Patent ID: 6102879
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
An adjustable back brace for supporting the spine of a patient, comprising:a pair of support members configured to extend in a symmetrical manner from a substantially vertical axis along the spine to the patient's anterior;a posterior wound clearance defined between said support members and corresponding with the patient's spine; andno more than two inelastic straps for securing and tensioning said support members circumferentially about the patient's waist, each of said straps having a fixed and free end, said fixed end of each said strap anchored adjacent the spine to one of said support members, said strap extending from said one support member across said wound clearance to the other of said support members, said strap slidingly coupled to said other support member and reversing direction such that said strap passes back across said wound clearance and said free end of said strap extends around the patient's waist to the patient's anterior, said straps capable of forcing said support members toward one another to narrow said wound clearance and tighten the fit of said back brace when said free ends of said straps are pulled in opposite directions;wherein each said strap is attachable to at least one of said support members at the patient's anterior, thereby maintaining said support members in a tightened position; andwherein each said strap passes back across said wound clearance such that each said strap overlaps itself in substantially a horizontal plane so that obstruction of said wound clearance is minimized.