U.S. patent number RE34,661 [Application Number 07/935,013] was granted by the patent office on 1994-07-12 for gel and air cushion ankle brace.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Royce Medical Company. Invention is credited to Tracy E. Grim.
United States Patent |
RE34,661 |
Grim |
July 12, 1994 |
Gel and air cushion ankle brace
Abstract
An ankle brace designed to be worn under the shoe has a first
bladder which is filled with the high viscosity gel resistant to
rapid deformation to apply pressure to the ankle and conform to its
shape to provide support to the ankle. A second bladder inflatable
with air is juxtaposed the first bladder to provide a uniform
compressive force upon the bladder filled with the gel. A canvas
ankle brace holds a pair of air and gel bladders along each of its
sidewalls and is wrapped about the lower extremity and snugly fit
thereto. Once the brace is in position, air is introduced into the
second bladder to press the first bladder against the ankle and to
conform to the shape thereof. Broad elastic straps may be secured
to the lower rear of the brace to extend over the front of the
ankle and the instep in a cruciate configuration. The outer ends of
the straps are secured to lines which extend through openings in
the outer casing of the brace, and D-rings secured to the ends of
the lines permit the tensioning of the elastic straps by threading
shoe laces through the rings and tightening the laces.
Inventors: |
Grim; Tracy E. (Broken Arrow,
OK) |
Assignee: |
Royce Medical Company (Westlake
Village, CA)
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Family
ID: |
27393057 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/935,013 |
Filed: |
August 25, 1992 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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308689 |
Feb 8, 1989 |
|
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|
192461 |
May 10, 1988 |
4869207 |
Sep 26, 1989 |
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Reissue of: |
572843 |
Aug 24, 1990 |
05088478 |
Feb 18, 1992 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
602/27;
128/DIG.20; 602/13; 607/111; 607/144; 607/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B
7/20 (20130101); A61F 5/0111 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A43B
7/14 (20060101); A43B 7/20 (20060101); A61F
5/01 (20060101); A61F 005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;602/5,13,23,27
;128/382,399,402,594,379,DIG.20 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Apley; Richard J.
Assistant Examiner: Dvorak; Linda C. M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Poms, Smith, Lande & Rose
Parent Case Text
RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
This is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
308,689, filed Feb. 8, 1989, abandoned and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 192,461, filed May 10, 1988, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,207,
granted Sept. 26, 1989.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An ankle brace for use in connection with minor ankle injuries,
such as Grade I or Grade II sprains, within a shoe, comprising:
an outer flexible casing conforming to the shape of the ankle and
rear portion of the foot and having front edges which are close to
one another along the front of the ankle and instep of the
user;
means for adjustably holding said front edges together;
first and second wide elastic straps extending from said casing to
cross over one-another in a cruciate configuration with one end of
each of said straps being secured to said casing on different sides
thereof;
first and second lines secured to the other ends of said first and
second elastic straps, said lines extending through first and
second holes, respectively, in said casing, on opposite sides
thereof;
means secured to the outer ends of said lines for coupling to the
laces of a shoe;
left and right air bladders mounted within said casing, on the
sides thereof, and
gel pad means mounted within said casing and within and adjacent
said air bladders for cushioning the ankle and distributing
inwardly directed pressure;
whereby the ankle of the user may be limited in its motion as
desired by (1) varying the tightness of said casing, (2) varying
the pressure in said air bladders, and (3) varying the tension
applied from the shoe laces through said lines to said wide elastic
straps.
2. A system including the brace as defined in claim 1 and further
comprising a shoe having laces extending through rings secured to
the outer ends of said lines, to apply tension to said straps.
3. An ankle brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said gel pad means
and said air bladders are recessed to accommodate the
malleolus.
4. An ankle brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said gel pad means
and said air bladders are generally coextensive.
5. An ankle brace as defined in claim 1 further comprising valve
means for retaining and/or releasing air from said air
bladders.
6. An ankle brace as defined in claim 1 wherein said flexible
casing is formed in two side sections secured together at the rear
of the brace by elastic material.
