Patent ID: 8672864
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A body support for spanning a hinge joint of a body comprising an elastically stretchable framework, the framework comprising an integrally molded network of interconnected elastomeric segments, (a) wherein a first subset of the interconnected, elastomeric segments extends along a perimeter of the framework; (b) wherein a second subset of the interconnected, elastomeric segments located within the perimeter of the framework bounds and defines a plurality of permanent openings in the framework, one of the plurality of permanent openings comprising an alignment opening that is dimensioned to receive therein a joint protuberance of the hinge joint, the alignment opening serving to maintain the body support in a proper orientation relative to the hinge joint when the body support is worn; (c) wherein none of the interconnected, elastomeric segments of the first subset are part of the second subset; (d) wherein the framework comprises a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side, a maximum width measurement of the framework, measured from the left side to the right side when not stretched, being less than a maximum height measurement of the framework, measured from the top side to the bottom side when not stretched; (e) wherein the framework is sized and dimensioned to abut the area of the body and span the hinge joint without overlapping itself; and (f) wherein the framework is capable of lying generally flat.