U.S. patent application number 11/278632 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for sacroiliac belt and composite structure.
Invention is credited to Richard J. Serola.
Application Number | 20070232973 11/278632 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38560196 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070232973 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Serola; Richard J. |
October 4, 2007 |
SACROILIAC BELT AND COMPOSITE STRUCTURE
Abstract
A sacroiliac belt with a non-elastic inner belt to wrap around
the user's hips and an elastic outer belt to wrap from the back to
opposite sides of the inner belt. Non-cinchable hook and loop
fastener construction is used to secure the inner and outer belts
in position. The inner belt includes an inside urethane foam layer
with open-cell frictional gripping surface, a non-elastic outside
layer of loop material, and a hook tab for engaging the loop
material to close the belt. The inner belt may be established with
a non-elastic composite foam-fabric structure comprising a
bi-laminate of the foam and elastic fabric, and a strip of loop
material secured lengthwise onto the fabric side of the
bi-laminate. The outer belt includes an elastic strip and hook tabs
for connecting to the strip of loop material. The non-elastic
composite foam-fabric may be used in other orthopedic braces and
supports.
Inventors: |
Serola; Richard J.; (Roscoe,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEITH FRANTZ
401 WEST STATE STREET
SUITE 200
ROCKFORD
IL
61101
US
|
Family ID: |
38560196 |
Appl. No.: |
11/278632 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
602/19 ;
128/102.1; 2/44; 2/908 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/0193 20130101;
A61F 5/028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/019 ;
128/102.1; 002/044; 002/908 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/00 20060101
A61F005/00; A61F 5/02 20060101 A61F005/02; A61F 5/28 20060101
A61F005/28 |
Claims
1. A non-elastic foam-fabric composite band for use in orthopedic
braces and supports comprising: a) a first layer of elastomeric,
urethane based composition foam with an open-cell frictional
gripping surface and positive moisture wicking characteristic; b) a
second layer of stretchable fabric secured to the foam layer and
extending the length and width thereof; c) a strip of lengthwise
non-stretchable loop material of hook and loop fastener
construction secured to the second layer, opposite the first layer,
along the length thereof; and d) a hook tab of hook and loop
fastener construction secured proximate one end of the strip of
loop material.
2. The composite band as defined in claim 1 in which the second
layer is stretchable unbroken loop fabric.
3. The composite band as defined in claim 1 in which the hook tabs
are positioned for connecting to the strip of loop material in a
non-cinchable fastening arrangement.
4. The composite band as defined in claim 1 in which the first and
second layers extends widthwise beyond the strip of loop material
to establish a lengthwise cushion over the edges of the strip of
loop material.
5. The composite band as defined in claim 1 further comprising a
ring secured proximate the end of the strip of loop material
opposite the hook tab, and in which the hook tab is sized to be
slipped through the ring and secured to the strip of loop
material.
6. A method for manufacturing a non-elastic foam-fabric composite
band for use in orthopedic braces and supports comprising: a)
providing i) a bi-laminate comprising: a) a first layer of
elastomeric, urethane based composition foam with an open-cell
frictional gripping surface and positive moisture wicking
characteristic, and b) a second layer of stretchable fabric secured
to and extending the length and width of the foam layer; ii) a
strip of lengthwise non-stretchable loop material; and iii) a hook
tab; b) securing: i) the strip of loop material to the fabric side
of the bi-laminate along the length thereof, and ii) the hook tab
proximate one end of the strip of loop material.
7. The method as defined in claim 6 in which the second layer is
stretchable unbroken loop fabric.
8. The method as defined in claim 6 further comprising providing
and securing a ring proximate the end of the strip of loop material
opposite the hook tab, the hook tab being sized to be slipped
through the ring and secured to the strip of loop material.
9. A sacroiliac belt comprising: a) a non-elastic inner belt
configured for encircling placement around a user's hips, the inner
belt having i) an inside layer of elastomeric, urethane based
composition foam with an open-cell frictional gripping surface and
positive moisture wicking characteristic, the foam extending for
encircling engagement around a user's hips; ii) an outer layer of
loop material extending in secured relation with the inside layer
for encircling placement around the user's hips, and iii) a hook
tab at one end thereof in fastening engageable relation with the
loop material with the inner belt encircling the user's hips; and
b) an elastic outer belt sized to extend forwardly from the back of
the inner belt to the sides thereof, the outer belt having hook
tabs for connecting to the loop material of the inner belt.
10. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 9 in which the outer
layer of loop material is lengthwise non-elastic loop fabric
secured to and extending the length and width of the inside layer
of foam.
11. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 9 in which the hook
tabs are positioned for connecting to the strip of loop material in
a non-cinchable fastening arrangement.
12. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 9 further comprising
stretchable fabric secured to and extending the length and width of
the foam layer, the outer layer of loop material being lengthwise
non-elastic and secured to the stretchable fabric along the length
thereof, the stretchable fabric and foam layer extending widthwise
beyond the edges of the outer layer of loop material.
13. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 12 in which the
stretchable fabric is unbroken loop fabric having loop size
substantially smaller than the loop of the outer layer of loop
material.
14. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 9 in which the hook
tabs are positioned for connecting to the outer layer of loop
material in a non-cinchable fastening arrangement.
15. A sacroiliac belt comprising: a) a non-elastic inner belt
configured for encircling placement around a user's hips, the inner
belt having i) an elastic bi-laminate with: a) a layer of
elastomeric, urethane based composition foam with an open-cell
frictional gripping surface and positive moisture wicking
characteristic, the foam extending for encircling engagement around
a user's hips, b) a layer of stretchable fabric secured to and
extending the length and width of the foam layer; ii) a strip of
lengthwise outwardly facing non-elastic loop material secured to
the fabric side of the bi-laminate along the length thereof, and
iii) a hook tab secured proximate one end of the strip of loop
material; and b) an elastic outer belt sized to extend forwardly
from proximate the back of the inner belt to both sides thereof,
the outer belt having hook tabs for connecting to the loop material
of the inner belt.
16. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 15 in which the hook
tabs are positioned for connecting to the strip of loop material in
a non-cinchable fastening arrangement.
17. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 15 further comprising a
lengthwise cushion over the edges of the strip of loop
material.
18. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 15 in which the elastic
bi-laminate extends widthwise beyond the strip of loop material to
establish said lengthwise cushion.
19. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 15 in which the layer
of stretchable fabric of the elastic bi-laminate is comprised of a
layer of stretchable unbroken loop fabric having loop size
substantially smaller than the loop size of the strip of loop
material.
20. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 15 in which the outer
layer comprises an elastic strip extending from side to side around
the back of the inner belt.
21. The sacroiliac belt as defined in claim 15 in which the outer
belt comprises a pair of elastic strips each independently
connectable to the inner belt and sized to extend from proximate
the back of the inner belt to respective sides of the inner belt.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0002] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to a sacroiliac belt having a
lengthwise non-elastic inner belt for snugly encircling the user's
hips and a lengthwise elastic outer belt secured between the back
and sides of the inner belt to establish elastic compression on the
sacroiliac joint. The invention also relates to a lengthwise
non-elastic foam-fabric composite structure for use in sacroiliac
belts and other non-elastic orthopedic braces and supports for
wrapping around a part of the body.
[0006] 2. Background Art
[0007] A sacroiliac belt is worn around the upper hips, to exert a
compressive force around the pelvic girdle, and stabilize and
reduce strain in the sacroiliac joint. The technical literature
provides details on the placement of sacroiliac belts, and medical,
physiological, anatomical and other considerations concerning
sacroiliac belts. Therefore, although these considerations are
discussed briefly as background information concerning the
invention, it will be understood that the practitioner will have or
readily obtain a more complete understanding of such aspects and
considerations concerning sacroiliac belts from the literature.
[0008] One type of sacroiliac belt disclosed in the art includes an
elastic inner part that wraps around the user's hips and a
non-elastic outer part that encircles the inner part to establish
an overall non-elastic sacroiliac belt. Brunswick, U.S. Pat. No.
4,572,167 discloses a sacroiliac belt of this type, with elastic
panels and a non-elastic cinch strap encircling the panels. Another
sacroiliac belt of this type includes elastic Neoprene to wrap
around the user's hips and non-elastic Nylon to wrap around the
Neoprene. This sacroiliac belt is not recommended for wearing
directly against the skin because the closed-cell structure of
Neoprene causes heat build-up which can lead to skin irritation.