7. An ankle brace for use in connection with minor ankle injuries
such as Grade I or Grade II sprains, within a shoe, comprising:
an outer flexible casing conforming to the shape of the ankle and
rear portion of the foot and having front edges which are close to
one another along the front of the ankle and instep of the user;
means for adjustably holding said front edges together;
first and second wide elastic straps extending from the lower rear
of said casing to cross over oneanother in a cruciate configuration
with one end of each of said straps being secured to said casing
near the lower rear on different sides thereof;
first and second lines secured to the other ends of said first and
second elastic straps, said lines extending through first and
second holes, respectively in said casing, near opposite front
edges thereof;
means secured to the outer ends of said lines for coupling to the
laces of a shoe;
air bladder means mounted in said casing, on the sides thereof;
and
additional cushioning means mounted within said casing for
cushioning the ankle;
whereby the ankle of the user may be limited in its motion as
desired by (1) varying the tightness of said casing, (2) varying
the pressure in said air bladders, and (3) varying the tension
applied from the shoe laces through said lines to said broad
elastic straps.
8. A system including the brace as defined in claim 7 and further
comprising a shoe having laces extending through rings secured to
the outer ends of said lines, to apply tension to said straps.
9. An ankle brace as defined in claim 7 wherein said air bladders
are recessed to accommodate the malleolus.
10. An ankle brace as defined in claim 7 further comprising valve
means for retaining and/or releasing air from said air
bladders.
11. An ankle brace as defined in claim 7 wherein said flexible
casing is formed in two side sections secured together at the rear
of the brace by elastic material.
12. An ankle brace for insertion into a shoe for restraining and
limiting motion of the ankle, comprising:
an outer flexible casing for mounting on the ankle, said casing
opening at the front thereof and having opposed edges at each side
of said opening;
pad members formed of a cushioning flexible material mounted within
said casing adjacent the sides of the user's ankle;
air bladders mounted within said casing between said pad members
and said casing;
means for securing the front edges of said casing together;
means for inflating said air bladders; and fastening means secured
to said casing for receiving shoe laces so that the shoe laces may
be tightened and tied, to couple the shoe to the ankle brace.
13. An ankle brace as defined in claim 12 wherein said brace
includes broad elastic straps secured to said casing near the rear
thereof on two sides thereof and extending across the front of the
ankle in a cruciate configuration, and wherein said fastening means
includes lines secured to said straps extending through openings in
said casing, and rings secured on the outer ends of said lines,
through which the shoe laces may be tied.
14. An ankle brace for applying pressure to an ankle to restrain
inversion and eversion movement of said ankle comprising:
a first bladder having an interior chamber, said bladder being
dimensioned to conform to said ankle;
gel type materials substantially filling said interior chamber,
said material being selected to resist instantaneous forces applied
to said first bladder and to form about said ankle;
a second bladder having an interior chamber, said second bladder
being juxtaposed with respect to said first bladder;
means for inflating said interior chamber of said second bladder to
apply compressive force upon said first bladder, said first bladder
applying pressure to said ankle in response to said compressive
force;
a flexible outer casing adapted for being disposed about said
ankle, said casing including a first pair of opposed sidewall
portions, each of said sidewall portions having a rear edge
elastically coupled to each other, an inner surface and an outer
surface;
means for adjusting the fit of said sidewall portions about said
ankle; and
means for releasably attaching said second bladder to said inner
surface of each of said sidewall portions.
15. A brace for permitting limited or restricted movement of a
portion of the human body which has been subject to minor injury,
comprising:
an outer flexible casing conforming to the shape of the portion of
the anatomy as to which limited movement is to be permitted;
means for adjustably holding said flexible casing to the body of
the user;
at least one gel pad for mounting within said casing and adjacent
the anatomy and for cushioning and conforming to the physical
configuration of the anatomy of the user;
at least one air bladder mounted between the gel pad and the
casing;
means for inflating said bladder to apply pressure to said gel pad
to exert a restraining force to limit movement of the selected
portion of the anatomy; and
said brace further including resilient or elastic means for
applying additional force to said gel pad in combination with that
provided by said air bladder.
16. A brace as defined in claim 15 wherein two gel pads and two air
bladders are provided, and means are provided for mounting one air
bladder and one gel on either side of the ankle.
17. A brace as defined in claim 16 wherein said resilient or
elastic means includes first and second broad elastic straps
mounted within said casing to extend across the instep and/or the
front of the ankle in a cruciate configuration.
