Pneumatic ankle brace with bladder and pump arrangement
US5348530A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/0111
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pneumatic ankle brace having a pair of relatively rigid side supports with inflatable main bladders attached to their inside surfaces. The inflatable main bladders are coupled to an interconnected foot pump. Additional support and back-up bladders may be placed distally upon the main bladders to provide further cushioning and support. The foot pump is activated through normal use, such as walking or running, whereby entrapped fluid is displaced back and forth between the main bladders and the pump. This creates a pulsing action which provides a massaging compression effect which helps reduce swelling and increase venous and lymphatic return.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.