Patent ID: 7909787
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: A61G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a support member configured to be attached to a lower leg portion of an individual between the calf and heel region, said support member having an inner surface portion to be disposed facing the leg when attached thereto, and having an opposite outer surface to be disposed facing away from the leg when the support member is attached thereto, wherein the support member includes a semi-rigid spine attached to the inner surface of the support member; and a reconfigurable elevation member comprising a bladder apportioned into a plurality of pneumatically coupled regions separated by at least one baffle and wherein the bladder is integral with the support member and is configured to be repeatedly inflated and repeatedly deflated, and wherein the reconfigurable elevation member is configured (i) to be disposed at the outer surface of the support member such that when the support member is attached to the lower leg portion of the individual with the inner surface portion disposed facing the leg, the bladder is capable of being inflated to provide elevation of the heel from an underlying surface in the event that the lower leg portion is extended above the underlying surface, and (ii) to be reconfigured for ambulation without removing said support member from the lower leg.