first member and the body part when said first member is adapted to conform around said body part, wherein at least a portion of at least one of said edge regions has a thickness less than that of the region (5) intermediate said edge region.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for producing an orthopedic splint made of a cast material, wherein the system includes at least one thermoplastic cast material present as a flat material web and a template having a flat template body, wherein the cast material can be wound around the template body in a prescribed direction for generating a splint blank, and the splint blank can be activated in order to achieve deformability, particularly after cutting the cast material to length, and to a method for producing an orthopedic splint.

Abstract: A corrective device to be worn on a human foot having a misalignment and positioned inside of footwear. The device having an inner shell having a first material composition and flexibility, and shaped to accommodate receiving therein and supportingly couple with the foot, and an outer shell having a second material composition and flexibility, the second material composition and flexibility being substantially the same as the first flexibility, the outer shell shaped to accommodate receiving therein the inner shell, supportingly couple with the inner shell and allow positioning into the footwear. At least a sufficient portion of a pressure is distributed by the outer shell and the inner shell over a desired area of the foot to provide an amount of correction to the misalignment while allowing the human to wear the inner shell inside of the outer shell inside of the footwear.

Abstract: An orthopedic cast for protecting an injured body part, and including an embedded tube for routing a pressurized gaseous fluid to proximate the injured body part so that the pressurized gaseous fluid or effects thereof may be applied to the injured body part. The tube may be connected to a source of pressurized gaseous fluid to allow the pressurized gaseous fluid to be introduced into the orthopedic cast. With this orthopedic cast, various treatment may be applied to the injured body part, even though the injured body part is not directly accessible. As examples, to treat discomfort due to heat and/or perspiration, ambient or cooled pressurized air may be applied to the orthopedic cast. To cause a relaxation of muscles of the injured body part, heated pressurized air may be applied to the orthopedic cast. Medicated or therapeutic pressurized gaseous fluid may also be applied to the injured area via the orthopedic cast.

Abstract: An ankle support that is adapted to securely hold the lower leg, ankle and foot of a wearer so as to provide reparative support thereof and an associated method of fabrication thereof. The ankle support includes an outer shell formed of a rigid material that conforms substantially to the configuration of the wearer and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot; an inner liner formed of a flexible and conformable material and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot and an interlocking mechanism including cooperating and interlocking members of the respective outer shell and inner liner that assist in retaining the inner liner within the outer shell.

Abstract: A method of making an orthoses, comprising the steps of preparing a plaster mold, upon which the layers of the orthosis will be placed and formed; and placing layers of material on the mold, then forming and removing the layers. An orthosis, comprising a footplate that is capable of receiving a human foot thereabove, a heel portion at the rear side of the footplate; a strut extending upwardly from the heel portion; a calf portion extending forwardly from the strut, the calf portion including a tibial shell; the tibial shell extends around the front of the user's tibia; a rear portion extends around the back of the user's calf a rear portion disposed rearwardly with respect to the calf portion; and sides such that the calf portion is completely circumferential without seams. Two foam layers line the orthoses for comfort and ease of use.

