Patent · US Expired

Variable support ankle brace

US4977891A · kind A · utility

66Cited by
12References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 8, 1989
Grant dateDec 18, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 8, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61F5/34
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

An ankle brace having two relatively rigid side supports with inflatable bladders attached to them. The side supports are connected at their bottom by a flexible strap upon which is mounted an air pump. The air pump is activated by walking and running and inflates the air bladders mounted on the side supports. The side supports are held firmly in place about the lower leg and ankle by straps. A relief valve and/or pin holes in the bladders prevent excessive pressure in the bladders and provide reduced support when the user is not active.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.