Patent ID: 8052628
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A therapeutic spinal column brace system useful in association with a spinal column therapy recipient, comprising: an active thermal exchange bladder adapted to fit directly adjacent to a spinal column therapy site; an active compression bladder adapted to fit behind said thermal exchange bladder of a spinal column therapy site for providing compression to the spinal column therapy site; an outer shell including at least one support brace, wherein the at least one support brace is rigid; at least one cushion layer interposed between said compression bladder and said outer shell, adapted to provide comfort and adapted to aid in securing the therapeutic spinal column brace system in the fitted position adjacent the spinal column therapy site; at least one strap adapted to secure the active thermal exchange bladder, the active compression bladder, the at least one cushion layer and the outer shell together, wherein the strap is an elastic material configured to ensure a solid coupling between the active thermal exchange bladder, the active compression bladder, the at least one cushion layer and the outer shell; and an adjustable strapping system adapted to secure the therapeutic spinal column brace system in a fitted position adjacent the spinal column therapy site and compress the therapeutic spinal column brace system against the spinal column therapy site, wherein the adjustable strapping system includes at least one adjustable torso circumventing strap, and wherein the active compression bladder is coupled to a pump for providing fluid under pressure, and wherein the active thermal exchange bladder is coupled to a contrast therapy system, that includes a hot reservoir for holding a relatively hot fluid, a cold reservoir for holding a relatively cold fluid, a mixing valve for receiving a selected ratio of the hot and cold fluids from the hot and cold reservoirs and operable to deliver a therapy fluid with a therapy temperature determined by the selected ratio, and a fluid pump for delivering the therapy fluid to the thermal exchange bladder.