The overall non-elastic nature of such sacroiliac belts is also not
preferred by many practitioners because the outer encircling part
typically includes a cinchable fastener arrangement, such as a
buckle or cinch, that allows a person additional leverage so that
it is possible to pull the sacroiliac belt tighter than it should
be. As a result, the overall non-elastic sacroiliac belt of this
type can reduce available motion in the sacroiliac joint below its
normal range of motion. With reduced motion, the inflow of
nutrients and oxygen is reduced and the outflow of cellular waste
products is reduced. These waste products are acidic, which lowers
the pH within the joint. The body then shunts in calcium to
neutralize the acid and arthrosis can develop. Buckles and other
fastener arrangements used in such belts can also pinch and be
otherwise inconvenient or irritating to the user.
[0009] Variations on the overall non-elastic sacroiliac belt with
an encircling outer belt are also known in the art. For example,
Hyman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,576,154 discloses a sacroiliac belt
with an inner non-elastic woven belt and small cinch straps
securable between the ends of the inner belt. Tyo, U.S. Pat. No.
4,696,291 provides a sacroiliac belt with string lacing to secure
rigid plastic support members in position. Sacroiliac belts of this
type can also be overtightened by the user, and providing optimum
support for pelvic girdle considerations that vary from one
individual to another in belts using non-flexible elements (such as
in Tyo) presents additional difficulties.
[0010] Another type of prior sacroiliac belt is generally elastic,
which allows good compression of the sacroiliac joint. The elastic
sacroiliac belt will not typically compress too much, to the point
of limiting motion of the sacroiliac joint below normal. However,
an overall elastic sacroiliac belt gives a false sense of security
to the user because the actions that open the sacroiliac joint,
i.e., bending, lifting, and twisting, can force the joint open
beyond its normal range of motion even with the sacroiliac belt in
place. In other words, sacroiliac elastic belts do not create a
stop point at the end of the normal range of motion of the
sacroiliac joint. As ligaments are essentially non-elastic,
movement of the sacroiliac joint beyond its normal range will
stress the ligaments and potentially re-injure the joint.
[0011] Another sacroiliac belt includes an inner belt of
non-elastic woven cotton and an outer elastic belt. The inner belt
is secured around the user's hips with a hook and loop fastener or
other non-cinchable fastener to establish a non-elastic belt that
mimics the function of the sacroiliac ligaments in the sense that
non-elastic belt allows the sacroiliac joint to open to the end of
its normal range of motion and stop further opening of the joint.
The outer belt is elastically secured between the back and sides of
the inner belt, partially encircling inner belt, to provide the
user with a sense of elasticity within the normal range of motion
of the sacroiliac joint. Hand tightening this sacroiliac belt
creates sufficient tension to compress the soft tissues so that the
sacroiliac belt can create the correct stop point at the normal end
of range of sacroiliac joint motion, but this sacroiliac belt
cannot be tightened too much as to restrict sacroiliac joint motion
below its normal range of motion.
[0012] A problem with all prior sacroiliac belts is that there is
no convenient or comfortable way to attach it to conventional
clothing, and due to the inward curvature of the upper part of the
hips, the sacroiliac belt can slide up as the user moves around. It
is possible to mechanically secure the sacroiliac belt, such as
looping a cord or other material from the sacroiliac belt, under
the hips, between the legs, and then back up to the sacroiliac belt
on the other side of the body; but such arrangements are
uncomfortable and inconvenient for the user. Some sacroiliac belts
use side patches of open-weave material with rubberized or soft
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composition coating (such as sold under
the trademark "GRIPTEX") on the inside of the belt for the
suggested purpose of assisting in holding the belt in position.
Such patches rely on development of a tackiness or rubber-type
surface friction component for gripping purposes with the belt snug
around the user. However, in practice, such patches do not exhibit
sufficient gripping to hold the sacroiliac belt in position under
many conditions or over many materials of clothing. Coating of the
weave material results in a relatively smooth surface
characteristic which, although somewhat tacky when dry, becomes
slippery when wet. Consequently, such patches contribute virtually
no gripping when the belt is worn directly against the skin due to
likely presence of small amounts of sweat. The composition of the
coating can also be irritating to some people if the sacroiliac
belt is worn against the skin.
[0013] Thus, there is a need for a sacroiliac belt that addresses
the above-identified disadvantages and drawbacks of prior
sacroiliac belts. In particular, there is a need for a sacroiliac
belt that provides controlled support with limited elasticity
within the normal range of motion of the sacroiliac joint, but that
can be worn directly against the skin without causing irritation to
the user and that remains in place while the user moves around
regardless of whether worn against the skin or over clothing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] An important objective of the invention is to provide a new
and improved sacroiliac belt configured to establish controlled
support with limited elasticity, wherein, the sacroiliac belt
comprises a non-elastic inner belt to be wrapped snugly around the
user's hips and an elastic outer belt to be secured between the
back and sides of the inner belt.