18. A brace as defined in claim 17 further including means secured
to said elastic straps for coupling to the laces of a shoe for
tensioning said elastic straps.
19. A brace as defined in claim 15 further including means for
adjusting the tension of said resilient or elastic means.
20. An ankle brace for use in connection with minor ankle injuries,
such as Grade I or Grade II sprains, within a shoe, comprising:
an outer flexible casing conforming to the shape of the ankle and
rear portion of the foot and having front edges which are close to
one another along the front of the ankle and instep of the
user;
means for adjustably holding said front edges together;
first and second wide elastic straps extending from said casing to
cross over one-another in a cruciate configuration with one end of
each of said straps being secured to said casing on different sides
thereof;
first and second lines secured to the other ends of said first and
second elastic straps, said lines extending through first and
second holes, respectively, in said casing, on opposite sides
thereof;
means secured to the outer ends of said lines for coupling to the
laces of a shoe; and
air bladder means mounted within said casing, on the sides
thereof;
whereby the ankle of the user may be limited in its motion as
desired by (1) varying the tightness of said casing, (2) varying
the pressure in said air bladders, and (3) varying the tension
applied from the shoe laces through said lines to said broad
elastic straps.
21. A system including the brace as defined in claim 20 and further
comprising a shoe having laces extending through rings secured to
the outer ends of said lines, to apply tension to said straps.
22. An ankle brace as defined in claim 20 wherein said air bladders
are recessed to accommodate the malleolus.
23. An ankle brace as defined in claim 20 wherein said flexible
casing is formed in two side sections secured together at the rear
of the brace by elastic material.
24. A brace for permitting limited or restricted movement of a
portion of the human body which has been subject to minor injury,
comprising:
an outer support member conforming to the shape of the portion of
the anatomy as to which limited movement is to be permitted;
means for adjustably holding said support member to the body of the
user;
at least one gel pad for mounting within said support member and
adjacent the anatomy, and for cushioning and conforming to the
physical configuration of the anatomy of the user;
at least one air bladder mounted adjacent said gel pad and within
the support member; and
means for inflating said bladder to apply pressure to the selected
portion of the anatomy to exert a restraining force to limit
movement of the selected portion of the anatomy;
whereby the gel permits full conformation to the anatomy and the
use of an air bladder provides adjustable support.
25. A brace for permitting limited or restricted movement of a
portion of the human body which has been subject to minor injury,
comprising:
an outer support member conforming to the shape of the portion of
the anatomy as to which limited movement is to be permitted;
means for adjustably holding said support member to the body of the
user;
at least one gel pad for mounting within said support .Iadd.member
.Iaddend.and adjacent the anatomy and for cushioning and conforming
to the physical configuration of the anatomy of the user;
at least one air bladder mounted between the gel pad and the
support member; and
means for inflating said bladder to apply pressure to said gel pad
to exert a restraining force to limit movement of the selected
portion of the anatomy;
whereby the gel permits full conformation to the anatomy and the
use of an air bladder provides adjustable support.
26. An orthopaedic device comprising:
means for applying pressure to the user's ankle to restrain motion
of the ankle while permitting limited movement thereof; said means
including:
a first bladder having an interior chamber, said bladder being
dimensioned to conform to the configuration of the ankle;
gel type material substantially filling said interior chamber, said
material constituting means for resisting instantaneous forces
applied to said first bladder and for conforming to the shape of
the ankle;
a second bladder having an interior chamber, said second bladder
being juxtaposed with respect to said first bladder;
means for releasably securing said first bladder adjacent the
user's ankle; and
means for inflating said interior chamber of said second bladder to
apply a compressive force upon said first bladder, said first
bladder applying pressure to the user's ankle portion in response
to said compressive force; and
means including a flexible casing for mounting on the user's ankle
and for holding said bladders in engagement with the ankle, said
flexible casing including a first section for engaging the lower
part of a patient's leg, and a second portion extending at a
substantial angle to said first portion for encircling and engaging
the patient's foot and instep adjacent the ankle.
27. A device as set forth in claim 26 wherein said first bladder is
generally U-shaped.
28. A device as defined in claim 26 wherein said first bladder is
recessed to accommodate the malleolus. .Iadd.
