The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 28, 1996
Filed:
May. 31, 1994
Charles A Bastyr, San Diego, CA (US);
Richard E Gildersleeve, Escondido, CA (US);
Theodore V Tillinghast, III, Cardiff, CA (US);
Keith L Cassford, San Diego, CA (US);
Smith & Nephew Donjoy Inc., Carlsbad, CA (US);
Abstract
A hinged orthopedic knee brace has a structural frame made up of a plurality of rigid or stiffened support components dynamically connected by one or more hinges. A plurality of pneumatic pads are attached to the inside faces of the frame to effectively grip the body of the user and simultaneously cushion the body from the frame. Each pad is connected in selective fluid communication with a pump and a fluid release valve enabling the user to instantaneously inflate or deflate the pads whenever desired to enhance the fit of the brace on the body of the user.