[0015] A detailed objective of the invention is to achieve the
foregoing in a sacroiliac belt having an inner belt comprising a
bi-laminate with an inside layer of open cell urethane-based
composition, hypoallergenic foam having an open cell frictional
surface characteristic for gripping engagement encircling the
user's hips, and loop material (of a hook and loop fastener
arrangement) along the outside length for securing the inner belt
around the user's hips and securing the outer belt to the inner
belt utilizing hook tabs (of a hook and loop fastener arrangement)
secured to applicable ends thereof.
[0016] A more detailed objective of the invention is to achieve the
foregoing in a sacroiliac belt having an inner belt comprising an
elastic bi-laminate with said layer of foam laminated to elastic
fabric, and a non-elastic strip of loop material secured to the
fabric side of the bi-laminate along the length thereof.
[0017] Another more detailed objective of the invention is to
achieve the foregoing in a sacroiliac belt having an inner belt
comprising a bi-laminate with said layer of foam laminated to
non-elastic fabric, preferably loop-material fabric (i.e., fabric
with loops of a hook and loop fastener arrangement).
[0018] Another important objective of the invention is to provide a
new and improved non-elastic foam-fabric composite comprising an
elastic bi-laminate with a layer of open cell urethane-based
composition, hypoallergenic foam having an open cell frictional
surface characteristic laminated to elastic fabric, and a
non-elastic strip of loop material secured to the fabric side of
the bi-laminate along the length thereof.
[0019] These and other objectives and advantages of the invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0020] A sacroiliac belt in accordance with the invention includes
a non-elastic inner belt and an elastic outer belt. The inner belt
is sized in length to wrap around the user's hips. The outer belt
is sized in length to wrap from the back and engage opposite sides
of the inner belt. The preferred sacroiliac belt utilizes hook and
loop fasteners in a non-cinchable arrangement (or other
non-cinchable fasteners), to secure the inner belt snugly around
the user and the outer belt in elastic compression partially
encircling the inner belt.
[0021] The inner belt includes an inside layer of elastomeric foam
and an outside layer or strip of lengthwise non-elastic loop
material. The loop material provides the "loop" surface of a hook
and loop fastener arrangement. A hook tab, providing the "hook"
surface of a hook and loop fastener arrangement, is secured at one
end of the inner belt for engaging the loop material proximate the
other end of the inner belt when the inner belt is wrapped around
the user's hips. Hook tabs are also provided for securing the
elastic outer belt to the inner belt.
[0022] The foam is an elastomeric, open-cell, urethane based
composition foam. The open-cell nature of the foam results in many
tiny, soft "edges" at the boundaries of the open cells that develop
a relatively high coefficient of friction, or frictional surface
characteristic, that maintains the sacroiliac belt in position when
wrapped snugly around the user's hips. Advantageously, this surface
frictional component is substantially unaffected by the presence of
limited sweat and other moisture as may develop if the belt is worn
directly against the skin. The foam is also breathable and
hypoallergenic, and provides positive moisture wicking
characteristics, to carry moisture away from the skin, so the
sacroiliac belt can be worn directly against the skin, if desired,
without heat or moisture buildup or causing skin irritation.
[0023] In one preferred embodiment, the inner belt is a lengthwise
non-elastic foam-fabric composite established with an elastic
bi-laminate comprising the foam layer coated onto or bonded,
adhered or otherwise laminated to stretchable or elasticized
fabric. In this embodiment, the inner belt further includes a strip
of loop material comprising loops secured to a thin non-elastic
nylon or similar backing that is sewn, bonded, adhered or otherwise
firmly secured onto the fabric side of the bi-laminate extending
along the length thereof. The full-length non-elastic strip of loop
material transforms the elastic bi-laminate into the lengthwise
non-elastic inner belt of the sacroiliac belt. The inner belt may
further include a strip or width of cushion extending over the
upper and lower edges of the strip of loop material, to cushion
against the edges of the backing strip from digging into the
wearer, particularly when the sacroiliac belt is worn directly
against the skin. These strips or widths of cushion may be provided
by extending the width of the elastic bi-laminate past the edges of
the strip of loop material.