29. A brace for permitting limited or restricted movement of a
portion of the human body which has been subject to minor injury,
comprising:
an outer support member conforming to the shape of the portion of
the anatomy as to which limited movement is to be permitted;
means for adjustably holding said support member to the body of the
user;
at least one gel pad for mounting within said support member and
adjacent the anatomy and for cushioning and conforming to the
physical configuration of the anatomy of the user;
at least one air bladder mounted adjacent said gel pad and the
support member; and
said bladder constituting means for containing air to apply
pressure to the selected portion of the anatomy to exert a
restraining force to limit movement of the selected portion of the
anatomy;
whereby the gel permits full conformation to the anatomy and the
use of an air bladder provides additional support. .Iadd.30. A
brace as defined in claim 29, in which the bladder is inflatable
and is mounted between the gel pad and within the support member,
whereby the gel provides adjustable support.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to orthopedic devices and
more particularly to a novel ankle brace having twin bladders, one
bladder containing an orthopedic gel and the other bladder being
inflatable to press the gel containing bladder against the
ankle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ankle braces are generally used to apply pressure to the ankle to
prevent movement thereof after sustaining an injury. A constraint
upon the application of such pressure is that it must generally
restrict inversion and eversion (lateral) movement of the ankle
while allowing the normal walking flexion of the ankle to
occur.
In prior art attempts to construct an ankle brace which performs in
accordance with the above constraint, inflatable air bladders have
been used for developing the required pressure. For example,
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,811,434 (the '434 patent) is an
inflatable splint having a flexible inflatable body portion to one
side of which is joined a panel of flexible sheet material. The
panel forms an open-ended sleeve with the body portion to admit a
limb or the like and to enable the splint to be positioned. After
the splint is properly positioned, the body portion is inflated.
FIG. 7 of the '434 patent illustrates the use of the above-describe
splint as an ankle brace.
A limitation and disadvantage of the inflatable spirnt described in
the 434 patent is that when used on an ankle brace as shown therein
inversion and eversion of the ankle is not adequately restrained
since the inflatable body portion is designed to apply pressure
against the shin and top of the foot thereby causing a tightening
of the sheet material. At the ankle, the sheet material would only
exhibit a minimal compressive force or pressure on the ankle due to
the lateral tension between the body portion and sheet material.
The further disadvantage and limitation of the above described
splint is that it would resist normal walking flexion, which is
desirable to promote healing, as the inflatable body portion would
tend to straighten itself causing extension of the ankle. Also, the
inflatable body portion would not be capable of being worn under a
shoe, since the shoe would likely prevent proper inflation of the
body portion under the shoe.
Another prior art ankle brace is described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,280,489 (the '489 patent). The brace of the '489 patent has a
generally U-shaped stirrup having a base portion and a pair of
opposed sidewall portions. An air inflatable liner is attached to
the interior of each side wall and is dimensioned to extend
coextensively therewith. The sidewall portions snugly fit about the
lower leg above the ankle. Inflation of each liner applies pressure
to the ankle.
A disadvantage and limitation of the device described in the '489
patent is that the use of air or any gaseous medium to provide the
pressure on the ankle does not adequately prevent inversion or
eversion of the ankle. For example, a sudden localized pressure
applied to the air inflated liner is not resisted. The liner will
be locally compressed causing the air to migrate to another portion
of the liner to equalize the air pressure on the inner surface of
the liner. Therefore, the air inflatable liner may not adequately
restrain a sudden inversion or eversion of the ankle but may cause
the stirrup to shift in position under such sudden and localized
forces.
High viscosity gels are known to be highly resistive to sudden
localized forces. These gels have found useful applications in ski
boots. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,237,319. Generally, a
bladder is attached to an interior wall of the ski boot, the wall
of the ski boot necessarily being extremely rigid The gel may be
introduced into the bladder before or after the foot is placed in
the boot. The gel, when the boot is tightened, will cause momentary
discomfort but will gradually flow to conform to the shape of the
ankle giving a high degree of comfort and support. Since the wall
of the ski boot is rigid, the bladder will remain conformed to the
ankle. During skiing, forces which may normally cause sudden
inversion or eversion of the ankle are resisted because the high
viscosity of the gel and its resistance to rapid deformation.
