ORTHOPEDIC SUPPORTS
Technical Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to orthopedic supports. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to improved orthopedic supports having support members that are molded and have integrally formed fastening areas on the inner and/or outer surfaces thereof that include integral fastening elements providing for the releasable attachment of padding and/or retaining straps directly to the support members. Background of the Invention Orthopedic supports, such as splints and braces have been in use for many years. The devices are basically used to provide protection and support for various limbs and joints that have been damaged through accidents or that are in a recuperative stage as a result of surgery. Over the years, such devices have evolved from simple wooden or, in some cases, plaster splints and casts into light weight metal devices and, more recently, into molded plastic devices.
The molded plastic devices have the advantages of being relatively low in cost, light in weight, and the capability of being formed to fit the supported limb or joint very closely. Often, it is desirable or required, to use a pad between the support member and the traumatized area. When a pad is used, some method of attachment must be provided to secure the pad in place.
Manifestly, tape can and has been used to secure the pad or bandage to the patient. The use of tape presents problems. Sometimes the patient is allergic to the adhesive on tape and cannot wear the pad for any length of time because of the possibility of allergic reaction. Further, frequent application and removal of tape on or near
a traumatized area is uncomfortable and sometimes painful.
Padding is usually attached directly to the inner surfaces of some of the splints and braces by the use of adhesives. This arrangement has not been entirely satisfactory since the braces are often worn for extended periods and the padding becomes soiled. When this occurs, the entire support and padding is discarded with the attendant expense and waste.
Further, some method of securing the support and the padding in position relative to the traumatized area is required. Again, tape has been utilized for this purpose with all its attendant disadvantages. Straps with adjustable buckles have been used with some degree of success.
Several years ago, a hook and loop fastening system was devised that permits the supports to be positioned as desired with the fastener being easily adjusted to fit and easily released. Even with this excellent fastening system, problems remained in securing the pads to the support devices and securing the straps to the support devices. Straps were riveted to the support. Material containing the hooks has been cut into pads and attached to the outer surface of the support. This arrangement is not satisfactory because the hook and loop system works so well that the glued-on-pads of hooks may come loose after repeated removal of straps. Cleaning of the support devices sometimes causes failure of the adhesive and results in the loss of the hooks.
Further work has been done in improving the hook structure used in hook and loop systems. U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,339 issued to Provost and Rocha; U.S. Pat. No. 5,201,100 issued to Cardinale; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,740 issued to Provost disclose
various ways of molding the hook portion of the hook and loop system directly onto plastic members. Fastening elements of other shapes and structures have also been described. For example, fastening elements with barbs or arrowhead-like, mushroomlike, bulbous are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,303 issued to Lemelson; and longitudinal fastening elements that are umbrella-like and hook-like described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,731 issued to Anzai.
An object of this invention is to provide improved orthopedic devices in which the securing straps can be releasably secured to the brace or splint and, one in which the pad can be releasably secured to the brace or splint thus obviating many of the problems encountered by prior known orthopedic support devices.
Summary of the Invention In one aspect, this invention provides an improved orthopedic support member for providing the desired support of a traumatized area. The support member has an inner surface arranged to face generally toward the traumatized area and an outer surface. The outer surface has at least one integrally formed hook area that includes a plurality of hooks sized and arranged to hold engageable loops formed in a textile located in abutting relationship thereto.
In another aspect this invention provides an improved orthopedic support member for providing the desired support of a traumatized area. The support member has an inner surface arranged to face generally toward the traumatized area and an outer surface. The inner surface has at least one integrally formed hook area that includes a plurality of hooks sized and arranged to hold
engageable loops formed in a textile located in abutting relationship therewith.
Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing and additional objects and advantages of the invention will become more apparent as the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein like reference characters denote like parts in all views and wherein: FIGS, la and lb are pictorial views of the top and bottom, respectively, of a utility splint that is constructed in accordance with the invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partial view of one integrally formed hook area located on the splint of FIGS, la and lb.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken generally along the line of 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing the hooks in the hook area in greater detail . FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of a typical strap used in conjunction with the orthopedic supports of this invention;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 5-5 of FIG.4 and illustrating in more detail the hook and loop arrangement on the strap;
FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of a spoon-type finger splint that is constructed in accordance with the invention; FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of a finger cot that is constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of a finger splint that is constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of a forearm splint that is constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 10a is a pictorial view of an anterior elbow splint that is constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 10b is a pictorial view of an anterior elbow splint that is constructed in accordance with the invention; FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of an ankle/foot support that is constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of a posterior tibula and fibula splint that is constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of a fracture walker that is constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 14 is an enlarged, partial cross- sectional view taken generally along the line 14-14 of FIG. 13 showing typical padding that may be used in orthopedic devices of this invention;
FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of a knee brace that is constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of an elbow brace that is constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 17 is a pictorial view of an ankle support that is constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 18-18 of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a pictorial view of a neck support that is constructed in accordance with the invention; and
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 20-20 of FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Description of the Orthopedic Support of Figures 1-5
Referring to the drawing, and to FIG. la in particular, shown therein and generally designated by the reference character 20 is an orthopedic support member or splint that is elongated and has a concave inner surface 22. The support member 20 also has an outer surface 24 which is convex in configuration. Located on the outer surface 24 are a pair of integrally formed, spaced fastening areas 26 and 28 that are illustrated in more detail n FIGS. 2 and 3.
As shown in FIG. 2, the fastening area 26 (and also the fastening area 28) includes a plurality of fastening elements 30. The fastening elements include integral molded hooks with or without barbs, arrowhead formations, mushroom-like formations, or otherwise integrally-molded formations which are adapted to engage loops of flexible fastening members, pad members, and woven or non-woven materials. One embodiment of the fastening elements 30 may have a width, w, between 0.005 and 0.015 inches with a density of up to 750 fastening elements per square inch. It is apparent that the dimensions given herein serve as examples and one skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not necessarily so limited.
Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary fastening element 30 in the form of a hook is shown. Because the fastening element 30 may take on a myriad of shapes and forms, the hook and loop mechanism will serve as an example for the discussion below. The hooks 30 may each include a stem portion 32 projecting generally perpendicularly from the outer
surface 24 and terminating in a hook portion 34 to a height, h , of about 0.050 inches. It is obvious to one skilled in the art that the height dimension may vary in accordance with the type of fastening element used. The hooks 30 are formed integrally with the support splint 20 at the time of molding of the splint 20. Accordingly, the hooks 30 are permanently in place on the support splint 20 and, thus, are not subject to being pulled or otherwise lost off the splint 20 during use or cleaning.
Hereinafter, exemplary fastening elements in the form of hooks are shown and described in conjunction with various orthopedic supports. However, it is understood that fastening elements in alternative forms are also applicable herein.
FIG. lb illustrates a second support member or splint 40 that is normally used in conjunction with the splint 20. The splints 20 and 40 may be identically constructed if desired and as illustrated. If necessary they may be varied in their structure to fit the traumatized area.
The splint 40 includes a concave inner surface 42 and a convex outer surface 44. Although not shown, the splint 40 may include a pair of integrally formed, spaced hook areas on the outer surface 42 as are shown on the surface 24 of FIG. la.
The splint 40 has a pair of spaced hook areas 46 and 48 formed on the inner surface. The splint 20 may be provided with hook areas (not shown) on the inner surface 22. Hook areas on the inner surfaces will include hooks that are integrally formed thereon during the process of molding the splints. The hooks on the inner surfaces are configured as described in connection with the hooks 30.
The supports 20 and 40 and the other supports described hereinafter are preferably molded from a light weight, high strength plastic such as polypropylene. FIG. 4 shows a typical strap 50 that is used with the orthopedic devices described herein. The strap 50 includes an elongated, flexible body 52 having a layer of a textile material 54 or similar material on one side thereof. The textile material 54 is formed in a process that creates loops 56 or individual elements adapted for fastening to fastening elements 30 on the surface thereof as is more clearly shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of a FIG. 5. Near one end of the strap 50, there is located a patch 58 that contains a plurality of hooks 60 that are similar to the hooks 30 previously described. However, the patch 58 is generally attached to the flexible strap 50 by sewing, sonic sealing, or other comparable methods of joining materials. The patch 58 is located on the strap 50 on the opposite side thereof from the textile material 54 so that when the strap 50 is placed in encircling relationship to the splints 20 and 40, the textile material is disposed against the hook areas on the exterior of the splints and the hook area 58 on the strap 50 is overlapped by the material 54, placing the loops 56 in a releasable latching arrangement with the hooks 60 to hold the splints in place.