Abstract: A unitized cast system for immobilizing and supporting a body part. The unitized casting system includes a first inner layer for padding and dissipating heat against the patient's skin. A second layer is formed from a thermoformable structural material such as perforated plastic. A protective third outer layer is provided to provide insulation for the second layer. These three layers are formed together to form a unitized cast system that is easily formed and applied to the patient.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated orthosis suitable for embracing and supporting a body part of a human or animal is disclosed. The orthosis has an articulation and may be made from a pre-formed sheet of material containing cork and a thermoplastic binder. The orthosis may be uniformly perforated in its central part and may be composed of a mixture of cork and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). A method of manufacturing the orthosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite moldable splint having at least a first splinting member with an inner foam layer, an intermediate thermoplastic layer, and an external securing layer. The inner foam layer provides a soft, moisture transmitting, non-latex padding. The intermediate thermoplastic layer provides remoldable shape, and rigidity and strength after heat forming and cooling. The outer securing layer, preferably covered with continuous loop fabric suitable for hook and loop fastening, provides an essentially infinite plurality of attachment points for retaining straps including at least a section of hook fastening material for holding the splint in place. The layers of the composite moldable splint are preferably heat welded to form a strong unitary structure that is resistant to delamination. Composite moldable splints utilizing multiple splinting members are described.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a splint, where there is a layer of material, such as fabric-laminated foam neoprene, that encompasses a part of the body intended to be immobilized, supported, or protected, and permanently secured to this layer of material is a low temperature thermoplastic. This thermoplastic is rigid when cool, and malleable when heated. The temperature at which the thermoplastic is malleable is low enough so that the splint can be molded directly on the body. The thermoplastic can be heated, molded, and cooled together with the layer of material. The combined elements of the low temperature thermoplastic with the layer of material create a removable remoldable splint that can be immersed in water without degrading the integrity of the splint.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for in vivo, noninvasive diagnosis of patellar and scapular malalignment and maltracking. The patellar system and method include a patella-engaging apparatus and a motion analysis system. The patella-engaging apparatus includes a member that has a custom-contoured posterior surface that is configured to engage an anterior surface of a subject's patella. A plurality of markers is coupled with the anterior surface of the member and the motion analysis system optically tracks the plurality of markers. The system and method may optionally include a second portion such as a goniometer that tracks relative movement of the tibial and femoral portions of the subject's leg proximate to the patella. The member that has the custom-contoured posterior surface may be employed in a method and system for treating malalignment and maltracking, and a method for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment of the same.

Abstract: A protective and/or splint device, for example a distal radial splint device (200), comprises a protective and/or splint member (201) and a spacer member (13). The protective and/or splint member (201) comprises a composite protective and/or splint material and is formable at a forming temperature and is substantially rigid at ambient temperature. The material comprises a polycaprolactone and a ligno-cellulose additive material. The protective and/or splint member (201) comprises a mesh of elements (202), with a plurality of openings (203) through the protective and/or splint member (201). Away from the periphery of the splint member (201), the openings (203) are diamond-shaped. Two border elements (204) extend along the two sides of the periphery of the splint member (201). The three point bending strength to openness ratio of the member is greater than 0.1 and the unidirectional bending strength to openness ratio of the member is greater than 4.

Abstract: A thermoplastic material and more particularly a substrate coated or impregnated with a thermoplastic composition. The material (1) comprises a fibre-containing substrate having two surface layers (2A, 2B) and an intermediate spacing layer (3) with fibre strands (4) connected between the surface layers; wherein the substrate is impregnated with a thermoplastic composition. The material is suitable for producing for example orthopaedic devices. Also a method for preparing such devices and devices produced with the method.

Abstract: A pre-fabricated orthosis suitable for embracing and supporting a body part of a human or animal is disclosed. The orthosis has an articulation and may be made from a pre-formed sheet of material containing cork and a thermoplastic binder. The orthosis may be uniformly perforated in its central part and may be composed of a mixture of cork and ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA). A method of manufacturing the orthosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A preformed metacarpal fracture brace is provided in accordance with one example embodiment of the invention. The brace comprises a one-piece semi-rigid molded outer shell contoured to conform to an outside portion of a wrist and hand of a wearer. The outer shell may comprise a proximal section adapted to immobilize the wrist in an extension position and a distal section extending at an angle to the proximal section and adapted to immobilize at least the fourth and fifth metacarpals of the hand in a functional position at that angle. A soft inner shell may be applied to an inside portion of the outer shell. A plurality of straps connected to the outer shell may be provided to secure the brace onto the wearer.

Abstract: A thermal treatment garment of the present invention includes an outer structure layer formed of a pliable material, an interior lining formed of a gel material which directly contacts the wearer skin and a thermal treatment layer to thermally treat and control temperature of the interior lining. The thermal treatment layer heats and/or cools the gel material to a desired temperature and is typically disposed between the structure and gel layers. The thermal treatment layer is controlled by a controller that receives a user-specified or desired temperature. An intervening layer can be disposed between the thermal treatment and structure layers. The intervening layer secures the structure, thermal treatment and/or gel layers to each other and can be an elastomeric material to which the gel and/or thermal treatment layers readily adhere. The garment may be adjustable in size to snugly fit body parts of users in a range of body sizes.

