Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating and using a lightweight custom-molded orthopedic appliance are disclosed. The orthopedic appliance is made up of an inner and an outer bladder containing components which, when combined by rupturing the inner bladder, react to form a rigid foam substance which may be conformed to the shape of the body part or surface in need of support, cushioning, or immobilization, and which quickly cures to form a firm, supportive brace for the affected body part.

Abstract: A cast tape or medical bandaging product formed from a resin-coated or impregnated fabric material that includes a knitted substrate having a combination of non-fiberglass high and low tenacity yarns such as polypropylene, polyester and elastomer. The polypropylene and polyester yarns have a high number of filaments, typically 48 to 90 filaments. This significantly improves the surface area of the fabric, that helps help to hold the curable resin onto the fabric and avoids pooling. This in turn improves lamination layer-to-layer and gives the substrate high strength.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a body part utilizes an external splint to form a brace. The splint includes an elongated sheath connected and an elongated support piece placed in the interior of the sheath. The support piece is formed of a stiff material and is shorter that the sheath in length so that it can move relative to the sheath. The support piece is preferably formed of a composite material. One or more splints may be used to form a brace. Here, a mounting piece secures the splint(s) and mounts on the body part. A casing may be used over the brace. Alternatively, the splints can be formed in the casing. The method then involves the steps of supporting the body part with the splint(s) and brace described above.

Abstract: An orthopedic casting material comprising a substrate impregnated with a water-curable resin comprising an aromatic polyisocyanate and a polyol, wherein the free NCO level of said prepolymer is from about 6% to about 10%. Preferably the free NCO level is from about 7% to about 8%. Preferably the polyol has a molecular weight of at least 2,000, and a hydroxyl number of from about 28 to about 56, preferably from about 35 to about 40. The casting material may be packaged as a kit with a casting aid comprising a substrate impregnated with a lubricating material.

Abstract: An Orthopaedic Plaster of Paris bandage (10) comprising a water resistant layer of material (50; 60) on at least one face of the bandage (10) which allows the bandage (10) to be cured by water but once the bandage (10) is set, the bandage (10) is water resistant against disintegration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a splint used for a medical treatment, and in particular to a splint for a medical treatment which is capable of preventing an infection through, a wound by providing an antibacterial treatment to a surface contacting with thee wound based on a good ventilation operation using a non-woven fabric. The medical splint according to the present invention includes an anti-bacteria cover formed of a multiple-cover polypropylene non-woven fabric added with an anti-bacterial agent, a hardening cover which is formed of a polyester added with a moisture hardening agent and includes a plurality of ventilation holes, and an outer cover which is formed of a divided microfiber and includes an attaching means attached to the anti-bacterial cover at an edge portion, wherein said anti-bacterial cover, hardening cover, and outer cover are sequentially formed.

Abstract: A knee pad assembly for relieving the symptoms of patellar tendinitis, including a pad adapted for being positioned against and molded onto a lower leg in the region of the knee for lying in closely-conforming relation against and applying radially-directed pressure to the attachment site of the patellar tendon to the patella, to the knee joint, and to at least one epicondyle of the tibia. The pad is hardened into a rigid structure for therapeutic use and includes an initially flexible inner substrate impregnated or coated with a reactive system. The system remains stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self-supporting structure having a shape conforming to the lower leg to which the pad is molded during curing. A flexible cover encloses the substrate, and cooperates with the pad for maintaining the pad in its closely-conforming position against the lower leg.

Abstract: An immobilizing orthopedic cast includes a permanent immobilizing casting layer that incorporates a mesh design of rods aligned parallel and perpendicular to each other so as to create apertures in the surface of the immobilizing orthopedic cast. To stabilize the affected extremity, the immobilizing mesh cast is positioned around the affected extremity. The casting layer is made from a waterproof composite material that is pre-impregnated with a resin. The casting layer is cured via a reaction between the resin and a catalyst, thereby immobilizing the affected extremity to allow for healing. The apertures allow for ventilation of the affected extremity. The apertures further allow one to view the affected extremity. The apertures further allow one access to the affected extremity. The mesh design of the casting layer may be oriented in several different configurations. The casting layer may be supplied in various formats.