Normally, a second strap 50 will be placed in encircling relationship to the splints so that the splints are securely retained with the concave inner surfaces of the splints generally facing the traumatized area. With the type of splints 20 and 40 just described, the splints would likely be used
in an emergency to support and protect a suspected fracture in the arm or leg.
The hook areas 46 and 48, which are also provided with a plurality of hooks as described in connection with the hook areas 26 and 28, are provided to engage a textile bandage or pad (not shown) which will also be formed in such a manner as to provide loops that will be engaged by the hooks in the hook areas to hold the bandage (not shown) and the splints in their relative positions with respect to the traumatized area.
In the event of a trauma to an area of the body, such as a suspected fracture of the forearm, the traumatize area could be wrapped with a bandage (not shown) formed from a textile material that has loops thereon, such as the material 54 on the straps 50. The splints 20 and 40 are applied to the to and bottom of the forearm with hooks formed in the hook areas 46 and 48 in releasable holding engagement serves to hold the splints in place relative to the bandage and thus, in place relative to the traumatized area.
The straps 50 are then applied in encircling relationship to the splints. The straps 50 are applied as described above with the hooks 30 on the hook areas 26 and 28 in releasable holding engagement with the loops 56 on the straps 54. Also, the hooks 60 on the straps 50 are placed in engagement with the loops 56 on the straps so that the straps are of the proper length to hold the splints in the desired position thereby providing support and protection for the traumatized area. Due to the releasable arrangement provided by the hooks and loops, it will be apparent that the splints and bandage can be quickly and easily removed for inspection or additional treatment of
the traumatized area or for cleaning and/or replacement of the bandage and splints.
The fastening elements 30. and fastening areas 26, 28, 46, and 48 have been described in detail in connection with the splints 20 and 40. The orthopedic supports that will be described in detail hereinafter also utilize integrally formed fastening areas having fastening elements formed thereon and will be designated by the same reference numerals when describing the remaining supports. Although the fastening mechanism is shown and described as hooks and loops hereinafter, it is understood that alternative forms of fastening elements that can be integrally molded into the supports are equally applicable.
Additionally, the strap 50 shown in FIG. 4 will be used, if required, with all of the orthopedic supports described hereinafter. Different sizes of straps may be required for different applications, but the basic structure remains the same. Accordingly, the straps and the various parts thereof will be designated by the same reference characters throughout the remaining description. Description of the Orthopedic Support of Figure 6 The pictorial view of FIG. 6 illustrates an orthopedic support in the form of a spoon-type finger splint that is a variation of the previously described utility splints and is generally designated by the reference character 70. The spoon-type splint 70 has a generally straight portion 72 that is configured to be disposed alongside a finger (not shown) which has been injured. The splint 70 terminates in an upturned end portion that is provided to protect the end of the finger to which the splint is applied.
As shown, the splint 708 includes an exterior surface 76 that has integrally formed, spaced hook areas 26 and 28 thereon. The interior surface of the splint 70 is not shown, but may have hook areas formed thereon if desired.
Depending upon circumstances, the splint 70 may be applied to a traumatized finger with or without bandages or padding. With the splint in place adjacent to the traumatized area of the finger, one strap 50 is wrapped around the splint 70 placing the loops 56 on the strap in engagement with the hooks 30 on the hook area 26. A second strap 50 is then wrapped around the splint 70 and finger in engagement with the hooks 30 on the hook area 28. The straps are each secured to themselves in the proper size to hold the splint by the engagement of the hooks 60 on the strap with the loops 56 thereon.
Finger splints are most often used with some type of pad or bandage that is located between the splints and the traumatic area. Such bandages must be changed frequently since they become soiled quickly. The splint 70 can be quickly and easily removed to permit replacement of the bandage without pain to remove a splint and bandage that has been taped onto the finger.