Abstract: The use of a flexible, foldable or rollable and heatable mat for the manufacture of an orthosis, in which a flat sheet of a thermoplastic material is heated on a flat-laid mat to a temperature at which the sheet softens and can be readily shaped, whereafter the sheet is applied to and shaped on part of a patient's body and then allowed to cool on the patient so as to form a supporting orthosis. The mat can be transported in a rolled-up state or a folded state and laid out on a supporting surface, such as a floor surface in the proximity of the patient. The mat includes a heating element disposed over the area of the mat and functioning to deliver heat uniformly to the sheet.

Abstract: A support bandage for a joint between bones includes a small fraction having two opposite first longitudinal sides sewn with two opposite second longitudinal sides of a large fraction. The small fraction is incurved towards the large fraction, and has two arcuate seams on the small fraction. The segment between the two arcuate seams is more incurved than two end segments outside the arcuate seams, and the two arcuate seams are away from a wearer 's joint. Whereby, the support bandage can be tightly abut a knee or an elbow yet have few wrinkles and will not uncomfortably press the wearer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to joint wraps that provide advantages over known wraps, particularly in terms of optimal efficacy, conformance of the wrap to the joint, and/or resilience of the wrap to deformation during use. The joint wraps are most preferably knee or elbow wraps.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to kits comprising a body compress and a releasably attachable thermic device.

Abstract: An orthotic device is developed and customized to control the desired movement of a patient's defective lower limb. The device incorporates a footplate made of a rubber-like elastomeric material and a proximal segment that encompasses the foot at the metatarsophalangeal joints and the shin portion of the leg. This proximal segment is made of a rubber-like elastomeric material laminated into multiple layers of fabric throughout the proximal segment. Additional strips of fabric are positioned within the proximal segment of the device to limit or promote certain motions within the foot and ankle.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis is made integrally from a thin, shaped lightweight material. The orthosis comprises a flat foot-supporting member for extending beneath the sole of a foot of a user, a calf abutment member for abutting the calf of the user, a narrow connecting member extending from the foot-supporting member at a location on one side, preferably the outer side, of the ankle of the user to the calf abutment member so as to interconnect the foot-supporting member and the calf abutment member, and a releasable fastener for fastening the calf abutment member to a leg of the user. The orthosis may be made by a method, in which a thermoplastic material with reinforcing fibers is arranged between opposite plastic films or foils in a desired mutual arrangement. Thereafter, the space defined between the opposite films is sealed, and air or gas is then removed from the sealed space so as to compact the material arranged therein and so as to form a blank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, to an improved orthosis and posterior plantar flexion stop for the orthosis, as well as to methods of making and using the orthosis and posterior stop, plus components used to make the orthosis and stop. The ankle-foot orthosis and plantar flexion stop of the present invention improve on the function and performance of the orthosis, while also making the orthosis attractive and easier to use than prior devices.

Abstract: A therapeutic boot, for providing hot or cold therapy to the foot of a patient. The boot has a sole and an upper portion, whereupon a plurality of protuberances are located. The protuberances are made of or filled with a thermal substance which is capable of maintaining a heated or cooled state. Once the boot is initially heated or cooled, the foot is placed therein. When the protuberances contact the foot, heating or cooling of the contacted area is effected, and will continue for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A bandage wrapped around a body part has a flexible central web which is generally annular in shape. At least one pouch is affixed to the central web. The pouch contains a removable temperature transference source therewithin. The bandage is especially suited for the treatment of swelling, and for use during post-operative surgeries. It is also suited for treatment of traumatic insults to various body regions, including the chest, torso, legs, arms, wrists, shoulder, head and neck, knees, thighs, ankles, jaw, chin, lower back, knee thigh and shoulder and the like.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus is disclosed to provide additional comfort for a user when hot or cold temperatures are needed for recreational or medicinal purposes. The present invention would be made from cloth and plastic and would use chemicals to provide hot or cold temperatures as desired by a user. The present invention would be available in different sizes to accommodate different body areas such as the wrist, waist, and head. The exact chemical mix would vary, depending on whether the present invention would be used for medical or recreational purposes.

Abstract: A temperature compression treatment garment for providing therapy to the chest and/or breasts for relief of pain and discomfort, comprising a band which is wrapped around the upper torso at the level of the chest and/or breasts and which applies compression variably and independently horizontally across the chest. The band has front and back shoulder straps which connect to apply compression variably and independently vertically across the chest. The band also has a frontal flap which forms a pocket for the insertion of a thermal device, such as a gel-pack, to heat or cool the chest and/or breasts of a user.