Although gel filled bladders are relatively advantageous in
restraining inversion and eversion of the ankle when used within a
ski boot, there are many problems and difficulties which arise when
such bladders are to be substituted for the air filled liners of
the above described ankle braces. Since it is highly desirable that
such ankle braces be worn under clothing and especially shoes, the
ankle brace must be relatively thin and flexible as opposed to the
rigid wall of the ski boot. Since the high viscosity gel will
gradually conform to the shape by which it is constrained, the gel
bladder, if used in the prior art ankle braces will assume a shape
that equalizes pressure the gel exerts across the inner surface of
the bladder. For example, a shoe may cause the gel to evacuate
partially from the bladder between the shoe and the ankle.
Generally, the slow migration of the gel may cause the bladder to
assume a shape which no longer supports the ankle against sudden
inversion or eversion.
Attention is also directed to G. W. Johnson U.S. Pat. No. 4,628,945
in which an inflatable bladder is filled with foam and forms
padding within a pair of rigid plastic members. In this regard, it
may be noted general)y that braces of the type shown in the Johnson
945 and '489 patents, with stiff outer plastic members, are
intended for use with incomplete or stable fractures, in some cases
after partial mending, and for serious sprains, such as Grade III
sprains. In addition, the engagement provided by the air bladder
padding, even with a foam filler, is not as stable as might be
desired, and is not compatible with hot and/or cold therapy.
J. W. Sconce U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,225 is also of interest in showing
a rectangular or trapezoidal assembly forming a cast for
immobilizing a fracture, using various hot or cold materials, with
no mention of gel. Air inflation for immobilization and for forcing
ice water or the like into contact with the fractured limb is
provided.
The Spence U.S. Pat. No. 3,548,420 is also noted as disclosing
simple gel pad structures and indicating the possibility of using
gel pads with a "Milwaukee Brace", without disclosing any
applicable structural arrangements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide an
ankle brace wherein a gel filled bladder restrains the ankle
against inversion and eversion. It is a further feature of the
present invention to provide such an ankle brace which is thin and
flexible so that it may be worn under articles of clothing, or
within an athletic shoe.
According to one embodiment the present invention, a high viscosity
gel, resistant to rapid deformation, is contained in a first
bladder dimensioned to conform generally to a selected body
portion, such as an ankle. A second bladder is shaped
commensurately with and juxtaposed with respect to the first
bladder. The second bladder may be inflated with air. A thin
flexible sleevetype brace is provided to fit snugly about the body
portion with the two bladders arranged so that the air bladder is
intermediate the gel bladder and the sleeve.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, each bladder has
a first wall and a second wall with the walls being sealingly
affixed at their peripheral edge. One wall of the gel bladder is
juxtaposed against one wall of the air bladder.
An important advantage of the present invention is that the
compressive force on one of the walls of the gel bladder is
provided by the air bladder. Since the internal pressure of the air
bladder is equalized over the inner surface of the bladder walls, a
uniform compressive force is applied to the gel bladder wall at the
interface with the air bladder. The gel will then conform to the
selected body part. Another advantage and feature of the present
invention is that the gel containing bladder may be removed from
the ankle brace. The removed bladder may then be heated or cooled
and reattached to the ankle brace for hot or cold therapy.
The present invention, in an important aspect thereof, involves the
development of a new structure involving a flexible outer casing,
and both an air bladder and an inner resilient pad preferably a gel
pad, for the practical handling of Grade I and Grade II sprains or
similar injuries of the ankle.
Furthermore, in accordance with an additional aspect of the
invention, the device is formed in a fairly thin construction, so
that it may fit within the user's shoe. Tying in with this use in a
shoe, wide elastic straps may be coupled to tensioning lines which
extend through openings in the outer flexible casing, to rings,
such as D-rings, so that the shoe laces may be looped through the
D-rings, and may be employed to tighten the broad elastic straps to
the desired extent.
It is further noted that, as contrasted with the rectangular, or
trapezoidal configuration of the Sconce device, the illustrative
ankle brace is structurally formed in a non-rectangular shape,
conforming to the shape of the ankle and foot so that pressure and
support may be localized as desired, while still permitting limited
and controlled movement and use of the ankle, while the user is
recovering from the sprain.
These and other objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art
from a study of the following description when read in conjunction
with the attached drawing and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates an intended use of an ankle brace constructed
according to the principles of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the ankle brace of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG.