Description of the Orthopedic Support of FIG. 7 FIGURE 7 illustrates a specialized form of finger splint or finger cot 80. The finger cot 80 has a top finger portion 82 that is connected to a bottom finger portion 84 by a finger tip portion 86. The top finger and bottom finger portion have concave inner surfaces 88 and 90, respectively facing each other and arranged when the finger cot is installed on a finger to face toward the finger. Outer convex surfaces 92 and 94 are formed with integrally formed spaced hook areas 26 and 28
(These areas can be seen only on the surface 92) that each include the hooks 30. It should also be pointed out that hook areas may also be formed on the inner surfaces 88 and 90 if desired. The finger cot 80 is used to provide support and protection for a traumatized finger. They may be either padded or non-padded. If padded, it is desirable that hook areas be formed on the inner concave surfaces so that hooks 30 will engage loops on the padding to hold the cot 80 and pads in desired relative positions.
As is true with the finger splint 70, appropriately sized straps 50 encircle the cot 70 in position to place the loops 56 on the straps in holding with hooks 30 in the hook areas 26 and 28. AS discussed, such a hook and loop arrangement securely, but releasably holds the cot 80 in the desired position relative to the traumatized area of the finger. With such an arrangement, the cot 80 can be easily removed from the finger for treating the finger or for cleaning and/or replacing the padding without causing pain or discomfort to the patient.
Description of the Orthopedic Support of FIG. 8 The orthopedic support shown in FIG. 8 is a special type of finger brace or splint that is designated generally by the reference character 100. The splint 100 has a forearm portion 102 that extends along the patient's forearm, a palm portion 104 that extends across the palm of the hand and a finger portion 106 that is slightly curved to retain the traumatized finger in a curved neutral position.
The forearm portion includes integrally formed, spaced hook areas, each being designated by the reference character 26. The curved finger portion 106 is illustrated as having a small hook
area 28 formed thereon. Each of the hook areas 26 and 28 include the integrally formed hooks 30 as described in connection with FIG. 3. The hook areas 26 and 28 illustrated are on the outer surface of the splint 100 facing away from the traumatized area.
It will be understood that similar hook areas may be formed on the inner surface of the splint 100 facing the traumatized area if desired. Usually, hook areas will be formed on the inner surface when the splint is padded.
Straps 50, constructed as previously described, will be positioned adjacent to the hook areas 26 and 28. When the splint is applied, the straps 50 are wrapped around the forearm and finger so that loops 56 on the straps 50 engage the hooks 30 releasably retaining the straps 50 in engagement with the splint 100. The application of the splint 100 is completed by fastening the hooks 60 on the straps 50 to the loops 56 thereon.
It will be apparent that the splint 100 when constructed as described provides the same advantages of support, protection, comfort, ease of use, and cleanliness as did the prior described supports .
Description of the Orthopedic Support of FIG. 9 The orthopedic support or splint 110 shown in FIG. 9 is designed specifically for the support and protection of wrist fractures. The support 110 includes a forearm portion 112 that extends along the forearm of the patient on the underside of the wrist. It also includes a palm portion 114 that is located in the patient's palm and terminates about at the middle joint of the fingers. Hook areas 26 are integrally formed on an outer surface 116 of the forearm portion 112 in spaced locations. The hook areas 26 include the
integrally formed hooks 30 previously described in detail.
The palm area 114 is provided with a hook area 28 which is integrally formed thereon. The hook area 28 also includes integrally formed hooks 30. The splint 110 may be padded or unpadded. When padded, hook areas are formed on an inner surface 118 of the splint 110 for the purpose of attaching the padding to the splint 110. Straps, not shown, but constructed as described for the straps 50, will be wrapped around the splint 110 with loops 56 thereon in engagement with the hooks 30 to releasably retain the splint on the patient. The splint 110 provides all of the advantages that are attributed to the splints described above. Description of the Orthopedic Supports on FIGS. 10A and lOB The orthopedic support or anterior elbow splint 120 shown in the pictorial view of FIG. 10a includes a forearm portion 122 and an upper arm portion 124 that are connected by an essentially rigid connecting portion 126 which locates the upper arm portion and the forearm portion at approximately ninety degrees to each other. The forearm, portion 122 will have spaced hook areas 26 formed on a convex outer surface 128. Similarly, the upper arm portion 124 includes on its convex outer surface 130 integrally formed, spaced hook areas 28. Concave inner surfaces 132 and 134 located respectively on the forearm and upper arm portion will include integrally formed, spaced hook areas (not shown) when the splint 120 is to be provided with padding (not shown) that will be disposed between the splint and the arm of the patient if the splint is to be worn for prolonged periods.