Abstract: An antiinflammatory-containing plaster comprising 5-40% by mass of a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, 1-25% by mass of a high molecular weight polyisobutylene, 0.5-24% by mass of a low molecular weight polyisobutylene, 3-50% by mass of a tackifier, 20-70% by mass of a plasticizer, 0.01-7% by mass of a dispersant, and 0.1-8% by mass of an antiinflammatory having a carboxyl group or a salt thereof, but which contains no L-menthol, wherein the medicament release rate at one hour after the start of test is 20-64% by mass and the medicament release rate at three hours after the start of test is 40-93% by mass according to the water-releasing test using a rotating cylinder described in the release test as prescribed in United State Pharmacopoeia.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthopedic casting article and a protective pad article having soft edges. In one embodiment, the article comprises a flexible sheet material impregnated or coated with two different resins. In an alternative embodiment, the article comprises an extruded sheet material comprising two different extruded materials. One of the resins or extruded materials is soft or resilient compared to the other resin or material. By selectively providing the softer materials at defined regions of the article the hardness of the region can be adjusted. The article may be in the form of an orthopedic casting tape or a protective pad comprising a fabric backing that is longitudinally impregnated or coated with two different curable resins. A harder, first curable resin is used to coat a longitudinally extending center region of the fabric backing; and a softer, second curable resin is used to coat at least one longitudinally extending edge region of the fabric backing.

Abstract: The hybrid-mesh cast sleeve invention comprises a tubular mesh woven of an elastic yarn and a coarse, impregnable yarn. In use, a stockinette, then a hybrid-mesh cast sleeve impregnated with a hardening agent, are positioned around a part of the body of a human or other animal to be reinforced by a cast. Solidification of the hardening agent produces a solid cast with a plurality of air vents.

Abstract: An external plaster using an aqueous hot melted type adhesive base material stably containing water-soluble drug having good drug releasability, so that bioavailability of the drug is enhanced, is provided. The aqueous hot melted type adhesive base material used in the external plaster comprising as essential components a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, an adhesive resin, an antioxidant, lanolin, and water.

Abstract: An aqueous hot melted type adhesive base material containing 4-biphenylyl acetic acid (BPAA) is provided. The adhesive base material contains constant amounts of BPAA and has good drug releasability, so that bioavailability of the drug is enhanced. An analgesic and anti-inflammatory external plaster containing BPAA is also provided. The plaster is obtained by dissolving BPAA into an aqueous hot melted type adhesive base material comprising as essential components a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, an adhesive resin, an antioxidant, lanolin, and water.

Abstract: A synthetic rigid bandage especially for splinting and/or supporting a diseased or injured limb of the human or animal apparatus of locomotion, comprising a curable core which is formed by one or more synthetic resin-impregnated layers of longitudinal strips of a textile fabric, is covered at the one side thereof with a pad and on the other side thereof with a water vapour-pervious, longitudinally and/or transversally elastic film or sheet cover, and is to be stored in a moisture-proof package, said core being mouldable in its ready-for-application state, is characterized in that the said film or sheet cover is separated from the said resin-impregnated layers by means of a spacer.

Abstract: A splint product for forming a hard structure about a body portion is provided. The splint product includes a unitary assembly of moisture-impervious outer and inner layers with an outer substrate layer, a resin impregnated substrate that hardens when exposed to moisture, and an inner substrate layer disposed between these moisture-impervious layers. Padding is adhered to the moisture-impervious inner layer opposite said resin impregnated substrate so that the padding is in contact with a patient's skin. Another aspect of the present invention is a method for activating the splint product by exposing the outer substrate layer and/or the resin impregnated substrate to moisture. This may be done by removing the moisture-impervious outer layer and spraying water on the outer substrate layer or by holding the moisture-impervious inner and outer layers together to form a pouch and pouring water into this pouch.

Abstract: A cast punch and mounting assembly for forming an opening in an orthopedic cast and securing a therapeutic treatment device within the opening adjacent a bone or musculoskeletal injury is provided. The assembly includes a cast punch housing which is fastened to the body surface beneath the cast. The cast punch housing includes a central bore and a guide rod extending outwardly from the central bore. The guide rod extends through the cast. A punch member and a drive member are operably connected to the guide rod and are movable towards the central bore of the cast punch housing to core an opening in the cast above the central bore. The central bore includes engagement structure to releasably secure a therapeutic treatment device within the central bore of the cast punch housing.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support assembly is formed of a flexible material impregnated with a hardenable material, e.g. a water-hardenable urethane. The orthopaedic support may include an outer layer of napped material, e.g., an unbroken loop material, that reduces migration of the hardenable material. The orthopaedic support may also include an inner layer of foam padding to increase the comfort of the patient.

