aircast ankle brace with pump

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9. While this arrangement prevents undesired eversion, inversion and anterior subluxation caused by activity, it also allows for reduced pressure during rest periods. Even if the injury is not severe enough to warrant complete immobilization of the ankle, it is still sometimes necessary to use a functional walking brace to stabilize the ankle against inversion (the foot rolling inward), eversion (the foot rolling outward) and/or anterior subluxation (partial dislocation) while still allowing the normal dorsiflexion and plantarflexion movements of the ankle. The laces would then be pulled tightly and tied, again as shown in FIG. 6 and 7. In such a valve, air drawn in (entering the bladders 22 and 24) forces the valve's sealing flaps, which are normally biased together, apart which allows the air to flow into the valve. These patents disclose the use of air pumping arrangements actuated by foot pressure for circulating air through a shoe. Nos. Additional non-pulsating air bladders may be formed in conjunction with a foot pump which may be interconnected to both the pulsating and non-pulsating air bladders. 6. The present invention incorporates a lace fastening means similar to that set forth in detail in Grim, U.S. Pat. The side supports are held firmly in place about the lower leg and ankle by straps. The smaller bladders 30 and 32 may be comprised of the same material and consist of the same valve arrangement as the main bladders 22 and 24. The brace of claim 1 wherein said side supports are formed of a relatively stiff or rigid material and are limited to the sides of the lower leg, ankle, and heel of the user. 1 is a diagrammatic, perspective view of a bladder and pump arrangement of the present invention; FIG. APPLICATION UNDERGOING PREEXAM PROCESSING, Owner name: The inflatable main bladders are coupled to an interconnected foot pump. Typical patents showing this type of arrangement include M. Dunker, U.S. Pat. The pump is characterized by a variety of strategically placed weld lines which serve to create channels through which fluid transfer can take place. Other ankle braces which have air inflatable bladders are shown in G. W. Johnson, Jr.'s U.S. Pat. 3; FIG. As also shown in FIG. The pump may also include additional welded "darts" which will aid in reducing the thickness in certain areas of the pump to enhance comfort. 1 and 2, placed distally upon the main inflatable bladders 22 and 24, are provided for in the present invention. The method of claim 13 wherein said inserting step includes (1) inserting lower ends of the side supports into the sides of the shoe, and said tightening step includes passing the laces through fasteners in the side supports. with articulations, Orthopaedic devices, e.g. 4,844,094 to insure that the side supports 18 and 20 do not twist or flex outward and to more properly stabilize and compress the ankle against inversion, eversion and anterior subluxation. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Systems Ltd. German Publication Designated Offenlegungsschrift No. When foot pressure is released from the pump, its resilient configuration draws the fluid back into its volume. Other plastic construction techniques may be employed to create areas such as welded cavities 82 which aid in reducing the thickness in certain areas of the pump 26 to enhance comfort. The bladders 22 and 24 expand a maximum width of approximately two and one-half inches. With reference to FIGS. 8. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. The brace of claim 1 wherein said foot pump is positionable under the user's heel and includes welded darts to reduce the thickness thereof in selected areas to increase the comfort of said ankle brace to the user. 2; FIG. A relief valve and/or pin holes in the bladders prevent excessive pressure in the bladders and provide reduced support when the user is inactive. Those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses of the present invention, including variations from the described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention which is defined solely by the scope of the following claims. In particular, the ankle brace of the present invention stabilizes the ankle against inversion and eversion and anterior subluxation while allowing normal dorsiflexion and plantarflexion movement and while further reducing swelling and increasing venous and lymphatic return in the lower leg extremity. Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved pneumatic ankle brace whereby ankle support members are pressurized by an interconnected, preinflated foot pump which is activated through walking, running, and so forth by displacing the entrapped fluid in the pump between two or more bladders creating a pulsing action. The method of claim 9 further comprising placing cushioning and support bladders distally upon the first and second bladders. Payment: ATM/Debit, Personal and Travelers Checks, Purchase Order, Financing, Insurance, Paypal, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Orthopedic Supplies: Surgical Garments, Swimwear, Turbans, Equipment & Supplies: Hospital Beds, Commodes, Bathroom Aids, Bathroom Safety, Scooters, Lift Chairs, Support Stockings, Uniforms, Stairlifts, Power Wheelchairs, Ostomy Supplies, Motorized Wheelchairs, Diabetic Supplies, Wheelchairs, Walking Aids. 16. They may also be made to pulsate or may serve as non-pulsating protecting membranes. The foregoing and still further features and advantages of the present invention as well as a more complete understanding thereof will be made apparent from a study of the following detailed description of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings. The brace of claim 1 wherein said pump and said first and second bladders are formed as a single construction which includes integral means for regulating fluid flow between said pump and said bladders. Further, a fabric coating 88, for example, Nylon-Lycra, may be attached to the plastic film that makes up the bladders 22 and 24 to allow the skin to breathe and to increase comfort to the user. 6 shown assembled and fitted and properly secured in a shoe having laces; and. Once the injury has been stabilized, however, recovery may be accelerated by removing the molded plaster or resin cast and replacing it with a removable functional walking brace so that the ankle can be exercised while healing. 