All of the hook areas include the integrally formed hooks 30 that engage loops 56 on straps 50 or engage loops on the padding if padding is being used with the splint. When the splint 120 is positioned on the patient's arm, the straps 50 are applied adjacent to the hook areas so that there will be two straps 50 holding the upper arm portion 24 securely to the patient's upper arm. Two straps are also used to hold the forearm portion 122 securely to the patient's forearm.
When applied, the connecting portion 126 is located adjacent to the elbow and the splint 120 holds the arm with the elbow flexed. With the arrangement described, the arm is restrained with no movement possible at the elbow. Yet, the splint 120 can be quickly and easily removed when desired with little or no discomfort to the patient.
The posterior elbow splint 140 is almost a mirror image of the anterior elbow splint 120 just described. The splint 140 includes a forearm portion 142 that is connected to an upper arm portion 144 by an essentially rigid connecting portion 146.
The forearm portion 142 has a convex outer surface 148 and a concave inner surface 150. The outer and inner surfaces include integrally formed hook areas 26 that each include the previously described hooks 30.
The upper arm portion 144 includes a convex outer surface 152 and a concave inner surface 154. Each of these surfaces is provided with integrally formed hook areas 28 that are each provided with integrally formed hooks 30.
As illustrated, the splint 140 is designed to be used with a padding (not shown) . The padding will be disposed within the concave surfaces adjacent to the arm of the patient and retained in
this position by the engagement of the hooks 30 with loops formed by the padding.
The upper arm portion 14 of the splint 140 will be retained on padding and on the arm of the patient by two straps 50 that are in engagement with the hook areas 28 formed on the exterior surface 144. Similarly, the forearm portion 142 of the splint 140 will be retained in secure engagement with the padding and the forearm of the patient by two straps 50 applied adjacent to and in engagement with the hook areas 26 formed on the outer surface of the forearm portion of the splint 140.
With the splint 140 thus applied, the elbow will be securely retained in the flexed position. However, the splint 140 can be easily and quickly removed by simply undoing the hook and loop fastening arrangement of the straps 50 as previously described. The padding can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement by pulling on the padding and splint to disengage the hook and loop connection between the padding and the splint 140.
The splints 120 and 140 can be used singularly as described above. Also, the splints can be used in concert if the traumatic condition of the arm requires it.
When used in concert, both splints will be applied to the arm as described up to the point of applying the straps 50. Upon reaching this step, it is necessary to apply only one set of straps 50 to secure both splints 120 and 140 to the patient's arm rather than applying a separate set of straps 50 for each of the splints. Description of the Orthopedic Support of FIG. 11 The orthopedic support illustrated in FIG. 11 and generally designated by the reference character
160 is an ankle-foot support that includes an upwardly extending calf portion 162 and a horizontally extending foot portion 164. The support 160 is provided with spaced hook areas 26 that are integrally formed on outer surface 166 thereof.
Each hook area 26 is provided with integrally formed hooks 30 that releasably engage straps (not shown) that retain the support 160 firmly in position adjacent to the calf and ankle of the patient. (The straps are preferably of the type previously described and designated by the reference character 50.)
The support is to be worn within the shoe and is designed to provide support of the foot and to resist dorsi flection of the foot and foot drop that is related to neuromuscular disorders.
Description of the Orthopedic support of FIG. 12 FIG. 12 illustrates an orthopedic support or splint 170 that provides support and protection of a traumatized lower leg or calf. The splint 170 is usually used for emergency treatment of lower leg trauma .
The splint 170 includes a calf portion 172 and a foot portion 174 that extends generally perpendicularly relative to the calf portion 172. A plurality of spaced hook areas 26 are formed on an outer surface 176 of the calf portion 172 and, although not shown, on the bottom of the foot portion 174. Hook areas 28 are formed in spaced positions on an inner surface 178 of the calf portion 172 and on the top of the foot portion 174. Each of the hook areas is provided with integrally formed hooks 30 as previously described. Since the splint 170 is generally worn for extended periods of time, padding (not shown) may be placed into the splint 170 adjacent to the inner
surface 178 and on top of the foot portion 174. The padding will be formed with the loops on the exterior thereof so that the loops will interact with the hooks 30 in the hook areas 28 to releasably hold the padding in the splint 170.