Abstract: A therapeutic ankle support brace bladder pad member having a pair opposed surfaces defining an inflated air support pocket and a second support pocket containing gel material and filler apparatus materials, is disclosed. An overlay fabric material is integrally attached to the bladder, provides additional support and enables removable attachment of the bladder to side support members of a therapeutic brace.

Abstract: A pain-addressing therapy garment in the form of a wrappable body-expanse which can be fastened to a user's body to apply different selectable levels of compression to the body. A heat generator in the body expanse is activatable to apply heat during use of the garment, and a substance-infused dispenser swathe, also attached to the body expanse, responds to heat to deliver heated moisture (liquid and/or vapor) to the user's body.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is an orthopedic splint for temporarily supporting an injured body limb, comprising: a non-woven mat at least partially impregnated with a curable resin matrix material; a first resin impermeable layer extending along at least a portion of at least one major surface of the mat; a second resin impermeable layer extending along at least along a portion of an opposing major surface of the mat; and a curing agent permeable cover surrounding the mat and the first and second resin impermeable layers. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the resin matrix material comprises a moisture curable, ambient air dried resin matrix material, the mat comprises a needled mat comprising randomly oriented continuous glass fibers and having a weight, prior to resin impregnation, of between about 0.15 to about 2.44 kilograms per square meter, the first resin impermeable layer is a heat insulating layer, and the cover is a water permeable cover.

Abstract: Rubbery products having a transition temperature that shrink from a second shape and size toward their original shape and size upon application of energy equivalent in result to raising the temperature of the rubbery product above the transition temperature. Also, hypo-allergenic rubbery products made from polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers. Such rubbery products (not all of which need to be made to shrink) can be used in condoms, gloves, catheters, baby-bottle nipples, and dental dams, to name just a few.

Abstract: A thumb wrist splint with a main body portion which includes a plurality of straps for encircling the wrist and securing the same firmly to the wrist with desirable palmar and dorsal stays. A sewn thumb spica/splint is fabricated, and finished by normal binding around the periphery. The thumb strap loop is fixed to the splint and a removable securable anchor is also applied to the spica/splint. The spica/splint is a VOLARA.RTM. grade polyolefin closed foam material which is desirably laminated to nylon cloth on one side. The sewn thumb spica is secured to the main body portion. Thereafter, the entire blank, as just described, is positioned over an anvil intended to form a curvilinear pattern to the thus encapsulated VOLARA.RTM. so that it will conform to the upper portion of the wrist. Once secured in place on the wrist by means of the straps around the wrist portion, the thumb strap is secured.

Abstract: A lower limb orthotic brace to control the movement of the lower limb of a patient comprising a contoured orthotic contact shell and an integral load-bearing frame, the contoured orthotic contact shell comprises at least one layer of fabric impregnated with a hardened structural resin forming an inner orthotic contact surface conforming to the outer surface of the lower limb of the patient and the integral load-bearing frame comprises at least one reinforcing member extending along the contoured orthotic contact shell including a plurality of bundled continuous composite fibers woven in a multidirectional tubular braid impregnated with a hardened structural resin with at least one side of the braid in contact with the contoured orthotic contact shell along the entire length of the braid such that the hardened resins impregnating the fabric of the contoured orthotic contact shell combine with the resins impregnating the braid thereby forming a continuous integral structural matrix encapsulating both the braid

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: 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 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: A curable silane functionalized resin for casting and splinting materials comprising a flexible substrate carrying the resin. The resin is based upon a prepolymer made by nucleophilic addition reactions where at least one reagent is terminated with an alkylenesilane.

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: A cast is disclosed comprising a membrane, padding and immobilizing material. The membrane repels water but allows oxygen and vapor to pass outwardly from the skin. The padding is disposed between the membrane and immobilizing material. The membrane prevents the wet padding from direct contact with the wearer's skin.

Abstract: Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.

Abstract: A method of forming an orthotic member conforming to a contour of a body is provided, wherein a flat member having a substantially two-dimensional shape and constructed from a pliable material is bent into a substantially three-dimensional shape approximating the contour of the body. The pliable material is then converted to a non-pliable material by heat treating the pliable material under controlled conditions of temperature and time, thereby forming the desired orthotic member contoured to the body. The contoured orthotic member is further provided with a coating covering the non-pliable material, wherein the coating material has cushioning properties.

