Compression brace material with arcuate slits

摘要

The present invention provides a composite material for use in making orthopedic elastic braces for supporting a body part by compression. The composite material includes center (110), inner (120), and outer layers (130). The center layer having on one side a plurality of grooves (100) that intersect each other to define a grid pattern functioning as passageways along the width and length of the layer to promote heat and moisture dissipation for the body part being supported. A plurality of cuts (150) extending through the entire depth of the center layer and distributed across the surface area of the layer, while retaining sufficient elasticity and density to provide adequate compression support. In an embodiment of the invention, the center layer includes a plurality of arcuate slits (250) defining tab portions (255) that remain hingedly attached to the center layer.