Surgery: splint – brace – or bandage – Orthopedic bandage – Splint or brace
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-12
2001-02-20
Yu, Mickey (Department: 3764)
Surgery: splint, brace, or bandage
Orthopedic bandage
Splint or brace
C602S064000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190344
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to orthopaedic supports and more particularly, to orthopaedic support devices which utilize single-size construction yet can be adjusted to fit a specific user's anatomy.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Orthopaedic supports are typically used to stabilize and protect various limbs of the human anatomy from sustaining injury or increased injury. Typically, orthopaedic supports have been used on elbows, wrists, knees and ankles. The purpose of an orthopaedic support is to reduce strain on the injured or weakened limb while permitting the limb to continue its function; minimizing the risk of either a more damaging injury or a renewed injury. Some supports have included braces formed of hard plastic or metal to stabilize and restrict the range of motion of the limb.
In order for the orthopaedic support to properly function, it has been necessary for the support to be sized for the specific limb. As a result, orthopaedic supports have been manufactured in various sizes such as, small, medium, large, extra large, etc.
However, since orthopaedic supports are usually manufactured in pre-determined sizes, some individuals may not be able to enjoy the maximum protection offered by such a support because their personal physical characteristics do not fit one of the manufactured sizes. For example, a small-size support may be too tight, restricting blood flow and causing discomfort while a medium-sized support may be too loose to offer any worthwhile support.
Accordingly, there is a need for the manufacture of orthopaedic supports which can be custom fit for any wearer i.e. a self adjusting, one-size-fits-all configuration.
Statement of the Invention
The present invention provides for a self adjusting, one-size-fits-all orthopaedic support and fastening system. A self adjust sizing or, one-size-fits-all support is desirable in that it can substantially reduce the large inventory of various size product in doctor's offices and will also provide an effective support for a patient who is in-between sizes. Irregular sized patients will also have a product alternative.
The present invention also introduces a new fastening system which provides an easy method for securing the support device to a limb. This new fastening system is of great help to those presently having difficulty; such as the elderly.
The new fastening system is defined as being self-adjusting, one-size-fits-all in that any of the orthopaedic support devices according to the invention as described below can be properly secured to patients having different sizes of the same limb.
The self-adjusting, one-size-fits-all fastening system according to the invention utilizes, in general, the same technique on each type of support device. In general, a substantially flat pattern is provided.
First, a specific pattern is formed or cut is required for each type of orthopaedic support. Straps are used: (1) to establish the inside diameter of the support and (2) once the limb is in position, the straps are used to adjust the support inside diameter for proper fit and comfort, and thereafter the support is temporarily fastened about the specific limb. These straps extend away from the pattern. Also, slot apertures corresponding to specific straps are provided.
Each orthopaedic support can be adjusted to a patient's specific anatomy. This is accomplished by threading each strap through its corresponding slot, and thereafter wrapping each strap around the entire limb. Each strap is then secured to the support device.
The minimum number of straps used depends upon the type of orthopaedic support. For example a forearm support can be made utilizing a single strap whereas orthopaedic support for a joint such as a knee or elbow will require at least one strap on either side of the joint.
Although adhesive or snaps can be utilized, most preferably, the fastening means is a hook and loop material such as VELCRO®. The patient can determine whether the device is providing the necessary comfort or support and can readjust as necessary.
The support system of the invention provides a temporary fastening or securing means rather than a permanent fastening means. “Temporary fastening means” is defined as any fastening means which will stay fastened until released by human hand or instrument. In other words, engagement of the hook material with loop material is a temporary fastening means because it can be disengaged at any time by the wearer or someone assisting the wearer. The fastening means can be re-engaged repeatedly.
As required, the patient can adjust the tightness of the support about the limb until the desired comfort and support is attained.
Preferably, each slot is reinforced to prevent tearing and wear as the straps can be repeatedly inserted and removed.
In addition to customizing the fastening component, this invention allows for the inclusion of adjustable hardware (hinges, stays, etc.) by various temporary securing means of attachment such as snaps, straps, although most preferably, by a hook and loop material.
Depending on the specific portion of the anatomy, the fastening system could either be made for open application or closed application.
“Open application” is defined as meaning that the device, to be used, is wrapped about the limb and thereafter secured or fastened as described above and, in more detail later.
“Closed application” is defined as meaning that the device is partially fastened to itself, so that generally a tubular aperture is formed before positioning about a limb. The device can then be slid past the hand (for wrist, forearm or elbow orthopaedic supports) or the foot (for ankle or knee orthopaedic supports) until the support is in the desired position about the injured limb. Once in position, each strap can be placed in tension, thereby reducing the inner diameter of the tubular aperture about the limb until the desired snugness and support are attained. The straps thereafter can be wrapped about the support and temporarily fastened.
A closed application permits the patient an easier procedure for securing the device to the limb. For example, the wrist support can be secured with only one hand for either the closed or open application. However, as will be discussed below, securing the device using the closed application is more desirable than with the open application.
With regard to materials, any type of sheet or roll material could be used to make the orthopedic supports of the invention. Leather, pack cloth, suede, and nylon can be used. Preferably, the supports are made from a closed-cell foam rubber such as neoprene which is stretchable; or from open-cell foam laminates such as foam laminated to cordura, medical brush, tricot, and fabrics. As to whether a support must possess an elastic or stretchable quality, it would be dependent on the type of support required for a particular type of limb. For example, a stretchable quality may not be necessary for a forearm or wrist as it would be necessary for an ankle or knee.
These and many other features and attendant advantages of the invention will become apparent as the invention becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 949716 (1910-02-01), Quenzer
patent: 4013070 (1977-03-01), Harroff
patent: 4215687 (1980-08-01), Shaw
patent: 4441490 (1984-04-01), Nirschl
patent: 4996979 (1991-03-01), Grim et al.
patent: 5058576 (1991-10-01), Grim et al.
patent: 5356371 (1994-10-01), Hubbard
ADBME Enterprises Inc.
Pothrer Denise
Townsend & Banta
Yu Mickey
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