In use, the padded splint is placed alongside the rear of the patient's calf with the foot portion receiving the foot of the patient. Straps (not shown) , such as the previously described straps 50 are wrapped around the calf portion 172 with the loops 56 on the straps releasably engaging the hooks 30 to hold the splint 170 and the padding against the traumatized areas of the leg. To immobilize the patient's foot, one or more straps (not shown) will be wrapped around the foot of the patient with loops on the straps engaging the hooks on the hook areas on the bottom of the foot portion to releasably hold the patient's foot securely in the foot portion. It will be appreciated that the splint 170 can be quickly, easily, and painlessly removed from the patient. With a splint that is being worn for an extended period, the padding will become soiled and must be either replaced or cleansed. Once the splint 170 has been removed from the patient, all that is required to remove the padding from the splint 170 is to pull the padding from the hooks 30 in the hook areas 28.
To place new or cleansed padding into the splint 170, all that is required is to insert the padding into the splint 170 adjacent to the inner surface 178 and press lightly to cause the hooks 30 of the hook areas 28 to engage the loops on the padding.
Description of the Orthopedic Support of FIGS. 13 and 14
The orthopedic support shown in FIG. 13 is referred to as a "walking brace" and is generally designated by the reference character 180. The walking brace 180 includes: a bottom foot member 182 with attached lateral upright supports 183, a top foot member 184, a posterior calf member 186, an anterior calf member 188, and padding 190 (Shown in dash lines in FIG. 13) . The padding 190 is designed to encircle the calf and foot of the patient generally within the confines of the assembled members forming the walking brace 180. Each of the members 182, 183, 184, 186, and 188 are formed by injection molding and each includes appropriate integrally formed hook areas 26 and 28 that contain hooks 30 as previously described. In general, the hook areas 26 are located on inner surfaces of various members facing the traumatized area. The hook areas 28 are located on outer surfaces of the various members.
The arrangement is such that hooks 30 located in the hook areas 26 on the inner surfaces of the members engage loops 192 (See FIG. 14) that are formed on the padding 190 to releasably hold the padding in position in the brace 190.
With the padding 190 located on the patient, the posterior calf member 186 and the anterior calf member 188 are placed in position adjacent to the padding 190. The hook areas 26 formed on the inner surfaces of the members are engaged with the loops 192. Straps, such as the straps 50, are then wrapped around the members 186 and 188 adjacent to and in engagement with the hooks 30 in the hook areas 28 and fastened as previously described to releasably hold the members 186 and 188 and the padding 190 in the desired position.
Top and bottom foot members 184 and 192 are placed in the desired position adjacent to the foot of the patient with the hooks 30 in releasable holding engagement with the loops 192 on the padding 190. Additional straps are then installed to secure the foot members 182 and 184 to the patient's foot.
The walking brace 180 provides support the protection for traumatized areas of the lower extremities. The walking brace 180 can be easily and quickly removed and replaced permitting treatment of the injury and cleansing or replacing of the soiled padding 190.
Description of the Orthopedic Support of FIG. 15 The knee brace 200 includes left and right sides 202 and 204 that are mirror images and, therefore only the left side 202 will be described in detail. The left side 202 includes a thigh support 206 that include a metal reinforcement member 208 and a molded plastic member 210 that is suitably attached to the metal reinforcement member 208. The left side 202 includes a metal reinforcement member 214 and a molded plastic member 216 that is suitably attached to the metal reinforcement member 214. The metal reinforcement members 208 and 214 are connected by a hinge or pivot 218. The right side 204 includes a thigh support 220 and a calf support 222 that are connected by a hinge or pivot 224. The plastic members are provided to distribute the load imposed on the metal reinforcement members over a larger area of the thigh or calf. The metal reinforcement members aid in preventing twisting of the knee while permitting flexing of the knee assuring that the knee will be properly supported by the brace 200 during reasonably normal usage.
Each of the plastic members are molded and, while they are of slightly different configuration, each has a plurality of spaced, hook areas 26 integrally formed on the inner surfaces thereof. Also, each of the plastic members has a plurality of spaced hook areas 28 integrally formed on the exterior of surfaces thereof. The hook areas 26 and 28 each include hooks 30 formed in the hook areas during the molding of the members. The hinges or pivots 218 and 224 are located so that they coincide the hinge point of the knee to permit flexing of the knee joint. As previously mentioned, the brace 200 aids in preventing undesired twisting from being imposed upon the knee.