2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view , a portion of the ankle brace in FIG. 3
as indicated by the oval designated 4 in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a portion of the ankle brace shown
in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 6--6 of
FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 7--7 of
FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 shows an alternative configuration of one part of the ankle
brace; and
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the inner resilient
strap arrangements.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, there is shown an orthopaedic device 10
for applying pressure to a selected body portion, exemplarily shown
in FIG. 1 as an ankle. The orthopaedic device 10 includes a first
bladder 12 having an interior chamber 14, a high viscosity gel or
fluid 16 substantially filling the interior chamber 14 of the first
bladder 12, a second bladder 18 having an interior chamber 20,
means 22 for releasably securing the first bladder 12 adjacent the
selected body portion, and means 24 for filling the interior
chamber 20 of the second bladder 18 to apply compressive force upon
the first bladder 12. The first bladder 12 applies pressure to the
selected body portion in- response to the compressive force.
Accordingly, the first bladder 12 is dimensioned conform to said
selected body portion. The high viscosity gel 16 is selected to
resist instantaneous forces incident upon said first bladder 12 yet
it gradually forms about the selected body portion. For example,
the gel may be sold under the brand name Elasto Gel, commercially
available from Technologies Inc. of Kansas City, Mo. Also, the
above referenced Pat. No. 3,237,319 discloses a variety of high
viscosity materials which may be useful in practicing the present
invention. As best seen FIG. 3 and 6, the second bladder 18 is
juxtaposed with respect to the first bladder 12.
With particular reference to FIG. 6, the first bladder 12 has a
first wall 26 and a second wall 28, the first wall 26 having a
peripheral edge 30 and the second wall 28 having a peripheral edge
32. The peripheral edge 30 of the first wall 26 is sealingly
affixed to the peripheral edge 32 of the second wall 28. For
example, in one embodiment of the present invention, each of the
first wall 26 and the second wall 28 may be formed from vinyl with
their respective peripheral edges 30, 32 being conventionally
sealed. Radio frequency (RF) sealing is one exemplary technique
with which the peripheral edges 30, 32 of the first wall 26 and
second wall 28 may be sealed together.
Similarly, the second bladder 18 includes a first wall 34 and a
second wall 36. The first wall 34 having a peripheral edge 38 and a
second wall 36 having a peripheral edge 40. As described
hereinabove, the peripheral edge 38, 40 for each of the first wall
34 and second wall 36 of the second bladder 18 are conventionally
sealed. The interior chamber 20 of the second bladder may be, in
one embodiment of the present invention, filled with an air
permeable foam (not shown). Alternatively, a single sheet of vinyl
may form both the second wall 28 and first wall 34 with the
respective edges being RF sealed as best seen in FIG. 8.
With particular reference to FIG. 5, each of the first bladder 12
and the second bladder 18 are generally U-shaped. The second
bladder 18 is also dimensioned conventionally with the first
bladder 12. As best seen in FIG. 6, the second wall 28 of the first
bladder 12 and the first wall 34 of the second bladder 18 are in a
facing relationship to each other. The second wall 28 of the first
bladder 12 and the first wall 34 of the second bladder 18 may
either be permanently affixed or releasably attached to each other,
by Velcro pads or other suitable means. For example, it may be
desirable to remove the first bladder to heat the gel 16 prior to
use of the orthopedic device 10.
With particular reference to FIGS. 4 and 7, inflating means 24
includes a grommet 42 received through an opening 44 in the second
wall 36 of the second bladder 18. Grommet 42 accordingly has a
tubular portion 46 and an annular flange 48 affixed to an inner
surface 50 of the second wall 36.
Inflating means 24 further includes a one-way air valve 52 having
an inlet 54 and an outlet 56, a tube 58 operatively attached
between the grommet 42 and the outlet 56. The tube 58 is releasably
fitted to the grommet 42 after being slidably received over the
tubular portion 46.
Inflating means 24 further includes an air pump 60 operatively
coupled to the inlet 54 of the one-way air valve 52. Air pump 60
includes a squeeze bulb 62 and a second one-way air valve 64.
Squeezing of the bulb 62 evacuate air therein through the first
one-way air valve 52 to inflate the second bladder 18. Conversely,
releasing of the squeeze bulb 62 causes air to fill the bulb 62
through the second one-way air valve 64. A release plug 65 for
releasing air pressure from the interior chamber of the second
bladder 18 may also be provided.
