Wrist brace with welded thumb spica and method for making same
US11819439B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2019 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB32B2535/00
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A soft goods-type upper extremity orthotic is disclosed that utilizes a combination of heated 3D tooling, HF energy, and pressure to thermally bond strengthening and anchoring injection molded elements to the outer layer of a base material. The brace of the present invention may have multiple fused/welded/bonded/heat components that are strategically placed to offer support and restriction of movement of the wrist, hand, and/or thumb (WHT) for the treatment of injuries to the distal upper extremity. The components are secured to a base fabric without stitching and, in a preferred embodiment, without traditional adhesives, to provide a sturdy and robust wrist brace or upper extremity orthosis that can be manufactured far more efficiently than prior art wrist braces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.