2. Thus, as shown in FIG. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ROYCE MEDICAL COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:019028/0284. ANTARES CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT, ILLINOIS, Free format text: 7. KAUPTHING BANK HF, NEW YORK, Free format text: 7, so that the ankle brace 16 is firmly in position. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the constructions precisely as shown in the drawings or described in the detailed description. 5 shows a portion of the bladder that includes additional foam padding 89 which is located at the bottom half of each main bladder 22 and 24. Our Plush interior for comfortable long-term wear. 7, that the lace fastening arrangement in the present invention comprises a hole or slot 70 and 72 integrally molded at the bottom end of each side support member 18 and 20. DJO Orthopedics Surround Air Ankle Support, FLA Orthopedics HealWell Soft Ease Multi-AFO Heel Suspender, FLA Orthopedics Ankle Foot Orthosis Foot Drop Splint, Body Sport Universal Wrist or Ankle Support, Bodysport Air Ankle Stirrup Brace With Air Pump, FLEXLITE Sport Articulating Hinged Ankle Brace, FLA Orthopedics ProLite Easy-Air Pneumatic Stirrup Ankle Brace, Prefilled air cells are adjustable to accommodate swelling, Rigid plastic shells has anatomical design that reduces pressure, Comfort and security encourage early return to function-protected, Durable-guaranteed to last as long as required for the patient, Adjustable straps to fit most individuals, SoftStrike technology absorbs and dissipates shock, Adaptable to relieve wrist, hand or ankle pain, Custom inflated aircells for individual fit, Graduated compression to help reduce edema, A semi-rigid shell to provide the protection. The brace of claim 1 further comprising additional bladders mounted distally upon said first and second bladders, said additional bladders having a certain amount of preinflation. The bladder and pump arrangement, as shown in FIG. 3,029,530; E. Karras, U.S. Pat. 14. 7 is a perspective view of the ankle brace of FIG. We carry over 8,000 items in stock, including inventory in every major healthcare category: Respiratory (Gas & Liquid Oxygen, Portables, Nebulizers, Pulse Oximetry, CPAP/BIPAP), Mobility (Manual & Electric Wheelchairs, Lift Chairs, Scooters, Vehicle Lifts & Carriers, Walkers and Ambulatory Aids), Equipment (Electric Hospital Beds, Leisure Beds, Over Bed Tables, Hoyer Lifts, Suction Pumps, CPM Machines) Mastectomy, Urological Supplies, Incontinence, Ostomy, Wound Care, Orthopedic, (Soft Goods, Compression Stockings, Cervical Traction). These prior art devices are intended to be worn within a separate shoe and are also inflatable with an external source of air pressure or they are preinflated. The bottom strap 33 would then be adjusted by peeling the Velcro material 35 back from the corresponding Velcro material 54 and 56 and pulling up both sides of the strap 33 until the bottom of the side supports are firmly in position. The method of claim 9 wherein said pump positioning step includes positioning the resilient foot pump under the individual's heel, and wherein said fluid moving step includes increasing venous and lymphatic return in the individual's lower leg. This fabric coating 88 is approximately 0.002 inch thick in another embodiment of the present invention. No. Reference is also made to German publication designated Offenlegungsschrift No. No. PATENT RELEASE AND REASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:ANTARES CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:016408/0753, Owner name: Our staff is fully trained in the proper use of all equipment and supplies we sell or rent. 15. No. Also included are the means for securing the bladder to the side supports and the entire brace to the ankle. staff is a available Monday - Friday from 9am - 5pm for assistance by calling 1-866-218-0902, by fax at 941-488-0011, and by e-mail at support@medicaldepartmentstore.com. Interconnecting the two side support members 18 and 20 is a bottom strap 33. 8 is diagrammatic, perspective view of another embodiment of the bladder and pump arrangement of the present invention. This pulsing action creates a massaging compression effect that helps reduce swelling and increases venous and lymphatic return. first and second substantially rigid side supports configured for fitting about the lower leg of a user and for supporting both sides of the user's ankle; securing means for securing said side supports relative to the user to firmly encase the ankle; and. The air pump is activated by walking and running, and it causes the air bladders mounted on the side supports to inflate. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS, Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices, Orthopaedic devices, e.g. In this embodiment, the two bladders 22 and 24 and the pump 26 are formed with one welding process and may be considered one member, but this invention is not so limited to not include those bladders which are connected to the pump by other fluid transfer means such as with tubes or valves. The side supports are connected at their bottom by a flexible strap upon which is mounted an air pump. