BIASED SUPPORT FOR HINGE JOINT

摘要

A support for an area of a body that includes a hinge joint includes a flexible, elastically stretchable framework comprising an integrally molded network of interconnected, elastomeric segments defining a plurality of permanent openings; a structural hinge mechanism affixed to a first side of the framework, and a secondary hinge mechanism affixed to a second side of the framework. The structural hinge mechanism is larger than the secondary hinge mechanism so as to bias the application of pressure towards one side of the hinge joint when the support is secured to the area of the body. The elastomeric segments of the framework are designed in such a way as to asymmetrically assert pressure on the hinge joint when the support is secured to the area of the body. The structural hinge mechanism and the framework work together to bias application of pressure generally in the same direction.

主权项

1. A support for an area of a body that includes a hinge joint comprising:
(a) a flexible, elastically stretchable framework configured to extend across the hinge joint of the area of the body when the support is secured to the area of the body, the framework having a surface for abutment with the area of the body including the hinge joint, and the framework comprising an integrally molded network of interconnected, elastomeric segments defining a plurality of permanent openings; (b) a structural hinge mechanism affixed to a first side of the framework, the structural hinge mechanism comprising
(i) a strut component,(ii) a first arm component connected to the strut component such that the first arm component is rotatable relative to the strut component about a first pivot axis, and(iii) a second arm component connected to the strut component such that the second arm component is rotatable relative to the strut component about a second pivot axis,(iv) wherein the strut component is configured to extend with the framework across the hinge joint when the support is secured to the area of the body such that the first pivot axis is located on a first side of the hinge joint and the second pivot axis is located on a second, opposite side of the hinge joint; and (c) a secondary hinge mechanism affixed to a second side of the framework opposite the first side of the framework; (d) wherein the structural hinge mechanism is larger than the secondary hinge mechanism so as to bias the application of pressure towards one side of the hinge joint when the support is secured to the area of the body; and (e) wherein the elastomeric segments of the framework are designed in such a way as to asymmetrically assert pressure on the hinge joint when the support is secured to the area of the body.