Abstract: An orthopedic support assembly has a shape which is well-suited to be reliably positioned on a patient's anatomical structure, e.g., a limb or other extremity. Designs in accordance with certain embodiments include two or more lobes joined by one or more narrower joining region.

Abstract: An elongate medical bandaging product for being dispensed in lengths suitable for a given medical use, including an elongate sleeve of a predetermined length formed of a moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, and an elongate medical material having substantially the same predetermined length as the elongate sleeve and positioned within the sleeve in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against moisture until use.

Abstract: It is provided the plaster of anti-inflammatory and analgesic, improving the sustained releasing of 4-biphenylacetic acid from the base adhesive material and low skin irritation, by using more than two kinds of resolvent for 4-biphenylacetic acid having low solubility in solvents. More specifically, it is provided plasters essentially containing 5-50% by weight of styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, 0.05-20% by weight of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 0.1-20% by weight of polyethylene glycol and 0.1-20% by weight of 4-biphenylacetic acid.

Abstract: A technique for forming orthopaedic splints or supports includes the steps of impregnating the edges of casting material with non-rigid bonding material and subsequently impregnating the casting material with water hardenable material such as urethane. The edge treatment keeps the edges in a relatively cushioning or non-rigid state to avoid irritation of the skin of the patient. The blanks may be formed using a mold having a groove defining the outline of the casting blank, and a ridge for implementing the impregnation of a bead of bonding material into the casting fabric. The casting blank material may be formed of spacer or double knit type material, or may be formed of several layers of fabric including high strength filaments, and may have padding material as one layer.

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

Abstract: An orthopedic fixture has a support member adapted to be positioned around a diseased or injured part of a patient's body and conformed to the shape of the diseased or injured part, and at least one buffer member comprised of a mixture containing a predetermined amount of elastic granules and a predetermined amount of a water-curable resin having an elasticity after curing sufficient for bonding the elastic granules after curing of the water-curable resin. The mixture of the buffer member forms a mass before curing of the water-curable resin so that when the support member is positioned around the diseased or injured part and pressure is applied to the mass, the elastic granules move one another to shape the mass into a configuration corresponding to the shape of the diseased or injured part.

Abstract: A custom-formable knee immobilizer product for being custom-formed to the shape of a knee while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, knee-supporting custom fit. The knee immobilizer product includes an outer container formed of moisture-impervious material and a plurality of elongate knee splint segments positioned in the container in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. Each of the knee splints includes an elongate substrate, 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. A flexible protective outer cover is positioned over the substrate along its length to enclose the substrate. The substrate and outer cover thus form a unitary structure for being molded while flexible to an aspect of the knee and adjacent thigh and calf portions of the leg.

Abstract: Casting aids comprising a resin-impermeable substrate and a lubricating material, wherein the lubricating material is coated on at least one surface of said substrate. The casting aid 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 casting may be packaged as a kit with an orthopedic casting material.

Abstract: An orthopaedic support (50) 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 hardened 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 hardened urethane. The HPMC may be mixed in with the water surfaces of the doubleknit type material. The orthopaedic support (50) or product is packaged in a water-vapor impermeable package; and is opened. 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 (74) to hold the support in place.

Abstract: A medical bandaging product in roll form for being dispensed in predetermined lengths suitable for a given medical use, and including an elongate sleeve formed of moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, and an elongate medical bandage material substantially the same length as the sleeve and positioned in the sleeve in a single length along the length of the sleeve and sealed therein against entry of moisture until use. The medical bandage material includes a 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 sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A protective liner sheet encloses the substrate along its length and forms a barrier between the substrate and the sleeve during storage, and is optionally removable after removal of the medical bandage material from the sleeve and prior to application to a patient.

Abstract: An elongate medical bandaging product for being dispensed in lengths suitable for a given medical use, including an elongate sleeve of a predetermined length formed of a moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, and an elongate medical material having substantially the same predetermined length as the elongate sleeve and positioned within the sleeve in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against moisture until use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoplastic casting material, especially a thermoplastic casting material for orthopedic and other medical applications for immobilization of extremities and/or joints, that comprise a first textile fabric, a thermoplastic polymer applied to the first textile fabric and at least one second textile fabric applied to this composite. Additionally, the invention relates to a method for the production of this thermoplastic casting material that comprises the following steps: a) application of a thermoplastic polymer on a first textile fabric and b) application of at least one second textile fabric on the first textile fabric from step a) provided with the thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: A resin system comprising at least water curable isocyanate functionalized prepolymer and a first catalyst which is chemically bound-in and a second catalyst which is not chemically bound-in. The two catalysts together show a synergistic effect, and the resin system is particularly suitable for orthopaedic splinting applications.