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one of the additional bladders and cushioning member of the bladder taken along lines 5--5 of FIG. 4,280,489 and 4,628,945. 8 a heel cup 100 which may or may not be inflatable may be included to provide further support to the ankle region. SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ROYCE MEDICAL COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:016610/0376, Owner name: The method of claim 9 further comprising supplying fluid to the bladders through at least one bladder inlet valve, and after said supplying step, releasing fluid from the bladders through at least one bladder relief valve. A method for immobilizing an ankle of an individual against inversion and eversion and to reduce swelling in the individual's lower leg extremity, said method comprising the steps of: securing a pair of substantially rigid side supports to encase the individual's ankle with a first bladder disposed between one side support and one ankle side and a second bladder disposed between the other side support and the other ankle side; positioning a resilient foot pump, which is in fluid communication with both the first and second bladders, underneath the individual's foot; and. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one of the main bladders taken along lines 4--4 of FIG. Another object of this invention is to provide a more comfortable ankle brace which will firmly support an injured lower leg. The outside surfaces of each bladder 22, 30, 24 and 32 have a Velcro portion 90 attached to them in order to affix the support members 18 and 20 to the bladders. They are shaped so as to fit about the lower leg and ankle and are approximately eight to ten inches long. 1; FIG. The pump 26 may be constructed by welding in a foam of a thickness or space provided by the surrounding semi-enclosed pump material, preferably urethane or some other resilient material, whereby the foam is placed in a compressed state initially and when further compressed by the foot will be more resilient and recover quicker than if not compressed. The method of claim 9 wherein the bladders and the pump at least in part define a bladder-and-pump assembly, and during said applying step, the amount of fluid in the bladder-and-pump assembly remaining constant. The bottom strap 33 may include a surface 35 of Velcro material and may be adjustable through the use of double openings 50 and 52 located near the bottom end of the side supports 18 and 20. The Medical Department Store (MDS) has been serving SouthWest Florida for over 30 years and is proud to maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. 3,331,146; and J. Faiella, U.S. Pat. The shoe would now be fitted over the entire ankle brace 16, as shown in FIG. Other arrangements have been proposed to promote healing of an injured foot, ankle and/or lower leg, as shown in C. G. Eischen, Sr., U.S. Pat. The brace also has two inflatable, pulsating inflatable bladders. We are committed to providing for all your home medical equipment and supply needs and stand by our promise with guaranteed service. applying sequential pressure and at least partial release thereof to the resilient foot pump and through and by movement of the foot relative to a support surface; wherein said applying step moves fluid back-and-forth between the resilient foot pump and the first bladder and between the resilient foot pump and the second bladder, the fluid back-and-forth movements creating a pulsing action which has a massaging compression effect that reduces swelling of the individual's lower leg extremity. ROYCE MEDICAL COMPANY, CALIFORNIA, Free format text: It is to be appreciated, however, that other attachment means such as those set forth in U.S. Pat. In accordance with one specific illustrative embodiment of this invention, a new and improved pneumatic ankle brace is provided for insertion into a shoe having laces, which provides various and therapeutically desired amounts of pressure, support and massaging action to the foot, ankle and lower leg. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GRIM, TRACY E.;ARNOLD, WILLIAM K.;IGLESIAS, JOSEPH M.;REEL/FRAME:006643/0364;SIGNING DATES FROM 19930714 TO 19930719, Free format text: OSSUR HF, ICELAND, Free format text: In addition, various arrangements have been proposed for ventilating shoes by circulating air through the shoes. Similarly the counter strap 60 would be adjusted to pull the back lower end of the side supports 18 and 20 together above the heel. 18. 2,676,422; C. N. Eaton, U.S. Pat. U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, CALIFORNIA, Free format text: The method of claim 9 wherein said applying step includes the individual running or walking on that foot on the support surface. 17. Air forced in a direction opposite to the air drawn in (exiting the bladders 22 and 24) forces the flaps together which creates a substantially airtight seal. The pump may be in the form of a relatively flat chamber underlying the heel of the user. The foot pump is activated through normal use (walking, running, etc.) These strap members 34 and 36 also include Velcro portions 40 and 42 on their outer surfaces, and with Velcro material 44 and 46 at the end portions of the straps. It should be further mentioned that all bladder arrangements 22, 30, 24 and 32, preferably, are to be distributed with a certain amount of preinflation. The side supports 18 and 20 may be securely attached around the lower leg and ankle just below the calf area using two strap members 34 and 36, as shown in FIGS. The ends of the strap 35 would then be firmly pressed down on the Velcro material 54 and 56 to lock the strap 33 in position. 