Abstract:
A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a therapeutic boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. A fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/242,132, filed Sep. 23, 2011, which is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/855,560, filed Sep. 14, 2007. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This invention relates to stabilization of a limb in a patient setting, and in particular to a device for use as an adjunct for limb stabilization. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,984, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, which issued Sep. 21, 2010 and is assigned to the assignee of the present application, a heel ulcer prevention and cushioning boot is disclosed and described. The boot provides heel support and comfort, as well as proper positioning of a patient&#39;s leg to avoid creating other problems, such as ulcers. 
     It may be desirable to provide a device for maintaining or promoting a desired orientation of a limb while providing additional stabilization to maintain the proper limb orientation. The present invention provides that additional stabilization. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention is directed to a device for stabilizing a limb, comprising a stabilization block, a tether secured to and extending from the block, and a fastener for securing the stabilization block in place for supporting the limb. 
     In accordance with one form of the invention, the stabilization block is elongated and generally triangular in cross-section. The tether comprises an elongated strap, with the fastener comprising a pair of spaced fastener elements on the strap. In one form of the invention, the fastener elements comprise hook-and-loop fasteners which are located substantially at opposite ends of the strap, with one located proximate the block and the other located at the opposite end of the tether. 
     In another form of the invention, a pair of stabilization blocks is provided, with the blocks being spaced apart and with the tether extending between and secured to the respective blocks. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is described in greater detail in the following description of examples embodying the best mode of the invention, taken in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a therapeutic boot for which the invention of the present application is particularly suitable, 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational view of the boot of  FIG. 1 , having the stabilization wedge of the invention in place, 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 1 , with the stabilization wedge in place and showing how a patient&#39;s leg is supported, 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the stabilization wedge, and 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational view of the wedge of  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The stabilization wedge shown in the figures and described herein is particularly suitable for use in combination with a therapeutic boot, such as the boot  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,984, issued Sep. 21, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, the boot  10  includes a leg engaging portion and a foot engaging portion and a leg-accepting aperture extending along the front side of the boot. The boot  10  includes hook-and-loop fastener segments  12  and  14  that may be coupled with the stabilization wedge shown in the figures, as is described below in more detail. 
     A stabilization block  20  is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and an alternative embodiment stabilization block  22  is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The block  20  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  differs from the block  22  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  in the particular cross-sectional configuration. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the block  20  is generally trapezoidal in cross-section, while the block  22  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  is generally triangular in cross section. Other shapes of the blocks  20  and  22  will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and the invention is not limited to simply a trapezoidal or triangular cross-section. 
     A tether  30  is secured to and extends from both block  20  and block  22 . The tether  30  shown in the figures comprises an elongated strap  24 , and may be secured to the respective block  20  or  22  by any means, such as sonic welding, adhesives, or any other means of forming a permanent connection between the block  20  or  22  and the elongated strap  24 . The strap  24  shown in the drawings is generally flexible, and can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or fabric. The block  20  or  22  shown in the drawings is substantially rigid, and can be formed of any suitable material, such as high density foam, plastic or the like. 
     As shown in the drawing figures, the blocks  20  and  22  are elongated and for fastening to the boot  10 , a fastener is provided in the form of a pair of spaced fastener elements  26  and  28  on the strap  24 . The fastener elements  26  and  28  complement the fastener segments  12  and  14 , thus one of the segments  12  and  14  or elements  26  and  28  is preferably a hook element, while the other of the fastener segments  12  and  14  and fastener elements  26  and  28  is a loop element. Thus, when the block  20  or  22  is applied to the boot  10  as illustrated in the drawing figures, the hook and loop elements engage and hold the block  20  or  22  in place. 
     As shown in the figures, the fastener elements  26  and  28  are located substantially at opposite ends of the strap  24 . The spacing of the fastener elements  26  and  28  is such to advantageously engage the fastener segments  12  and  14 . As illustrated, the fastener element  26  is located proximate the stabilization block  20  or  22 , and the fastener element  28  is located on the elongated strap  24  opposite the fastener element  26 . 
     While the fastener elements  26  and  28  shown in the figures are hook-and-loop fastener segments to advantageously engage the hook-and-loop fastener segments  12  and  14 , other types of fastener elements can be employed, as will be evident to one skilled in the art. Permanent fasteners, such as adhesives, can be utilized, as well as other types of temporary connection to the boot, such as various kinds of fasteners. The type of connection will be dictated by whether the user wishes a more permanent type of connection, or a readily removable type of connection. 
     As is evident from the figures and the disclosure herein, the stabilization block  20  or  22  may be used on either side of the boot  10 . If desired, the blocks  20  or  22  can be doubled, that is, instead of a single block proximate the fastener element  26 , there can be a second block proximate the fastener element  28 . Thus, both sides of the boot  10  can be stabilized if needed. 
     The shape of the block  20  or  22  can vary depending upon the nature of the boot  10  and the use in connection with the boot. While two types of blocks  20  and  22  have been illustrated and described, it will be evident that other shapes will perform the stabilization functions as explained. 
     It should be noted that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described and illustrated as examples. A large variety of modifications have been described and more are part of the knowledge of the person skilled in the art. These and further modifications as well as any replacement by technical equivalents may be added to the description and figures, without leaving the scope of the protection of the disclosure and of the present patent.