Hip brace
US6210353A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 4, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 3, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 4, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/0193
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A hip brace that dramatically reduces the pain and discomfort associate with hip degeneration. In one embodiment, the hip brace includes a girdle adapted to be wrapped around the user's waist, and a support member including an upper portion connected to the girdle and a lower portion adapted to provide lateral and upward support to the user's buttock. The lower portion is thicker (e.g., at least three times thicker) than said upper portion to facilitate support of the user's buttock. In order to provide additional support, the hip brace can further include a formed spring support connected to the support member. Preferably, the hip brace further includes at least two support straps connecting the lower portion with the girdle. In a preferred embodiment, the support member includes an inflatable member and an inflater connected to the inflatable member. For example, the inflatable member can include an inflatable bladder, and the inflater can include a hand pump, a conduit connecting the hand pump to the inflatable member, and a one-way valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.