Abstract: Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.

Abstract: A device for preventing or reducing the incidence or intensity of pain occurring in a region of the body of a wearer, includes insulating material (2) which is arranged to be worn in conformity and close proximity with the body region. The insulating material has at least one layer (14) for reducing heat loss from the body region by convection and at least one reflective layer (13) for reducing heat loss from the body by radiation, whereby a targeted local warming effect is achieved in the body region such that the skin and underlying musculoskeletal structures are in such an active state that they can function properly to provide a clinical benefit to the body region.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support includes a sheet of foam material that has been compression molded in specific areas. These areas have a thickness and density that is different from other areas of the support and serve to better fit the support to the body. The support may include compression molded grooves or cavities to accommodate straps, struts, gel-filled pads, inflatable bladders, pumps, and other accessories. The support may also include compression molded grooves that reduce bunching when the support is bent, and may include molded edges to minimize skin irritation during activity. The brace may also be a back brace or an ankle brace having compression molded components. A method of compression molding an orthopaedic support includes compression molding at least one sheet of resilient foam material in selected areas to reduce the thickness and increase the density of the material in those areas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a custom fit knee orthosis is disclosed that includes forming a flat pre-assembled knee orthosis in which upper and lower support blanks made of rigid carbon fiber and plastic resin composite materials are connected in a flat, rigid state by joint mechanisms, and the knee orthosis is shipped to a orthopedist or orthopedic assembly facility in a flat condition with the blanks of composite material still in their flat pre-cured state. The orthopedist or orthopedic assembly facility heat softens the blanks and reshapes them to conform to the contours of a particular patient's leg, with only minor finishing operations being required after the reshaped blanks have set.

Abstract: An ankle brace comprising a pair of elongated substantially compliant and substantially inextensible body members designed to reside generally vertically along the opposite sides of the ankle. The body members are connected to one another by a flexible strap that passes beneath the arch of the foot and generally vertically upwardly along opposite sides of the foot where the opposite free ends of the strap are releasably anchored to respective ones of the outer surfaces of the body members. The body members are mirror images of one another and are secured to the ankle as by various strapping. On the outer surface of each body member there is provided a malleable elongated stay which extends between the top and bottom of the body member. This stay is anchored to the body member at spaced apart locations along its length such that bending of the stay effects alteration of the cupping of the body member in the malleolus area thereof.

Abstract: A foot correction method comprises the steps of raising a plantar arch (15) and applying a pressure on either side of a foot (13) to thereby maintain a configuration of a longitudinal arch and a transversal arch of the foot (13) so as to prevent and correct a spraying phenomenon of the foot (13). A splint (11, 23) for practicing the method comprises shape memory alloy wires preferably in the form of either woven fabric, such as a mesh (17), or a nonwoven fabric plate. The shape memory alloy wires preferably consists of a Ti-Ni series alloy exhibiting superelasticity at a normal or used temperature.

Abstract: The present invention 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: A laminated, plastic orthotic device custom fitted to a wearer's extremity, typically a leg, wherein the orthotic includes a indicia bearing layer viewable on the outer surface of the orthotic. In one preferred embodiment, the device is fabricated from multiple layers of woven, reinforced and non-reinforced fabrics, adhesives, curable plastic resins and an image bearing layer. In other preferred embodiments, the device is fabricated of thermosetting plastic materials and an image bearing layer. The image layer may be comprised of woven fabric or non-woven materials which include drawings, insignias, photographs, textures or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An improved immobilization device (10) for specific patients and body parts is provided which insures that a body part is immobilized and can be successively repositioned in the same location during successive treatments. The device (10) is thus particularly applicable for treatment such as radiation therapy where it is important to properly focus treating radiation on a particular locale from treatment-to-treatment. The device (10) preferably includes a frame assembly (16) adapted to rest upon a surface and which supports a preformed, shape-retaining material (12) presenting a concavity (14) substantially conforming with a selected body part to be immobilized. The device (10) when used for head immobilization, may also be provided with stabilizer (98) in the form of an adjustably positioned bite block (134). Hold-down straps (52, 54) can also be employed for further immobilization.