[0024] In an alternate embodiment, the inner belt is established
with a non-elastic bi-laminate comprising the foam layer laminated
to lengthwise non-elastic loop fabric that provides the outside
loop element of the hook and loop fastener arrangement in the
sacroiliac belt.
[0025] The invention also contemplates use of the lengthwise
non-elastic foam-fabric composite described above in other types of
orthopedic braces and supports of the type that include a
non-elastic belt, band, body portion or other non-elastic layer for
wrapping around a part of the body for compression, protection,
support or other orthopedic purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sacroiliac belt in
accordance with the invention, the sacroiliac belt being shown in a
closed condition as would be worn by a user; the sacroiliac belt
having a non-elastic inner belt and an elastic outer belt, the
inner belt comprising an inside foam-fabric bi-laminate secured to
an outside strip of loop material.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sacroiliac belt shown in
FIG. 1, but showing the inner belt open and the ends of the outer
belt detached from the inner belt.
[0028] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the sacroiliac
belt shown in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of
FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4A, but
with the outer belt not shown, and with the upper and lower widths
of the foam-fabric bi-laminate curved over (as may naturally occur
when the sacroiliac belt is worn) to establish a lengthwise cushion
over and under the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the
strip of loop material.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a view of the inside of the sacroiliac belt shown
in FIG. 1 as laid flat.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a view of the outside of the inner belt shown in
FIG. 1 as laid flat (i.e., the outside of the sacroiliac belt shown
in FIG. 1 as laid flat with the outer belt not shown).
[0033] FIG. 7 is a view of the outside of the sacroiliac belt shown
in FIG. 1 as laid flat, with one end of the outer belt peeled away
from the inner belt and turned up for viewing the inside details
thereof.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a top view of the sacroiliac belt shown in FIG. 1
as laid flat, the bottom view being a mirror image thereof.
[0035] FIG. 9 is perspective view of the sacroiliac belt shown in
FIG. 1 as positioned on the hips (shown in dashed lines) of a
user.
[0036] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate
sacroiliac belt in accordance with the invention.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the alternate sacroiliac
belt shown in FIG. 10.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second alternate
sacroiliac belt in accordance with the invention.
[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an orthopedic band
utilizing a lengthwise non-elastic foam-fabric composite in
accordance with the invention.
[0040] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate orthopedic
band utilizing a lengthwise non-elastic foam-fabric composite in
accordance with the invention.
[0041] While the invention is susceptible of various modifications
and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments have
been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail.
It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to
limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative
constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, there is shown a preferred
embodiment sacroiliac belt 10 in accordance with the invention. The
sacroiliac belt 10 comprises two independently operable belt
elements: a lengthwise elastic outer belt 12 and a lengthwise
non-elastic inner belt 14. The inner belt 14 is sized in length to
wrap around the user's hips (FIG. 9). The outer belt 12 is sized in
length to wrap from the back of the user and engage opposite sides
of the inner belt. Hook and loop fasteners in non-cinchable
arrangements secure the inner and outer belts in position.
[0043] The inner belt 14 includes an inside elastic bi-laminate 16
and an outside non-elastic strip 22 of loop material (of hook and
loop fastener construction). A hook tab 24 (of hook and loop
fastener construction) is secured at one end of the inner belt 14,
with the hooks facing inwardly for connecting to the outwardly
facing loops of the strip 22 when the inner belt is wrapped around
the user or otherwise in a closed condition (FIG. 1). In the
embodiment shown, an optional cloth cap 16A is sewn over one end of
the bi-laminate and strip of loop material. Stitching is indicated
by dashed lines and reference numeral 30.
[0044] The elastic bi-laminate 16 is comprised of an elastic foam
layer 18 bonded, adhered or otherwise laminated to an elastic
fabric 20 that extends the length and width of the foam layer. The
foam is an elastomeric, open cell urethane-based hypoallergenic
composition foam. The open-cell nature of the foam establishes a
large number of soft tiny edges at the boundaries of the cells,
resulting in a relatively high coefficient of friction or
frictional surface characteristic on the surface 18A along the
inside length of the inner belt 14, thereby resulting in frictional
encircling engagement around the user's hips, and maintaining the
inner belt in position during normal use. The open-cell foam is
also breathable and provides positive moisture wicking to carry
moisture away from the skin so that the sacroiliac belt can be
comfortably worn against the skin. The elastic fabric is preferably
unbroken loop fabric having loop construction of a hook and loop
fastener arrangement on its exposed side, but the fabric may be of
alternate construction.