Abstract: An orthopedic bandage with a curable resin applied to a substrate with the cut ends of the substrate bound together with a binder-detackifier composition. The bandage is constructed by applying stripes of the binder-detackifier agent to the substrate. The substrate is then cut within a stripe of the binder-detackifier composition so that the binding aspect of the composition will stabilize the cut ends of the substrate. A curable resin is also to be applied to the substrate. The detackifying aspect of the composition allows handling of the curable resin while minimizing or eliminating the sticky or tacky feelings normally associated with resins during the curing process. The end placement of the stripes of binder-detackifier allow the user to control the amount of detackifier transferred to the gloves used by the user while applying the bandage both during cast construction and during the final formation.

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: An elongate medical bandaging product for being dispensed in lengths suitable for a given medical use, including an elongate sleeve of a predetermined length formed of a moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, and an elongate medical material having substantially the same predetermined length as the elongate sleeve and positioned in a continuous layer which coextends within the sleeve in substantially moisture-free conditions and sealed therein against moisture until use.

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 leg portion shaped to provide, when in place on a batter's leg, protection to the front, lateral and medial aspects of the leg above the ankle and optionally-detachable ankle flap portions integrally formed with a bottom edge of the leg portion and shaped to provide protection to the lateral and medial ankle bones.

Abstract: A resin system comprising at least water curable isocyanate functionalized prepolymer and a first catalyst which chemically bound-in and a second catalyst which is not chemically bound-in. The two catalysts together show a synergistic effect, and the resin system is particularly suitable for orthopaedic splinting applications.

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: An orthopedic bandage with a curable resin applied to a substrate with the cut ends of the substrate bound together with a binder-detackifier composition. The bandage is constructed by applying stripes of the binder-detackifier agent to the substrate. The substrate is then cut within a stripe of the binder-detackifier composition so that the binding aspect of the composition will stabilize the cut ends of the substrate. A curable resin is also to be applied to the substrate. The detackifying aspect of the composition allows handling of the curable resin while minimizing or eliminating the sticky or tacky feelings normally associated with resins during the curing process. The end placement of the stripes of binder-detackifier allow the user to control the amount of detackifier transferred to the gloves used by the user while applying the bandage both during cast construction and during the final formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique knit construction having a nonfiberglass yarn for controlling stiffness, i.e., a stiffness-controlling yarn. The knit may optionally have a nonfiberglass microdenier yarn and/or a heat shrinkable yarn.

Abstract: A custom-fitted athletic body protective product such as a shin guard, including a storage package formed of moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, a flexible protective guard positioned in the storage package and sealed therein against entry of moisture, and for being custom-formed to the shape of a body part to be protected while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit to the body part. The protective product includes a low density core defining first and second major surfaces and first and second sheets positioned in overlying relation on respective first and second major surfaces of the core. The core and the first and second overlying sheet materials collectively defining a laminated substrate.

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 support is formed of a double knit 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 is impregnated with a water hardenable material. The support material 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: An athletic body protective product such as a shin guard with enhanced protection against direct impact to bone structure shin. The guard includes a storage package formed of moisture-impervious material and sealable to prevent entry of moisture, a flexible protective guard positioned in the storage package and sealed therein against entry of moisture for being custom-formed to the shape of the shin while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, supporting custom fit. The guard includes a reactive system impregnated into or coated onto a substrate, the system remaining stable when maintained in substantially moisture-free conditions and hardening upon exposure to sufficient moisture to form a rigid, self supporting structure. A flexible pad is positioned on one side of the substrate along its length to provide a cushioning barrier between the hardened substrate and the protected bone of the athlete when the protective guard is in use.

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: 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: 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 provides novel casting tapes incorporating water soluble liners. The liners of the present invention may be used for a number of purposes including: use as an interlayer film liner in a casting tape article to prevent undesirable resin pooling; use as an interlayer liner to lubricate a casting tape when immersed in water, use in a method of producing a decorative casting tape either by retarding layer-to-layer migration of a colored resin or by transferring a design preprinted on the liner to an adjacent casting tape; use as an interlayer liner in a casting tape article to prevent adhesion between adjacent layers of the article; and use as a release liner to facilitate removal of a roll of casting tape from its package. The liners employed in this invention are rapidly soluble in water and may be provided as a continuous or semi-continuous sheet structure.

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.