Securing means 22 includes a flexible brace 66 adapted for being
disposed about lower extremity of a body. The outer casing of the
brace 66 may be formed of canvas or similar material which is
flexible but not stretchable to any significant extent. The brace
66 includes a pair of opposed sidewall portions 68, each of the
sidewall 68 having a rear edge 70 elastically coupled to each
other, an inner surface 72 and an outer surface 74. Securing means
22 further includes means 76 for adjusting the fit of the sidewall
portions 68 about the lower extremity and means 78 for releasably
attaching a separate bladder assembly to each inner surface 72 of
each of the sidewall portions 68, in areas where the straps 91 and
93 are not interposed, and directly to the straps 91 and 93 where
the straps are located between the bladders and the outer casing.
The outer casing of the brace 66, useful in practicing the present
invention is disclosed in commonly owned co-pending patent
application, Ser. No. 192,461, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,267, issued
Sept. 26, 1984, commercially available from Surefit Orthopedics,
known as the EXCEL Ankle Support System. In this regard, the front
edges of the outer casing may be secured together by the straps 76
secured to the left front side of the casing, as shown in FIG. 1,
passing through openings near the right front edge, and returning
to overlap each strap and being secured thereto by matching Velcro
pads, all as shown and discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,267.
As best seen in FIG. 5, attaching means 78 includes a mateable
fastener 80 having it first mating member 82 and a second mating
member 84. First mating member 82 is mounted on the second wall 36
of the second bladder 18 the second mating matter is mounted on the
inner surface 72 of the sidewall portion 68. For example, the
mateable fastener 80 may be any conventional fastener commercially
available under the Velcro trademark.
Each sidewall portions 68 includes a structural support 86 mounted
on the outer surface 74 thereof. Structural support may be received
by a pocket 88 sewn on to the outer surface 74 of each sidewall 68.
The structural support of provides rigidity for carrying the
inflating means 24. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the structural
support 86 carries the tube 58 which is received through an opening
90.
Attention is now directed to FIG. 9 of the drawings which is a view
similar to FIG. 3 of the drawings, but showing the broad, flexible
elastic straps 91 and 93. These straps extend from the rear lower
edge of the brace, and are secured to the outer casing at the rear
lower edge at the opening for accommodating the user's heel (see
FIG. 2). The straps 91 and 93 extend across one-another and overlap
in a cruciate manner, and the lines 95 and 97, respectively, are
secured to these straps. In FIG. 3, the elastic straps 91 and 93
are located between the air bladders 18 and the side walls 68 of
the casing 66.
In FIGS. 1 and 2, the lines 95 and 97 are shown extending through
openings in the outer casing of the brace 66, with D-rings 99
secured to the outer ends of lines 95 and 97. The laces 101 of the
shoe are passed through the D-rings 99 and are tied together with
tension to suit the needs of the user. By adjusting the tension
applied to the cruciate straps and the inflation of the air
bladders, appropriate support may be provided for the user, with
the inner gel pads providing comfortable application of pressure or
restraining force to the user's ankle. To facilitate putting the
brace on, or taking it off, a zipper closure may be provided toward
the rear of the brace, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
There has been described hereinabove a novel orthopaedic device 10
which provides improved support for an ankle against inversion and
eversion, while remaining small, compact, and light enough to be
worn under an article of clothing, especially a shoe as seen in
FIG. 1. It is further noted that in some cases the zipper at the
rear of the casing may be omitted. Also, the orthopaedic assembly
of the present invention could have the D-rings 99 secured directly
to the outer flexible casing, or to a resilient or flexible strap
extending around and secured to the rear of the casing, with the
inner cruciate straps omitted, and with the air bladders and inner
resilient pads mounted to the inner surfaces of the flexible
casing. The front edges of the flexible casing may be held together
by mating Velcro pads on the overlapping surfaces of the front
edges, or by laces, instead of the use of straps as disclosed
herein. From the foregoing examples, it is apparent that those
skilled in the art may make numerous modifications of and
departures from the above-described embodiments of the present
invention as shown in the drawings and described hereinabove
without departing from the inventive concepts described herein.
Accordingly, the present invention is to be defined solely by the
scope of the appended claims.
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