[0045] The strip 22 of loop material includes an outer layer 22A
(FIG. 4A) of loops (of hook and loop fastener construction) on a
thin nylon or other non-elastic backing 22B that extends to
establish the loop element of a hook and loop fastener along the
outside length of the inner belt 14. The non-elastic strip of loop
material runs the length of the bi-laminate 16, with the backing
22B sewn, adhered or otherwise secured lengthwise to the exposed
fabric side of the bi-laminate, thereby establishing the overall
lengthwise non-elastic characteristic of inner belt 14. In this
instance, the hook tab 24 is sewn to the inside of the strip 22 at
an end that extends past the bi-laminate.
[0046] In the preferred embodiment shown, the elastic bi-laminate
16 extends widthwise beyond the backing strip 22B. As shown in FIG.
4B, this additional bi-laminate width is capable of stretching,
folding, rolling, etc. over the lengthwise edges of the backing 22B
to establish lengthwise cushions over the edges of the loop
material backing strip while the sacroiliac belt is worn. The
preferred loops 22A in the strip 22 of loop material are
substantially larger than the size of loop in the unbroken loop
fabric of the bi-laminate for enhanced holding strength while the
sacroiliac belt 10 is in position on the user. Advantageously, the
additional width of unbroken loop fabric provides additional
connection width for the hook tab 24 if not precisely aligned with
the strip 22 of loop material.
[0047] The outer elastic belt 12 comprises a strip 26 of elastic
fabric and a pair of hook tabs 28 at the ends of the elastic strip.
The elastic strip is approximately one-half the length of the inner
belt 14, and is sewn or otherwise secured (or securable) at the
back of the inner belt to establish two outer elastic halves each
of which terminate proximate the sides of the inner belt. The hook
tabs 28 are sewn or otherwise secured to the ends of the elastic
strip, facing inwardly towards the inner belt and the strip 22 of
loop material. Alternately, for example, a third hook tab 28 may be
sewn to the center of the elastic strip 26 for releasable
connection to the strip 22 of loop material at the back of the
inner belt.
[0048] With this arrangement, the sacroiliac belt 10 is put on by
wrapping the non-elastic inner belt 14 snugly around the user's
hips, as indicated by arrow "A" in FIG. 9, and securing the hook
tab 24 into engagement with the strip 22 of loop material on the
other side of the belt. The elastic halves of the outer belt 12 are
then drawn firmly from the back around to the sides of the wearer's
hips, as indicated by arrows "B" in FIG. 9, until comfortable
compression is established in the sacroiliac joint, and secured
with the hook tabs 28 engaging the loop material 22 at the sides of
the inner belt 14.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 10-11, an alternate embodiment sacroiliac
belt 110 in accordance with the invention is shown, wherein the
same reference numbers identify identical elements shown in FIGS.
1-9 and described above, and reference numbers for similar elements
are incremented by 100. The sacroiliac belt 110 comprises two
independently operable belt elements: the non-elastic inner belt 14
described above, and an outer belt comprising two elastic
outer-belt segments 112A and 112B. Each outer-belt segment 112A,
112B includes a strip 126 of elastic fabric and a pair of hook tabs
128. Each elastic strip 126 is approximately one-fourth the length
of the inner belt 14, with a hook tabs 128 sewn or otherwise
secured to each end of the elastic strip positionable facing
inwardly towards the inner belt 14 and the strip 22 of loop
material. The outer-belt segments 112A, 112B are, together,
structurally and operatively similar to outer belt 12 described
above. Thus, the sacroiliac belt 110 is put on and worn similar to
sacroiliac belt 10 described above, except that the outer-belt
segments 112A and 112B are independently securable to the strip of
loop material on the outside of the inner belt, for independent
connection between the back and sides of the inner belt, or as
otherwise desired to draw the inner belt into elastic limited
compression around the user's hips.
[0050] A second alternate embodiment sacroiliac belt 210, in
accordance with the invention, is shown in FIG. 12, wherein the
same reference numbers identify identical elements shown in FIGS.
