HARDENABLE ORTHOPAEDIC SUPPORT WITH IMPROVED CONFIGURATION

摘要

An orthopaedic support assembly (42) is formed of a double-knit type fabric material with spaced interwoven layers formed of high strength materials, and an open-work matrix of filaments or threads interconnecting the layers (42). The fabric preferably includes high strength stiff filaments of fiberglass, carbon fibers, or aramids, and thermoplastic material to facilitate heat bonding of cut edges (42). The fabric is impregnated with a water hardened material. The support material or product is packaged in a water vapor impermeable package, and is opened. Water is supplied to the fabric when it is applied to the part of the anatomy requiring support. The fabric may be included in a soft goods support including a water distribution network, and straps to hold the support in place (84, 86, 88). The double-knit type material may be variable in thickness, and may be three-dimensional in its configuration (54, 62, 66, 64). An orthopaedic support or splint may have an inner core material of the double-knit type fabric, an impermeable stretch bonded laminate layer on one side (42), and a micro-porous plastic layer on the other side to facilitate water activation of the core material.