Padding 226, shown in dash lines, is shown encircling the thigh of the patient. Padding 228, also shown in dash lines, is shown encircling the calf of the patient. The padding 226 and 228 will be formed to include loops on the surface thereof that engage the hooks 30 in the hook areas 26 to releasably hold the padding 226 and the thigh supports 206 and 220 and the calf supports 212 and 222 in the proper positions. Straps 50 (only one strap is shown) are then wrapped around the thigh supports 206 and 220 and around the padding 226, placing the loops 56 on the straps 50 in engagement with the hooks 30 in the hook areas 28 located on the outer surface of the plastic thigh members. The straps are adjusted for tightness and secured in position as previously described.
Straps 50 (only one strap is shown) are then wrapped around the calf supports 212 and 222 and around the padding 228, placing the loops 56 on the straps 50 in engagement with the hooks 30 in the hook areas 28 located on the outer surface of the
plastic calf members. The straps are adjusted for tightness and secured in position as previously described.
The use of the brace 200 is occasioned by strained or torn ligaments in the knee. The brace 200 is used during the rehabilitation of the knee, such as following surgery, and may later be worn any time that the patient participates in strenuous activity. Accordingly, the brace must be easy to remove and replace for treatment and for cleansing. The structure described provides the desired features.
Further, the padding and the brace will be removed and replaced many times requiring that the hook and loop arrangement for securing the padding and for securing the brace to the knee be substantial and be capable of withstanding the rigors of such use. Molding the hooks 30 integrally with the members provides such capability.
Description of the Orthopedic Support of FIG. 16 The hinged elbow brace illustrated in FIG. 16 is generally designated by the reference character 240. The elbow brace 240 is very similar to the knee brace 200 which has been described in detail in connection with the description of FIG. 15.
The elbow brace 240 includes left and right sides 242 and 244. The sides are mirror images and each includes an upper arm metal reinforcing member 246 connected by a hinge or pivot 248 to a forearm metal reinforcing member 250.
Each side also includes a plastic upper arm member 252 and a plastic forearm member 254. The members 252 and 254 are suitably connected to the reinforcing members 246 and 250.
The members 252 and 254 are preferably injection molded and are provided with a plurality
of integrally formed, spaced hook areas 26 located on the inner surfaces of the members 252 and 254. The inner surfaces face the traumatized arm of the patient. The hook areas 26 are provided with integrally formed hooks 30 as previously described in detail.
Outer surfaces on the members 252 and 254 have spaced hook areas 28 formed thereon during the molding process. The hook areas 28 also include hooks 30 that are integrally formed thereon.
Although not shown, padding will be disposed between the inner surfaces of the members 252 and 254 and the upper arm and forearm of the patient. The padding will include loops that releasably engage the hooks 30 on the hook areas 26.
The padding and the left and right sides 242 and 244 are positioned adjacent to the arm and straps. The padding is not shown, but constructed as described in connection with the straps 50, are wrapped around the brace 240 with loops on the straps in engagement with the hooks 30 in the hook areas 28. The straps are adjusted to exert the desired holding force on the brace 240.
The use of the brace 240 is occasioned by a trauma to the elbow. The brace 240 is used during rehabilitation of the elbow, such as following surgery, and may later be worn at any time that the patient participates in strenuous activity. Accordingly, the brace must be capable of easy removal and replacement for treatment and for cleansing the structure described provides the desired features. Further, the padding and the brace will be removed and replaced many, many times requiring that the hook and loop arrangement for securing the padding and for securing the brace to the elbow be substantial and be capable of withstanding the rigors of such use.
Description of the Orthopedic Device of FIGS. 17 and 18
The orthopedic support of FIGS. 17 and 18 is also a rehabilitative apparatus that is generally designated by the reference character 260. The support 260 includes a left ankle support 262 and a right ankle support 264. The right and left ankle supports are constructed very similarly to the utility splints 20 and 40 described above. However, the ankle supports are configured, as illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 18, to receive the ankle joint of the patient rather than simply having plain concave inner surfaces. Integrally formed on outer surfaces 266 and 268, respectively are spaced hook areas 28 which include the integrally formed hooks 30 thereon. Spaced hook areas 26 are preferably formed on the inner surfaces 270 and 272, respectively of the supports and include integrally formed hooks 30 thereon.