1-9 and described above, and reference numbers for similar elements
are incremented by 200. The sacroiliac belt 210 comprises two
independently operable belt elements: a non-elastic inner belt 214
sized in length to wrap around the wearer's hips, and the elastic
outer belt 12 discussed above. The inner belt 214 includes a
non-elastic bi-laminate comprised of an elastic foam layer 218
bonded, adhered or otherwise laminated to non-elastic unbroken loop
fabric 220 that extends the length and width of the foam layer, the
loop fabric 220A providing the loop element of hook and loop
fastener construction along the outside length of the inner belt
214. The foam is urethane-based composition as described above to
establish an open cell frictional gripping surface 218A with
positive moisture wicking along the inside length of the inner belt
214 for encircling engagement around the user's hips. A hook tab
224 is secured at one end of the inner belt 214 for connecting with
the outside loop surface 220A of the bi-laminate when the inner
belt is wrapped around the user.
[0051] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
non-elastic foam-fabric composite described above can be used in
other types of orthopedic braces and supports that require a
non-elastic belt, band, strip, body portion or other non-elastic
layer for wrapping around a part of the body, such as, for example,
elbow braces and knee braces. Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown
an orthopedic band 40 comprising a non-elastic foam-fabric
composite with an inside elastic bi-laminate 42 sized in length to
wrap around a part of a user's body, and a non-elastic strip 48 of
loop material sewn or otherwise secured lengthwise onto the fabric
side of the bi-laminate. The elastic bi-laminate is comprised of an
elastic foam layer 44 bonded, adhered or otherwise laminated to
elastic fabric 46 that extends the length and width of the foam
layer. The foam is of open cell urethane-based composition as
described above to establish a frictional gripping, breathable
inside surface 42A with positive moisture wicking for encircling
engagement around the user. The elastic fabric is preferably
unbroken loop fabric.
[0052] The strip 48 of loop material includes an outer layer 48A of
loops on a thin nylon or other non-elastic backing 48B (as shown in
detail in FIG. 4A in connection with belt 10) that extends to
establish the loop element of a hook and loop fastener along the
outside length of the bi-laminate 42. The non-elastic strip of loop
material runs the length of the bi-laminate, with the backing 48B
sewn, adhered or otherwise secured lengthwise to the exposed fabric
side of the bi-laminate, thereby establishing the overall
lengthwise non-elastic characteristic of band 40. The bi-laminate
42 shown is wider than the strip 48 of loop material to establish a
cushion over the edges thereof. A hook tab 52 is secured at one end
of the strip of loop material, facing oppositely of the exposed
loop fabric 48A. With this arrangement, the composite non-elastic
band 40 is used by wrapping snugly around a part of the user's
body, and securing the hook tab 52 at one end of band into
engagement with the loop material 48A on the opposite end of the
band.
[0053] Alternately, for example, a non-elastic foam-fabric
composite in accordance with the invention may be used in an
orthopedic band 60 such as shown in FIG. 14 with a cinchable
fastener arrangement. The band 60 comprises an inside elastic
bi-laminate 62 sized in length to wrap around a part of a user's
body, and a non-elastic strip 68 of loop material sewn or otherwise
secured lengthwise onto the fabric side of the bi-laminate. The
elastic bi-laminate is comprised of an elastic foam layer 64
bonded, adhered or otherwise laminated to elastic fabric 66 that
extends the length and width of the foam layer. The foam is of
urethane-based composition as described above to establish a
breathable, open cell frictional inside gripping surface 62A with
positive moisture wicking for encircling engagement around the
user. The strip of loop material includes an outer layer 68A of
loops on a thin nylon or other non-elastic backing 68B (as shown in
detail in FIG. 4A in connection with belt 10) that extends to
establish the loop element of a hook and loop fastener along the
outside length of the bi-laminate. The non-elastic strip of loop
material runs the length of the bi-laminate, with the backing 48B
sewn, adhered or otherwise secured lengthwise to the exposed fabric
side of the bi-laminate, thereby establishing the overall
lengthwise non-elastic characteristic of band 60. In this
embodiment, a hook tab 72 is secured at one end of the band facing
the same direction as the loop material, and a ring 74 is secured
to the opposite end of the band such that the hook tab and a length
of the band can slip through the ring and fold back for connecting
the hook tab to the loop material proximate that end of the band as
shown in FIG. 14.
[0054] From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present
invention brings to the art a unique sacroiliac belt and orthopedic
non-elastic foam-fabric composite with a bi-laminate having a
urethane-based composition foam with open-cell frictional gripping
and positive moisture wicking characteristic that can be placed
directly on the skin, if desired, and that remains in place while
the user moves around.
* * * * *