Self-equalizing resilient orthopaedic support
US7288076B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F5/0111
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ankle brace has first and second semi-rigid shell members for extending over the ankle and the lower leg on the inner and outer sides of the ankle. A sealed bladder pad is mounted to each of the shell members on the side of the shell member facing the ankle. Each bladder pad includes three small-interconnected bladders wherein a first larger bladder is mounted at the lower end of the shell, and two side-by-side upper bladders are mounted on an upper portion of the associated shell member. The three bladders having restricted openings permitting limited flow of air between the bladders. When a patient wearing the ankle brace walks, the lower bladder is compressed, and air is directed through the restricted openings to the upper bladders, thereby intermittently varying the pressure on the ankle and lower leg, and promoting circulation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.