Since the support 260 is rehabilitative support, the support is designed to be worn inside the shoe and outside of the patient's socks. Accordingly, the left and right ankle supports 262 and 264 are applied after the socks have been put on. Generally, the hooks 30 in the hook areas 26 will attach themselves to a protective pad with engageable loop material , the pad provides additional support, as well as protection from the rigid support 260.
A special strap 274 extends between the right and left ankle supports 262 and 264 and is passed under the patient's heel. The strap 274 does not require a hook area thereon adjacent to either end since the loop side of the strap engages the hooks 30 on the hook areas 28 located on the outer surface of the ankle supports.
After the strap 274 is in place, the straps 50 are wrapped around the patients 's calf and around the supports. The loops 56 on the straps 50 engage the hooks 30 on the hook areas 28 to releasably, but securely hold the support 260 in the desired position to support and protect the ankle joint. The patient ' s shoe is placed on the foot over the support 260.
The ankle support 260 can be quickly and easily removed when needed by separating the hook and loop fastenings as described. The ankle support 260 may be worn for extended periods of time and must be constructed to withstand the rigors of athletic use, be able to be easily applied and removed, and yet, provide the support and protection required. The provision and use of the integrally formed hooks and hook areas provides a fastening system that will meet such requirements. Description of the Orthopedic Support of
FIGS. 19 and 20 The neck support of brace illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 is generally designated by the reference character 300. The neck support 300 includes an anterior or chin support member 302 and a posterior or neck support member 304. Actually, both members cooperate to provide the support required to immobilize the neck and head of the patient.
Integrally formed on inner surfaces 306 and 308 of the support members 302 and 304, respectively, are a plurality of spaced hook areas 26. The hook areas 26 on inner surfaces 306 and 308 are illustrated in FIG. 20.
Integrally formed on the outer surface of the anterior support member 302 are spaced hook areas 28 that are located adjacent a pair of slots 310 for receiving a modified form of the strap 50 that
is designated by the reference character 312. One slot 310 is illustrated in FIG. 19 and the other slot 310 is shown in FIG. 20. Each of the hook areas 26 and 28 have integral hooks 30 that are formed as described in connection with FIG. 3. Padding 314 is positioned in the anterior member 302 with loops on the padding in engagement with the hooks 30 on the hook areas 26 to releasably retain the padding 314 in the anterior member 302. Similarly, padding 316 is positioned in the posterior member 304 with loops thereon in engagement with the hooks 30 on the hook areas 26 to releasably retain the padding 316 in the posterior member 304. The modified strap 312 is formed like the strap 50, but instead of the hook area, small areas of loops are formed on each end of the strap. The strap 312 extends across the outer surface of the posterior member 304 as shown in FIG. 19 with loops thereon in engagement with the hooks 30 on the hook areas 28 that are located on the posterior member 304 as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 to retain the strap 312 on the posterior member 304.
The strap 312 is placed inside one side of the anterior member 302 (See Fig. 20) and fed outwardly through the adjacent slot 310. The posterior member 304 is placed behind the head of the patient.
The anterior member 302 is placed in position under the chin of the patient and the other end of the strap 312 is extended through the remaining slot 310. The ends of the strap having the small loop areas thereon are pulled through the slots 310 to adjust the support 300 to the patient and then fold back over the outer surface of the anterior member 302 (See Fig. 19) to place the loop areas in engagement with the hooks 30 located adjacent to
the slots 310. The support is releasably secured to provide support and protection for the neck. Very often, the neck supports 300 are worn during rehabilitation periods and, thus, are worn for extended periods. Due to the way that such supports fit to the neck and chin areas, the padding often becomes soiled and must be cleansed. Currently, there are no supports that have replaceable padding and the entire support is either discarded or must be cleansed which is difficult to do in a satisfactory manner. As will be appreciated from the foregoing description, the padding 314 and 316 can be easily removed and can then be easily and conveniently cleansed or replaced.
Further, the neck support 300 is capable of being easily installed, removed, and replaced by the patient without the need for assistance.