2321817, published Nov. 15, 1973, which publication shows a ski boot with inflatable ankle bladders, a rigid sole and a pump mounted in the sole. Owner name: Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment, it is to be appreciated that other adaptations and modifications may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 1 and 2 illustrate the inflatable bladder and pump arrangement of the present invention. 4, the main bladders 22 and 24 become inflated when air is directed through their valves 84 and 86. For instance, in T. E. Grim, U.S. Pat. No. Thus, the proper distance may be easily adjusted between the side support members 18 and 20 at the lowermost portions thereof. 1 for example, is to be attached to the inside of the side supports 18 and 20. 1; FIG. 3. No. No. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. 5. a bladder-pump assembly including a first bladder, a second bladder, a resilient foot pump, first channel means for providing fluid communication back-and-forth between said first bladder and said foot pump, and second channel means for providing fluid communication back-and-forth between said second bladder and said foot pump, said first bladder being positioned to provide a cushion between one side of the ankle and said first side support, said second bladder being positioned to provide a cushion between the other side of the ankle and said second side support, said bladders at least in part supporting the user's foot and ankle against inversion and eversion, said bladder-pump assembly having a preinflated constant fluid volume during operation of said ankle brace, said foot pump being positioned under the foot and thereby subject to foot pressure during the user's foot impact activity; wherein said foot pump when subjected to repeated foot pressure and release thereof causes a pulsing action of fluid in said bladder-pump assembly back-and-forth between said first bladder and said pump through said first channel means and back-and-forth between said second bladder and said pump through said second channel means, the fluid pulsing action providing a massaging compression effect to the foot and the ankle to reduce swelling thereof. Each wall 87 is approximately 0.015 inch thick and is capable of stretching under force to allow the bladders a variety of widths to accommodate a wider foot base. The foot pump thereby creates a pulsing action which leads to a massaging compression effect that will help reduce swelling and increase venous and lymphatic return. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. Assignors: ARNOLD, WILLIAM K., IGLESIAS, JOSEPH M., GRIM, TRACY E. Assigned to U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. The additional inflatable bladders may be located distally and adjacent to the pulsating bladders. A variety of ankle braces, walking casts and other orthopaedic ankle apparatuses have previously been proposed. with articulations without articulation for the feet or ankles. Also included are two main inflatable bladders 22 and 24 and a pump 26 which are interconnected and in one embodiment are formed with one welding process. FIG. 4,805,601 in which the apparatus includes a bladder which completely encircles the ankle, connected by an opening to a bladder underlying the foot. Specifically, the adjustment is accomplished by positioning the ends of the strap 33 to extend from the outside of each support member 18 and 20 through opening 50 or 52 and then through the other one of the openings 50 or 52 and then attached by the Velcro material 54. It is also noted that the two inflatable bladders may, if desired, be automatically inflated by the pump, which after a predetermined pressure is reached, shuts off its inlet, and provides the pulsing action to the inflatable bladders discussed above. Additional inflatable bladders may be placed between the pulsating bladders and the foot, ankle, and lower leg to provide support and cushioning as well as protect the injured limb from the rigid support shell should any of the pulsating bladders puncture. 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. 3; FIG. There has been described hereinabove an implementation of a novel ankle brace. The Velcro portions 40 and 42 are attached to the side support 18 or 20. This pulsing action in the lower leg also helps prevent any significant atrophying of the lower leg muscles by facilitating blood and lymphatic fluid flow through the lower leg. 3 is a partial side view of the bladder and pump arrangement taken along lines 3--3 of FIG. 7, and the laces laced through the holes 70 or in other fastening means located at the lower end of the side supports 18 and 20. In one embodiment of the present invention the two main inflatable bladders 22 and 24 are interconnected with the foot pump 26. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. Thus, a principal object of the present invention is to effectively accomplish all of these functions. Therefore, while in use, the fluid within the pressurized ankle support bladders 22, 30, 24 and 32 and the interconnected preinflated foot pump is displaced back and forth between either the main bladders 22 and 24 and/or the shorter bladders 30 and 32 thereby creating a pulsing action which lends to a massaging compression effect that helps reduce swelling and atrophying and increases venous and lymphatic return throughout the lower leg while effectively preventing inversion, eversion and anterior subluxation of the ankle. If not, the wearer would position the side supports 18 and 20 to both sides of the ankle, and then after the side supports 18 and 20 are properly positioned, the ankle brace 16 would be held in place using the strap members 34 and 36.

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